Kings High in Bournemouth is trying to introduce new teaching techniques in English to raise GCSE grades, but some teachers are more enthusiastic than others.
John Bayley works with a young acting head of English, Verity Marlow, who is line-managing Linda Knight, who has 27 years of teaching experience behind her.
Linda takes a Year 11 GCSE poetry class, where she experiments with using a little music and some visual material on the whiteboard.
In the feedback, Verity wants Linda to innovate further with her teaching techniques, but Linda's preferred teaching style is more traditional. John Bayley explores the tensions between their different approaches to teaching English.
Useful websites
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority: 14-19 Learning
Developing independent learners, learning and teaching styles, relationships between learners and teachers, materials and resources
The behaviour management guru's official website
DCSF Standards Site: Teaching models and repertoire
The various teaching models and the skills and techniques an English teacher can use to help pupils learn effectively
DCSF Standards Site: Assessment, target setting and pupil tracking for English
Information on effective practice in assessment, target setting and pupil tracking, which are integral to good teaching and effective department management
ICT guidance for teachers at all Key Stages
