Three books that inspired me to write a novel

I'm feeling very fortunate at the moment. A year ago I was working full time, counting down the days until the next school holiday and writing in every other moment available. Right now I'm on the plane on the way to Budapest for a few days, my first book is out and selling some copies …

Six ways to make time to read when you’re busy

As an English teacher and a writer, I'm obviously all for reading. It won't surprise you to know that when parents of my students ask me what they can be doing to help their children, 90% of the time reading is the answer. That's because of the transformative effect it has... but I think you …

What do YOU want to be when you’re older?

One of my favourite things about teaching is the conversations with the students. The unstructured, random ones that spin from their learning in all sorts of weird, wonderful and insightful directions. Often, I'll finish a lesson a few minutes early just to make time to spend a few minutes to talk, it's always well worth …

What the completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks has taught me about challenge and success

As I write this it hurts to sit down, it hurts to type, it hurts in places that have nothing even to do with walking! On Saturday, along with 5 friends, I walked the Yorkshire Three Peaks - a 25-mile hike between, up and down three (very big) hills in North Yorkshire.

Personal reflections on the last term (Easter 2018)

Every holiday I spend some time reflecting on what has been good and difficult about the last term. That's one of the great things about teaching - we get regular breaks to take stock, refresh, and power-up ready for the next term.

Bring the magic of short stories to your classroom

I love storytelling, I suppose that's not surprising as a teacher and a writer. As such, I try to bring stories into my classroom at every opportunity.