Teaching Year 7 students at Westminster Academy

05/Feb/2010

On Wednesday I went along to Westminster Academy as a 'guest teacher' for a Year Seven literacy class.

We discussed conflict, and the power of non-violent protest and opposition. Looking at the inspiring examples set by leaders such as Ghandi, the Dalai Lama, and Martin Luther King Jr, we examined different methods and techniques of persuasion. The students then wrote and gave their own rousing speeches.

The lesson was part of a week-long campaign to promote the teaching profession by the independent organisation 'Teach First'.

Over the week, guest teachers will take lessons on a variety of subjects. Top fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, and news readers Huw Edwards and Krishnan Guru-Murthy have already participated in the campaign.

Teaching is one of the most important jobs in any society. I hope that we can continue to use opportunities like this campaign to highlight how vital the teaching profession is, and encourage more students to think about taking up a career in education.

You can see the You Tube video of the lesson for yourself here:

And you can find out more about Teach First at www.teachfirst.org.uk