Silence is often used (or attempted to be used) as a behavioural tool in schools on the premise that it encourages concentration and therefore learning, but we have to be careful: silence is a strategy that, if used unwisely, can create compliance – a very different result to focused learning – as the empty page will demonstrate at the end of the lesson.

What a joy to be able to unpick the difficulties and celebrations of teenagers with the brilliant Dr Pooky Knightsmith on her podcast: Pooky Ponders, and find ways that as educators we can better engage them in learning…

Last month I was asked by Optimus Education to write on what the pandemic has given us in schools.
From my work directly with pupils, supporting teachers and school leaders, there’s a clear answer: permission to talk about mental wellbeing.