Bog Standard Paperback – February 15, 2008

In `Bog Standard' the real life trials of a newly qualified teacher in the UK are laid bare. This is no sentimental journey to self discovery or personal redemption but a candid record of a jobbing teacher who struggles to teach against the odds in a deprived comprehensive school. It is to the author's credit that he remains emotionally and physically intact and prevails in arguably the toughest profession of all and with the most demanding of `customers'. Highly recommended and should be bog standard reading on any teacher training reading list.

A truly enjoyable read that portrays the day to day life of a teacher in today's comprehensive schools. Some laugh out loud moments that were readily recognisable to those of us in education who go to work every day and work hard to do a good job in difficult circumstances (created mainly by the burden of bureaucracy under which we are drowning). I firmly believe that the vast majority of teachers go to work determined to help students achieve despite the constant threat from Ofsted and the current government! I am saving 'Must Try Harder' as a holiday read as i enjoyed this one so much. Keep up the good work Mr Ken.

A fine read, both happy and sad and a real eye opener as to how much schooling has changed since my days as a school hating pupil.