This is very well set out. It takes each standard, and gives you ideas on how to achieve it, and what success in this context looks like.

Readable, with plenty of examples, it is certainly a great reference book. Although it was published in 2016, the standards it refers to were published in 2011, and the introduction to the Standards was updated in June 2013. The only caveat is that the latest terminology update took place in 2021, and I'm not sure how that impinges on the main contents of the book.

However, the “good practice” guidance is still useful I think, and so this might be worth a look. But as always, of course, caveat emptor — let the buyer beware.

I have long been an advocate of teaching through games, whether in the form of role play (such as are called Strike!), simulation (Stockpiler) or computer-based. When I was teaching Econnures I realised that I could have taught quite a chunk of the synabus if I'd been able to run Sim City on the school network, but I had neither the budget now the hardware to make that a possibility,

The value of this book is that it explains why some games help students learn. Even if you don't have the games referred to (not on a which require a computer anyway) you could pubably find some you could use instead.

However, although the book is interesting and explains things well, I'm not fully confident in recommending it. It's twenty years old, games have moved on since then, and there doesn't appear to be a more recent edition. If you come across a relatively inexpensive used version it might be worth a modest investment though.

I'm reading the 2007 edition of this book, so as you'd expect, some of the websites and resources mentioned are no longer available,

Nevertheless, there are some good ideas here, and suggestions on getting organised, keeping a project moving, and assessment. I daresay the most recent edition is good value, though I haven't actually seen it.

In my last school teaching job I introduced an ICT/Computing curriculum that was centred on project-based learning. I can verify from first hand experience that it kept students highly engaged, and helped them to develop skills such as working with others and independent research. But it does take some planning and, I think, a degree of trust in the students.

The edition of the book in front of me is nicely written and very well-structured.

Although this book is published by the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, the focus is not on IT at all. Yes, there is advice about writing for an online audience, and the content of a presentation, but the main emphasis is on personal skills and relationships in a professional setting.

It is very clearly written, and I like the fact that each chapter contains an introduction, conclusion, and references and further reading.

Topics covered include building rapport, influence vs power and written communication.

Definitely a book you will want to read from cover to cover, and keep handy for reference.

I have often thought that I would have been much more interested in science at school, and been much more successful at it, had the teachers taught us anything of practical value.

Mark Frary has done a great job of filling this gap. He explains how to overcome such everyday conundrums as how to remove the lid from a new jar of food. Importantly, he also explains the science behind the solution.

He also delves into important matter such as how to make the perfect cup of tea, how to take great photographs, and how to win at cards- or at least reduce your losses!

Very readable and, on the whole, highly practical.