Q&A with Francis
We sat down with co-host Francis for some fast-fire questions and answers. Get to know your hosts!
Classroom personality
Formal and fair with a bit of fun.
What’s your go-to teaching hack?
Still looking for these! Maybe setting up standard slide formats to make presentations quicker to generate – this has saved me hours!
Favourite lesson or activity that always works?
Asking pupils to write their own question then ask some of these to the class. Really shows pupils’ level of understanding and builds ownership and engagement.
Most memorable student question (funny or insightful)?
Hard to say, it is often the timing of pupils’ off-topic questions which amazes me!
Coffee or tea to survive a school day?
Two coffees: one before tutor time, one at break. From a flask to save time!Beyond teaching
What’s something listeners would be surprised to know about you?
I lived on Vancouver Island on the West Coast of Canada from 2019-2021; an amazing family experience.
How do you switch off after a long day at school?
Going for a run – after the first 10-15 minutes, everything calms down and you can take a broader perspective of everything which is on your mind.
If you weren’t teaching, what would you be doing instead?
Great question – probably a role in the world of maritime engineering.
About the podcast
What do you hope listeners take away from each episode?
Confidence that they aren’t the only one who is still looking for the answers in education.
Favourite episode you’ve recorded so far?
Talking History with Adam – I love taking a different angle on a familiar challenge.
Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?
Rory Southerland, Marketing Executive – I think he’d be able to give some great insights which would be applicable to teaching… and very entertaining. I thoroughly recommend his book, Alchemy.
Personal & Fun Questions
Favourite book (and why)?
This Thing of Darkness, Harry Thompson – based on the true story of Captain Fitzroy and Charles Darwin’s voyage of exploration, their relationship and mental health, beautifully written.
Favourite film or TV show to unwind with after school?
I’m not really a TV person, if ask my wife, Charlotte, to choose something.
Go-to comfort food after a tough week?
Something involving lots of cheese!
Dream holiday destination?
Canada – beautiful country, lovely people, so much to explore.
Favourite hobby outside of teaching (e.g., paddleboarding, running, music)?
Running keeps me sane… and fit! The longer the distance the better (up to a point)!
What’s a surprising fact about you that your students wouldn’t guess?
I’m not actually that good at times tables!
