Embracing Assertiveness as a Head of Department
Leadership comes in many forms, and each leader brings their unique set of strengths and challenges to the table. For some, assertiveness comes naturally, enabling them to confidently navigate the…
Helping students make links across your subject
Can you get from Joseph Gordon-Levitt to Cameron Diaz in as few links as possible? I can scaffold this game for you if you’re struggling. Maybe I can say you…
Science root words
For the past two years I have been working at an international school. It is wonderful to work with and teach learners from such diverse backgrounds and cultures. The new…
From Page to Practice Podcast
From Page to Practice podcast kindly asked me to discuss my latest article for Impact Journal about Creating a physics teaching sequence with cognitive load theory in mind Check out the…
Creating a physics teaching sequence with cognitive load theory in mind
When deciding on the order in which to teach a physics curriculum, it is important to consider both the sequencing of content knowledge and the sequencing of mathematical skills. This…
Rethinking First Examples
You have just taught your class a new concept. You have thought hard about when the best time to introduce this new concept would be in your sequence of lessons.…
How to integrate your family into international life
A new life abroad can be an exciting time – but if you’re bringing your family with you, how do you make sure they feel included in the adventure? Read…
Context for all
“…when you’re on your bike and you’re going up a hill…” “…when you’re in a plane and you get pushed back into your seat…” Do our students really know what…
4 tips for settling into an international school
We’ve been following the adventures of Fabio as he moves himself and his family across the world to start his new teaching role in Singapore. Here he gives his tips…
How to start your international teaching job in quarantine
Before starting his international job, Fabio Di Salvo had to go through quarantine – here’s how he made the most of it Read the full article on the TES website.…
Sequencing linear and non-linear topics
I recently wrote a post about sequencing. I explained why I resequenced my specification, how I did it, as well as some advantages and disadvantages of committing to a bespoke…
What if they don’t cut down the content for next year’s exams?
I want to say from the start that this isn’t a discussion about what I think should be done regarding the 2021 exams, nor is it for me to speculate.…
How I’m preparing to start my new international teaching post
One teacher explains how he is getting ready to move his whole life across the world to Singapore, despite lockdown. Read the full article on the TES website. Photo by…
What I learnt about learning while learning to swim
Do you remember learning to swim? You probably do, but I remember it very well because it was only a couple of years ago that I finally took the plunge.…
The purpose of practicals
Practical work is an important yet contentious issue in Physics teaching. Too often a practical lesson is packed full of things in a short space of time. Students are expected…
The Physics Teaching Podcast
The Physics Teaching Podcast podcast kindly asked me to discuss the ChatPhysics organisation with them. Check out the podcast episode below: https://the.physicsteachingpodcast.com/2020/03/19/chatphysics/ Photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash
Going on a sequencing adventure
In The Hobbit, the titular character of Bilbo Baggins loves the peace and quiet of his own home. Despite this, Bilbo (somewhat reluctantly) agrees to go on a grand adventure.…
Fabio Di Salvo 