Teaching and Learning

Encouraging students to think divergently

15 May 2019

Our obsession with exam preparation and the curriculum script is resulting in dull lessons and the loss of divergent thought, lateral thinking and creation. Joel Wirth looks at how we must be brave if we are to teach our pupils how to think

Evidence-based pedagogies

13 May 2019

With a focus on her school’s geography teaching, Kate Mouncey looks at the evidence-based strategies and pedagogy they have employed to meet the challenge of the new GCSE and A level courses and the move to terminal examinations

Ideas for stretch and challenge in key stage 3

9 May 2019

Stretch and challenge should always be the teacher’s priority – for all pupils – but this can be a difficult ask, especially at key stage 3 where classes are often very mixed in terms of ability. Andy McHugh offers some ideas

What is the jigsaw classroom technique?

8 May 2019

Created in response to racial turmoil in Texas, the jigsaw classroom is an evidence-based approach to building relationships and fostering cooperative learning. John Dabell explains

Curriculum design under the new Ofsted regime

8 May 2019

The new Ofsted inspection framework will see a focus on the breadth of your school’s curriculum offer, including its ‘intent’, ‘implementation’ and ‘impact’. In light of these changes, Matt Bromley looks at how schools might plan their curriculum...

LGBT within high-quality RSE

8 May 2019

What can schools do to make LGBT-inclusive approaches central to high-quality, statutory relationships and sex education for all pupils. Lucy Emmerson offers some guidance

Effective teacher modelling

9 April 2019

Effective teacher modelling can help to address misconceptions before they arise. Adam Riches advises how teachers can make this approach work in their classrooms

Getting started with metacognition theories

8 April 2019

Many trainee teachers will have been introduced to metacognition theories and strategies for learning. Kate Sida-Nicholls looks at how we can begin to filter these into our teaching

Revision techniques: Interleaving and spacing

3 April 2019

‘Spacing’ refers to revision throughout the course of study, while ‘interleaving’ means switching between ideas while you learn. Both techniques can help boost students’ long-term memories and retrieval of key information. Helen Webb explains

Helping students to handle exam stress

20 March 2019

Exam season is on the horizon and we must help students to handle the pressure if they are to excel. Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers some practical ideas for reducing stress and anxiety in the run up to exams

Building positive student relationships

20 March 2019

Building positive student relationships can have an above average impact on outcomes. But it is not always straight-forward. Having moved to a new school, Caroline Sherwood discusses how she has begun to build those crucial relationships

Independent learning projects: Out on their own...

20 March 2019

Familiar or new? A student’s topic selection for independent learning assignments can be crucial, but should they stick to what they know or explore uncharted waters? Dr Andrew K Shenton discusses

The traits of super teachers

13 March 2019

There is no such thing as a super teacher. But if one did exist, what abilities would they exhibit? John Dabell looks at some of the traits of great teachers and urges all teachers to reject imposter syndrome and recognise their many talents...

How to talk to your students about puberty

6 March 2019

Public Health England has published a range of PSHE resources focused on puberty. Drawing on these and signposting other support, Adele Bates looks at how we can tackle this sensitive topic with students

The death of teaching: A race to the Bottom?

27 February 2019

What classroom and teaching practices might we change in order to achieve better lessons and better teaching? In the final part of his series, Joel Wirth looks at key stage 3, which he fears is too often anodyne and pointless...

The death of teaching: Know who you’re not

6 February 2019

What common classroom practices might we change in order to achieve better lessons and better teaching. Continuing his series, Joel Wirth looks this week at rules, and why ‘firm but fair’ consistency is vital

Integrated curriculum financial planning

6 February 2019

Integrated curriculum financial planning, which brings together curriculum and budget, is all the rage, but it is not a new concept. Julia Harnden explains more and asks what it can do for us...

The death of teaching: Gone in 420 seconds

30 January 2019

In SecEd this half-term, Joel Wirth is looking at common classroom practices that we might consider changing in order to achieve better lessons and better teaching. This week he discusses how we must handle the first seven minutes of any lesson...

In the classroom: Getting scaffolding right

30 January 2019

Scaffolding is an essential part of teaching, but has its real meaning become lost? Annabel Daniels says we must focus on scaffolding strategies rather than tools. With a focus on English study, she offers some practical reflections
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