Ben Newmark
@bennewmark.bsky.social
Teacher, parent, school governor. Occasional blogger.
"A million different people from one day to the next, I can change."
https://bennewmark.wordpress.com/
"A million different people from one day to the next, I can change."
https://bennewmark.wordpress.com/
Reposted by Ben Newmark
All of this 👇
1. Been thinking about this more overnight.
Years back I worked at a school where the MAT told us to reduce suspensions by "finding other strategies."
They gave no guidance on what these should be. They sort of "challenged" us to find them.
I'm sure the aim was noble but it was bad..
Years back I worked at a school where the MAT told us to reduce suspensions by "finding other strategies."
They gave no guidance on what these should be. They sort of "challenged" us to find them.
I'm sure the aim was noble but it was bad..
January 31, 2026 at 10:43 AM
All of this 👇
Reposted by Ben Newmark
And the cost of this in terms of SLT and pastoral staff time. I know that's not the main issue, but it does need to be taken into account. Those individuals are an expensive resource in the face of hours of defiance.
January 31, 2026 at 10:36 AM
And the cost of this in terms of SLT and pastoral staff time. I know that's not the main issue, but it does need to be taken into account. Those individuals are an expensive resource in the face of hours of defiance.
Reposted by Ben Newmark
6. Here we seem to be dreaming up from first principles the work skilled pastoral staff are doing every day already. This feels a bit insulting to them to say we're going to start doing this.
January 29, 2026 at 4:09 PM
6. Here we seem to be dreaming up from first principles the work skilled pastoral staff are doing every day already. This feels a bit insulting to them to say we're going to start doing this.
Reposted by Ben Newmark
1. Been thinking about this more overnight.
Years back I worked at a school where the MAT told us to reduce suspensions by "finding other strategies."
They gave no guidance on what these should be. They sort of "challenged" us to find them.
I'm sure the aim was noble but it was bad..
Years back I worked at a school where the MAT told us to reduce suspensions by "finding other strategies."
They gave no guidance on what these should be. They sort of "challenged" us to find them.
I'm sure the aim was noble but it was bad..
January 30, 2026 at 6:22 AM
1. Been thinking about this more overnight.
Years back I worked at a school where the MAT told us to reduce suspensions by "finding other strategies."
They gave no guidance on what these should be. They sort of "challenged" us to find them.
I'm sure the aim was noble but it was bad..
Years back I worked at a school where the MAT told us to reduce suspensions by "finding other strategies."
They gave no guidance on what these should be. They sort of "challenged" us to find them.
I'm sure the aim was noble but it was bad..
Reposted by Ben Newmark
Until gvts and education admits that ´mainsteam’ schooling of 30 kids in a room with multiple rules to make that work is just not suitable for all children (for the school and the child) the sooner we gain some sanity. This is not to exclude but to acknowledge we need a practical mix of provision
January 30, 2026 at 7:51 AM
Until gvts and education admits that ´mainsteam’ schooling of 30 kids in a room with multiple rules to make that work is just not suitable for all children (for the school and the child) the sooner we gain some sanity. This is not to exclude but to acknowledge we need a practical mix of provision
Reposted by Ben Newmark
Reposted by Ben Newmark
When people have asked me what it is like to work in a school I simply reply “unremitting”.
January 31, 2026 at 9:38 AM
When people have asked me what it is like to work in a school I simply reply “unremitting”.
Although to be clear I love my job and this isn't a moan. My job is to do this. It's demanding but this is the nature of the role.
Teachers too. The added complication of slt is how one event can happen that is then your whole day gone, unplanned, with no extra time to catch up the stuff you should have got done.
January 31, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Although to be clear I love my job and this isn't a moan. My job is to do this. It's demanding but this is the nature of the role.
"Every adult is being used for every minute of the day" is an excellent thing to consider for anyone who wants change in schools. The pace and intensity of work in schools is remarkable. It shocks people when they first experience it.
Also, in a one-form primary school (or smaller), who do they think is facilitating this and where is it happening? Most primaries do not have staff available to support this nor do they have spaces for it to happen. Every adult and every space is being used, every minute of the day.
6. Here we seem to be dreaming up from first principles the work skilled pastoral staff are doing every day already. This feels a bit insulting to them to say we're going to start doing this.
January 31, 2026 at 8:13 AM
"Every adult is being used for every minute of the day" is an excellent thing to consider for anyone who wants change in schools. The pace and intensity of work in schools is remarkable. It shocks people when they first experience it.
Reposted by Ben Newmark
A Year in Willerby.
12 of our most loved stories, bound with original lino cut prints, individually numbered (9/100 remaining) and sent straight from the village with a handwritten note.
🚫AI
🚫Amazon
Order in next two hours to have one sent today.
We send overseas.
www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4...
12 of our most loved stories, bound with original lino cut prints, individually numbered (9/100 remaining) and sent straight from the village with a handwritten note.
🚫AI
🚫Amazon
Order in next two hours to have one sent today.
We send overseas.
www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4...
January 31, 2026 at 7:32 AM
A Year in Willerby.
12 of our most loved stories, bound with original lino cut prints, individually numbered (9/100 remaining) and sent straight from the village with a handwritten note.
🚫AI
🚫Amazon
Order in next two hours to have one sent today.
We send overseas.
www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4...
12 of our most loved stories, bound with original lino cut prints, individually numbered (9/100 remaining) and sent straight from the village with a handwritten note.
🚫AI
🚫Amazon
Order in next two hours to have one sent today.
We send overseas.
www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4...
It seems pretty clear that island was an open secret in the super rich and powerful set and that men of all political stripes went there and did disgusting things.
So weird that still the only person in prison for it all is a woman.
So weird that still the only person in prison for it all is a woman.
January 31, 2026 at 7:33 AM
It seems pretty clear that island was an open secret in the super rich and powerful set and that men of all political stripes went there and did disgusting things.
So weird that still the only person in prison for it all is a woman.
So weird that still the only person in prison for it all is a woman.
Reposted by Ben Newmark
Apt theme for #FridayFive on a day when, as a dedicated TOG, I have been nostalgic for Sir Terry in my playlist today.
Traveling Wilburys - Handle With Care
Bee Gees - You Win Again
Supertramp - Breakfast in America
Alan Jackson - It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
Terry Wogan - The Floral Dance
Traveling Wilburys - Handle With Care
Bee Gees - You Win Again
Supertramp - Breakfast in America
Alan Jackson - It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
Terry Wogan - The Floral Dance
#FridayFive is nostalgic.
1. Nightswimming. REM.
2. Grand Canyon. The Drive by Truckers.
3. Life in a Northern Town. The Dream Academy.
4. The Little Pot Stove. Nic Jones.
5. River. Joni Mitchell.
1. Nightswimming. REM.
2. Grand Canyon. The Drive by Truckers.
3. Life in a Northern Town. The Dream Academy.
4. The Little Pot Stove. Nic Jones.
5. River. Joni Mitchell.
January 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Apt theme for #FridayFive on a day when, as a dedicated TOG, I have been nostalgic for Sir Terry in my playlist today.
Traveling Wilburys - Handle With Care
Bee Gees - You Win Again
Supertramp - Breakfast in America
Alan Jackson - It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
Terry Wogan - The Floral Dance
Traveling Wilburys - Handle With Care
Bee Gees - You Win Again
Supertramp - Breakfast in America
Alan Jackson - It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
Terry Wogan - The Floral Dance
Reposted by Ben Newmark
#FridayFive
1. Cornerstone. Arctic Monkeys
2. In My Life. The Beatles
3. Lost in Yesterday. Tame Impala
4. Turn No More. Public Service Broadcasting feat James Dean Bradfield
5. Albert Road. English Teacher
1. Cornerstone. Arctic Monkeys
2. In My Life. The Beatles
3. Lost in Yesterday. Tame Impala
4. Turn No More. Public Service Broadcasting feat James Dean Bradfield
5. Albert Road. English Teacher
January 30, 2026 at 6:05 PM
#FridayFive
1. Cornerstone. Arctic Monkeys
2. In My Life. The Beatles
3. Lost in Yesterday. Tame Impala
4. Turn No More. Public Service Broadcasting feat James Dean Bradfield
5. Albert Road. English Teacher
1. Cornerstone. Arctic Monkeys
2. In My Life. The Beatles
3. Lost in Yesterday. Tame Impala
4. Turn No More. Public Service Broadcasting feat James Dean Bradfield
5. Albert Road. English Teacher
Reposted by Ben Newmark
#FridayFive
1. Smile - Nat King Cole
2. English Rose - The Jam
3. Move Closer - Phyllis Nelson
4. Young Hearts Run Free - Candy Staton
5. You’ll Never Walk Alone - Jerry & The Pacemakers
1. Smile - Nat King Cole
2. English Rose - The Jam
3. Move Closer - Phyllis Nelson
4. Young Hearts Run Free - Candy Staton
5. You’ll Never Walk Alone - Jerry & The Pacemakers
January 30, 2026 at 6:05 PM
#FridayFive
1. Smile - Nat King Cole
2. English Rose - The Jam
3. Move Closer - Phyllis Nelson
4. Young Hearts Run Free - Candy Staton
5. You’ll Never Walk Alone - Jerry & The Pacemakers
1. Smile - Nat King Cole
2. English Rose - The Jam
3. Move Closer - Phyllis Nelson
4. Young Hearts Run Free - Candy Staton
5. You’ll Never Walk Alone - Jerry & The Pacemakers
Reposted by Ben Newmark
1. Lost Weekend - Lloyd Cole
2. Your Wildest Dreams - Moody Blues
3. Mull Of Kintyre - Wings
4. We Didn’t Start The Fire - Billy Joel
5. On Days Like These - Matt Monro
2. Your Wildest Dreams - Moody Blues
3. Mull Of Kintyre - Wings
4. We Didn’t Start The Fire - Billy Joel
5. On Days Like These - Matt Monro
January 30, 2026 at 6:22 PM
1. Lost Weekend - Lloyd Cole
2. Your Wildest Dreams - Moody Blues
3. Mull Of Kintyre - Wings
4. We Didn’t Start The Fire - Billy Joel
5. On Days Like These - Matt Monro
2. Your Wildest Dreams - Moody Blues
3. Mull Of Kintyre - Wings
4. We Didn’t Start The Fire - Billy Joel
5. On Days Like These - Matt Monro
Reposted by Ben Newmark
#FridayFive
1. Weather with you. Crowded house
2. Summer. Calvin Harris
3.Brown eyed girl. Van Morrison
4.Chasing Pavements. Adele
5. How sweet it is. James Taylor
1. Weather with you. Crowded house
2. Summer. Calvin Harris
3.Brown eyed girl. Van Morrison
4.Chasing Pavements. Adele
5. How sweet it is. James Taylor
January 30, 2026 at 6:24 PM
#FridayFive
1. Weather with you. Crowded house
2. Summer. Calvin Harris
3.Brown eyed girl. Van Morrison
4.Chasing Pavements. Adele
5. How sweet it is. James Taylor
1. Weather with you. Crowded house
2. Summer. Calvin Harris
3.Brown eyed girl. Van Morrison
4.Chasing Pavements. Adele
5. How sweet it is. James Taylor
Reposted by Ben Newmark
1. The Jean Genie, Bowie
2. I’m Free, Soup Dragons
3. It’s the end of the world as we know it, REM
4. Mr Pharmacist, The Fall
5. Perfect Skin, Lloyd Cole
#Fridayfive
2. I’m Free, Soup Dragons
3. It’s the end of the world as we know it, REM
4. Mr Pharmacist, The Fall
5. Perfect Skin, Lloyd Cole
#Fridayfive
January 30, 2026 at 6:27 PM
1. The Jean Genie, Bowie
2. I’m Free, Soup Dragons
3. It’s the end of the world as we know it, REM
4. Mr Pharmacist, The Fall
5. Perfect Skin, Lloyd Cole
#Fridayfive
2. I’m Free, Soup Dragons
3. It’s the end of the world as we know it, REM
4. Mr Pharmacist, The Fall
5. Perfect Skin, Lloyd Cole
#Fridayfive
Reposted by Ben Newmark
#FridayFive is nostalgic.
1. It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine). REM.
2. The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades. Timbuk 3.
3. My Hometown. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band.
4. The Polaroid Song. Allo Darlin’.
5. Old Friends/Bookends. Simon and Garfunkel.
1. It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine). REM.
2. The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades. Timbuk 3.
3. My Hometown. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band.
4. The Polaroid Song. Allo Darlin’.
5. Old Friends/Bookends. Simon and Garfunkel.
January 30, 2026 at 6:29 PM
#FridayFive is nostalgic.
1. It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine). REM.
2. The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades. Timbuk 3.
3. My Hometown. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band.
4. The Polaroid Song. Allo Darlin’.
5. Old Friends/Bookends. Simon and Garfunkel.
1. It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine). REM.
2. The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades. Timbuk 3.
3. My Hometown. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band.
4. The Polaroid Song. Allo Darlin’.
5. Old Friends/Bookends. Simon and Garfunkel.
Reposted by Ben Newmark
1. Martha, Tom Waits
2. Golden Age of Aviation, The Lucksmiths
3. Disco 2000, Pulp
4. Baggy Trousers, Madness
5. A-Team, Mohair*
#FridayFive is nostalgic.
2. Golden Age of Aviation, The Lucksmiths
3. Disco 2000, Pulp
4. Baggy Trousers, Madness
5. A-Team, Mohair*
#FridayFive is nostalgic.
January 30, 2026 at 6:32 PM
1. Martha, Tom Waits
2. Golden Age of Aviation, The Lucksmiths
3. Disco 2000, Pulp
4. Baggy Trousers, Madness
5. A-Team, Mohair*
#FridayFive is nostalgic.
2. Golden Age of Aviation, The Lucksmiths
3. Disco 2000, Pulp
4. Baggy Trousers, Madness
5. A-Team, Mohair*
#FridayFive is nostalgic.
Reposted by Ben Newmark
#FridayFive Nostalgic...
1. Where Is My Mind? Pixies
2. Running Up That Hill. Kate Bush
2. Kids. MGMT
3. Lost In The Dream. The War On Drugs.
4. I Remember California. REM
1. Where Is My Mind? Pixies
2. Running Up That Hill. Kate Bush
2. Kids. MGMT
3. Lost In The Dream. The War On Drugs.
4. I Remember California. REM
January 30, 2026 at 6:36 PM
#FridayFive Nostalgic...
1. Where Is My Mind? Pixies
2. Running Up That Hill. Kate Bush
2. Kids. MGMT
3. Lost In The Dream. The War On Drugs.
4. I Remember California. REM
1. Where Is My Mind? Pixies
2. Running Up That Hill. Kate Bush
2. Kids. MGMT
3. Lost In The Dream. The War On Drugs.
4. I Remember California. REM
Reposted by Ben Newmark
#FridayFive nostalgic
1. Live to Tell - Madonna
2. Turn Back Time - Cher
3. Over My Shoulder - Mike and The Mechanics
4. The Song Remains The Same - Led Zeppelin
5. Half a World Away - Oasis
1. Live to Tell - Madonna
2. Turn Back Time - Cher
3. Over My Shoulder - Mike and The Mechanics
4. The Song Remains The Same - Led Zeppelin
5. Half a World Away - Oasis
January 30, 2026 at 6:57 PM
#FridayFive nostalgic
1. Live to Tell - Madonna
2. Turn Back Time - Cher
3. Over My Shoulder - Mike and The Mechanics
4. The Song Remains The Same - Led Zeppelin
5. Half a World Away - Oasis
1. Live to Tell - Madonna
2. Turn Back Time - Cher
3. Over My Shoulder - Mike and The Mechanics
4. The Song Remains The Same - Led Zeppelin
5. Half a World Away - Oasis
I'm probably going to regret asking but what is Skibbedy Toilet. My girls won't stop saying it but they won't tell me what it is.
January 30, 2026 at 6:59 PM
I'm probably going to regret asking but what is Skibbedy Toilet. My girls won't stop saying it but they won't tell me what it is.
Reposted by Ben Newmark
#FridayFive
1. Chasing Rainbows - Shed Seven
2. Disco 2000 - Pulp
3. Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
4. Gold - Spandau Ballet
5. My Sad Captains - Elbow
1. Chasing Rainbows - Shed Seven
2. Disco 2000 - Pulp
3. Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
4. Gold - Spandau Ballet
5. My Sad Captains - Elbow
January 30, 2026 at 5:40 PM
#FridayFive
1. Chasing Rainbows - Shed Seven
2. Disco 2000 - Pulp
3. Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
4. Gold - Spandau Ballet
5. My Sad Captains - Elbow
1. Chasing Rainbows - Shed Seven
2. Disco 2000 - Pulp
3. Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
4. Gold - Spandau Ballet
5. My Sad Captains - Elbow
Reposted by Ben Newmark
#FridayFive might get a bit dewy-eyed tonight.
#FridayFive is nostalgic.
1. Nightswimming. REM.
2. Grand Canyon. The Drive by Truckers.
3. Life in a Northern Town. The Dream Academy.
4. The Little Pot Stove. Nic Jones.
5. River. Joni Mitchell.
1. Nightswimming. REM.
2. Grand Canyon. The Drive by Truckers.
3. Life in a Northern Town. The Dream Academy.
4. The Little Pot Stove. Nic Jones.
5. River. Joni Mitchell.
January 30, 2026 at 5:41 PM
#FridayFive might get a bit dewy-eyed tonight.
Reposted by Ben Newmark
1. Do you remember the first time? Pulp.
2. Wishing (if I had a photograph of you). Flock of Seagulls
3. Another Clockwork Day. Arab Strap.
4. Do you remember Rock n Roll Radio. The Ramones
5. Pictures of you. The Cure.
#FridayFive
2. Wishing (if I had a photograph of you). Flock of Seagulls
3. Another Clockwork Day. Arab Strap.
4. Do you remember Rock n Roll Radio. The Ramones
5. Pictures of you. The Cure.
#FridayFive
January 30, 2026 at 5:46 PM
1. Do you remember the first time? Pulp.
2. Wishing (if I had a photograph of you). Flock of Seagulls
3. Another Clockwork Day. Arab Strap.
4. Do you remember Rock n Roll Radio. The Ramones
5. Pictures of you. The Cure.
#FridayFive
2. Wishing (if I had a photograph of you). Flock of Seagulls
3. Another Clockwork Day. Arab Strap.
4. Do you remember Rock n Roll Radio. The Ramones
5. Pictures of you. The Cure.
#FridayFive