Showing results by author "Frank Norris" in All Categories

On 9th November 2025, five former HMI sat down and recorded a chat about their concerns for the new Ofsted inspection Framework. They welcomed the inclusion theme but were worried whether the Toolkit was fit for purpose, could inspectors accurately judge achievement without secure progress measures, how would the combination of behaviour and attendance play out and were inspectors skilled, experienced and adequately trained for their more challenging role.Over 700 watched the video, so we decided to revisit the Ofsted inspection Fwk now that over 6 months had passed since its launch. To help, ...

In McTeague, we follow the life of a humble dentist who becomes irresistibly drawn to Trina, the cousin of his close friend Marcus. When Trina strikes it rich with a winning lottery ticket worth $5,000, McTeague seizes the moment to propose. However, their seemingly blissful union quickly spirals into chaos as greed takes hold of both partners, and Marcus simmering jealousy towards McTeague erupts, leading to devastating consequences. (Summary by Jeff Robinson)

Dive into the gripping tale of Frank Norriss 1901 novel, The Octopus A Story of California, inspired by the real-life Mussel Slough Tragedy of 1880. This powerful narrative chronicles the violent clash between determined ranchers and the agents of the Southern Pacific Railroad over land ownership. After nearly a decade of leasing the ranches with hopes of purchasing them, the farmers found themselves in a desperate battle when the railroad sought to reclaim the land at inflated prices. Norris vividly portrays the ranchers struggle for survival and justice in this compelling story of conflict ...

Dive into Third Circle, a captivating collection of sixteen short stories from the acclaimed American novelist Benjamin Frank Norris Jr. (1870-1902). Renowned for his contributions to the naturalist genre, Norris crafted his narratives amidst the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco. His thought-provoking writing draws comparisons to literary giants such as Emile Zola, Stephen Crane, Theodore Dreiser, and Edith Wharton. While his work sometimes reflects controversial themes, including elements of anti-Semitism, it remains a compelling exploration of the human experience. - Summary by Wikipedia ...

Discover The Pit, the second installment in Frank Norriss captivating Trilogy of The Epic of the Wheat. This tale unfolds within the bustling heart of Chicagos wheat trading scene, capturing the high-stakes drama of a deal in the iconic wheat pit. While each novel in this trilogy—comprising The Octopus, The Pit, and The Wolf—explores separate narratives, they are intricately linked by the themes of production, distribution, and consumption of American wheat. Together, they weave a rich tapestry that chronicles the journey of wheat from Californias fertile fields to its ultimate fate as ...

An occasional chat with a single guest about a single education issue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank Norris and Stan Johnson have been friends since 1995. Both have had successful and lengthy careers in education. Frank was a very senior HMI with Ofsted for 11 years and was the CEO of the Coop Academies Trust for 6 years. Stan was seconded to Ofsted for a year and then returned to headship before working as a senior adviser with Lancashire LA. He has latterly led a successful education consultancy in the North West. Prior to Covid-19, the two gents would meet in Manchester for a pint or two but the pandemic put an end to that. On 1 May 2020, they recorded their first video chat as a way...

Al joven Ross Wilbur, refinado miembro de la alta sociedad de San Francisco, un “Manhattan suave” tomado en mala compañia le va a cambiar la vida radicalmente: se va a ver embarcado en una goleta donde se espera de el que trabaje como un marinero más.....

Laura Dearborn, a young woman is courted and pursued by three men: Curtis Jadwin, Sheldon Corthell, and Landry Court. She marries Jadwin, who over time loses interest in her as he gets more involved in wheat speculation at the Chicago Board of Trade. As his risky investments start to lead him to ruin, Laura reunites with Corthell, but she eventually rebuffs him. Jadwin’s fortunes turn as he is able to corner the market and ruin even good friends, but in time his luck runs out, and he is ruined.

Like the tentacles of an octopus, the railroad in California reached out across the state, grasping everything of value in the state. Based on the bloody Mussel Slough Tragedy - a conflict between wheat farmers and the Southern Pacific Railroad - The Octopus is a stunning novel chronicling the twilight of the frontier West. A depiction of the tensions between the railroad, the ranchers, and the ranchers’ League. The book emphasizes the control of “forces” - such as the power of railroad monopolies - over individuals.

Stacy Keach stars in this shocking tale of a Polk Street dentist and his wife in 1899 San Francisco. Frank Norris’ powerful insights into the depths of the human soul make this a story of compelling narrative force. This seminal novel about murder, obsession and the destructive effects of greed features an all-star cast including Stacy Keach, Edward Asner, Ed Begley Jr., Bud Cort, Hector Elizondo, Teri Garr, Katherine Helmond, Helen Hunt, Amy Irving, Carol Kane, Marsha Mason, Richard Masur, Judge Reinhold, and more.

Frank Norris's intriguing and atmospheric tale of an old forgotton crime, a tragedy, an ancient derelict ghost ship... and the very bizarre reaction of the modern tramp steamer whose bows she crosses.

McTeague, a strong but stupid dentist, marries Trina, introduced to him by her cousin Marcus Schouler. When Trina wins $5,000 in a lottery and increases the sum by shrewd investment, Schouler, who had wanted to marry Trina himself, feels cheated. In revenge, he exposes McTeague's lack of diploma or license. Forbidden to practice, McTeague becomes mean and surly, but the miserly Trina refuses to let him use her money, and they sink into poverty.

In Vandover and the Brute, we follow the tragic journey of Vandover, a student whose life spirals out of control due to a devastating gambling addiction. As he loses his prized possessions and watches his friends thrive, Vandovers descent into despair leads to a shocking transformation marked by a bizarre form of lycanthropy. Reduced to a primal state, he roams his apartment on all-fours, stripped of his humanity. This haunting tale, published posthumously, marks Norris literary debut and delves deeply into themes of addiction and the human condition, all rendered in a strikingly naturalistic ...

Ofsted launches its 'renewed' school inspection framework on Monday 10th November. Its development and late amendments have not been welcomed by many. Creating a new framework is a challenge, but doing so against the backdrop of the tragic events at Caversham Primary School, the subsequent Coroner’s ‘Prevention of future deaths report’, the Gilbert Learning Review and the stinging Education Select Committee report into Ofsted has made it especially tricky. If we also take into account the poorly created Big Listen survey and the follow up Consultation on its proposals you can see why ...

A Deal in Wheat and Other Stories of the New and Old West is a compelling collection of Frank Norris’ short stories, exploring themes of greed, ambition, and survival. From financial corruption to love and desperation, these stories paint vivid pictures of both frontier and urban struggles.