Q&A with Professor Dominic Wyse

Dominic is Professor of Early Childhood and Primary Education, and the Founding Director of the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy (0 - 11 years).

What does your role involve?

I lead research to help us better understand how we can teach children in primary schools and early years settings worldwide more effectively. My research and teaching focuses on curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. The teaching of reading and writing is a major part of this.

What's the most important thing you've learned from your students about the subject you teach?

How the diversity of experiences in the lives of students at all phases of education brings such amazing opportunities for me to learn from them, and to reflect on my knowledge.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

The Balancing Act Initiative aims to improve education policies and education practices for the teaching of reading and writing. The initiative builds on my more than 25 years studying literacy. Our book The Balancing Act: An Evidence-based Approach to Teaching Phonics, Reading and Writing, and the theory of teaching The Double Helix of Reading and Writing have had significant impact.

All is not lost in the art of teaching creative writing

Professor Dominic Wyse explains how we can improve students’ English skills without losing core assessments.

What might it surprise people to know about you?

I have been employed professionally as a musician at various points in my life. My music work has included conducting three fully staged operas, and orchestra performances in Liverpool’s Catholic Cathedral: in the amazing crypts but also in the main congregation area of the cathedral.

I’m fascinated by food and cooking and have picked up skills and knowledge by studying the work of chefs and food scientists. Thankfully the people who have eaten the food I have cooked, and often grown, like it!