iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

In praise of English Literature (as we are likely to have a new PM who read the subject at university): Margaret Atwood via @theknowledgenews.bsky.social

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Brilliant to be reminded of undiluted human ingenuity and the power of education at last night’s production of #TheBoyWhoHarnessedTheWind - the true story of the inspiring #WilliamKamkwamba. At Soho Place theatre, London, it’s the perfect show for young people, full of music, movement & puppetry

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

“Parkruns demonstrate something about belonging, habit and commitment that theatre often struggles to match" : terrific and challenging rallying-cry from the executive team of the Royal Shakespeare Company via @thestage.co.uk: www.thestage.co.uk/news/rsc-bos...

thestage.co.uk

RSC bosses: Theatre should learn from parkrun to build audiences

Royal Shakespeare Company bosses have warned that the UK theatre is facing a ‘slow erosion of habit’ when it comes to audiences

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

‘As Yip Harburg, lyricist of The Wizard of Oz, put it: “Words make you think thoughts, music makes you feel a feeling, but a song makes you feel a thought.” Choose songs. Choose joy. Choose musicals.’ @theguardian.com

theguardian.com

The Guardian view on new musicals: sex, drugs and song ‘n’ dance | Editorial

Editorial: Adaptations of hit novels like One Day and Trainspotting help keep the genre in tune with the times

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Thought for the day (from our walk in Bildeston, #Suffolk, today:

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Just when we thought the news couldn't get much worse ... (via @apiln.bsky.social)

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

“If only our politicians would get off Twitter and pick up a novel …”: entertaining piece by @tommctague.bsky.social @newstatesman1913.bsky.social: www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...

newstatesman.com

How to imagine new futures

Where are the Benjamin Disraelis and Michael Foots of today?

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

English teachers in particular - you’ll love this: ‘How far back in time can you understand English? An experiment in language change’: www.deadlanguagesociety.com/p/how-far-ba...

deadlanguagesociety.com

How far back in time can you understand English?

An experiment in language change

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

“A new play based on fantasy series Game of Thrones is set to open in Stratford-upon-Avon this summer, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced …” www.bbc.com/news/article...

bbc.com

Game of Thrones: Prequel play The Mad King to open in Stratford-Upon-Avon this summer

The stage prequel will be set 10 years before the events of the original books and TV series.

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Delighted to see Stephen (aka Lord) Parkinson making the case for the arts in state schools. And am also proud that I taught him when he was a student in Years 9-11 at our rural comprehensive - Thurston Community College, Suffolk:

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

We went to see ‘Hamnet’ this week and loved the directing, the acting, the storytelling. However … just how accurate is the film? Here’s the fascinating verdict of eminent Shakespearean scholar @profbate.bsky.social @thetimes.com: [£] www.thetimes.com/culture/film...

thetimes.com

How accurate is Hamnet? The Shakespeare scholar’s verdict

The award-winning film starring Jessie Buckley has left many viewers in tears, but this expert was upset for other reasons

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Reposted by Geoff Barton

SecEd @seced.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

SecEd Podcast: Our new episode in partnership with @the-rsc.bsky.social offers practical ideas & #teaching techniques for engaging students in the work of William #Shakespeare. Some amazing tips from @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social Jacqui O'Hanlon & Emma Aubrey, head of Dowdales School buff.ly/EgEDVOy

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

The joy of annotated road signs (via @theguardian.com letters page) …

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2026 … via this GeoffyB New Year megamix: www.mixcloud.com/GeoffyB/gb-n... #Cheesy

mixcloud.com

GB-New-Year-2026-mix

An upbeat mix to kick-start 2026 ...

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Da-dah .... Roll of drums ... Here's the Christmas 2025 Barton Bookshelf: 10 books that have entertained, disturbed, provoked or transported me in recent months - 5 fiction / 5 non-fiction. Full notes on my LinkedIn page. Enjoy!

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Reposted by Geoff Barton

Tom Richmond @tom-richmond.com · 26/11/2025

🚨NEW PODCAST🚨 Everyone agrees the SEND system is broken, but how do you fix it? @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social and @eleanorrrlouise.bsky.social joined me to talk through the analysis and proposals in their new @ippr.org report on reforming SEND. Listen here: insideyoured.com

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

‘Many years ago, I took my parents to see The Merchant of Venice. Portia was halfway through her “Quality of mercy” speech when my father decided to join in. Shakespeare was in his bloodstream …’: my @tesmagazine.bsky.social piece celebrating the RSC’s new curriculum: www.tes.com/magazine/tea...

tes.com

Why Shakespeare and oracy go hand in hand

The curriculum and assessment review cements Shakespeare’s place in classrooms, but teaching must focus on bringing his words to life, writes Geoff Barton

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Barbara Bleiman @barbarableiman.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Great to see the importance of Oracy being so clearly recognised in the CAR! Congratulations to @voice21oracy.bsky.social @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social and many others & thank you for all your hard work!

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Reposted by Geoff Barton

Institute for Public Policy Research @ippr.org · 26/10/2025

"We're not saying that we have an education system that isn't working for all young people, it's just not working for enough young people". 📻 @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social on @bbc5live.bsky.social 👇

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 26/10/2025

Just finished Ian McEwan’s latest. At first I wasn’t sure about it. I liked the dystopian stuff, but didn’t care about the people, the narrative. Then part 2 kicks in and it all coheres - a haunting exploration of memory, storytelling, the intersection of our past & present. Superb #BartonBookshelf

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Reposted by Geoff Barton

Institute for Public Policy Research @ippr.org · 21/10/2025

🎧 “Please don’t ignore us" - Cath Kitchen, chair of the National Association of Hospital Education spotlights why children with medical needs must be included in the SEND conversation. New episode of Talking Inclusion... with @RealGeoffBarton.bsky.social is live! podcasts.apple.com/ug/podcast/t...

podcasts.apple.com

Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton

Education Podcast · A podcast from the IPPR Inclusion Taskforce What does truly inclusive education look like, and how can we make it better? Hosted by Geoff Barton, former general secretary of the…

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

"This volume lets us see Heaney’s work, whose ripples we are still learning to navigate, for the colossal achievement it is, and reminds us that Heaney is not only a keeper but an enricher of the word-hoard": the definitive new Heaney poetry collection: www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...

theguardian.com

The Poems of Seamus Heaney review – collected works reveal his colossal achievement

The complete works, including previously unpublished poems and expert notes, are brought together in one volume for the first time

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

The fundamental role of language in inclusive education, and the importance of early intervention & support: my conversation for our @ippr.org ‘Talking Inclusion’ podcast with Jane Harris, CEO of @speechandlanguk.bsky.social: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...

podcasts.apple.com

"Every teacher is a language t…–Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton – Apple Podcasts

Podcast Episode · Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton · 29/09/2025 · 31m

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

On art education: “Starmer’s ‘new, hopeful, modern story of Britain’ is still waiting to be written. And unless we rescue art from the margins of the curriculum, there may soon be no one left who knows how to sketch it out” … observer.co.uk/news/nationa...

observer.co.uk

Children starved of art lose their creative spark – and t...

You can’t buy a crayon with the amount spent on arts education in some schools – leaving pupils without the skills for tomorrow’s jobs

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Reposted by Geoff Barton

Institute for Public Policy Research @ippr.org · 11/09/2025

Too many vulnerable children are sent miles from their communities, while parents face a low-trust SEND system as they fight for years for support. @childrenscomm.bsky.social, Rachel de Souza says: “We must do better for our children.” On Talking Inclusion... With @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social

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Reposted by Geoff Barton

Institute for Public Policy Research @ippr.org · 10/09/2025

In episode 7 of Talking Inclusion... with @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social, Rachel de Souza (@childrenscomm.bsky.social) talks to Geoff about her new #ChildrensPlan and what it means for more inclusive education. 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6qaz... 📄 www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/the...

open.spotify.com

“We must do better for our children” with Dame Rachel de Souza

Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton · Episode

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

Learning from others: In our latest @ippr.org ‘Talking Inclusion’ podcast, it was my privilege to talk to global expert Professor Mel Ainscow about what we might learn from some other countries’ approaches to inclusive education: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...

podcasts.apple.com

"Reforming Inclusion" with Pro…–Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton – Apple Podcasts

Podcast Episode · Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton · 02/09/2025 · 21m

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 30/08/2025

“For a limited season this autumn, Christopher Marlowe will become a star of the London stage again. Enjoy it while you can …” says @theguardian.com. Can’t wait to see the RSC’s ‘Born With Teeth’ at this week’s official opening … www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

theguardian.com

The Guardian view on Christopher Marlowe: it’s time to read him and honour him | Editorial

Editorial: England’s second most famous playwright is the star of a new play. But his own works should be staged more, and he should be commemorated better

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

'How might the narrative around special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) move away from deficit & barriers towards joy, belonging & opportunity?': our latest @ippr.org 'Talking Inclusion' podcast is with the inspiring @katieghose.bsky.social: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...

podcasts.apple.com

"A dose of optimism" with Kati…–Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton – Apple Podcasts

Podcast Episode · Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton · 29/08/2025 · 15m

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Introducing our new series of brief (15-min) @ippr.org podcasts looking at different aspects of what inclusion in education means now … and how it could look in the future. First conversation is with national SEND expert @mmulholland.bsky.social: open.spotify.com/episode/5G7A...

open.spotify.com

"Every learner matters and matters equally" with Margaret Mulholland

Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton · Episode

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Reposted by Geoff Barton

Institute for Public Policy Research @ippr.org · 19/08/2025

Today, we're announcing the members of IPPR's Inclusion Taskforce, chaired by @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social. We have brought together leaders from education, policy, and politics — alongside parents — to find solutions for a system at breaking point. Find out more here: www.ippr.org/the-ippr-inc...

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 17/08/2025

“Everywhere, negative stories about Russia were quietly downplayed or suppressed and positive ones megaphoned. In this climate, 5 major publishing houses turned down Animal Farm as an inappropriate attack on a vital wartime ally”: the origins of a brilliant book: www.theguardian.com/books/2025/a...

theguardian.com

‘Animal Farm was my parents’ teamwork’: Orwell’s son on 80 years of the satirical classic

Richard Blair on the role his mother played in developing the 1945 political fable – and how it nearly didn’t get published

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

“In this multitalented cast of 10, only Lossi the dog doesn’t play an instrument”: lovely, witty review of the RSC’s charming, family-friendly production of ‘Two Gentlemen’ now playing in Stratford-Upon-Avon: www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/a...

theguardian.com

The Two Gentlemen of Verona review – less smut, more mutt in RSC’s delightful dog day afternoon

Lossi the lurcher is the only cast member not playing an instrument in this summer production aimed at younger audiences

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

“For it’s when we feel ourselves plunged into the abyss, when our despair at our fellow human beings pulls strongest, that we most need to look upward – and glimpse the stars”: a timely dose of optimism from @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social @theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

theguardian.com

The world’s in flames. But these are the ways I’ve found hope this summer amid the gloom | Jonathan Freedland

Tentatively, I want to make a moral case for escapism – for allowing oneself a break from world events, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

“Do you get irritated by how young people speak? Or are you like, chill … ?”: entertaining, informative piece on language change in @thenewworldmag.bsky.social app.thenewworld.co.uk/story/139578...

app.thenewworld.co.uk

Why we need to be more chill about language change

It appears that our vocabulary is entrained with the Zeitgeist, whether we like it or not

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Geoff Barton @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

Love this calm, thoughtful analysis of the likely impact of a policy proposal …

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