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James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · 17d

I'm continually amazed at how much 'stuff' my own kids seem to learn from what they consume on phones - not because it's stuff they're seeking or are actively interested in, but precisely because their attention has been managed - by dopamine-dispensing functionality and self-evolving algorithms.

James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · 17d

To be fair, the one thing that tech has become extremely good at managing is attention, including children's. I don't think AI can replace what teachers do, but I also don't think we should underestimate how much it might at least seem to.

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Reposted by James Durran

James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · 19d

Pragmatically, the Ofsted grading criteria are going to be a very useful tool for self-evaluation. But schools need to remember, when reflecting on curriculum or on children's experiences, that schools are about a lot more. For example, the following words don't appear:

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James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · 19d

Pleasure
Curious / Curiosity
Excitement / exciting / excite
Grow / growth
Inspire / inspiring / inspiration
Innovate / innovative / innovation
Discover / discovery
Investigate / investigation
Experiment / experimental
Fun

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James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · 19d

Pragmatically, the Ofsted grading criteria are going to be a very useful tool for self-evaluation. But schools need to remember, when reflecting on curriculum or on children's experiences, that schools are about a lot more. For example, the following words don't appear:

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James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · Aug 26

Indeed.

James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · Aug 26

When term starts, expect headlines about "woke" schools refusing to allow "patriotic" pupils to display / wear / carry flags.

Ben Newmark @bennewmark.bsky.social · Aug 25

1. The Flags have arrived in my area.
They make me uneasy. It isn't I have a problem with them when we're celebrating something. Football. Olympics. Even a royal wedding. But right now they don't *feel* like a positive affirmation of stuff we like but more a protest against things people don't..

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James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · Aug 26

It doesn't just feel like that. It's precisely what it is.

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James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · Aug 26

It's deeply horrible. Can't help feeling that the best way to neutralise it might be for absolutely everyone suddenly to join in - every group and community that it's meant to lay claim against.

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James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · Aug 2

www.theguardian.com/education/20...

Oracy already exists in schools. Just look inside the drama studio

Letters: Why do people dismiss this vital subject? asks Chris Walters. Plus Jeanette Hamilton on the importance of talking to children

www.theguardian.com

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James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · Jul 31

Absolutely. This thread has reminded me of this, from Stephen Fry's 1980s 'Saturday Night Fry'.

James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · Jul 29

Fantastic! 🙂

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James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · Jul 29

Thanks Simon. 😢 I hope you're well?

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James Durran @jdurran.bsky.social · Jul 29

Honoured to write this.

National Association for the Teaching of English @natefeed.bsky.social · Jul 29

James Durran reflects on his friendship with the late Jim Stewart, who has died, aged 67, after a rapid progression of Parkinson’s. Jim was a devoted English teacher and a loyal friend of NATE.
www.nate.org.uk/2025/07/29/j...

Jim Stewart: a personal recollection - National Association for the Teaching of English

James Durran reflects on his friendship with the late Jim Stewart My close friend Jim Stewart, who has died, aged 67, after a rapid progression of Parkinson’s, was a devoted...

www.nate.org.uk

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Reposted by James Durran

National Association for the Teaching of English @natefeed.bsky.social · Jul 29

James Durran reflects on his friendship with the late Jim Stewart, who has died, aged 67, after a rapid progression of Parkinson’s. Jim was a devoted English teacher and a loyal friend of NATE.
www.nate.org.uk/2025/07/29/j...

Jim Stewart: a personal recollection - National Association for the Teaching of English

James Durran reflects on his friendship with the late Jim Stewart My close friend Jim Stewart, who has died, aged 67, after a rapid progression of Parkinson’s, was a devoted...

www.nate.org.uk

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