Similar Posts
Social Mobility
ByJohn MayToday, Alan Milburn published his independent report on the state of entry to the professions by young people from backgrounds other than the most wealthy. It has been a slow news day, so the report has stayed as a major headline all day – giving me the opportunity to play media tart for a few…
Gearing up for the Jamboree
ByJohn MayToday I had the opportunity to address the amazing international team of adults who will be working to support the participants at this year’s World Scout Jamboree in Sweden. They arrived at the site today, having travelled from all over the world – and have paid for the privilege of working extraordinarily hard for the next…
Breaking the ice at the World Scout Jamboree
ByJohn MayWaiting for the participants at this year’s World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, USA, will be 40,000 new friends that they haven’t yet met. If you’re one of them, reaching beyond your own Troop / Unit for the first time and actually beginning to forge those friendships can feel a bit daunting. What do you…
Haute Cuisine in Glasgow
ByJohn MayAt the very top of one of the teaching blocks in Anniesland College, Glasgow, is a very small training kitchen and restaurant. In it, the college’s catering and hospitality students practise the skills and techniques they hope they’ll be using for the rest of their working lives. If the lunch I had today is anything…
Lessons from The Apprentice
ByJohn MaySo, The Apprentice has once more taken hold of my life every Wednesday night. Just as in previous years, I am captivated by the apparent idiocy of the decisions made by the competitors, the backbiting and the lack of emotional intelligence they display. Then I watch Dara Ó Briain interview the ‘fired’ candidate immediately after…
The English exam fiasco – August 2020
ByJohn MayMany years ago, I helped to develop a culture of continual assessment in English schools, particularly at AS and A level, moving away from final exams and relying much more than ever before on teacher assessment, modular courses and the recognition of active learning. I am still proud of the BTEC courses a number of…

