I've been thinking a lot about SATS this week. Whatever the politics, let's not forget that the pupils need our support and encouragement; they didn't make up the rules. They are only trying their best to follow them. It's at times like these that children need our reassurance more than ever. Particularly those who have the radar most tuned in to stress.

SATS booster walks

A stroll around Sheffield city centre might just be the thing to get that extra level in maths come May. Not to mention getting some excercise. This latest tagger even added the words, 'it's pi' below another symbol- differentiated learning?

walkie talkie app

Here goes adding this neat little app- the mere sight of the word 'code' makes me feel all technically inadequate, but let's follow the instructions and see how it works. . .

Done. It works a treat. Now visitors to this blog can have audio chats. Right click in the application opens up some settings- checking 'reduce echo' does exactly that.

My success is your success

Working in my home town of Sheffield has brought back some strong memories of being a pupil. And some guilt about missed opportunities.

Looking back, the focus was the individual, with little status attached to helping others out. I remember as a sixth former volunteering to be a paired reader for a younger pupil in school. We would sit in the library and read for half an hour in our lunch break. I'd listen, offer help and say well done!- I didn't receive any training to do the task, but I guess was using a kind of 'Pause, Prompt, Praise' methodology.

At the time I have to be honest, it didn't feel much of an accomplishment. As I reflect on my time at secondary school, it was probably the most important thing I did during my whole time there.

And this is our challenge; to reward and recognise a far wider range of behaviours and achievements so that every aspect of a young person can shine through. Reminds me of the pupil sent to praise pod at St. Joseph's primary school for putting a smile on the teacher's face. And as we know it takes less muscles to smile than grimace. . .