BBC Kent Chatham Grammar School
Following the news that Chatham Grammar School for Boys is moving to a mixed sex school, BBC Kent asked me to comment on what the impact would be on the pupils and teachers.
Grammar schools – giving poorer children a brighter future
It may sound like a worn-out cliché but it’s true – I wouldn’t have had all the opportunities that I have had without a fantastic education. And it is time to give that back to the children of the working classes by having a grammar school in every town. If that raises your eyebrow, let…
Making the step: Primary to Secondary School
Moving from primary to secondary school can be a daunting time in any child’s life, with the prospect of a completely new routine looming large over the summer holidays. Secondary school poses a whole new set of challenges, which can be exciting but also overwhelming for some children. There are a number of different things…
Can Chinese teaching methods work in UK schools?
With China leading the way in academic achievement, it makes sense for us in the UK to observe the Chinese schools’ methods of teaching and see what, if anything, can be learnt from the Chinese education system. The three episodes of BBC2’s programme ‘Are Our Kids Tough Enough? Chinese School’ aimed to do just that…
The benefits of reading for fun
Reading forms a central part of the English curriculum in schools and the benefits that children receive by encountering a range of different texts in an academic setting are varied and many. Spelling, grammar, creative writing ability and comprehension skills are all improved when children are introduced to challenging literature at an early age. As…