Two students today asked me why and how I became a history teacher: one in year ten, other year 9. Both are really interested and have started looking at PGCE courses.

A delayed birthday present to see Dear England in Milton Keynes. All the feelings, all the way through.

Anyone explicitly teach continuity explicitly? We do so as part of change but I’m interested in what continuity could look like for history teachers. Thank you so far to L (not on here), @egcarr.bsky.social and @alistairdickins.bsky.social

Today is peak preparation for Christmas Day: muppets Christmas carol, ice skating, gingerbread making and finally crib service. I’m covered in flour but feeling pretty festive.

Do you know an inspirational UK based history teacher? Historic Royal Palaces has launched the ‘Inspiring History Teaching Awards’ which recognises the work of teachers who ignite a love and appreciation for the past. I’m so grateful to be a judge for the Eastern Region.

On the plus side, I bought a book to read for the @histassoc.bsky.social fellowship, recommended by @davidrawlings.bsky.social and I’m quite excited by this.

Husband away in Canada and H returns to his usual sleeping habit of waking half an hour early. Milk curdled in coffee. Today, thankfully is a calmer day.

November.

I’m running thin of my noodler ink and as much as I love it, I fancy a change. Does anyone have any fountain pen ink recommendations? I have a lamy if that helps. I like exciting colours.

@histassoc.bsky.social Teacher Fellowship reading day. Role of the monarchy in the Caribbean.

Off to the @histassoc.bsky.social Teacher Fellowship today and I’ve been met with a fair few train problems. But, it is safe to say I am incredibly excited!

Does anyone have history glue related puns for my glue sticks? Currently we have Stickand (Stigand), Harry Glueman, Frederick Gluesevelt, queen stictoria, Martin Gluether…

This video.

One V&A trip later…

Picking up the complicated knitting pattern for the first time in weeks, my head feels so much clearer than the first week of the holiday.

I spy eight my little eye, something beginning with C….

It’s our wedding anniversary today so we are celebrating with an early night. But first a bottle of champagne and cheesecake alongside our current rewatch of line of duty.

Taking D to Hadestown on Sunday for our wedding anniversary- does anyone have any suggestions for a glass of wine after? We’re going for the 3pm. Leicester Square or Covent Garden please.

We’ve just booked to go to Lisbon next spring, does anyone have any advice?

Best thank you present ever!!

Gained time? What gained time?!

Come on India!! #engvsind

What teacher planner do you get and why? I’m becoming pickier….

Battlefields trip this weekend. Send colder air and calm. But mostly calm.

Life has been tricky over the last few weeks - will explain when I resurface. Is there anyone out there who fancies proof reading a HA fellowship application?

Husband away in Canada and H has decides 4.45 is a decent wake up time. Send energy.

Come and work with me… Are you interested in moving into higher education and initial teacher training? Do you have experience of teaching humanities (primarily geography & history)? Would you like to work in the South West in a fantastic setting? www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DMY330/l... Repost & share 🙏🏼

Looks rather excellent.

My letter to the Prime Minister. #immigration

Today it’s H’s 5th birthday party! Send all the energy please.

Having a holiday always results in a deep clean of the house. Disgusting jobs such as changing the newspaper on top of cupboards in the kitchen and cleaning the oven. I have, however, just discovered oven liners and I am infinitely over the moon. Well, moreso now, as I have banana bread and tea.

Just finished Adolescence. Oh my.

I really ought to mark these mocks….

Never been more important and relevant 💪 #Womensday

Went to the Cambridge btanch of the @histassoc.bsky.social with lovely people. Excellent talks from @nathenamin.bsky.social, Chris Read and Katja Hoyer who even signed my copy of Beyond the Wall. Back to marking mocks tomorrow but filled with so many ideas.

Procrastination today so far involves planning a new enquiry rather than mock marking. Oops!

I’ve got a lovely trainee who is struggling with building historical knowledge for PP students, therefore improving the learning. What readings would you recommend all?

Yesterday I bought wool. And books. And, more wool. Not a bad way to start half term.

Full section 5 OFSTED, grades and deep dives. Life is busy.

From a world of stories yesterday to Hari’s wonderful imagination. Today we are soaring across mountains with reindeers and tigers. Why not.

@paulalobo.bsky.social Your talk was fabulous! Thank you…..I’ve ordered the books you recommended.

On a packed train back to Cambridge after a lovely dinner with my mother, and the fabulous #Soane25 conference. Lovely to see familiar, not so familiar faces, and come away with lots of wonderful ideas. Well done all involved.

Just booked a return ticket to London for tomorrow leaving at 6.15 to get to King’s Cross getting in at 7.41 as the next arrives at 8.30. Anyone fancy getting coffee? Very excited for tomorrow.

Really excited to be doing this FREE webinar about stories in History with @counsellc.bsky.social - sign up if you’re interested in learning more about stories in the classroom. Some good stuff in there for teachers and HoDs alike Please RT/spread the word! Register here 👉 ow.ly/PmAv50UJsER

What an extraordinary, devastating essay. www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...

A Thank You to history teachers and educators - The Pleasures of belonging to the History Teaching Community thinkinghistory.co.uk/Issues/Histo... @histassoc.bsky.social @1972shp.bsky.social @htenuk.bsky.social @educprofclaire.bsky.social @danlyndon.bsky.social @apf102.bsky.social

If you are catching carols from Kings College, Cambridge a reminder as Eric Hobsbawm pointed out that they are an invented tradition (TV from 1954). Carol singing was seen as a subversive activity before the late Victorian period kmflett.wordpress.com/2023/12/12/c...

Working on a new enquiry for y8 next year and thinking about India under British Rule as a contrast to our Mughals unit. Clearly I’m avoiding the marking.

We have blossom in Cambridge 🙁