There is always a refreshing combination of realism and idealism in what Geoff Barton says (“What goes on behind Ofsted’s back is brilliant”, 22 July), but this week he surprisingly suggests that Ofsted inspectors would not be impressed with “students doing more and the teacher doing less” and “questions that initially seem to demonstrate lack of comprehension”.

In fact these are specifically two of the six things that I use as indicators of outstanding lessons, the other four being: purposeful and well-informed teaching; progress by all; effective “on the hoof” assessment; students enjoying and engaging with their learning. Learning rather than teaching is at the heart of all that. Excitement and risk-taking rather than passivity is what tends to characterise it.

Richard Durant, English adviser for Devon.