AntwisCollaborative

Musings from a school and MAT leader

  • Since the start of my teaching career, I’ve spent most of my time in Early Years and Key Stage 1. It’s fair to say that much of my day — and sometimes even my dreams  revolves around phonics! Many education professionals still view phonics as an EYFS or KS1 skill, but increasingly, both the reading…

  • For too long, attendance has been a growing concern not just for school offices or senior leadership teams, but for the entire school community. We all know that regular attendance plays a crucial role in children’s learning, safeguarding and overall development. It’s no surprise that attendance — and particularly term-time holidays — remains a frequent…

  • It has been an amazing few weeks enjoying watching women’s rugby taking centre stage.  I have enjoyed travelling up and down the country from Sunderland, to Northampton, to Brighton, to Bristol and finally to Twickenham, London to follow the incredible Red Roses.  In sporting terms their journey has been fairly smooth, they have dominated the…

  • Well done to everyone for navigating the last week of summer terrors, training days and the mammoth piles of pre-term prep. The relaxing summer will be far behind in the rear-view mirror by now. For me, the summer also brings the chance to read something a little more demanding. This year, I chose Yuval Noah…

  • Time to Go – And Yes, Apparently I’m Now “Legacy Tech” A wise and much-loved colleague once told me that every teacher has an innovation that signals it’s time to hang up the lanyard. I asked him, on the cusp of retirement, what finally tipped him over the edge. He smiled and said: “Interactive Whiteboard.” Not…