Reading fluency can be described as the bridge between decoding and comprehension (EEF, 2022). It’s a vital part of students reading AND understanding well. But what could that look like in the classroom? Here’s what we do at TAL for fluency interventions: A thread 🧵

Secondary colleagues: Understand your Y7s. Know the primary curriculum. Identify gaps before they arrive. Address issues they’ll have accessing curriculum. Teach your routines explicitly. Give them chance to get it wrong safely. Set high expectations with support and guidance.

Balkan Summer stop 7: Zadar, Croatia 🇭🇷 A relaxed city oozing with history and deeply tied to the sea. The most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen, and the sea organ (a piece of engineering wherein the sea becomes an instrument) is one of the coolest things I’ve experienced.

Balkan Summer stop 6: Split, Croatia 🇭🇷 A city where the architecture tells the stories of its past. Seafood is served in abundance and the days are relaxed. Genuinely one of the most beautiful old towns I’ve seen.

Balkan Summer stop 5: The Bay of Kotor, Montenegro 🇲🇪 Beautiful, picturesque towns, stunning swimming spots and seaside dining. One of the most stunning places I’ve ever been.

Balkan Summer stop 4: Podgorica / Lake Skadar, Montenegro 🇲🇪 A small city which is rapidly developing its restaurant scene and a day trip to some of the most stunning nature (inc bird watching) I’ve ever seen

Balkan Summer stop 3: Tiranë, Albania 🇦🇱 A city who is launching forwards into modernity with quirky architecture, impressive megachurches and mosques, and acknowledgement of its chequered past.

Balkan Summer stop 2: Berat, Albania 🇦🇱 The city of a thousand windows, and straight out of a fairy tale. Absolutely magical to stay in a 13th century castle 🏰🪟⛰️🌲☀️🌅✨🏛️🎉

Balkan Summer begins!! First stop: Sarandë, Albania 🇦🇱

Absolutely my fave days of the academic year, and a privilege to be transition coordinator to guide these incredible young people through this. Excited to see them in September as TAL’s newest purple stars ✨

Tomorrow, I meet the 240th pupil of our new Year 7 cohort. I’ve personally met every pupil and every school. It’s been an absolute honour and delight to chat to this next generation of young men and women. I cannot wait for the next 5 years to see the greatness they’ll accomplish

As transition coordinator, the best part of my job is popping into primary schools to chat to colleagues and meet the children. It’s the perfect time to field students’ questions, quell their nerves and pass on key messages. It’s also a heartwarming experience.

pintxos > tapas

God bless 3 for £8 deli deals

There are few things in life as exciting as navigating a transport system in a new country. Gives me a THRILL.

My absolute favourite trip to go on, especially taking my own English class. They were incredibly polite, amazed by the range of books and inspired to read some more ✨📚