In the last episode of season 4, I answer three listener questions and discuss the plan for season 5 of the podcast. Enjoy, and happy new year! Write to me: hello@spongeeducation.com ..read more

I've got a system for writing report comments, but it takes forever and isn't particularly efficient. Naturally, my problem-solving brain starts looking for solutions during the school holidays when we're both meant to be resting.  The result? I have a system to recommend. It still allows for tailoring of comments so that each student receives the bespoke comment they deserve. But it streamlines various aspects of the process to save me time. Win win. Enjoyed this discovery? Write to me: hello@spongeeducation.com ..read more

Next year, I'll be moving to a new school. The process is bittersweet - whilst there is excitement at the prospect of learning new things, it has been hard to say goodbye to colleagues and students. As you can imagine, these last few weeks I have spoken with many colleagues and friends about the move. Everyone seems to have their own unique view on this life event, based on their experiences. So, when do teachers move schools, and why? Write to me: hello@spongeeducation.com ..read more

In this episode I talk about two things I do to reduce my marking workload. Automarked quizzes are a blessing but can be curse so proceed with caution. Exploit the good bits, and don't expect them to solve all your problems. Peer marking in class is a winner if you set it up right. And if your students aren't too exhausted... like anything, you've got to have buy in if you want it to yield results. Write to me: hello@spongeeducation.com ..read more

In this episode I talk about the importance of letting students chart their own course, with guidance of course. Write to me: hello@spongeeducation.com ..read more

School holidays are here. Cue picnics in parks with people, sleeping in (c/o operation recovery from the term that was entirely on Zoom), and changing tyres.  Write to me: hello@spongeeducation.com ..read more

In this episode, I talk about some Zoom wins. Top of mind is the Zoom conference we held for Year 12 Science Extension students last week, where they presented their work to Year 11 students. Breakout rooms and shared screens were the next best thing to the in-person poster session we usually run. This episode is dedicated to our beloved cat Sampson. May he catch many rays of sun wherever he's off to next. Write to me: hello@spongeeducation.com ..read more

I hope this email finds you well sane." In this episode, I'm talking about the joys of remote teaching. Again. If you're sick of this topic, don't worry, so am I.  Write to me: hello@spongeeducation.com ..read more

Lockdown continues. Zoom lessons continue. Things are busy, but manageable given that we know it's not forever. Write to me: hello@spongeeducation.com ..read more

Reflections on two weeks of remote teaching (and hopefully remote learning). Write to me: hello@spongeeducation.com ..read more