It is a national disgrace that so many NQTs leave in the first 5 years. Disgrace also that Wilshaw is blaming teacher trainers for this.

I'm looking forward to the Keep Drama Strong event at the Univ. of Reading on March 7th. Detail on the National Drama website.

I was asked today what changes I'm making to PGCE regarding drama in new NC. Hmmm. Any suggestions?

Also asked today what changes I'm making to PGCE re drama in post 16 curriculum. Hmmm. Any suggestions?

Asked myself today, when are people going to stop asking me dumb questions?

I was enjoying Fiona Banks' Creative Shakespeare book until I saw myself in one of the photos of groups working at The Globe!

Researching into Asperger's syndrome. Found Graeme Simsion's 'The Rosie Project' a hugely entertaining way of adding to my knowledge.

Ofsted want to focus ITE inspections on new NC and new post 16 arrangements. They'll draw a bit of a blank with my drama course then!

Selighted to see my review of 'Girls Like That' in latest ND magazine has attracted attention. It's a brilliant play.

Did Gove write 'This House Would Raise the Voting Age to 16' on board? (BBC News). See me about use of capital letters, Michael!

More reviews of useful drama books and plays in latest issue of National Drama's magazine 'Drama:One Forum, Many Voices.'

Brilliant to see ex pupil Ben Fox in The Commitments in West End (great show!) Not so good to realise he is the oldest member of the cast!

Yesterday I was invited to join a team of 8 advising DfE on criteria for new Drama GCSE and was asked to suggest dates I could meet. Did so.

Got a message from DfE. Criteria must be fixed by 17.3. Can I meet next Weds? (No I can't). This is how much time and thought we are worth.

Always great to hear from past students. saw Andrea Masoliver at ND day recently. Impressed myself by naming everyone in that year group!

Deep joy. Another sunday spent marking and looking wistfully at sunshine outside. Is this what is meant by intellectual freedom?

Good to see Brian Woolland's play Stand or Fall in print with Oxford Univ Press. Fine writer. Good play.

Well done London Drama - another successful conference and chance to share some great practical ideas.

Evan Placey's 'Pronoun' - funny, moving, provocative. You could build a whole KS 4 PSHE course around plays like this. Good drama also!

Hurrah! My personal mission to see The Brycreem Boys by Peter Durrant in print has been realised. Great play. Thanks to OUP for taking it on