The longer I teach the more convinced I am that the adult modelling of acceptable behaviour and attitudes is the most powerful tool we have. Quiet Day applied to all pupils and adults, whatever their role in the school.

We discussed with children, in class and assemblies, what we were trying to do and had count-down notices, such as “eight days to ‘q’ for quiet”, which were placed all over the school.

We made giant “q” cards with a bright red letter on a yellow background and matching “q” stickers to stick on children who were working quietly or on work that had been done quietly.

We also had “q” cards to put on noisy tables at lunchtime, which were removed when the children quietened down.

Follow-up discussions produced some thoughtful written work. We now plan to have more quiet days.

We have found good support materials to order from Barnes and Noble (www.

barnesandnoble.com) and we are now all more aware of the voices we use and where we use them.

Paul Shepheard, headteacher, St John’s Angell Town Church of England School, Brixton, Lambeth, London