Background

class="auto-style7"

I began my teaching career in the late sixties and taught largely English and history at The King's Grammar School, Pontefract for three years before moving on as Head of English at Brenchwood Secondary Modern School in High Wycombe. Remaining here for 9 years across the 1970's I gained experience as Housemaster and Head of Year before joining Tupton Hall School in Chesterfield. At the time this large comprehensive (almost 3000 children) was broken into Houses and I was made Head of Gladwin House, almost a school within a school, as each house had its own staffroom, dining hall and assembly area.  I joined The Summerhill School, Kingswinford as Deputy Headteacher. Here I was ultimately responsible for the quality of teaching and learning and school improvement planning.  Working with The Campaign for Learning, I led a team that set out to provide evidence that kinaesthetic teaching raised overall levels of performance in mathematics, science and English. This was published in "Curriculum Briefing" by Optimus Press.

 

 

 

A WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH TO RAISE STANDARDS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING    Pdf file       Ppt Vide

 

I have added two links - a pdf file and a supporting powerpoint presentation - used in our Campaign for Learning pilot project to provide a whole school example to raise standards.

After 36 years of teaching, I became a mentor on the NCSL Leading from the Middle programme and accredited Classroom Observer. I became a consultant and presenter on leadership issues notably in pastoral matters from 2008 working for Creative Education. Having worked at The Regional Staff College, Himley where I delivered presentations on personal effectiveness, I joined the Campaign for Learning alongside Guy Claxton, Alistair Smith, Bill Lucas and Jackie Beere. Here I raised my awareness of brain-based learning theories and strategies to improve the quality of teaching and learning. I joined a party of Headteachers in a visit to Baltimore to investigate leadership in the area of instruction in secondary and middle school. Although now retired from presenting professionally my passion to encourage and motivate others has led me to offer my services to schools in presenting ideas on teaching and learning or pastoral care on an expenses only basis. Simply email your requirements to dennismedway@sky.com.

 

 

 

 

MEMORY LANE: featured school magazines

I have added School Magazines to offer memories to former staff and students. Simply click on the year to view the PDF files.

 

The King's School Pontefract  July 1969      Jan 1970      July 1970       Rugby 7's Team     Jan 1971     July 1971    Jan 1972      Easter 1972  Summer 1972

 

Brenchwood School, High Wycombe        1974                    1975       Autumn 1979    Spring 1980     Summer 1980

 

Tupton Hall School, Chesterfield    1980          Dec 1981     Summer 1982    Summer 1983    Jan 1984    Dec 1984                            

 

The Summerhill School, Kingswinford        1986    1987