Understanding and applying metacognition in your teaching
You might have heard of metacognition. This aspect of learning has been described as one of the most effective educational interventions that we can use. Read More
Articles
Leaping across the writing gap: building resilience and independence at KS3
The impact of the disrupted nature of the last few years is perhaps most felt on the continuity which is key to progression. It is surely harder than ever to get a sense of just what level students transition with from the primary phase, given the gaps in learning and… Read More
Thinking about Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee
What can the history of our rulers teach us about Black British History? By Teni Oladehin Queen Elizabeth II. Born Elizabeth Alexandria Mary Windsor on 21st April 1926, crowned Queen of England 6th February 1952. As of 2015, she became the longest reigning monarch in British History. Now – we… Read More
Setting your students up for equations success in GCSE Science
By Peter Edmunds When I was a trainee teacher back in 2017, I was frustrated by how much my students were struggling with calculations. Really frustrated. Calculations were the easy part of physics, I thought. Of course, I now know that I was suffering from expert blindness. Just because I… Read More
How past voices can help to shape a more inclusive future
By Dr Simon Henderson The outpouring of compassion by the British public after the refugee crisis following the Russian invasion of the Ukraine has prompted some commentators to contrast responses to white European migrants, with migrants of colour, both now and in the past. In April of this year,… Read More
Taking a whole-school approach to wellbeing
Wellbeing is more than just mental health. It encompasses physical wellness, a sense of belonging, social inclusion and basic needs such as food, safety and shelter. If we consider this broader sense of wellbeing it becomes clear we must consider it to for our pupils to achieve and be successful. Read More
The power of retrieval practice
During my first five years of teaching retrieval practice has been one of the key strategies that has had the greatest impact on my practice and, as a result, the students’ learning. There are so many benefits of retrieval practice and it now underpins my curriculum throughout KS3, 4 and… Read More
Revision tips to help your students to prepare for GCSE exams
Summer exams for students, and for teachers for that matter, are assessments that are worked towards for the whole of the school year. With such high stakes surrounding GCSE exams, students often feel a heightened amount of pressure in the lead up to them. As well as teaching students the… Read More
Nate Holder’s journey to Listen and Celebrate
I’m really excited about Listen & Celebrate, a new book I’ve co-written with Helen MacGregor and published with Collins Music. It’s designed for KS1 and KS2 teachers interested in introducing pupils to music created around the world and across history. This book aims to be a resource that… Read More
Navigating cultural capital in primary music
Most schools in England are aware of the concept of ‘cultural capital’, defined by Ofsted as ‘the essential knowledge pupils need to be educated citizens, introducing them to the best that has been thought and said’. Taking our pupils on a journey of musical discovery through history’s greatest hits seems… Read More