Collins Schools

Notes from the History of Maths

Notes from the History of Maths

A’ is for algebra and angst Maths teachers know that when a class are told the new topic is to do with algebra, there is likely to be a collective groan. Algebra, however, has a rich and fascinating history. Who...

3 min

Chemistry Superstuffs – silicon, silicones and silica

Chemistry Superstuffs – silicon, silicones and silica

Silicon – the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust; building block of civilisation; the substance of the electronic age; relied on by some to enhance their appearance.

4 min

Secondary English – Imaginative Writing

Secondary English – Imaginative Writing

We all know that the burden of marking and assessment is particularly heavy if you’re an English teacher. And yet one of the things that keeps us going can be those little moments of frisson when we read something that...

2 min

Why we should remember Glenn Seaborg

Why we should remember Glenn Seaborg

Happy Centenary Glenn Seaborg! Feted during his lifetime, reviled by some, forgotten by many – why should we remember Glenn Seaborg in this centenary year of his birth? His work has little relevance to GCSE or even A level Chemistry...

5 min

Chemistry Superstuffs – polyethene

Chemistry Superstuffs – polyethene

Bits of coloured plastic caught in hedgerows and pictures of plastic debris accumulating in the Pacific Ocean have given polyethene a bad name. The supermarket carrier bag is now a problem rather than the free, throwaway, item it once was....

5 min

Secondary Sociology – Independent Learning: Student Choices

Secondary Sociology – Independent Learning: Student Choices

On the occasion when time from getting through the exam specifications allows, I like to give the students a lesson where they can do what they want. Well, not quite what they want, but instead a list of options to...

3 min

X raying Crystals

X raying Crystals

In 1912, Max von Laue had an idea for an experiment that would answer a question in physics. The results inspired scientists to make discoveries that have influenced chemistry and biology and provide evidence for many of the principles taught...

5 min

Secondary Sociology – The weird and the wonderful!

Secondary Sociology – The weird and the wonderful!

My main subject specialism is RE, and so in my second year of teaching when offered KS3 Geography or A2 Sociology of Religion I jumped at the chance to explore ‘religion’ with the students from an angle other than...

3 min

Primary – Literacy Activities for Dickens

Primary – Literacy Activities for Dickens

Charles Dickens early career was as a journalist and like journalists throughout history, he had to work to a deadline. At a certain time of day the newspaper had to be printed, no matter what or it wouldn’t be out...

6 min

Secondary English – Grammar Rocks!

Secondary English – Grammar Rocks!

‘Mr Morton is the subject of the sentence, and what the predicate says he does.’ So says the catchy Grammar Rock anthem.  Never heard of it?  Then try typing Mr Morton into Google and see what you get. Yes, he...

4 min

Secondary History – Victorian Baby Farms

Secondary History – Victorian Baby Farms

Sometimes something you read can open up a completely different way of looking at things! Whilst reading Mary Hooper’s new novel ‘Velvet,’ which is mainly about Victorian spiritualism, I came across a reference to Amelia Dyer, who was hanged in...

3 min

Secondary English – Post-it Power and Pupil Voice!

Secondary English – Post-it Power and Pupil Voice!

I love a Post It. I’ll admit it. I also get to do the stationery order (oh the joys!) so I order the boring yellow ones but also all the hearts, thumbs up, cars and smiley faces. These are hoarded...

3 min