thepunctuationshow.com

Raising attainment through entertainment and learning through laughter.

Testimonials about the SPAG, Reading and GCSE Shows I offer:

The children and staff were talking about you for the rest of the week! Thank you so much for coming and inspiring our children (and staff!)
 
E Chappell
Chilwell Croft Academy

A huge thank you so much for visiting us on Thursday. The children (and staff) had a fabulous time and thoroughly enjoyed your show, it was beyond expectations so thank you!

P Markwick
Swanbourne School

'The Punctuation Man brought punctuation to life! The songs and actions were memorable and really helped our Year 6s prepare for their SATs. The show was thoroughly enjoyed by all!'  

Thank you so much for such a wonderful show. I have passed on your details to the other schools in our trust. 
☺️

Lauren 
Hereward Primary School 


Many thanks for all your hard work last week. I had so many positive comments about your shows.

Mrs Julie Willows
Headteacher
Newlaithes Nursery & Infant School

Thank you so much Barrie.

You were a roaring success!

K Sharples
Thornleigh Salesian College

The pupils were buzzing afterwards, and I anticipate songs and actions re-appearing in lessons, especially from my Y8 boys!
I have no doubt we will be in touch next year to discuss working with you again.

L Frith
Khalsa Academy

Thank you so much. The children and staff had a fantastic time! I look forward to working together again soon.

Miss Jewell
Year 5 teacher
English coordinator 

The Hills Academy

Thank you so much for the visit. The children absolutely loved it and were very enthusiastic during and after the session. 
Amy Newton
Great Wood Primary School 


Thank you so much for your performance yesterday the children loved it (even if they seemed embarrassed) and it was all my classes could talk about today! We’d definitely be interested in having you return in the future, I think once Y11 have finished I’ll look into booking for our KS3 students.

Georgia Pickles Leeds West Academy

The students and staff alike absolutely loved it.
 
We will definitely be booking in for next year so I’ll get in touch closer to the time to organise this.

Laura Mason
Cardinal Newman

I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you again for your amazing presentation yesterday. I have had some lovely feedback from the staff from both the younger year groups and the older ones who, apparently, were buzzing and demanded that the rest of their lessons were as fun as your presentation. To get that from Year 7 and Year 8 is praise indeed. As I mentioned yesterday, it was great to hear a teacher ask where on earth I found you as you are FANTASTIC. So, thank you again and I do hope we will see you here again.
 

Ruth Garrett
St Andrew’s Prep
Eastbourne


As a SEND school it can be difficult to find providers who are able to meet the need of our students, Barrie was incredibly flexible and willing to differentiate and tailor the show to suit the context and needs of out cohort. We were incredibly impressed with the offer and students really engaged well with the sessions delivered.
 
Katie Jones, Deputy Headteacher, Piper Hill School.



Thank you for your time as well!
The children absolutely loved it and teachers too. My acting deputy head, in particular, raved at how good it was.

L. Bryson
Burnhope Primary

Barrie was amazing and the presentation was just fantastic. All the pupils loved the show. Would definitely have The Punctuation Show in future.

 
Elizabeth Pigott 
Haslucks Green Junior School


Thanks again for a great day yesterday. The students loved the shows and it was a perfect way to end the half term. The songs, sketches and quizzes are so engaging as is your interaction with the audience!
 
M King
Emmbrook School


'Many thanks to Barrie for a putting on such fantastic shows. The children were so engaged and continued to sing the catchy songs throughout the day. They could talk about what they had learnt and how they could apply it back in class. A fab way to liven up the day!'

Emily Mitchell
Abacus Primary

Thank you so much for visiting Thorpepark on Tuesday. The KS1 children thoroughly enjoyed it and i've have lots of positive feedback from KS2 children and staff.

Lauren Shearer
Thorpe Park Academy


I’d just like to thank you for today. The show was absolutely brilliant! Our pupils loved it,  and the non-specialist staff and TAs said that they learned so much too. I will 100% be recommending you to other schools and hope to be able to book you again in the future.

Deborah Snowden
PHSG

At Oaklands School we thoroughly enjoyed having Barrie deliver 2 fun, exciting and engaging grammar and punctuation shows. Here at Oaklands School the student having Special Educational Needs and some of our students are 'hard to reach'. They were all engaged and joined in 100%. Thank you, Barrie, we can't wait for you to come back again!"

Mrs K. Williams 
Lead teacher English and RE 
Oaklands School


Thank you very much for the show yesterday – the feedback from the pupils has been fantastic. It’s certainly unlike any literacy lessons they have done before.
 

A number of the pupils have since said that they knew that they should be using a variety of punctuation but were struggling to use them correctly and in the right places – you have cleared up a lot of muddles in an engaging show that mixed fun and clarity.
 
Thanks also for the resources!
 
Mr M Sutherland
Sherfield School

Just a note to say thank you so much for the visit today.
The students (and staff) loved the show. It was a really engaging mixture of comedy, songs, actions and explanations addressing some of the most common punctuation errors – even the comma splice which I’m forever battling against!

We hope to see you again soon.
 
Kind regards
Matthew King
Embrook School


"Barrie presented the information to KS3 and KS4 in a fun, informative and professional way”.

R Hanney
Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi


Thank you so much for the show you did.  The children thoroughly enjoyed it and it was lovely to hear them chatting about it and singing the songs afterwards.  Your show engages children in such a fun and inspiring way and has helped us to raise the profile of punctation across school.

E Allen
Chillingham Road Primary




“Barrie delivered two fun, engaging shows about grammar and punctuation for us.  The children came out singing his songs, and asking if he could come back to do more with him!”

thanks again for yesterday – it was lovely to see so many smiling faces after two hours on punctuation and grammar!

R Peacock
Moresby Primary



Thank you so much for visiting school. The children thoroughly enjoyed it- they were even dancing and singing in the playground doing the actions for the full stop song.

I would say your presentation was imaginative, interactive, and fun. Because of this there is evidence of the children learning and applying what you have taught.

Thank you again for everything we will see you again.

Kath Ewart
Consett Infants

Barrie was fantastic, his songs were fun and engaging and the children had a great time learning about SPaG through his entertaining and musical show. Would definitely recommend to anyone considering inviting him into school!


Matthew Low
Assistant Headteacher KS2
St Andrew and St Francis C of E Primary School


Thank you so much for yesterday, Barrie. As always, the children learnt plenty whilst having a ball!!

See you next year.

Amanda Gorman
Barnard Castle School


Staff and children were buzzing with excitement after "The Punctuation Show".  A fun, interactive performance to inspire children to be attentive to their use of punctuation in their writing.


Thank you,
Inez Burgess
Anfield Plain Juniors

An educational, engaging and enthusiastic presentation on punctuation! Year 7 thoroughly enjoyed the session. Thank you, Barrie!

Larissa Leen
Bishop Douglas School

Having Barrie into our school was an absolute joy, especially after a difficult year with the restrictions of Covid. Students laughed, danced, sang, and learnt lots! The show was thoroughly enjoyed by all, thank you Barrie.

Best wishes,
Annabel Daniels
St Thomas More School


Thank you ever so much for coming in - the girls loved it and already this morning (amongst the excitement of WBD!) many of them have come to see me to tell me they loved it. Even in English this morning, my year 1's have asked if they can use a 'DUN DUN DUN!!!!' in their story writing!!

I will definitely spread the word and when I pass the pictures on to marketing I will ask them to tag you in your handles. 

Thanks again!
Brogan Simpson
St Mary’s
Colchester


Thank you for the resources and for the show. Lots of the children came out buzzing. I heard, "That was the best grammar lesson EVER!" and "He should be on x factor. He was REALLY singing!” Staff were impressed too and loved it.

Best wishes,

Rachel Esling
Cedarwood Primary


Thank you so much for today. It was brilliant! The children and staff were all buzzing.

These resources surpass all expectations too. They will be so useful.

Thank you again.

Please, please let me know if I can write anything anywhere to sing your praises! I have given your details to my sister already. 

Emma Bradley
St Peters at Gowt




Hi Barrie,
I'm sorry I missed you too - the staff and children said the afternoon was brilliant - thank you.

Amanda Hulme
Claypool Primary



we will have you back without a doubt - my son loved your show at Claypool and came back talking about punctuation!

Stacey Postle
Head Teacher
Beaumont Primary School
Bolton

Thanks again for a brilliant show – both staff and children really enjoyed it!
We are sending the password details out to parents on the newsflash so children can learn the songs at home.
 
We will definitely be contacting you again in the future and will pass on your details to the other Dixons Primaries!
 
Kind regards,
Sarah
 

Associate Assistant Vice Principal Dixons Music Primary
Sarah Brearley


I have passed on your emai to our head and asked the deputy to put your link on our facebook page along with some photos.

thank you once again, the kids loved it.

Kind regards
Leanne Hylton
Eastfield Primary

Thanks so much for coming and performing to our year 7 and 11s last week, it was brilliant!  They both thoroughly enjoyed it and certainly will now not forget vital literacy and GCSE skills.

Emma Mayer
Burnage Academy

Dear Barrie
 
Many thanks for providing such an entertaining and informative show for our year 8 students.

Kind regards

 
Sarah Wilcocks
Greenfield School


Thank you so much for another brilliant show. We've already had lots of very positive feedback. 

I hope to see you again soon.

Jennifer Hurske
Castle View Academy


 

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for yesterday. The children thoroughly enjoyed the morning and took a lot away with them.
 
Thanks again for bringing your exciting show to Selborne!
 
Best wishes
 
Cleo
Selborne Primary


Hi Barrie,

The feedback from our students and staff has been wonderful! Thank you so very much for coming and I’ll certainly have no hesitation in recommending you to others.

Best wishes,

Tracy Howarth
Co-Op Academy
Manchester

Thank you so much. A great day of entertainment and learning.

Miss Rebecca Isdell-Carpenter
Head of English
Blundell’s School



The children really enjoyed the shows and it helped reinforce work being taught in the class in a fun and exciting way.

 
Looking forward to booking you again for 2019-20
 
Many thanks
 
Karen Kent
Headteacher
Menorah Foundation School


“I absolutely loved the Punctuation Show! It was a really fun way to learn about a really difficult English skill and I feel like I’m much more confident with my writing in lessons now. Thank you!”

Pupil, Parkside School

The show was excellent; Barrie’s enthusiasm for the topic is commendable and he really made, what can be a dry subject, enjoyable.

Miss C Taylor
Barr Beacon School

Hi Barrie,

Just to say a big thank you for your amazing show today. All of the children and all the staff had a fantastic day and they didn't want it to end.

Ms J. Smith
South Stanley Infants


By all accounts they had a great session with you as always

Mrs Dolan
New Seaham Academy


The punctuation show was truly magnificent. The children were totally engaged throughout. The grammar that was taught in such a fun way was catchy and exciting. It left children wanting more and they have already asked for Barrie to return as soon as possible.

 
Stacey Postle
DHT/SLE/Year 6 Teacher
Claypool Primary School


It was a fabulous show and how you made it so entertaining was quite simply brilliant. 

Karen Graham
St. Catherine's CE Primary


A fun filled interactive show which really hit the spot with our children. 
Rachel Coates
The Mount Junior School


“My year 4 children are using semi-colons independently because of you…”

Eleanor Burrows
Wargrave Primary School


Thank you again for visiting King James and for delivering another fantastic learning experience for the groups.

Nick Grieveson
King James Academy

Hi Barrie,

 
Thank you so much for both of your performances today. The staff and children alike really enjoyed the shows finding them entertaining and informative.
 
I have recommended you to some neighbouring schools.
 
Kind regards,
Ellie
Selborne Primary

We can't thank you enough for the sessions today. We all got a huge amount from them and had a lot of fun too; you are a born entertainer!
We really feel that progress will improve from the shows.

Many thanks,
Rachel
Deanshanger Primary

‘Even the most challenging year 11s were absorbed in the session’

Jennifer Cooper
Beauchamps School
Essex

“A fun and engaging way to remind students about punctuation! Barrie is figuratively and literally a punctuation genius!”

Natalie Sweeney


“…thank you! The children absolutely love having you in and we get really positive feedback!”

Rhiannon Spaven
Weston Favell Primary



Thank you for today Barrie. The children loved it! Thank you for all the information you kindly gave to me as well.

Sarah Bullock
St Nicholas School


Thank you for your performances today; they were very well received and engaging.

Thanks,

Mariam Ferraiolo
Gateacre School


…the students showed an enthusiasm for punctuation and learning that they haven't before. The way your show is designed is brilliant to encourage this years 7's and other year groups you have visited in the past. Thank you for coming for the 3rd time and I am sure we will see you again next year.

Many thanks,

Jessica Pank
Literacy Support Assistant
Sirius Academy

Dear Barrie

 
Thank you again for coming in the week before last.  Our pupils enjoy it so much that they were running towards Big School!  We have noticed a marked change in the younger years since you started to visit us last year with punctuation and grammar showing signs of far greater accuracy.
 
Mrs A Gorman
Barnard Castle School



The Punctuation Show is a fast-paced, action-packed whirlwind of singing, audience participation and comedy stand-up.  Catchy tunes and lyrics will enhance  pupils' learning, enjoyment and understanding of these little punctuation marks - including troublesome apostrophe.
 
Copy ends
 
Many thanks,
 
Mrs L Judges
Wearhead Primary


Good afternoon, Barrie, 
I just wanted to say thank you very much for coming to Brize Norton last Thursday. The children absolutely loved it and really enjoyed themselves. Who knew that punctuation could be so exciting?!

Claire Musgrave
Brize Norton Primary


Thank you for a fab couple of sessions; there’s been lots of positive feedback from the students who really enjoyed the shows. 

Paula Ward
Calthorpe Park School


Hi Barrie,

Thank you , the children and the staff thoroughly enjoyed the shows .

Mel
Miss M Neale
Headteacher
Gravel Hill Primary School
Bexleyheath

"We wanted a fresh start to the new year to really motivate all of our pupils so I knew Barrie and his great songs, rapport and enthusiasm were just what we needed! We all learnt so much and ...had fun!"

Dan Walton
Headteacher
Langley Park Primary School
DH7 9XN



Brilliant show yesterday. The students were really into it and we've had over 1000 views of the Facebook post!

Helen Dalloway
Sandwell College



By the end of the show there were so many students up on their feet dancing away and having fun whilst singing along to songs about punctuation and grammar; Barrie truly was a real hit and all students that took part were given an opportunity to build their literacy skills!

Sophie Everist
Goffs School

Barrie's dynamic personality was engaging, entertaining and a big hit with children and adults alike. He is a consummate professional  and very well informed about all aspects of the current English curriculum. His enthusiastic and easily understood approach to the subject enabled the children to learn in a 'fun' way, and he left behind lots of exciting resources for us to use. Thanks a million, Barrie.

H Conboy
English Leader
St Francis Catholic Primary School
Walsall

Thank you for coming to the School and performing. We really enjoyed it and found your new material really beneficial to our KS2 pupils. We are also looking forward to using the resources in English classes too.

Steff Parks
Woodhouse Academy

The grammar and punctuation shows Barrie delivered were great! The catchy songs, comic sketches and quiz style show really enthused our pupils; a fun and engaging way of revising terminology for our children. Thank you Barrie!

I will pass on your thanks and spread the word amongst our teaching friends.

Many thanks,
Helen Hill
Hordes-On-The-Hill Primary


You were brilliant on Monday and the children, and staff, loved it! Great, catchy songs and very hip moves you had there. They particularly enjoyed the game style quiz you had.

Miss G. Avanesjan 
5A Class Teacher 
Head of English and Key Stage 2
St Nicholas Preparatory School


“…children have been irritating their parents with the catchy tunes. In addition to the children loving it, the adults did too and I know that many teaching assistants commented that they had learned new grammar terms during the 'Advanced Grammar' show. “

Laura Russen
Crofton Juniors

'The children were all really engaged and Barrie helped to liven up what can be quite a dry subject.  The Punctuation show also helped to raise expectations in terms of the language we used to describe grammatical terms, we won't be saying 'wow words' anymore it'll be 'adjectives' from EYFS upwards!’

Rachel Howard
Laycock Primary
Islington



The edu-tainment factor was definitely high, infectious and creative!

Mary Betsayda-Petrie
Skinner’s Academy



It was a wonderful opportunity for staff and children to be learning together in a fun and exciting way.

Erika Thornhill
Headteacher
Sharley Park Community Primary School

“Barrie came into our school to perform two shows, and since then the pupils in that year group haven’t stopped raving about him. They have fallen in love with the songs, and the energy with which he delivered them. I couldn’t recommend him more!

Joseph Berwick
Hodge Hill College


”Thank you so much – all of the children really enjoyed themselves.

Sally Greaves
Minety Primary

“The children were engaged throughout Barrie’s punctuation show and enjoyed it immensely”

Clare Rice
Chewton Mendip Primary

It was an absolute delight having Barrie come to our school. He entertained and educated both staff and pupils alike with a very engaging and polished performance.

Helen Cocker
Castle Hills Academy
Basingstoke

There was a buzz around school today and lots of positive feedback about the shows. 
Thank you again for coming to work with us. 

Rebecca Curley
Christ the King Primary
London 

Thanks for your fab day with us:  the children thoroughly enjoyed your interactive and energetic shows.  You made a potentially dry subject engaging and fun, ensuring our children learned lots of important facts.  We'd love to invite you back to work with us again in the future!
 
Take care!
 
Tracy Page
Headteacher
Woodhouse Community Primary School

“Loved the Punctuation Show and the Grammar Show!  Barrie is engaging and delivers with such enthusiasm and energy.  Resources are superb and really useful to continue the message after the shows are over.”
 
Fionna Knibbs
Porth County Community School.

"A really fun way to encourage students to engage with the importance of punctuation - we would thoroughly recommend!”

Victoria Bond
Sirius Academy North

I can't remember the percentage of high achievers but it was well above the national average - the songs worked!

Alison Hawkins
Head
Allendale School

Thank you very much for a fantastic and engaging presentation.  Students and staff alike found it both fun and informative and I'm positive I've heard four or five students singing The Brackets Song as I've walked through school this afternoon.

I have passed on the resources to our staff and I anticipate they will be very useful across our school; I will certainly be using some of them in my own classes.  

Thank you again for your time and resources.  I'll certainly be recommending you to colleagues in other schools.

Chris Agar
Bamburgh School


I just wanted to thank you for a brilliant day; it was great fun and enjoyed by everyone, staff and students alike.

Paula Ward

 
Library Manager
Calthorpe Park School

Thank you so much for the grammar and punctuation shows last week. We all thoroughly enjoyed them (staff and students alike) and felt that they formed a really useful part of our revision programme for Year 6.

Having spoken to the children about it, the general consensus was really positive. I think the fun atmosphere has gone some way to alleviating some of the stress that was building and helped the children to consolidate their learning in an informal way.

Claire Broader and the English Department at Woodhouse Academy


Barrie, we enjoyed the show, no doubt about it. It has had an ongoing impact and was good old-fashioned fun. My personal favourite was the Grammar Aquarium! You deliver with enthusiasm and the resources are really high quality. Thank you for coming!

Jay Lanyon, Rolls Crescent

"It was great to see our students so enthused by punctuation and grammar. They have all been dying to sing the songs again in English today!"

Leah Falkingham
Chantry Middle School


“My bottom set yr 9s and TA gave me a rendition of the ellipsis song today... And got some in the right place in their writing! Have requested full stop song for next lesson :)”
Carly Shapland, Head of English, Maplesden Noakes School, Kent (via Facebook)


My year 11s greeted me entering the room today with a rendition of the ellipsis song too... it's something about that opening, Barrie!! then managed some kick ass semicolon-ing, all so that i'd put back on the paragraph rap so they could sing along. Right now, I adore you!!
Rachel Hunt, English Teacher, TACHS, Uttoxeter. (via Facebook)


@PODCASTREVISION superb shows today Barrie, the kids got so much out of the shows we will definitely be re-booking in the future thank you!
Victoria Forester, English Teacher, Hurworth School, Darlington (via Twitter)

"Very enthusiastic and engaging!  All pupils responded to his style and presentation with great enthusiasm.  Great ideas for staff to follow up afterwards.  Would book any future presentations without hesitation". 
Amy Willmot, Headteacher, Consett Junior School.

Hello Barrie,
 
 First of all thanks for today!  I am currently sat in my year 10 class and am typing whilst  they complete their sample task. The students are very enthusiastic about using  some semicolons and  are raving about the show.  One girl  has said she couldn't stop laughing and lots of them are saying  they  have  the songs running through their minds. The show has certainly got them thinking and talking about punctuation: fantastic! 
 
 Many thanks  for coming  along to school and for making punctuation fun,  
 
Alison     
Mrs Alison Moore
 
Communications Faculty Leader  
Park View School
Chester -le -Street


The punctuation show was fun, interactive and informative. There were jokes, songs and questions and this made the hour long show fly by. Some students loved it so much they saw it twice!  We look forward to other similar shows.
Helen Redhead, Literacy Co-ordinator, South Shields Community School

"The punctuation shows have really helped students to gain a greater understanding of some of the more formal elements of the English curriculum in a fun and engaging way.  Barrie's confident and energetic presentation, coupled with his stong belief in audience participation, provide an interesting alternative to more traditional approaches to learning."
Nick Grieveson, King James Academy

As promised, here are some quotes from the students for you:
 
"I really liked the Punctuation Show because we were told how to use punctuation correctly and when you need to use it. Also there were a lot of activities for people to join in to and lastly it was very cheerful with songs and dances." (Jack, Year 8)
 
"I thought that the Punctuation Show was great! The way he explained about the key things in punctuation was fun but also educational. In my opinion all the songs were good and helped me to remember them." (Phoebe, Year 8)
 
Catherine
 
Dr Catherine Walton
Director of Learning: English
Tanfield School

Just thought you would like to know our GCSE results are the best ever! 44% A-C including English and Maths!  English year 11, 52%,  year 10 53%! and Lit 83%. I am sure the roadshow helped.
with  thanks
Chris

Christine Rutter
Head of English
Risedale School
North Yorks

Just to let you know that we cracked 63% A*-C for English this year for GCSE.  Don’t know if you wish to use that in your publicity but clearly it has had an input.  You may also wish to know that the Year 10s have already bagged 50% A*-C which is very pleasing indeed.

Garry Stout
Deputy Head Teacher
Dene Community School of Technology

Barrie - the children and staff all loved it. The staff said the children were totally engrossed and enthralled and loved every minute of it! Songs were fab and the time just flew!

Mrs Jane Davis
Head Teacher
Lanchester E.P. Primary School
Tel: 01207 520436

"...the kids really enjoyed the show and got a lot from it."
Karen Dalgliesh, Director of Performing Arts, Bourneville School

'I thought the Punctuation Show was fabulous. It kept the children engaged and the songs really brought about a different and enjoyable way to teach punctuation. Been given the resources to use in class was very useful.'
 
Quotes from children:
' The songs were cool.'
'It was very entertaining.'

Lisa Rowell
Literacy Coordinator
Benfieldside School






Hi Barrie

 
Thanks again for a really fun and informative day. The pupils had a brilliant time and on Friday when I got them together and asked which activity they enjoyed the most many said your road show. They had a fun and informative day. Hope to see you soon
 
Regards
Paula Lowerson-Marshall
Seaham School of Technology
Family Leader

Dear Barrie,
Thanks for the show last week. We had a very positive reaction from the children who thoroughly enjoyed it.
The following are comments from the staff: Highly entertaining. Gets children interested. Gets children talking afterwards. Children all very enthusiastic - introduced new concepts to younger children whilst reinforcing basics for everyone.

Pat Stonehouse
Bishop Ian Ramsey School
Medomsley

“...we increased our results by 15%.  Thanks for your 'help"
S Francom, Assistant Principal, St Aidan's Academy


The Road Show presented students with a whole new way of learning essential skills. Students were entertained and educated – not an easy combination for blasé Y11s!
Sue Sandham
Head of English Faculty
Durham Gilesgate Sports College & Sixth Form Centre

“Like the BBC, The Punctuation Roadshow entertained, informed and educated. Our KS3 pupils loved it and still remember the catchy songs and therefore the purpose of different features of punctuation.”

T Beckett
Head of English
Spennymoor School

" Barrie brought punctuation to life for the pupils here at The Grove. They remember to this day his up beat presentation . The music was trendy and all were involved- all 70 of them."

Liz Hume
The Grove School
 
"The Basildon Academy was delighted to welcome Barrie and his ‘Punctuation Roadshow’ on Wednesday and Thursday. Barrie entertained Years 7, 8 and 9 with his educational and hilarious songs about punctuation. He also put on a special show for our neighbouring primary schools, Northlands and Greenstead, who very much enjoyed themselves. Thank you Barrie!"
Basildon Academies Website
When asked what they thought of the show my Year 6 replied quite simply:' Awesome!' This seems to be the general consensus amongst staff and pupils.

Wendy Dixon, SENCO/Head of English

Glendale Community Middle School


The shows today were terrific.  Even some of our toughest kids participated thanks to your engaging, fun performance.  Every member of staff who was there, including the Principal and Vice Principal, commented on how fantastic the shows were.  I look forward to seeing not only to the basics of full stops, but far fewer apostrophes littering students’ work in all the wrong places!
 
Many thanks for all the energy and passion you put into those performances.

Vivienne Roberts Acting AVP / Curriculum Leader – Communications All Saints Academy Dunstable

Barrie’s delivery of the Punctuation Roadshow was fantastic. He engaged and motivated all pupils across the school from the minute his presentation began. He made this topic a really memorable event. I would highly recommend The Punctuation Roadshow to any school looking to develop punctuation skills and understanding within its school or simply to engage pupils further in literacy.

Mark Watson
Acting Headteacher
Leadgate Community Junior School

Hi we got our results today 57.4%! that's a 20% rise from the summer

Lee-Anne Butler, English Teacher
Washington School (via Facebook)


@Ssamelddim)
3/29/12 4:20 PM
We LOVED
@PODCASTREVISION today! Years 9 and 10 want to know when Barrie is returning! Great learning experience. Fab songs.
Melissa Middlemass (



"Thank you very much, Barrie. The students really enjoyed Monday – I knew you would convince them that punctuation can be fun!"

S Sandham 
Subject Leader- Gilesgate Community Sports College

Thanks again for today. It really was a resounding success...There was a real buzz around the school afterwards, with much of the talk being centred around the performance (and especially the 'dances')... Particularly nice was the fact that there was a buzz amongst the staff who had attended the performance too.

David Oaten
Head of English
Mount Grace High School
Hinkley

Thanks to you Barrie. The shows were universally well received by the two different year groups, even the hard nuts in Year 11 were cracked by you in superb style.
 
It was also fantastically simple to arrange with you both in the booking stage and practical preparations on the day. 

Miss. K.Thornton
English Leader
PRIORY Sports and Technology College

Hi Barrie, I know Kate has responded already, but I just wanted to add a big thankyou.  The pupils enjoyed the experience (some of my year 9 were dancing the bracket song during my lesson today!) although some thought you were "a bit mad" - All good then!

Mrs J Elliott
English Teacher
Priory Sports and Technology College




We all enjoyed your show tremendously and my bottom set were able, yesterday, to tell me how to use brackets so they obviously leant something!

 
Thanks again and hope to see you soon,
 
Zoe Pike
Bishops Chester

'A fun presentation with plenty of songs and interaction to keep the children engaged.'

'Good use of humour to reinforce punctuation messages.'

Miss J. Peacock
Burnopfield Primary School


The feedback from both staff and pupils was very positive indeed and no more than I expected having seen the show myself.  I asked some of the pupils what they had learnt and every pupil I spoke to could describe some new learning!

P Burnside
Head
St. Pats RCVA Primary
Langley Moor

“Fantastic - the pupils are still singing the songs now and trying to decide which one is their favourite.”

L Wright
Head
Thomas More RCVA Primary

“They say that punctuation can’t be fun - well you’ve proved them wrong!”
Mr Griffin
Anfield Plain Juniors

“A fantatstic show - really ‘boy friendly!’”
S Redman
Head of English
Skinners’ Academy

"Inspirational! Up-lifting and fun!"
M.Wilkinson
Principal
Leigh Academy

If you're looking for something a little different to wake up your c/d border students before the exam - podcast revision is just what I would recommend. A well paced, informative session with a range of fantastic songs - our girls are still singing them :)

Angy Harrison-Phillips
Holly Lodge Girls' College
Liverpool

We had a fantastic morning. Barrie’s high energy performance had even the most self conscious children joining in with many others making a real breakthrough in their understanding of punctuation.

Peter Armstrong
Head
Whickham Parochial School

“...the combination of teaching, songs and dance was genius and I really enjoyed it. A number of staff came to ask me what was happening in the hall and they all said that it sounded super as well. I also had a lot of kids from other years asking why they didn't get to come too!”

Charlotte Ducan
Academy 360
Sunderland

“...everytime I've seen a Y9 student this afternoon they've shouted, "Look Miss..."and started doing the dances. It's definitely had an impact, so thank you!”

Jenny Barlow
Co-op Academy at Brownhills.
Stoke-on-Trent

'The Punctuation Show really made punctuation fun.  The songs were ridiculously catchy and the sketches were brilliant.  Barrie's energy and personality made sure that all children thoroughly enjoyed the show and saw punctuation in a new light.'
 
Eve McMann
Literacy Co-Ordinator
St Godric's Primary School

I am so disappointed that I missed your shows!
 
The students (and staff) loved it. I heard nothing but excellent reports on my return to work so thank you very much indeed.
 
K McKenzie
Assistant Head
Castleview Academy


Great feedback as usual from our students Barrie.
(About the Grammar Show, via Facebook)

K McNamee
Head of English
Academy at Shotton


Thank you
@PODCASTREVISION for inspiring our year7/8 with a fantastic literacy/ punctuation roadshow today.
Rachel Ireland
Head
Haughton Academy

When asked if he liked the show, one of the pupils replied that he didn’t like it, he loved it! It seems to be the general consensus with all the pupils here.
Chris Graham
Barbara Priestman Academy (SEN)

“...and already we have seen the impact on the learning of our current students.”
(via the Northern Echo)
F Campbell
Darlington Education Village

Barrie delivered a fantastic show for our Key Stage 2 pupils plus parents. He explained the difficult aspects of Grammar in an amusing way and the pupils still remember the songs he made up to help them understand. His music is fantastic, he made subordinate clauses come alive and the children are still singing the little songs.
The show links well to the draft revised Framework for Grammar. The parents had a ball as well and were very impressed.

Liz Hume
The Grove Primary

The Grammar Show was a resounding success. Pupils (and staff) were dancing all the way through it and still managed to learn!

Christine Wolfendale
Assistant Principal
The Academy at Shotton

The show was fantastic! The pupils learned lots from it and they’re still singing the songs.
Darren McBain
AST
Southmoor Academy








They said the children enjoyed the songs and dancing and they thought it made a what could potentially be a dry subject much more interesting! Unfortunately they didn't take any photos- sorry! Thanks for the website password and entertaining all of our KS2 children (and staff!) last week.

Claire Baker
Literacy Coordinator
Blackhall Primary

They loved it! It was lovely to see the children in the dining hall just coming up to you and talking about last year's show too! They were full of it at the end of the afternoon and I could hear them singing and shouting from the office.

Jane Davies
Head
Lanchester Primary

“It was great, really upbeat - so refreshing!”
Jill Shaw
(Acting Head)
New York Primary School


Our students left your shows enthused and singing... about reading, writing and punctuation! What’s even better is that a week down the line, they still remember everything you taught them. The GCSE Revision Show and Punctuation Show were so successful that you have been the talk of the school and the other year groups have complained that they didn’t get to take part! Your shows are education, entertaining and informative; I will be spreading the word and we will be booking you again. Thank you very much for a fun day.

Maggie Elliott
St Anne’s Academy
Manchester



“Thanks Barrie,
 
 The staff and pupils really loved the show.”

Mrs J Cruise
Head
St Pius Primary School
Consett

Hi Barrie
 
I'd like to thank you again for coming into our school. The pupils loved it!

Miss N Pemberton
Ormiston Stanley Matthews Academy
Staffs

You have raised the bar for future guests - and our own assemblies. We appreciate greatly the time and skill that goes into creating such a 'show' and we would love to play a part in the future of 'podcast revision' and repay your efforts in some way.

William Davis
Bushmead Primary School
Luton

Thank you so much for last Tuesday's grammar show. The younger children loved
every minute, and you even won over some of our more stubborn Year 6s, who were
busy humming the complex sentences song all the next day. The best part is that
we can use all your resources again as follow-up, so it's so much more than a
one-off event. Making grammar fun - who would have thought it possible?

Anna Fairhurst
Assistant Head
Greenmeadow Primary
Swindon

UKLiteracy@UKLiteracy
Just watched
@PODCASTREVISION entertain 220 odd year 9 students @ShottonHall with his grammar roadshow. Get Barrie booked for your school!
Via Twitter

Thank you. It was an excellent show, thanks.
S Ainsley
AST
Harton Technology College






Be prepared to be engaged with this highly original and creative learning opportunity. Punctuation has finally been personified!

B Wassall
Christchurch CE Primary
Newcastle


You are a real inspiration (overused but in this case fully justified).
Gareth Hobson
Heathfield Academy


“What an enjoyable afternoon! A thoroughly original and interactive way of learning about punctuation which the students totally bought into. Highly recommended!”
Kerry Daniells, Head of English, Roseberry College and Sixth Form

"Funny and engaging, this is a truly interactive show that succeeded in making punctuation accessible to all and enjoyable to learn."

Tom Stephenson
Seaham New Academy

The children are still buzzing from your visit and are already talking about how it has helped them improve their writing. A great afternoon which truly inspired the children and staff. Thank you.

Allison Thompson
Kingston Park Primary


"The children had a great time singing along to the punctuation show. It certainly kept the staff on their toes too!"
 
Thanks again!
 
Helen Fahey
Liiteracy Coordinator
Moss Side Primary School

Many thanks for an excellent afternoon learning about grammar.   All the children, from Year 2 to Year 6 thoroughly enjoyed learning about sentence structure in an entertaining and memorable way.  The children came back to class singing the songs about nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and complex sentences and are able to explain how they can be used and why they are important.

Many thanks once again,

Libby Pickervance
Assistant Headteacher 
Lever House Primary School





Thanks, Barrie. Great show as always.  Be in touch soon.
 
Regards
 
Elaine Walls
St Pat’s Consett



What an amazing day! Feedback is incredible! Kids and staff REALLY loved it.

Thanks you so much.

Katie Pattison
Head of Department
Wolstanton High School
Staffs


We all thoroughly enjoyed your school and it has been the talk of the school ever since!  The ellipsis song is driving me a little mad because they won't stop singing it!!  pastedGraphic  They are all now using them in their work though which is excellent.  I think both shows were just the perfect way to make what can be a dull subject such fun!  The children have enjoyed accessing the resources at home!
 
All staff commented on how fantastic the show was and staff room was buzzing.
 
The grammar and punctuation shows were fantastic!  They introduced the children to otherwise difficult topics in a fun, interactive and educational way!  Barrie left the whole school buzzing with enthusiasm and singing the catchy songs (teachers and pupils alike.)  The resources provided after the show have really inspired the children and they have been using extra types of punctuation confidently in their writing.  I couldn't recommend this show more!  Ages 5 to 65 everyone in our school had a thoroughly enjoyable, educational and memorable experience!  Barrie made learning fun for all!

Emma Smith
St Osyth Primary School
Essex

Thanks so much for coming into Northwold.  Pupils and staff really enjoyed your show and the children tell me that they learned loads through the songs and videos.
Alison Kriel
Headteacher
Northwold Primary School
London

...thanks so much for visiting our school. The children and staff really enjoyed it!
Laurie-Ann Spencer
Hummersea Primary

The students all seem to have really enjoyed the show; a boy came up to me just today and said he understood what a verb is now!

Mrs E Donaldson
MacMillan Academy

Cheadle Heath Pri@CHPSchool
8 Apr
Amazing how Barrie managed to engage everyone from Y2 - Y6 with his interactive Punctuation Show. Fabulous! (via Twitter)

"Our KS2 children and staff had a wonderful morning filled with fun, laughter and learning. Barrie had the children (and staff) gripped from the word go. Grammar has never been as much fun at our school!"

Catherine Johnson
Moorfield Community Primary School

Hi Barrie
 
I was just speaking some Year 7 pupils about the festival and asking what they liked best & they gave me another quote for you...
 
"The Punctuation Show was awesome!  It was such good fun! I wish Barrie was my English teacher."
 
Regards
 
Fiona

Hi Barrie,
 
Just a quick email to say thanks so much for coming in to deliver to our students yesterday. They really enjoyed the sessions (especially the Year 8s!) and, even more pleasingly, were able to recall some of the things they’d learnt when we next saw them. Excellent!
 
Thanks again for coming over to visit us.
 
Abby Deeks
West Lakes Academy





Hi Barrie,

 
Thanks very much for your hard work today – it went down really well and the staff and students who were in there have been commenting on how good it was!  My Year 9 class have just been singing the brackets song to me, so something went in!

Emily Bridges
Hounsdown School


Hi Barrie

 
Everyone today here has been raving about the two shows, even the Year 11s were telling their PE teachers about it.
 
Thank you so much again.

Thanks

Matt

Matthew Venton
Assistant Head
Weydon School
Surrey

“Students were totally engaged in learning in the Punctuation Show and the hall was full of students that believed punctuation was the greatest thing!  The songs, cartoons, humour and repeated phrases all gave students easy ways to remember the rules of punctuation.  You have given students & staff a framework for improving the application of punctuation that is fun to learn and do”

 
To quote 1 year 8 – That’s the best show I have ever seen”

K Healey
Principal
Birches Head Academy
Stoke-on-Trent







"An excellent opportunity for our children to learn in a dynamic and stimulating environment - they loved it!"
"A genuine enrichment of the curriculum; delivered with energy. The children were hooked!"

Alex Golden
Ridgeway Primary School
South Shields


We thoroughly enjoyed having you and several students have asked when you’re coming back – a resounding success by all accounts!

C Scudder
St Joseph’s Academy
Hebburn

Big thank you to you for doing the show.  Both children and staff were thoroughly entertained!  I didn't take many photos (Got caught up in the moment and forgot!) but have attached the ones that I took.  Hope they are ok.

Many thanks again, it has been a pleasure from start to finish!

D Preece
St Swithun’s
Notts

You make what could potentially be a dry subject interesting for the children and everyone learnt something new. Even though some of the punctuation was advanced for KS1 my Year 2 class obviously took it all in, one of them was talking about "that curvy punctuation" on the carpet yesterday and he meant brackets!
Keep up the good work :-)

Claire Baker
Blackhall Primary

When Barrie brings The Punctuation Show and The Grammar Show to school, they create a fantastic buzz.  Both shows engage through song, humour and image to ensure we have students leaving the hall singing about adjectives or compound sentences!  I would definitely recommend podcastrevision’s shows to all teachers!

Hannah Pinkus
Roundhill Academy


Thanks so much for coming. It was really interesting the following day, I was doing some work on punctuation with Year 9 and they were quoting you from last year's show, which is fantastic - it definitely works!
 
Sarah Chapman
Mount Grace High

"We love the work Barrie does and have not only had two events, we also use his characters and songs in the classroom. The characters really capture the children's imagination and through association they learn so much about punctuation and grammar, which is reflected in their work. Barrie managed to make something which some children find 'boring and dry' into something exciting and dynamic."

Deb Cross
Deputy Headteacher.
Stanhope Barrington Primary


...
the show was great, the kids clearly enjoyed themselves and have learnt a lot so thank you! I will be checking out your website ASAP!

Thanks again,

Louise Law
St Peter’s Primary
Cleethorpes


The punctuation show was a lively, engaging show which had the children captivated from start to finish. We would definitely recommend this show to other schools.

Alison Luke
St Hild’s College CE Primary


Shotton Primary@ShottonPrimary

KS2 are enjoying the @punctuationshow. #fab!


Hi, Barrie- excellent job today, thank you!!! The kids loved it and it was great for us to see them being rowdy and still learning!

Julie Graham
Manchester Creative Media Academy

"Two energetic and lively shows in one day - great entertainment and learning through active participation and song." English Dept - Woolmer Hill School

"My tutor group have been singing the songs from the show ... and correcting each other if they get them wrong!"
S Pope
Woolmer Hill School


Thoroughly enjoyed the @punctuationshow today with Y7,8 & 9. Barrie is the X Factor of Punctuation. It was like a Zumba workout "",;()!...πŸ‘πŸŽ“
Lesley Anne McDermott, St Pat’s Stockton
via twitter


Yesterday 120 children and staff were fully engaged, enthused and enjoying themselves during an hour and a quarter of grammar! The only groan was when Barrie said that the show was coming to an end! The Grammar Show was a massive hit at Ribbon School. A few weeks earlier we enjoyed The Punctuation Show . Now the question being asked by children and staff is, " Can Barrie come back to do his Reading Show? " 
 
Paul Tomaney
Upper Phase Leader
Ribbon School

The Punctuation Roadshow was a big success.  The dramatic tension increased during the one hour show and both staff and students were up out of their seats and rapping and singing to commas and full stops
Angela Bond
HOD
St Pat’s
Stockton on Tees







HI Barrie,
 
Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the fantastic punctuation shows you did for both KS1 and KS2 last week. They all loved it and were totally buzzing afterwards, really keen to get writing so thank you!
 
 
Helen Thomas
Red Oaks Primary
Swindon

The children had a fantastic time and learned such a lot. This really is learning in a fun and exciting way. Very professional and relevant too. Many thanks

David Grimes
Head
Collierley Primary





Hi Barrie

thank you for sending that information through to me  and for such an excellent show.

Laura Snowdon
Headteacher

Bournmoor Primary School

‘The shows inspired our learners (both young and old) to enjoy the art of English.’
 
‘The children have been singing the songs in the playground and the teachers have been doing similar in the staffroom.’
 
‘Thank you for the enthusiasm of your shows. The hall was full of smiles!’

James Greenwood
Head
Manor Lea Academy

Thanks for today, you have certainly got the students talking about punctuation which is great!

Stuart Aldridge
North Durham Academy

Thank you for today – absolutely wonderful. I would recommend to anyone.

Susan Bartlett
Head
Shakespeare School
Fleetwood

We all really enjoyed the show - the pupils are still talking about it now and encouraged me to play your songs once I told them I had them!!!

Andrea Gilbert
St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Centre for Learning 


'Barrie and his shows come with much to live up to but he does not disappoint.  More than 100 of our students aged 11-16 were kept entertained and educated for more than one hour.  Inspirational indeed!'

Garrett O’Doherty
Coleraine College
Northern Ireland

The GCSE revision show really gave our year 11s a lift. After months of mock exams, intervention classes and controlled assessment, the show was a fun and lighthearted approach from which our students took great benefit.
 
Look forward to working with you again in the future.

 
Joel Smith
Assistant Principal - Achievement/Intervention
Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy



“A lively and engaging presentation that covered all the grammar basics.  The children loved ‘Grammar Aquarium’!!”

Ms Lucy Byrne

Assistant Head Teacher
Roe Green Junior School

Thanks for presenting such enjoyable revision shows for our Y6s.  It was great to see them so engaged and happy in their learning.  Our Danish visitors were very impressed too. 

Alison Kiel
Headteacher
Northwold Primary

Many thanks for the Grammar Show before Easter,  As usual it has made an impact, the kids and staff  thoroughly enjoyed it.

Ruth Bull
Headteacher
Glendale Community Middle School

Hi Barrie,
 
We loved the road show last week

Samantha Isherwood
SENCO
Larkholme Primary School

The show really helped our kids to engage with literacy;  they're still singing the songs several months after the visit.

Sophie Leach
KS2 Leader
Parkhead Primary
Gateshead






Hi Barrie,

 
These  are a few quotes from our year 7s:
 
‘A brill show, and it was really funny’.
‘Hilarious and interesting’.
‘The songs were a better way to remember which punctuation is used for what’.
‘Fun!’.

Mrs K Law
Heritage High
Derby


Great feedback from students in their homework today regarding the show. We will be doing the same thing next year.

Alan Herbertson
St Aidan’s Catholic Academy
Sunderland

"It was amazing to see the engagement and motivation of the year group and it was clear that this show brought punctuation to life for many pupils."

Amanda Dunlop
High Tunstall


Thank you very much for coming to Thornden last week.  Your Punctuation Show was lively, informative and loud!

Liz and Sue
Thornden Librarians






The kids have been singing along this week-great catchy songs!!!

 
The highlights for us were definitely the way you ended the GCSE show-using Oasis was fab!!
 
I really don’t know how you do it! It was such a high-energy and high-intensity work out for their brains and their vocal chords! Catchy songs which communicated the key messages!

Clare Bradley
Thomas More Blaydon

Energetic and entertaining; the Year 7s definitely loved it!

S Park
Costello School

Another great show, Barrie. Pupils and Staff were both enthused and excited through the way punctuation was brought to life – we can’t wait to put it in to practice for a punctuation perfect year ahead!
 
Once again, thanks.
 
Lisa.
Farringdon Academy

Thank you! I heard the kids absolutely loved it, broke into spontaneous chanting of 'Barrie, Barrie, Barrie' and were after autographs!
No mean feat to get kids that excited about grammar. 

 Thanks again 

PIp Lark
Farnley Academy

It's all been going on this week at Ferryhill! Our good friend Barrie McDermid has once again thrilled our students with his educational music.  Our Year 7 and 8s recently had the pleasure of taking part in his grammar show and, as you know, they all loved it.  We were so impressed with their response that we decided to show students from our Partner Primary schools what it was all about.  Throughout the show the students were introduced to an array of songs designed to help with their understanding of punctuation.  I'm sure many will never forget the semi colon song as well as Barrie's rather interesting way of making sure all students were involved.  The students enjoyed the show so much that they even managed to persuade Barrie to do an encore!  He was rewarded with a well earned bacon sandwich alongside the students who attended the show.  We'd like to thank Barrie once again for supporting FBEC in our drive for success. 
N Anderson
FBEC
Thanks for the day. I hope that we can repeat the experience as all staff and kids were taken with your show .

J Foster
Richmond Hill Academy
Doncaster


"We had Barrie into our school to deliver a Grammar Show to Years 2 - 6. The session was fantastic! With a great mix of interaction, songs and clever use of ICT, the show was lots of fun whilst also being very informative. The children learnt lots without really being aware of it as they were having so much fun doing so! Would definitely recommend."
David Mordue, KS2 Leader, Lanchester EP Primary School, Durham

The students were fully engaged throughout the whole session because of the clever mix of high quality revision materials, quiz questions, songs and daftness.  The D/C borderline students who completed controlled assessments after the session were able to put the skills presented to immediate use ; the resulting essays were C grade pieces of accurately punctuated work.  Several students have demanded that we book Barrie again for pre exam revision because, "he made punctuation fun!"

Amy Lewis Ledger
Seaton Burn College


Thank you!!!   The kids loved it and I've heard teachers playing the songs as I've walked around the school, so I'm confident we'll go on to use the resources to good effect.
Simone Fellowes
Broom Leys Primary

As a school we had our best ever results, we were 13th in the Daily Telegraph’s top 30 state schools and got 88% A*-C for 5 inc English and Maths
 
We will want a repeat booking.

Matthew Venton
Weydon School
Surrey

Thank you for a great morning!

The children and staff really enjoyed it and are looking forward to using all your resources.

I hope to work with you again in the future!

Best Wishes

Amanda Hatton
Old Hall Drive Primary
Manchester

Thanks again for a brilliant session on Wednesday. The phrase "Do you remember what Barrie told/showed you..." has been a little worn out in my lessons this week, but every student I've asked has given me the correct answer so far, so you clearly did a great job!

Quote for you:

"A fabulously entertaining way to learn/revise accurate grammar and punctuation use, suitable for all ages in any key stage!"

Jo Cadwallander
Perton Middle School

Thank you.
It was brilliant, students loved it.
Ian Edwards
Perton Middle School

Thank you for today. The feedback that I am getting is certainly positive and it was something that both the children and staff enjoyed.

J Frankish
Broad Heath Primary

Hi Barrie,

Thanks again, pupils in my class especially, gained a great deal from the show.

The pupils had a great day and it's clear that the punctuation show has had a positive impact on their learning and understanding of how to use punctuation effectively.

Pupils at Jarrow Cross Primary had a brilliant time during the punctuation show and it has clearly improved their use of punctuation in day to day work. It has got them talking about the correct use of punctuation.

Kevin




Our children really enjoyed the punctuation show and when I go into class and discuss work with them, they refer back to your songs and jingles! At our cluster meeting this morning the show was discussed and there were overwhelming positive comments from the schools involved.

 
Kind regards,
Lesley
 
Lesley Cooper
Headteacher
Kearsley West Primary School


Massive thanks to the talented Barrie McDermid @punctuationshow. Fun, engaging and hugely beneficial-kids were still singing P5! :-)

Victoria Wraith @Victoria_Wraith

Thank you so much again for the shows you did for us last week.  The students absolutely loved it and are still singing snatches of songs… sometimes even at appropriate moments!  All years were really engaged and have really benefitted from the show.

Victoria Noden
Swanmore College

The GCSE and Punctuation shows were an innovative approach which kept our pupils smiling and thoroughly engaged whilst they learned!  Barrie is an engaging and knowledgeable presenter.  A great day was had by all.

Mr D Banks
Parklands High

"Barrie delivers a full on show of boundless energy and enthusiasm whipping the students into joining in and getting the most out of the show. They have been talking about it all week and we can certainly see that their knowledge has improved dramatically. Thank you."

Gary Vessey
Castleford Academy





Thanks again for a fabulous show.  The pupils really enjoyed it and the staff have had nothing but positive things to say. Absolutely brilliant!

Beth O’Neill
BCHS


It was a fun, dynamic and engaging way to help our pupils learn about subject matter which could stereotypically be seen as quite ‘dry’. Because of the excellent delivery, it helped embed this learning at a much deeper level for our children – Thankyou!
 

Cheers!
 
Robert Adams
Deputy Head Teacher
 
Cragside Primary School

An inspirational and exhilarating day for both our pupils and staff. Barrie’s presentation style was engaging and captivating, which impacted on the learning of everyone. A fun way of providing staff INSET!

ANDREW SIERANT, HEADTEACHER
MANOR FARM COMMUNITY JUNIOR SCHOOL


We would  like to say a massive thank you for a truly inspiring day. You had the skill to deliver the message and really excite the children, whilst keeping them focused throughout!

Jane Dodsworth
Ramnoth Junior School
Wisbech






A huge thank you from all the staff and children at Brumby Juniors! Everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed your shows and came away from them feeling motivated and enthusiastic. The content was well pitched and covered an unbelievable amount of objectives in such a short time. We are all feeling more inspired and will definitely be using your fun resources to liven up our lessons. 

Tamara Nicholson
Brumby Juniors
Scunthorpe

“The children absolutely loved the show and want you in every week!
 
I would highly recommend 'The Punctuation Show'. The children were fully engaged and entertained by this innovative, interactive show.”

T Stephenson
Stephenson Way Community Primary

"We received The Punctuation Show and The Grammar Show from Barrie. Both shows were a huge success. The children were really enthusiastic and were talking about punctuation and grammar all day long! The staff enjoyed them too and the shows were great for their CPD."

Karen Sterry
Cherry Orchard Primary
Worcestershire

"The delivery of the grammar show was both enjoyable and informative, the children enjoyed it immensely . I would recommend this show and its suitable for the whole school"

Louise Brammer, Eaton Park Academy

I found your presentation exciting, relevant and pitched at a level which was accessible to children in both key stages. I am looking forward to seeing how the children use what they have learnt in their independent writing this term.
Thank you again,
Mrs Sara Ball (year 2 teacher)

"A fun, exciting and engaging learning experience for children and staff alike. We will definitely be booking again!"

Claire Sawyer
Eaton Park Academy

Hi Barrie,
 
It was lovely to see you again. As soon as the children saw you they were excited and were able to recall so much from the punctuation show. I briefly saw some of the grammar production and it was certainly of the same high quality I’d seen at the punctuation show. I would recommend them to everyone!

Lesley Cooper
Headteacher
Kearsley West Primary School

All staff and children had nothing but praise for the shows, I felt it very worthwhile!

Clare Bowen
Forestdale Primary
Birmingham

Thank you so much for Tuesday's workshops. Children and staff  are still buzzing and singing. 

Mrs L. Fox
Brumby Junior School
Advanced Skills Teacher

Hi Barrie,
  I just thought you might like to know that I have been using these resources with my Skills School Students (these are basically y7/8 students who are still to achieve level 4) and they love them and are actually enjoying learning punctuation and grammar!

Thanks again for sending them.

Brian

There was a very positive response from pupils and teachers. Learning punctuation the fun way- catchy tunes a hit too!
I'll certainly recommend you to colleagues. 
Best wishes

Darren Sutton
King’s Lodge
Wiltshire



Hi Barry,
 
I just wanted to say thank you again for today. Our children loved it and my class have walked out singing the songs to their parents! Great fun and very informative. Sarah, at Northbourne, has messaged me to say her school thoroughly enjoyed themselves too.
 
I wish you well as your business develops. You certainly have a great product!
 
Best wishes,
 
Kirsty Soules
The Downs
Deal

Booked Up is now all over and seems to have been very successful, not least because of your contribution to it.  There have been lots of positive comments about your show from staff and students- although my only complaint is that the chorus to the Bracket Song is still going through my head!  One Year 7 student commented that she couldn't imagine how the Punctuation Show would be interesting, but that she really enjoyed it and it made punctuation fun; result!  It is too early to say whether we will be doing another LitFest next year, but you can rest assured that you will be part of the programme if we do.

Paula Ward
Robert Mays School



Hello Barrie
Thank you for entertaining us yesterday - it was a joy to see pupils engaged with grammar !
 
Hilary Crump-Stevens
Head of English Selwood Academy.

Dear Barrie,
 
Lovely to meet you today and see all of our students so transfixed in your show.

Gail Harris
Taunton School

Hi Barrie,
Just to say once again, thank you very much for yesterday. The kids were so engaged with the shows it was lovely to see!

Thanks once again,

Mrs McIntosh
Copley Academy

Everyone has given me positive feedback - children and staff thought the whole show was excellent and that it had helped them to remember some of the terminology for their SPAG work.

Thanks again,

Hayley Marshall
Whitburn Village Primary



"Barrie brought punctuation to life with singing, dancing and rhythm. A great way to help students remember those pesky punctuation marks!”

Lana Crossley
St James’
Bolton

‘Barrie’s punctuation show enabled both Key Stages to access many areas of study in an engaging and entertaining way. I will be looking to have Barrie back on a yearly basis in order to help embed this important area of the Literacy curriculum’.
 
Mark Ashton
Warwick Bridge Primary
Cumbria




Staff and pupils enjoyed it greatly and we look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.

Many Thanks

Richard Lynsley
Alverton Primary
Northallerton

Thank you so much for visiting last week and entertaining us so well. Several teachers have started greeting me doing the bracket movement which is a little surreal! My own favourite was three little dots,of course...

I have some students responses to share with you:

'I found the presentation really entertaining and a fun way to learn about punctuation. It made me think differently now that I know it can be fun.'

'I thought the show was awesome! It was funny, entertaining and , although I knew the punctuation, it helped me get it clear in my head again.'

'The puns were corny but they helped me remember.'

'The workshop was fun;the songs were cool.'

'I liked all of the jokes and the songs and joining in was the best.'

'I thought the singing and dancing was funny and a great way to learn punctuation'

and lastly, 

'he made English fun, entertaining and enjoyable and I hope we have him again!'

Many thanks again,

Sian May
Springwood High
King’s Lynn

Thank you once again. The children thoroughly enjoyed the show and I know will have learned a lot from it (as the many renditions of the semicolon song sung to me afterwards proved..!).

Tom Stevenson
Stevenson Way Primary



Thank-you so much for Monday's fantastic 'Punctuation Show'. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The songs, the interactive quizzes and your 'banter' meant that nobody lost focus and learning really was 'fun'. It was lovely  to take a step back and observe the joy on each and every one of their faces - 180 pupils simultaneously singing about semi colons was no mean feat and a wonderful sight to behold!

The feedback from pupils (and the teachers fortunate to see the show in action) has been overwhelmingly positive - they are looking forward to revisiting the songs and exploring the resources you have left us with. This really was 'Punctuation Perfection'.

Julie Cadman
Head of English
Cardinal Newman High School


Hi Barrie,
 
Many thanks for your enthusiasm, humour and energy to generate some excitement around literacy. Our students were so enthused on Friday following your assembly, that they spent the rest of the day singing the bracket song!
 
I would love to invite you back to WGS, as I know that you can have a huge impact on our community and raise the profile of literacy. I will also be recommending you to colleagues in schools across the region without hesitation.
 
Thanks again for allowing us access to your resources. We will use these to the best of our ability to continue your good work. The album is also fantastic.
 
Kind regards,
Zoe Rowley
Wolverhampton Grammar School




Dear Barrie,
thank you so much for making the dull and boring bits all bright and shiny and engaging! We all had a lovely day and will be using the amazing resources you left very regularly, particularly the songs. Your shows are multi sensory education at its best. Also thank you for your generous offer to sell copies of your album. We will certainly recommend you to other teachers.
I will check out the photos tomorrow and send any I think you might be pleased with.
Best wishes

Wendy Bryan 
St Joseph’s Primary
Ushaw Moor

Hello Barrie,

Firstly please accept my apologies for the delay in responding - it has been a very busy week! Thank you so much for your visit last week. I have heard great things about the impression you made on children and staff and the songs have already been used in our follow up work! It was so nice to have something a little bit different that has obviously had the impact we were looking for, so thank you once again! I will certainly spread the word. When the budget allows we will certainly be booking a repeat visit.

Thanks again and best wishes.

Kath Miller
English Leader
Bedonwell Infant and Nursery School

Hi Barrie,

Just wanted to say a big thank you from all the staff and pupils of Colley Lane Primary School. There was such a buzz around school yesterday, which is exactly what we needed! The shows were fantastic, pitched at the right level, engaging and interactive. The children were learning so much , without really being aware of it. They have all taken away so much terminology with them. Thank you for all of the resources and songs too. It is safe to safe you have had a very positive impact on a subject which needed some energy! Hopefully we can now continue to bring grammar 'to life' at our school.

It was lovely to meet you. Hopefully, we will be able to welcome you back again in the future.

Kind regards,

Grace 

“Our children loved the show, thank you so much! I've never seen Year 6 boys so excited about punctuation before…”

Jolene Abbey
St Bridget’s
Warrington

Thanks Barrie-the children loved your show! It brought punctuation to life in a way that was fun, interactive...and musical!
 
Thanks very much
 
Sarah
 
Sarah Peacock
Annfield Plain Infant School

Believe everything you read about this Punctuation and Grammar show - Fantastic!

PS. Thanks for all the resources!

Many thanks,
Nina Sangha
English Leader
Blackheath Primary

The show was a great success. The children and parents enjoyed it and we had a really good turn out for this sort of event.

I look forward to working with you again.

Sarah Wellington
Bede Academy

The children (and staff!) really enjoyed your shows, emphasised by the number of children who went out at break time singing and doing the actions to the songs!
 
Thank you again.
 
Clare Beck
King’s Oak
Barnsley

"It was great to see how punctuation and grammar in the new curriculum can be fun- the children came away with a new motivation and resilience- as did the staff. A very worthwhile day."
E. England. Deputy Head -Holly Mount

"Barrie was ace, really funny and he made some really tricky parts of Year 6 grammar much easier to understand."
(Holly- Year 6)

“Excellent shows, which engaged staff and pupils alike. Follow up resources are fantastic. Barrie will be part of our SATs prep in future years. Really recommend!”

Claire Cuthbert
Headteacher
James Calvert Spence Academy

Hi Barry
 
Thanks, I hear the students thoroughly enjoyed it
 
Hope to be able to arrange something similar again
 
Julie Collins
South Shields Community School






Fernhill students had great fun and were heard singing the brackets song in IT. It's great to convey a serious subject in a fun way!

Sue  Murdoch
Librarian & Careers Coordinator
Fernhill School & Language College

"Well who knew an exclamation, full stop and question mark could be made so entertaining! Wonderful presentation! But don't tell Michael Gove MP or he'll ban you for making punctuation exciting!”

Darren Neve
Deputy Headteacher
Grange Community Junior School

Amazing shows - engaging for all children! Fantastic resources that can now be used in class!

Thank you!

Kind regards

Mrs Kimberley Walker
Key Stage 2 Literacy and Paragon Leader
Heron Park Primary Academy


“…it was very informative and the children were very much engaged. The songs were great and the comedy videos really helped the show flow.”

Dave Wright
Stocksbridge Junior School
 
Thank you very much for travelling all the way over to us - it was a great show and the kids took a lot away from it.  The year 10's in particular have been caught humming the odd tune in the corridors!

Laura Taylor
Achievement Leader of English
Shavington Academy




Thank you so much for the grammar and punctuation shows last week. We all thoroughly enjoyed them (staff and students alike) and felt that they formed a really useful part of our revision programme for Year 6.

Having spoken to the children about it, the general consensus was really positive. I think the fun atmosphere has gone some way to alleviating some of the stress that was building and helped the children to consolidate their learning in an informal way.

Claire Broader and the English Department at Woodhouse Academy


Barrie, we enjoyed the show, no doubt about it. It has had an ongoing impact and was good old-fashioned fun. My personal favourite was the Grammar Aquarium! You deliver with enthusiasm and the resources are really high quality. Thank you for coming!

Jay Lanyon, Rolls Crescent

"It was great to see our students so enthused by punctuation and grammar. They have all been dying to sing the songs again in English today!"

Leah Falkingham
Chantry Middle School

I am so sorry that I wasn't here to great you on the day.  As I understand it the children thoroughly enjoyed - they have been telling me all about it so you obviously made an impact.

Thank you very much for the materials.

Kind regards

Gabbi
Pegasus Academy Trust

The show was fun and interactive and the girls really enjoyed it. I've had lots of positive feedback and can still here some of the songs being hummed along the corridors.
 Thanks again for the resources, they will be really useful and I'm sure we'll see you again in the future.

Kind Regards
Colleen Jefferson

The students really enjoyed the show and have been reported singing the songs around the school.  Hopefully we'll see this translating into more thoughtful use of punctuation in their written work. 

All the best,

Tracey Vincent
English/Literacy
Prestatyn High School

…the staff and the children both enjoyed the show and feel they gained a lot from it. Following the show the Y5/6 team planned in an extra guided reading session to try out some of the new techniques.


Rachel Stephenson
Head
Holme Valley

Both children and staff really enjoyed the show and have been singing Punctuation Songs to me all morning!

Wendy Budsworth
Assistant Headteacher
Primrose Hill Primary School

We did very well in the SPAG test last year, beating the national average by 12%! So thanks for that.
 
Lesley Cooper
Headteacher
Kearsley West Primary School


 






“Barrie really rocked the roof at Knightsbridge School with his fabulous shows for all of our children. I don’t know who loved it more; the students or the staff – we all left the show feeling enthused about punctuation and ready to sing all of Barrie’s amazing catchy songs. Thank you Barrie – come back soon!”
 
 
Hannah Shillito
Head of English
Knightsbridge School

Days after Mr. McDermid’s performance, many of our pupils were still enthusiastically reciting his songs about semi-colons and apostrophes clearly showing that his melodic methods had thoroughly worked with our KS3 groups.

Claire Keating
Thornleigh School
Bolton

An interactive, wonderful experience for the students who will remember the content for a long time!
 
Thanks
 
Claire
 
Claire Seddon
Assistant Head
Costello School

We did all really enjoy it and rated it as a positive addition to children’s learning.

Juliet Silverton
Headteacher
Frederick Bird Primary




Excellent feedback from staff and children!

J Watkins
Blackwell Primary
Washington

Just wanted to pass on a note that there has been a lot of positive feedback from staff and pupils about yesterday's show.  It certainly seems to have acted as a motivation and inspiration for many of our pupils and staff clearly enjoyed it just as much!

Daryl Spencer
Head
Fir Ends Primary
Cumbria


Company Information

The Punctuation Show and everything on this site is owned by PODCASTREVISION LTD
Director: Barrie McDermid
Company number - 06990962
VAT Reg - 978 170187
Public Liability Insurance cover for £1,000,000

The mission of The Punctuation Show is to raise attainment through entertainment and encourage pupils to learn through laughter. We aim to please in everything we do and will go out of our way to provide outstanding customer service.


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