Jan 4, 2026 | Communication, EDI, Leadership, Partnerships, Science, Updates
I’m writing this during a break in rehearsals for Handel’s Messiah in Canterbury Cathedral, singing with the cathedral choir and an orchestra, the curiously named Harmonious Society of Tickle Fiddle Gentlemen. There’s been an early cold snap this November, so the heating hasn’t quite caught up yet and it’s freezing. Still, I’m feeling the glow of an experience a couple of weeks ago – one that recognised work I’ve spent much of my career doing without it being much of a plan. Before I explain, let me introduce Major C.E.S. Phillips. Like...
Aug 31, 2025 | EDI, Leadership, Partnerships, Professional development, Science, Secondary
Answer: At the end! When I was a brand-new teacher in the 90s I had to teach biology alongside my physics specialism. It was hard. I hadn’t studied biology since year 8. I had to teach fungi, MRS GREN and other mysteries. And there was the green pen incident… I was a page or two ahead in the textbook. My understanding was surface-deep. I stuck to the explanations I had rehearsed. I didn’t recognise my students’ common misconceptions, let alone have any idea how to correct them. I had no alternative explanations, few helpful analogies...
Mar 2, 2025 | EDI, Leadership, Partnerships, Primary, Professional development, Science, Updates
I expect that most women reading this will be familiar with most men commenting on their appearance – sometimes a well-meant compliment, sometimes shouts from scaffolding. It’s a fact of life as a woman. This comment “You don’t look like a physics teacher” was the opening line from the father of a year 10 girl at parents’ evening. Initially I was faintly amused – haha, yes, no leather elbow patches or slightly crazed Einstein look (though I do have the curly hair, hoho…). And then came the gradual realisation of the effect of that comment...
Jan 12, 2025 | Business, Leadership, Partnerships, Professional development, Science, Updates
10 year anniversary blog – what I’ve loved and learned about being a freelance consultant, and some tips for anyone considering a similar move. “What are you prepared to give up in order to have what you truly want?” This question changed my life. It was on a wall calendar in 2013 and prompted my move away from classroom-based teaching towards consultancy, with considerable soul-searching along the way. In short, it launched Astin Consulting which last term, unbelievably, celebrated its 10th birthday. So what did I give up? A...
