Teaching and Learning

Students anxious and disaffected because of onerous examination system, teachers warn

23 April 2015

Students are being asked to learn things for which they are not developmentally ready and are stressed, anxious and disaffected because of the onerous examinations system, teachers have warned.

Engaging students in the democratic process

23 April 2015

Surbiton High School has been taking part in the Rock Enrol initiative, which is aimed at engaging students in the democratic process. Ian Smith explains

Extra-curricular activities: A skill-set for higher education

23 April 2015

How can co-curricular activities widen access to higher education? Teacher Clive Greenhough discusses the findings of new research showing the increasing importance of a broad range of skills

Taking a risk with... student group work

26 March 2015

In the third of her articles on taking calculated risks in the classroom, Nadine Pittam discusses some risks we can take when it comes to group work

Using music in the classroom

26 March 2015

Listening to music can improve concentration and productivity, so is it a good idea to play music in the classroom? If so, what kind is the most effective? Dr Nicola Davies investigates.

Life after levels: What next for assessment?

19 March 2015

Schools need to take the bull by the horns when planning for life after national curriculum levels. Mick Walker takes a look at the current situation and advises on next steps.

Case study: Developing students' character

19 March 2015

Assistant headteacher Emma Orr has a specific brief to promote character education at her school. She describes some of their approaches to developing key character skills

The traits of the master teacher

19 March 2015

In the first of two articles on what it means to be a ‘master teacher’, Matt Bromley looks at what research has shown us are some of the traits and virtues of effective teachers.

Case study: Driving whole-school literacy

12 March 2015

With so many pupils not speaking English at home, literacy was proving a key barrier to achievement at Lorna Owen’s school. She discusses the action taken to tackle this problem.

Taking risks... with new tasks and demonstrations

5 March 2015

In the second of her series on risk-taking in the classroom, Nadine Pittam discusses ideas for pushing the boundaries when introducing and demonstrating or modelling tasks.

Ideas for engaging practical science education

5 March 2015

It is the practical approach to science that engages so many students in this important subject. Dr Charlotte Lawson offers some lessons from higher education for how schools can use practical science to both inspire students and prepare them for universi

The foundations of student achievement

5 February 2015

When students achieve, it is down to logical patterns of cause and effect, says Matt Bromley. He identifies the traits that high-achievers often display and looks at how to encourage effective study skills in our students.

Taking a risk... with technology

29 January 2015

In the coming months, Nadine Pittam will be looking at how we might take small risks in our teaching. This, the first article in the series, examines one of the least dependable and therefore most risky tools a teacher has: technology.

Shakespeare and drama across the school

29 January 2015

A whole-school, cross-curricular approach to drama can help develop an amazing set of skills in your students. Head of drama Morgan Melhuish discusses some of his strategies.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2015

22 January 2015

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on January 27, when we remember those who have perished and suffered in the Holocaust and other genocides. Dorothy Lepkowska meets Holocaust survivor Ben Helfgott.

Skills: Preparing them for life

22 January 2015

Instilling and developing transferable, life-skills in our students is a priority for many schools. With a focus on outdoor learning, Jon Clarke discusses how his school tackles this challenge.

Computing challenges and resources

22 January 2015

There are plenty of challenges in delivering the new computing curriculum, but plenty of help and resources to be found as well. Computing teacher Ray Chambers offers his advice.

Effective Holocaust education

22 January 2015

Evidence shows just how difficult it is to teach the Holocaust effectively. Paul Salmons and Stuart Foster explain why a research-informed approach will help students to tackle the profound questions that this traumatic subject raises.

Developing skills: The magic of myelin

8 January 2015

Each time we practise a skill, a new layer of myelin is added to our neurones, helping us to retain and improve new knowledge and skills. It means that deep practice is crucial to our development. Matt Bromley explains.

Growth Mindset: Changing your culture

4 December 2014

The work to adopt growth mindset strategies and approaches at Hanham Woods Academy continues. Surface cultures have changed, and the focus is now on deep culture change. Rebecca Tushingham explains.

School vehicle safety

4 December 2014

Many schools have mini-buses and other school vehicles that must be kept compliant. Nickie Brooks looks at some of the key regulations and legislation.

More foundations of effective teaching

4 December 2014

Continuing his series on the basics of effective teaching, Matt Bromley discusses how to create good routines and habits to ensure that everyday classroom tasks run smoothly and efficiently.

NQT Special: What do high expectations actually look like?

27 November 2014

The Pygmalion Effect dictates that the higher your expectations of your students, the better they will perform – but what do ‘high expectations’ actually look like in practice? Matt Bromley advises.

Hurdling the attainment gap

20 November 2014

With a look at the key role that physical exercise can play. Karen Sullivan continues her focus on strategies to help you close the attainment gap.

Pupil researchers: Flipping the script

20 November 2014

The pupil researchers at All Saints School observe and feedback to beginner teachers with their views on teaching and learning. Danni Almond explains how the programme has benefited the school.