Bringing The English Curriculum to Life by David Didau

I never miss a book by David Didau. He has a clarity of expression that enlightens every every concept discussed- even if I feel I know it well already. I have read his works, heard him speak and engaged in professional discussion with him and have always learnt something.  This new book is a field

Responsive Coaching by Josh Goodrich

This book focuses on successful coaching of teachers. It largely outlines a systematic approach for one-to-one coaching but also describes key ways in which to embed this into a school’s culture. It reminded me of Unleashing Great Teaching in its systematic approach. It was one of those books that is a genuine step by step

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

I enjoyed Jonathan Haidt’s earlier books which tend to address a key issue currently facing society. His last book- The Coddling of the American Mind focused on the cancel culture and the removal of debate from American universities. The book before that, The Righteous Mind, was a fascinating look at the polarisation of politics. His new

Desirable Difficulties in Action by Jade Pearce and Isaac Moore

I have always found the most compelling ideas in research led education those that feel intuitively right. That doesn’t necessarily mean they stand up to rigorous review (growth mindset). Further evidence is needed. But, much of AiFL and the Bjorks’ desirable difficulties research meets the test of feeling right and having sound research backing (I

Boys Do Cry by Matt Pinkett

I read and enjoyed Boy’s Don’t Try when it was published. I have always been frustrated by the lack of pastorally focused books for teachers at a time when excellent academic texts were common. Therefore, I was excited to spot this book which I missed last year. And I was not disappointed. I started the

When the Dust Settles by Lucy Easthope

I was passed this book by a colleague with whom I have worked on Critical Incident Planning. I was aware of it having heard Lucy Easthope interviewed in the James O’Brien podcast and had been intrigued by her expertise and passion for the subject. The book is a page turner. The range of the authors

Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendal

I read this shortly after I read The Identity Trap.  It was another book that helped me reflect on matters of inclusion. The book looks at intersectionality and argues that identifying as women is not unifying (and mutually supporting) across race because the impacts of institutional and systemic racism, misogyny and class trump feminism as a

The Identity Trap by Yascha Mounk

Having worked in schools for the last few years, largely at senior management level, I have had to think hard about some big societal issues. Not just about my own positions and feelings, but about school’s wider responsibilities and how best to manage and communicate these. Once such area was the responses to Black Lives

Working with Boys by Andrew Hampton

Andrew Hampton is an experienced Head Teacher who has taught PSHE for many years. He produced an approach to supporting girls’ friendships called ‘Girls on Board’ (I wasn’t aware of it so pass no judgement on its success). In this book he turns his attention to boys. He explores a range of issues relating to

Power Up Your Pedagogy by Bruce Robertson

It dawned on me that I hadn’t read a John Catt publication in a while. Many of the clearest books I have read have come through John Catt and they tend to be well presented and interesting. Having had a quick look at recent publications this book jumped out. It turned out to be an