Teaching and Learning

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.

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.

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.

Ideas for STEM projects and activities

20 November 2014

Birches Head Academy prizes its focus on STEM education, including its role as a lead school with the Computing at School initiative, supporting delivery of the computing curriculum. Sarah Williams discusses some of their activities.

What makes an inspiring teacher?

13 November 2014

A research project has observed a group of teachers identified by their school leaders as ‘inspirational’ in a bid to discover what it is that makes an inspiring teacher. Tony McAleavy looks at some of the common traits that emerged.

First World War Centenary: Lest we forget

6 November 2014

The First World War Centenary Battlefield Tours Programme is helping students to develop a deeper understanding of the Great War. As Remembrance Day approaches, Emma Lee-Potter accompanied students on a recent trip.

The foundations of effective teaching

16 October 2014

Resident teaching expert Matt Bromley continues his series of articles offering classroom management and pedagogy advice with a focus on some of the basics that ensure successful lessons.

Behaviour in the classroom

16 October 2014

Poor behaviour can hijack your teaching, especially in practical lessons such as science. Getting it right doesn’t have to be difficult. Becca Knowles offers her advice.

Ideas to engage pupils with coding

9 October 2014

With coding a part of the new computing curriculum, we asked some young coders from the Young Rewired State initiative for their advice on how to engage students with code. First, Ruth Nicholls focuses on the challenges ahead.

Wikipedia in the classroom

9 October 2014

Like it or not, Wikipedia is here to stay. Dr Nicola Davies explores current Wikipedia trends and advises how teachers can make Wikipedia work for them without the risk of students becoming reliant on it.

Leading overseas expeditions

2 October 2014

Running an overseas expedition as a teacher can be immensely challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. Brett Court discusses the professional benefits of running such trips and offers some advice to others.
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