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Chris Swan

@chrisswan.bsky.social

460 followers 360 following 780 posts

Teacher of teachers, geek, computer scientist, family historian, traveller of trains. Cat lady. Views are entirely personal and not those of my employers. Blog link: https://awfulrigourswretchedpay.com/

awfulrigourswretchedpay.com

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Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 5d

Flattened by 'flu but I never miss a blog post: awfulrigourswretchedpay.com/2025/10/03/a...

At Tessa Hunkin’s Hackney Mosaic Project book launch

By Christine Swan For thirteen years, The Hackney Mosaic Project has engaged its volunteer artists in numerous projects, some of which are on a considerable scale. Tessa Hunkin’s community of…

awfulrigourswretchedpay.com

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 6d

I have flu 🤧🥵🥶🤒

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 6d

You are doing SO WELL!! ❤️

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 6d

Love this ❤️

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 7d

2/2 Jane Goodall spoke out against the cruel, ineffective, and costly badger culls, that are still going on as part of Labour bTB policy. She was an environmentalist and her wisdom drew a younger audience to her. Always graceful and beautiful, she will be greatly missed. #RIPJaneGoodall

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 7d

#RIPJaneGoodall I was very sad to hear of the passing of this giant of primate biology, ecology and conservation. As a young student, I studied her work as part of a module on Mammalian Ethology. Jane Goodall was also hugely compassionate and humble. 1/2

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Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 8d

You should feel like you have had the power to speak - and that takes courage. I'm proud of you x

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 8d

I'm stunned and horrified in equal measure. I'm also in awe of your bravery for speaking out. Amazing lady 👏

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Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 11d

Yes, but you know x

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 12d

I've been working through my daughter's things in little chunks. I don't catch my breath when I go in her room anymore. It's little steps and if it's too much, stop. Give yourself time x

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Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 12d

Last week I spent a worthwhile Saturday at the #OpenCity #OpenHouseFestivalLondon2025 Here's my report: awfulrigourswretchedpay.com/2025/09/27/a...

A trip to the Open House Festival 2025

By Christine Swan I have travelled to London for the last three years to take part in Open City’s annual Open House Festival. Each year, I optimistically take part in ballots to tour rarely s…

awfulrigourswretchedpay.com

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 13d

Thank you!!!

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 13d

Once, I was a trainee too. I wouldn't be doing this job today were it not for the teachers who say the potential in me, who picked me up when I was having a wobble, and who helped me to get better. I'm forever grateful to them.If you don't already, please consider hosting an ITT trainee this year

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Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 13d

When they are not teaching, PGCE trainees can be in the classroom supporting pupils. It used to be the best part of my job supporting trainee teachers and you can craft them in the ways of your school. I also found that I learned a great deal about myself.

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Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 13d

If you work in a school, if you have any kind of influence, please consider offering to host a school placement to a trainee teacher. Better than that, to two. Paired placement students support one another and ask less questions. It also allows them to get going by team teaching.

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Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 18d

New blog post : awfulrigourswretchedpay.com/2025/09/19/a...

A campaign for joy

By Christine Swan This week, my group of trainee teachers have been planning teaching sessions based around the theme of Esafety, which fits well with another general session, delivered by colleagu…

awfulrigourswretchedpay.com

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 25d

Another tactic I use is to buy books from charities and give them a go. You have helped the charity and then can pass the book on/back for it to be resold. Sometimes I make mistakes. I bought a Jackie Collins novel and just couldn't get on with it, but a friend loved it. It only cost £2 so no loss 🙂

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Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 25d

I commute. I used to sit and work on a laptop but now I read. I can't wait to get on the train to lose myself in a book. Currently rereading Possession by A S Byatt. I think I last read it over 20 years ago. It's fantastic.

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · 25d

As you all know that I hold controversial opinions, here's another one - autumn is not all it's cracked up to be. Here's why: awfulrigourswretchedpay.com/2025/09/12/a...

Autumn is not for me thank you

By Christine Swan In a 2024 UK Ipsos survey, 20% of the respondents stated that autumn is their favourite season. Are they mad I hear you ask? Over double that amount quite sensibly, preferred summ…

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Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · Sep 8

Goldcrest

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · Sep 5

Hopefully, I've given them food for thought and given them their mission

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · Sep 5

First afternoon done. Trainees reflected on their own education journey thus far, I outlined the history of computing education and then fed them the latest context. In terms of GCSE results and access to A level, the West Mids lags behind London and the South East.

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · Sep 5

"let me explain because you don't seem to understand...." A masterclass in mansplaining and obfuscation right there. P.s "Have you read my book?"

Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · Sep 3

Recipes seem to recommend a 50:50 mix with apples, of which I have plenty. It's in sterilised jars so will keep until I blend it 🙂 maybe my efforts won't be wasted after all?

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Chris Swan @chrisswan.bsky.social · Sep 3

Although, as I have it in jars, I might make some apple jam and mix it.