Authors

A government catch-up scheme aims to give tutoring to hundreds of thousands of pupils who otherwise might never have experienced it. But how successful will the programme be in helping children to make up for lost time? Irena Barker looks at the evidence on the impact of different kinds of tutoring

Unsettling feelings can trigger a fight-or-flight stress response that can impact on teaching and learning, researchers warn. Irena Barker ponders what schools can do to make pupils and staff feel more secure in these unpredictable times

What’s it like for men in the female-dominated education profession? And do the stereotypes of them taking the lead on PE or quickly climbing the career ladder still apply? Irena Barker finds out

Ever get the feeling you’re being manoeuvred into doing something against your will? Whether it’s a Machiavellian member of staff or a crafty student, teachers need to guard against those who might try to exert undue influence, writes Irena Barker

Despite media reports to the contrary, schools with diverse populations rarely ‘cancel’ festivities at this time of year – but they do need to carefully consider different students’ needs and ensure that children of all faiths feel included, finds Irena Barker

Research is beginning to unpick the impact of poverty on the development of a child’s brain and although there are no clear answers yet, Irena Barker finds that there is plenty for teachers – and policymakers – to ponder