The debate about the perfect OFSTED lesson rages in schools up and down the country yet the need to rise above the formulaic and embed the quality learning experience for young people has never been greater. This welcome addition to the literature on school improvement, and that is what this book is, gives the reader the opportunity to enter David Didau''s mind and classroom, and to see, smell and touch what outstanding learning is like when the competence and confidence of the teacher works in partnership with the curiosity and creativity of the student. The dashboard checklist to please the visitor who sits at the back of the classroom is relevant, but it is not the key to sustaining outstanding learning throughout a child''s secondary education. The techniques and strategies that you will read in this book, drawn from the experiences of teachers David has worked with as well as those ideas that are his own, will help teachers of English reflect on what really matters when they teach the subject that has become along with Maths, the pivotal subjects in the curriculum for all school leaders. David Carter, Executive Principal, Cabot Learning Federation The key to an outstanding English department is a relentless focus on the quality of teaching and learning. In this book David Didau offers a cornucopia of creative, practical and highly effective teaching and learning strategies. As a keen member of the #SOLOarmy, it''s great to see a beginners guide to using the SOLO taxonomy, written in a clear, accessible style, with humour. As Head of English, I certainly will be purchasing a copy for each member of my department! Rosanna Thorslund, Head of English, St.

Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon Upon Tyne The Perfect Ofsted English Lesson (or David''s book) immediately gets to the heart of the learning. An essential read for all English teachers -- not just to impress Ofsted inspectors! It is just as appealing and useful to dip into, as it is a thoughtprovoking read. Bev Sharp, English Advanced Skills Teacher, St Bede''s Catholic College, Bristol I have been in education for 26 years as a teacher, Head of Department, Senior Leader and Principal and have read many books regarding the practice of teaching. The very best of them offer practical advice on improving practice within the classroom that will directly impact on the learning of young people. This book does just that. David Didau has produced a succinct, well structured and accessible piece of work that will be of use to beginning teachers and those who have taught for many years. Its great advantage is that it does not talk down to the reader, does not assume anything of the reader except one thing; that you are a teacher and therefore committed to improving your practice and to furthering pupil progress. This book, although targeted towards English teachers, would also be of enormous use to any teacher.

It lays out what an effective lesson looks like. It is deeply rooted in proven practice and Assessment for Learning and takes the reader through the key processes of lesson planning, lesson starters, learning objectives, pupil engagement, effective questioning and why the end of the lesson is as important as any other element. David explains the nature and reasoning behind formative assessment, peer and self assessment and the importance of knowing where the student is in their learning. There are no fancy magic tricks in this book, there are no easy soundbites. Teaching is hard, David recognises this, but this book makes it easier to make an effective impact on students. Please don''t be fooled by the title, this is no bow to Ofsted nor a clever way to fool them, this book is about teaching and how to do it properly. It is intriguing, engaging and that often overused phrase #145;essential reading''. If you are a teacher, not just an English teacher -- you need to read this book.

Dave Rees Principal of Erne Integrated College I''ve been a keen follower of David''s #145;Learning Spy'' blog for some time now and so when I heard that he was going to write this book, I was very excited by the prospect, but also a little worried . Is there such a thing as a #145;perfect'' English lesson? Well, I needn''t have worried. If anyone could describe what makes a #145;perfect'' lesson, then it would have to be David. In this little gem of a book, David weaves the magic that will have even the toughest class under your spell whether you''re an NQT or a little jaded and on the lookout for some new ideas. He does all of this with charm and wit and a clear expectation that those things that are worth achieving need to be worked at -- both by teacher and pupil. Uncovering the Holy Grail of pupil progress through SOLO Taxonomy along the way and giving some very useful and easy to implement practical tips. He also dispels some common myths about observed lessons and demonstrates that the best learning comes through collaboration, something that he is not afraid to do himself, drawing readily on the experience of others. I''d recommend this book heartily to every teacher (NOT just English teachers) and encourage them to try out the tips within.

They work . I know . I''ve tried many myself to great effect! David Doherty, Assistant Principal and Teacher of English, Cowes Enterprise College.