Mr M. @markmcdowell

Deputy Strategic Lead for English. All views my own. Joined November 2008

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

a year ago

@FunkyPedagogy Henry Wardaworth Longfellow 'Christmas Bells'. Brilliant for imagery and exploring the impact of context up a poet. A favourite of mine.

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

2 years ago

@TeamTait @shaun_allison These are amazing Jon. Thanks for creating and sharing.

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

3 years ago

@editorteach Hi Elaine. I'll have a look for you and send through. My stuff was mainly literature, but I'm sure we had some language stuff that I can share!

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Just to give some perspective to the "small boats" migrant crisis - the overall number of the asylum seekers is down 4% since last year and less than 40% of what it was in 2002 when numbers peaked. The UK is 14th in Europe on the number of asylum seekers per capita.

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@Xris32 @DavidDidau @Mr_L1ls Also using CJ. Very interesting and informative.

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@DavidDidau @Mr_L1ls Granted, paper 2 is less enjoyable...

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@DavidDidau @Mr_L1ls OK, but I enjoy it. I don't teach to the exam until necessary. I use the short stories as vehicles for the indicative content of the exams, honing exam technique in year 11. What I don't do is "now we will look at an 8 marker on structure". Students seem to enjoy variety.

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@DavidDidau @Mr_L1ls We shifted to timetabling English Language as a discreet subject, decoupling from the Literature teacher. A diet of English Language, 3 times a fortnight over 2 years. Makes timetabling easier and allows everyone to get a GCSE class. Still tweaking, but pleasing to teach.

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@DavidDidau @Mr_L1ls I've done some work with this. I went through paper 1's indicative content, then utilised short stories (and occasional extract) to teach the knowledge highlighted in indictive content. Almost like a mini creative writing course. Only introduce exam Qs in term 5&6 of Yr 10.

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@ollierafc @leytonorientfc Underrated comment!

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

Look at this job on Tes tes.com/jobs/vacancy/h…

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@Team_English1 Hi. I am currently curating a KS3 curriculum. I am after recommendations for modern plays for year 9. Something that perhaps acts as prep for the teaching of A 'Taste of Honey' at KS4. Any recommendations gratefully received!

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@DavidDidau @sam_rowden

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@DavidDidau Thanks! Was there any opposition from other subjects heads that this was all too literary? For example, I have done something similar at KS3, but our choices more specifically referenced other subjects. For example, 'The Boy who Harnessed the Wind' ticked science and geography.

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@GCSE_Macbeth Silhouette is a bugger to spell in my humble opinion! I have a real blind spot on that. Naive.

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@DavidDidau @stoneman_claire I was a bit intimidated, but when I met you when you delivered training to our school, you were very approachable and generous with your time! It was a pleasure.

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Mr M. @markmcdowell

5 years ago

@WarrenK41354240 Hi Warren. I'm a Head of 6th Form at a school in Medway. I wonder (like many schools I imagine!) If you wish to deliver to our students? If you are happy to do so, we could discuss over DM. Happy to compensate you for your time. Best. Mark.