Caroline Derbyshire
@morsecat.bsky.social
Former MAT leader.Now working in mentoring and school improvement.
The first image may not be the best photo, but it was the best experience because we saw that koala in the wild. Being authentic matters far more than striking the right pose.
February 3, 2026 at 7:12 AM
The first image may not be the best photo, but it was the best experience because we saw that koala in the wild. Being authentic matters far more than striking the right pose.
I never had a Gap Year adventure, going straight from school to Cambridge and then into teaching. So I promised myself we would do it when I stepped away from being a school leader. So here I am in Singapore on a Wednesday in term time. Cheers!
January 20, 2026 at 11:21 PM
I never had a Gap Year adventure, going straight from school to Cambridge and then into teaching. So I promised myself we would do it when I stepped away from being a school leader. So here I am in Singapore on a Wednesday in term time. Cheers!
Today a knock on the door. It was our new neighbours with a gift. We’ve become alarmed at knocks following the abuse we received for taking down flags in our village. Our neighbours are immigrants. Their response is significant and why we took action. Everyone is our neighbour. Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Today a knock on the door. It was our new neighbours with a gift. We’ve become alarmed at knocks following the abuse we received for taking down flags in our village. Our neighbours are immigrants. Their response is significant and why we took action. Everyone is our neighbour. Merry Christmas!
An analysis of how we became complacent about the democracy and social justice that was established in the second half of the 20th Century and why reactionary philosophies have returned. Thank goodness for the “Yes We Can!” In his conclusion.
September 24, 2025 at 9:40 PM
An analysis of how we became complacent about the democracy and social justice that was established in the second half of the 20th Century and why reactionary philosophies have returned. Thank goodness for the “Yes We Can!” In his conclusion.
The village has spoken. These are now appearing in windows on The High Street. Let’s continue to make the argument.
September 23, 2025 at 4:12 PM
The village has spoken. These are now appearing in windows on The High Street. Let’s continue to make the argument.
What does a holiday in September look like?
September 17, 2025 at 5:45 PM
What does a holiday in September look like?
Flags of St George are haunting me! Here’s the Sardinian flag that is everywhere here, but unnervingly adorned with the black heads of vanquished princes. They are sometimes depicted with the blindfold on. More explicit than the way the English one is used by the far right but it feels the same.
September 12, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Flags of St George are haunting me! Here’s the Sardinian flag that is everywhere here, but unnervingly adorned with the black heads of vanquished princes. They are sometimes depicted with the blindfold on. More explicit than the way the English one is used by the far right but it feels the same.
It is September. Retired folk said I had to have a holiday in September. So I did. Sorry.
September 10, 2025 at 6:57 PM
It is September. Retired folk said I had to have a holiday in September. So I did. Sorry.
You can be as patriotic as you like if you stand up against hatred in my book.
September 4, 2025 at 4:12 PM
You can be as patriotic as you like if you stand up against hatred in my book.
6 through to 60. Today will involve cake!
September 1, 2025 at 9:28 AM
6 through to 60. Today will involve cake!
Iona. A perfect beach for swimming. White sand, turquoise sea, no jellyfish and crystal clear. St Columba knew a thing or two.
August 17, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Iona. A perfect beach for swimming. White sand, turquoise sea, no jellyfish and crystal clear. St Columba knew a thing or two.
This is my happy place.
August 16, 2025 at 8:48 PM
This is my happy place.
21 degrees in Orkney may sound refreshing to those experiencing the heatwave in the south, but locals are hot and bothered. They have grown used to the wind chill for 5000 years.
August 13, 2025 at 6:13 PM
21 degrees in Orkney may sound refreshing to those experiencing the heatwave in the south, but locals are hot and bothered. They have grown used to the wind chill for 5000 years.
Properly north now: Orkney!
August 12, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Properly north now: Orkney!
Today we decided that John O’Groats is far too southern and walked to Duncansby Stacks and Dunnets Head.
August 11, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Today we decided that John O’Groats is far too southern and walked to Duncansby Stacks and Dunnets Head.
Little pilgrimage to Halkirk in Caithness to find the graves of my ancestors. Uncovered my great great great grandfather who was a crofter. Now believe anyone living south of Caithness is a ‘soft southerner’!
August 10, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Little pilgrimage to Halkirk in Caithness to find the graves of my ancestors. Uncovered my great great great grandfather who was a crofter. Now believe anyone living south of Caithness is a ‘soft southerner’!
First sea swim of holiday: Pittenweem tidal pool.
August 7, 2025 at 4:21 PM
First sea swim of holiday: Pittenweem tidal pool.
Nothing this Geordie boy likes more than Craster kippers cooked in someone else’s kitchen!
August 6, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Nothing this Geordie boy likes more than Craster kippers cooked in someone else’s kitchen!
Up early to PYO, get that rolling boil in motion and label up. Completed before it got too boiling itself outside and to the sound of Bob Marley (Jammin’).
June 21, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Up early to PYO, get that rolling boil in motion and label up. Completed before it got too boiling itself outside and to the sound of Bob Marley (Jammin’).
Well, that was lovely!
June 18, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Well, that was lovely!
What a contrast. Never forget!
June 4, 2025 at 6:20 PM
What a contrast. Never forget!
Not male or white but middle-class! Ha! Such a parody of itself!
May 31, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Not male or white but middle-class! Ha! Such a parody of itself!
One of the very best things about working in education is an annual holiday at the end of May. It’s a joy!
May 30, 2025 at 4:32 PM
One of the very best things about working in education is an annual holiday at the end of May. It’s a joy!