Kirstie Murray
@kirstiemurray.bsky.social
340 followers 380 following 120 posts
History teacher. Here for history chat. Trust lead for History. PGCE mentor, ECT mentor, interested in T&L.
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kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Calling AQA #historyteachers.
For the HE in depth study, how much are we to rely on the resource pack?

Comparing packs for Pevensey from a few years ago and now they are v different. Do we lean in to that?

And should we hold off planning BoH historic environment lessons until the pack is out?
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
This first batch of Y12 marking is done in depth, no grade, SPAG corrected, and notes added to our internal spreadsheet
Becomes a useful ref for later work and helps flag any immediate issues. Also low stakes for pupils and nothing dull about exam technique apart from answering the *actual* question
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
A standard early-in-term correction. How many times more will I wade through economical causes of revolution in this batch of marking I wonder.
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
This part of the school year contains so much I enjoy teaching - Pompeii, Charles I, Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, Korean War. Harold Godwinson’s crazy 1066. The calling of the estates general.

We really give the kids here the *best* bits. It’s a delight to teach!
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Lots of this rings true. As a PGCE mentor I’d like ITTs to know that the department/ mentors don’t receive payment and the time for mentoring isn’t enough so it spills into our own free time.
So being helpful and considerate member of a department matters a great deal to keep goodwill flowing
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Amazing thread.
lvhicks.bsky.social
#KingAndConqueror. Not a promising start when the moustache is on the wrong man. Now that's a very easy thing to get right.

'Feudal France?' oh dear.

We are undefined years earlier now.
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Second day off timetable treating KS3 to some history treasures. Billy Joel and historical significance, Trafalgar v Waterloo, Horrible Histories games and a wonderful visit from @cromwellmuseum.bsky.social considering the local history of witch trails.
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
As part of our enrichment offer for all pupils, I took a group of keen KS3 historians to Cambridge today and had a smashing time in the sun. Visits to the Mueum of Classical Archeology, Fitzwilliam Museum and a lovely time at my old college @corpuscambridge.bsky.social
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
We’re hoping this then serves as a backbone/resource bank for revision into Y13.
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Yep moving to this next year. For every hour of ‘homework’ we’re going to expect an hour of ‘independent study’

For each topic I have list of 6 readings (scans from books/ websites), 6 watch (podcast/video) and 3 written tasks (flash cards, notes, essays). Students choose one of the 15 options
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Squeezing in a treat. Cafe and senior staff-student book club book.
I have such precious memories of being a 6th former and talking books with teachers. Looking forward to replicating with our students in a few weeks.
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Wonderful. Their ultra random Bayeaux Tapestry blew me away when I visited years ago.
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
If I wanted to read/ watch/ listen to something on pastoral leadership at KS5 specifically, any ideas?

#edusky #teaching #sixthform
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Predictions yes. But also pupils viewing ‘how to do questions’ videos where they’d be better revising content, revising using generic sites like Seneca which don’t cover our exact syllabus but sound plausible, study skills YouTubers… surprised this year how much kids want to rely on online not me
englishspecial.bsky.social
TikTokTipsters profiteering on the high stakes gambling nature of GCSE exams is where we are now in 2025.
Read my comments in The Observer.
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
History teacher nightmare spotted on an English teacher’s board.
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Time well spent. Goodbye and good luck postcards for Y11.
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Come work in my school!

Cambourne Village College (Outstanding, expanding 6th form, lovely colleagues, excellent work-life balance, nice kids!) is looking for a new RPE teacher

#teaching #edujobs

Do circulate if you can.
mrdoverre.bsky.social
Due to a member of our team going on to greater things, we have an opportunity open in Cambridgeshire with a TLR (Key Stage responsibility) for the right candidate - mynewterm.com/jobs/139408/... #TeamRE
Opportunities to teach across the Key Stages - any questions drop me a message
Teacher of RPE - Cambourne Village College, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Closing date: Midday, Thu 15th May, 2025. View full details and apply online at MyNewTerm.
mynewterm.com
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Fab. I will pass this on to my trainee, but wanted to clarify.

He’s about to something on Japanese history which I think could fit the brief
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
A joy to attend Edd. Thanks so much for the chance to attend and present.

I do think events like this will matter in future, informal, open hearted and generous.

And long live the essay!
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
It was super fun to be involved in this!
camhistory.bsky.social
On Saturday, the Faculty hosted a small group of teachers from around the country at Emmanuel College to discuss the current challenges in teaching History and what can be done to better support schools. Thanks to Professor Alex Walsham, Dr Edward Mair, and Chloe Rogers for organising.
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
Is it reviewed/ given feedback?

Such a great idea to make a space for trainee teachers, a lower bar of pressure perhaps.
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
The whole day with @camhistory.bsky.social members was full of nuanced and productive conversations.

I was left with a strong sense that we are all pulling in the same direction, rooting for each other and open to listening/ helping.

I’m hopeful of some productive 1-1 conversations and projects
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
4. The fact that there are excellent teacher-researchers , the HA, Nee textbooks, thriving discourse but that this looks sometimes insular. How is good teaching practice generously shared
kirstiemurray.bsky.social
And there are specific challenges for #historyteachers right now that I think it is worth those in academia knowing

1. Content heavy GCSE and A Level
2. Dominant pedagogy / cognitive science and the push towards generic teaching in some areas
3. The perils of taking ‘knowledge rich’ too far

3/