The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Leading teaching and learning

Joanna Feast

Where do you stand on the back-to-school spectrum? 

Going back to school evokes a spectrum of emotions. Joanna Feast offers some essential tips for a successful academic year ahead. Perhaps you're excited about the prospect of shiny new stationery, a new class or timetable, getting to know different people, new routines and settings. Maybe you're...
Read more...
Elizabeth Holmes

Delays in development – supporting young children to thrive

In the wake of pandemic disruptions, child development concerns deepen. Elizabeth Holmes discusses prioritizing comprehensive solutions for a brighter future for all children. Numerous articles over recent years have discussed a seeming decline in the development of young children. In 2022 Amanda...
Read more...
Olivia Coombe

Five fantastic outdoor activity ideas

Outdoor play is vital in a child's development and offers many opportunities which could not be granted indoors. Olivia Coombe explores five activities, and the skills children will develop through these. Playing outdoors presents an excellent opportunity for children to utilize natural materials...
Read more...
Rebecca Jennings

Tailoring your RSHE curriculum

The DfE has announced a review of RSHE to be carried out by the end of this year. Rebecca Jennings discusses the concerns raised and how to enhance RSHE delivery. As an RSHE subject matter expert, my recent work with the DfE has been to support staff by creating staff training modules around the...
Read more...
Luke Ramsden

Teaching empathy

In the age of AI, what skills will distinguish humans in work and life as machines take over more tasks? Luke Ramsden explains why empathy is crucial for success and tips for modelling in the classroom. With the dawn of a new era in Artificial Intelligence, it is more critical than ever for schools...
Read more...
Elizabeth Holmes

Supporting multilingualism in the classroom – ideas that work

Multilingual children face unique challenges in the education system that can isolate them and hinder their progress. Elizabeth Holmes shares insights to help children succeed and reach their full potential. Most classrooms have multilingual learners. English may be one of several languages a child...
Read more...
Nic Ponsford

Making invisible careers visible

Nic Ponsford discusses 'invisible careers' and the importance of diverse and inclusive role models for students to unlock their potential. Is your school addressing this? As young people grow up and explore the world around them, they are often asked to consider what they want to do when they’re...
Read more...
Mel Greenwood

10 top tips for early career teachers

The first years of teaching can be a challenging and overwhelming time. Mel Greenwood offers her top 10 tips to help ensure you thrive. I am currently at the point in my career where I am ready for a fresh challenge and something new. Having worked in schools for 16 years, six as a deputy...
Read more...
Amy Marsh

Cultural humility in schools

One of the most important roles of leaders and teachers is to set the culture of the school. Amy Marsh discusses cultural humility and the consequences of your school not having it. Culture is the way people do things. Shared beliefs, values and norms mean that people have ways of thinking and...
Read more...
Luke Ramsden

Teaching creativity: how design thinking can help

Are you teaching your students creativity? Luke Ramsden suggests how to do so and discusses removing the fear of failure. One way that schools can encourage creativity is by introducing design thinking as a structure for problem-solving. Design thinking is a process that involves: empathy...
Read more...