I’ve often heard, ‘I don’t watch the news; I don’t need that sort of negativity in my life.’ This makes sense. There is a lot happening in the world, and…
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Do you still use handwritten shopping lists? Or do you keep a list on your phone? I may be very old fashioned, but I prefer a paper list. I have…
Before exams, teachers, tutors and parents always remind students, ‘Read the question!’ It’s so important. Before we start answering, we have to make really sure that we know what…
I am not against exams. I have taken more exams than anyone would want to, both academic and vocational, and I have no regrets. I quite enjoy preparing for exams,…
‘Creativity is the residue of time wasted.’ – Einstein ‘The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.’ – Dorothy Parker No one likes the feeling…
My students ask all sorts of questions. One of the important parts of my job is to be here for the questions they don’t feel they can ask in class….
I always thought English was my subject. I also thought it was the only one I could be good at. As an undergraduate, I watched my friends reading Law, working…
I chose English because I thought it was an easy subject. To be absolutely honest, I used to be surprised that what we did in English classes at school counted…
In the UK, we can start to notice signs of autumn around now, and those tiny changes in the air and weather always make me think of stationery, new…
Reading. Everyone knows it’s imnportant, especially for children and young people. But we are doing less and less of it. I’m as guilty as anyone. I’ve always been a keen…
I often speak to parents* who are concerned that their children don’t read, or don’t read enough. They ask me, ‘Can you persuade him/her to read?’ I do try to…
Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was a politician, satirist and poet who was friends with John Milton. He is described as a metaphysical poet. This is a term given to a number…