100 Ideas for Secondary Teachers: Outstanding Lessons

I used the The 5 Minute Lesson Plan and The 5 Minute Interview Plan to prepare for my second interview in my training year. They really helped me to focus on what I wanted to achieve in the lesson and ensured that I showed the school the best of what I have to offer. I was successful and I can't wait to use the 5 Minute Plan in my NQT year. Thanks Teacher Toolkit!

Danielle Manning, History NQT

As you would expect of its author, Ross Morrison McGill aka @TeacherToolkit, has produced a book brim full of creative and sparkling ideas to help make teachers’ lives easier. Covering everything from the ubiquitous #5MinuteLessonPlan, to hints and tips on behaviour and practical ideas for lessons, it is easy to dip in and out of and is bound to be a hit. So if you need inspiration to help you plan outstanding lessons, you need look no further – this gem of a book is for you.

Heather Leatt, School Improvement Adviser

Ross has become a new media phenomenon; and this book is redolent of his happy relationship with emerging and emerged technologies. While it is conventionally published, it includes a deal of unconventional thought, and that thought is expressed in a way that takes in every possible media for conveying ideas and information: there are hashtags, weblinks, ideas for taking things forwards, links to videos he has made. Where a talented teacher might come up with a couple of groundbreaking ideas over a career. Ross Morrison McGill has ten before breakfast: some are more conventional and massively influential (the five minute lesson plan, and pose, pause, pounce, bounce) some wilder and more in keeping with the guy I met at the oche: (hopscotch calculators and paper plates for AfL strategies).

All-in-all though this is a book of ideas: the manifold ideas of an experienced and talented campaigner, who keeps himself up-to-the-minute with new technologies, who still plays in the classroom every day, and who knows the value of quirk. I wish he was my teacher!

Phil Beadle, author, English teacher and educational consultant

This book is written and produced by an excellent well respected practitioner and I know it will fly off the shelves! It's a collection of 100 ideas for planning & delivering outstanding lessons, not occasionally but consistently. Every secondary school teacher in every school needs their own copy of this practical and useful book - it will change their lives and make their lessons even better. Teachers can use this book as individuals planning their lessons or they could use it when planning jointly with colleagues. There is something in here for everybody!

I would advise secondary head teachers to purchase a copy for all their teachers and to introduce it on an INSET day then let them loose in teams to get on with planning. Revisit it as a school or a team every term and ask teachers which tips they have used and how they helped make their lesson even better.

Ross McGill is very well known and well respected through the Teachers Toolkit & Teachmeets which have put teachers in charge of their own CPD - which is exactly the way it should be.

I recommend this book (and Ross) without reservation.'

Kenny Frederick, Retired headteacher