The way I see it....with Howard Cheesman

Another new model for our schools will be heading our way

You can tell that the major political parties are squaring up for a General Election. Their spokesmen appear on TV and outline the latest ‘solution’ to ensure higher standards in schools.

Last updated 26 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Accidents will happen but you can take precautions

By the time you read this, the recent spell of snowy and icy weather will either be a distant memory or it will still have us in its grip.

Last updated 5 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

It’s time to talk, and give development of language the centre stage it deserves

I t often felt like a mantra since I must have said it a thousand times but “an effective, interesting and successful group composition comes from a high quality discussion about what you are going to do and how you will do it”. There I go again. And it was usually true. The Every Child A Talker programme will require local authorities to appoint an early language consultant with further funding to provide early language lead practitioners who will have a practical, hands-on input into what schools can do to help reluctant talkers. But even without this specific expertise some common sense measures can be taken by all of us parents and teachers. Apart from not over exposing children to passive stimuli like TV and computer games, it is worth thinking about what actually constitutes our verbal interaction with children.

Last updated 18 July 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Two-thirds of children don’t have a regular story time with their parents. Now read on

Wherever you are reading this article, I want you to settle down, ignore distractions and get yourself comfy. Done? Now I will begin.

Last updated 20 June 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

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You’ve got to feel a bit sorry for Sir Jim Rose. Curriculum change doesn’t have too good a track record and has been so frequent since the introduction of the National Curriculum in 1988.

Last updated 19 May 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Successful learning is about much more than just being able to measure progress

We had spent around six weeks on our investigation of the West Indian musical style of reggae. We had played it, sung it, found out about its origins and how it had evolved and isolated the main characteristics that gave the music its own unique sound and identity.

Last updated 21 April 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Beware the temptation to hark back to a ‘golden age’ in education – it didn’t exist

On the occasion of the 50th issue of the Learning supplement I have been musing on what education was like 50 years ago.

Last updated 24 March 2009
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Ofsted report tells us how to sing from the same song sheet – and is music to my ears

I wouldn’t normally describe myself as Ofsted’s number one fan but their recently published report, Making More of Music, is like a breath of fresh air and I welcome it with open arms and ears.

Last updated 16 February 2009
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Like it or not, parents are the most significant teachers

He’s not going to be in school tomorrow so could you get Mrs Whiteboard to email me the homework for French and science?

Last updated 24 October 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Is this a justified response to public concern or censorship?

I for one will be eagerly looking out for the job adverts from our public examination bodies which will allow me to make my own small contribution to what is taught and tested in our schools.

Last updated 23 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Time for radical rethink if tests don’t create effective learners

When Albert Einstein said that it is “...our theories that determine what we measure”, he was making a very profound point, extending beyond the boundaries of the scientific discipline in which he worked.

Last updated 20 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

One mad year over, get ready for the lunacy of the next one

Thank you all for staying behind after what has been a long and challenging school year. I would like to thank all staff for their hard work.

Last updated 22 July 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

‘I learned as much or more as I hope they learned from me’

While writing a unit of work on the music of The Beatles for my A-level students, I recalled the lectures given by the head of the music department at the university I attended and that these had subsequently become the basis of a book.

Last updated 25 June 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Timekeeping is poor but shows promise at saving other planets

Annual school report: Dr Who. Year 9. The Quantum Academy, Cassiopeia.

Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Why it is time to make the extra-curricular, curricular

Jane was a shy, reserved child with little in common with her classmates. She found the company of her largely extrovert peers uncomfortable and formed few deep friendships within her group.

Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Sir, I’ve had a great idea! Let’s all celebrate our creativity

Next week we will discuss how we could combine the rhythms we have played and phrases we have sung to make a satisfying, complete piece of music, I announce to the class at the end of their lesson.

Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Going back to basics again to teach children simple skills

It was August 2006. The notice on the door read: “Do Not Disturb: Meeting in Progress”. Inside, various bigwigs of what used to be called the Department for Education and Science squirmed uncomfortably in their chairs.

Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk