Geoff Barton

The view from here: a pleasure this morning to speak about arts education with @Georgia_Gould at the @CloreLeadership Arts Symposium; then this afternoon joining @JennerSharon and @mrjpandrews on a @besatweet panel looking at resource implications of current curriculum reform

The view from here: great to catch up this evening with my @oracycommission #oracy comrades, Amy Gaunt and Beccy Earnshaw.

Today we were joined by @RealGeoffBarton and teachers to reflect on our influential oracy programme. After 2 years: ✔️communication gaps narrowed ✔️reductions in behaviour incidents ✔️ schools report fewer suspensions Boosting oracy works. 🔗london.gov.uk/programmes-str…

An honour to talk to the teachers involved in the superb ‘Talk Matters’ programme which is using #oracy to such powerful effect across London’s schools @LDN_VRU. Read more here: london.gov.uk/programmes-str…

Well done to all who have been involved in this project so far: ‘Ipswich beats Bristol and 7 other places to make 2029 City of Culture longlist’ ipswich.co.uk/articles/ipswi…

The view from here: an enjoyable 24 hours in London: old pals @pepediiasio, @RichardCranmer, @RachelPiXL; new ones (Amy Walters Cohen, brilliant at the @ThePiXLNetwork CEO conference); plus a catchup with former @KingEdVISchool student Joe, now working in London.

The view from here: our walk today around Norton under #Suffolk’s big skies … and since today is the Ides of March (a day of suspicion and treachery), our border terrier Molly B has kept a close eye on her arch nemesis, Mr Duck. Have a good week, everyone.

“The level of professionalism from teachers and all school staff is staggering. No teacher signed up to teach in a war zone”: a compelling account of education right now from a headteacher in Bahrain (via ⁦@roy_blatchford⁩) blinks.education/guestEssay.php

@Amyeatk I did. And he sends his very best wishes. G

@RealGeoffBarton Lovely to see Andy Bethell! He was my Chemistry teacher at Huntington school. Please pass on my best wishes (Amy Gibbon)

Our predictable day out in Aldeburgh today with great friends Sally & Andy Bethell - a blustery walk to Thorpeness, lunch @AldeLighthouse, book-browsing @AldeBooks, then back home to a roaring fire. Perfect day.

A fascinating and timely explainer …

A welcome reminder by @mrawolfe (interim CEO @CofE_Education) of the importance of smaller schools, and their vital role in helping to make our education system work for ALL children: tes.com/magazine/analy…

A brief history of ‘reading for pleasure’ in schools … and why it might be time to rethink it: terrific piece by @jon_severs @tes: tes.com/magazine/teach…

Love this …

In 1960, Peter Hall was appointed as artistic director of @TheRSC. A new wave of theatrical energy was unleashed, transforming how Shakespeare was staged. My latest conversation with English teacher and avid theatre-goer Bryan Palin: 'Palin on Plays' on.soundcloud.com/IsQaaRynK2JcGK…

The view from here: a wonderful afternoon with my great friend and former @ASCL_UK president @Evelynforde1. She continues to inspire so many of us.

‘In a climate of increased hostility towards minorities, it is more important than ever that all children see themselves reflected in the pages of a book’: good @Guardian editorial on the need for diversity in publishing: theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

@RiordanJim There may be an opportunity to recreate that, if we see the Curriculum Review / SWP as an opportunity to rebuild teacher & pupil agency, and not have narrow, ideological approaches dictated to a profession which, frankly, needs to become more confident in what their pupils need

@RealGeoffBarton So true Geoff. New teachers like myself and Michael H (and probably you and Iain V before us) felt a real sense of finding our own style but within a nurturing, collegiate environment that encouraged creativity and, importantly, fun. Halcyon days x

When I started teaching back in 1985 at Garforh Conprehensive School, I was inspired by the energetic, innovative deputy headteacher, John Baumber. It was a huge pleasure to meet him again tonight at a conference in Norfolk. John shaped the professional lives of so many of us.

@RiordanJim Absolutely, Jim. John B set the tone for that future - professional development was in the school DNA rather than just in Baker Days and conferences. I feel lucky to have known him, and others like the wonderful Anne Forgham.

@RealGeoffBarton That English Department at Garforth shaped many careers!

Great work tonight by @BBCTheOneShow @frankcottrell_b in celebrating the '500 Words' event - a joyful celebration of children telling stories: bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episod…