Product reviews for Oops!

There can be little doubt that the new book Hywel has written is tantalising, and so useful for the new teacher. It will, I am sure, stand alongside iconic publications that hit the - 'common touch' as the truth is so sharp in the contexts he writes and explores.

Hywel has, at long last, launched a war on the - 'drains', i.e. those mis-named teachers who glory in pouring toxic substances all over anything - 'child centred' in schooling, and shrieks like a Greek Siren the awful warning that to ignore the drawing power of these malice makers means professional death.

I liked the text a lot as it reminded me of all the wonderful moments in my teaching career - the fun, the joy of working with spotty youth, the challenges of facing the classes almost impossible to teach and finding a way to get through. 

We hear the voice of a true pioneer, clear and sure in the belief that teaching is an amalgam of so many things beyond -˜subject knowledge'. The book races along at an almost breathless speed - just like the writer. 

I am envious that this book has been written so well and captures so much. 

In all the showers of experience that Hywel brings the reader, we see a humility born out of experience and a deep knowing of young people. We also know that the book has been written from first-hand experience - so rare in today's awful target-driven texts. Hywel has much experience in an area of woeful economic deprivation after the closure of the steel industry, as well as the deepening depression occurring in the north. 

But no - 'doom and gloom' indulgences are allowed. We are reminded of the continuing professional responsibility of bringing learning to life and we keep getting very clear guidance for newcomers as well as reminders for us oldies of how we have to keep vigilant to make our teaching count.

My only regrets reading the book concerned the overplaying of words regarding a boy who was described - 'a badun'. Perhaps the Romantic in me gets affronted by the truth that has to be ignored?