Character education: Environment, empathy and failure 16 November 2016 What has your school’s response to the character agenda been? Dr Morgan Phillips offers a broad discussion about what character is, the challenges for schools in ‘teaching’ it, and the importance of environment, empathy and failure
Key stage 3: Effective use of the Pupil Premium 9 November 2016 Continuing his focus on key stage 3, Matt Bromley considers how the Pupil Premium can be used to maximise progress during these crucial years, what Ofsted inspectors expect to see in this context, and some self-evaluation questions
Ideas for teaching critical thinking 9 November 2016 We all agree that critical thinking is essential for today’s young people – but just how do you teach these crucial skills? John Dabell advises
Children missing in education – a school's duties 9 November 2016 As part of a drive to protect children missing education from harm, the government has introduced new requirements for sharing information. Frances Pickworth takes a look
Character education: Teaching them curiosity 9 November 2016 Curiosity is a difficult skill to teach and perhaps harder still to harness and direct. Our resident character education expert, Matt Bawden, explores the nature and use of curiosity in education
The rise of depression in our young people 9 November 2016 Research suggests that we are more depressed than ever – with our young people particularly affected. Dr Stephanie Thornton discusses why this might be and offers some advice for schools
Middle leadership: Getting your team on board 9 November 2016 When Iain Wilson introduced a new research-based approach to revision at his school, he worked hard to get the support of his staff…
Extra-curricular: The fall and rise of enrichment 9 November 2016 In tough economic times, enrichment is often one of the first things to go, but schools ditch these activities at their peril, warns Paul Gammans. He considers what an effective enrichment programme should entail and argues why teachers should be given the time to get involved
School governors: Finding the right skill-set 9 November 2016 There are a number of initiatives out there to help schools source governors from the world of business to boost the skill-set of their governing bodies. David Rowsell explains
A solution to the teacher shortage in mathematics 9 November 2016 With the shortage in maths teachers starting to bite, one academy trust has come up with its own innovative solution to ensuring a steady supply of maths specialists. Tarun Kapur explains
Five keys to a successful Ofsted inspection 2 November 2016 Headteacher Nigel Whittle has extensive, first-hand experience of making sure Ofsted inspections go well and understands how you can get your key messages across to inspectors. He offers five practical tips to help you with your inspection
Retention: How to keep hold of your teachers 2 November 2016 New research into retention has uncovered some of the reasons why teachers quit the profession as well as those vital ‘protective factors’ that can help a school to retain, engage and motivate their teachers. Researcher Sarah Lynch takes a look
Creating a positive climate for learning 2 November 2016 What approach does your school take to inclusion and supporting all children to achieve? Leora Cruddas looks at some key tenets to help you reflect on your current provision
Key stage 3: Assessment 2 November 2016 All this term, Matt Bromley is focusing on practice and pedagogy in the key stage 3 classroom. He now turns his focus to assessment, including data management, closing the gaps and life after levels in years 7, 8 and 9
The changing role of SENCO 2 November 2016 Schools are finding it hard to recruit successful SENCOs. Daniel Sobel believes this is down to the changing requirements of this broad and vital position. He looks at the modern SENCO role 1 comment
PSHE: Tackling teenage relationship abuse 2 November 2016 ?Karen Sullivan continues her focus on violence in teen relationships with a look at the hard facts of abusive relationships, the impact on young women, and what we might be able to do about it in schools
Middle leadership: The importance of reflection 2 November 2016 As a middle leader, Jamie O’Keefe relies heavily on reflection to maximise his performance. He urges us all to take that step back now and again and offers key questions to help
Supporting the next generation of leaders 2 November 2016 The charities Teaching Leaders and Future Leaders are joining forces later this month to continue together their work to support and develop middle and senior leaders working in schools in challenging circumstances. James Toop explains
Getting your SEN Information Report right 12 October 2016 Schools are required to present a wealth of information on their websites and key among this is the SEN Information Report. Inclusion and SEN expert Garry Freeman advises
Pedagogy: Video killed the teaching star 12 October 2016 The use of film and video clips in the classroom is common, but Paul Gammans believes it is often done without justification, adding nothing to learning outcomes and switching pupils off learning. He presents his arguments and then offers some practical advice for how film might be better used by ... 1 comment
SEN: Teaching pupils with sensory difficulties 12 October 2016 Teaching children with autism sensory difficulties can provide specific challenges for classroom teachers. Kristina Symons breaks down some of the most common sensory barriers that these pupils can face
Careers guidance: Talking digital careers 12 October 2016 The huge growth in digital careers means it is vital that teachers, parents and students all understand what options are out there. School leader Bernie Furey explains some of the steps her school has taken in this regard
Assessment: ‘Have I made a difference yet?’ 12 October 2016 Effective assessment is evidence-based and can demonstrate impact and inform teacher development. Greg Watson looks at some of the basic principles
KISS: Rules of engagement 12 October 2016 The management technique Keep-Improve-Start-Stop – or KISS – can be used as an effective leadership tool to deliver powerful results, says Howard Jackson. He explains how it might work in an education setting
SEN: Considering exclusions 12 October 2016 Are you using the same fixed-term exclusions for the same pupils time and again? Headteacher Jarlath O’Brien urges school leaders to take a step back and reflect on their approach to exclusions
2 November 2016