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John Rich taught English and Classical Civilisation for many years. He has been a Senior Examiner for AQA for A-level English Literature for over thirty year and is a coursework moderator.
1.Best advice you were given as a teacher/ something you know now that that you wish you knew earlier.
The candidate is the maker of meaning.
2. One topic you've always enjoyed teaching?
Poetry analysis and how to make supported meaning.
3. One book
that should always be on the GCSE or A-level curriculum?
There is a risk that if the same book(s) is (are) taught year on year that the teaching will become stale, tired. Students essays can reflect this. I see it often with compulsive off-loading of “taught” but unassimilated ideas. However, to answer the question, “Antony and Cleopatra”.
4. One piece of advice to teachers who would like to develop their subject knowledge?
Always teach at least one text each year which is completely new to you.
5. A tip to maintain the work, life balance?
The kitchen calendar! Plan the week/month and stick to it. Give time to be together, to have hobbies. Go out for a meal once a month (weekly is expensive!) Get a dog and walk it. Fill a glass with water and put your finger into it. If when you remove your finger a hole is seen in the water, you are indispensible. Learn why evolution has enabled us to raise two fingers at an angle of 45 degrees.
6. Finish
the sentence: