Teach-Primary-Issue-19.7

Q A & 1 What is your idea of perfect happiness in your job? A perfect teaching day for me would definitely involve practical, hands- on learning with children – tools, woodwork, a splash of craft, or even a bit of sewing. When their hands are busy, the conversations just flow; you learn the most about the children when you’re working side by side. To top it all off? An extended session with my chiropractor – absolutely my new best friend when it comes to curing the many aches and quirks of a teacher’s body! 2 What is your greatest fear at work? Visiting performers who call for a ‘staff volunteer’. Without fail, there’s a chorus of “Mr B! Mr B!” and suddenly I’m centre stage with no idea what’s coming. Over the years, I’ve danced with a giant leprechaun, wrestled an inflatable crocodile, and been vaulted over by an Olympian. It’s traumatising… but the children (and staff) delight in reminding me about them for weeks! 3 What is your current state of mind? This September marks my 25th year in education, and I’ve welcomed my 25th cohort of children. Amazingly, each year I still feel that same fizz of excitement and determination to do my best for every child I meet – but now with the wisdom of a quarter of a century at the chalkface. Bring on 2025/26! 7 What do you consider your greatest teaching achievement? Staying in the classroom. After 25 years, I’m still here, still teaching. People assume being a deputy head is a stepping stone to headship, but that’s not for me. I came into this career to nurture children and help them discover who they are. That passion has never faded – and I don’t intend to let it. 8 What is your most treasured teaching possession? Easy. My copy of Tuesday by David Wiesner – a surreal, wordless book about flying frogs. It was the focus of my very first lesson, rescued from a heap of unwanted books in a university library. It’s been with me ever since: a faithful, slightly battered companion that’s travelled every step of my teaching journey. 4 What do you consider the most overrated teacher virtue? That old “don’t smile until Christmas” mantra is nonsense. Honestly, who thought that was good advice? My approach has always been about knowing children properly, showing a genuine interest in who they are, and modelling respect. Laughter, jokes, and a relaxed atmosphere go hand-in-hand with firm boundaries – and produce far less need for any vein-popping theatrics. 5 On what occasion do you lie to your class? Well, with the new year ahead, I’m bracing myself for the inevitable K-Pop Demon Hunters chat. When my Year 5s ask, I will absolutely deny knowing any of the lyrics or the dance moves. In truth, I know most of them – except for the Korean lines… though I’m working on that! 6 Which words or phrases do you most overuse with your class? After I saw the footage from a recent classroom filming, I was horrified to discover how often I say, “So, ok…” It’s like a compulsion – it never crops up in normal life, but takes over the second I’m teaching. Among colleagues, it’s probably, “What is the point?” Not in a grumpy way – I just need to know if something has a genuine purpose. I’ll happily flamenco barefoot over hot coals to make a meaningful change, but don’t expect me to scorch my soles to the sounds of a Spanish guitar without good reason. We take the famous Proust questionnaire and pose eight of its questions to a fellow educator. Take a peek into the deepest depths of a teacher’s soul... 98 | www.teachwire.net F EATURE S BACK PAGE NAME: Marc Bowen JOB ROLE: Primary school deputy headteacher and Year 5 class teacher EXTRA INFO: Author of Brilliant Subject Leader ; passionate about curriculum design; avid reader of children’s books; Pilates devotee; 80s cartoon and movie buff; younger in mind than my wrinkles (or lack of hairline) suggest!