Primary

What is Teaching for Mastery?

Mastery is not a new idea, but perhaps it seems like a new word that has been used for something we have always wanted for children – for them to understand conceptually and procedurally the mathematics they are learning. For this to happen, a number of things need to… Read More

Assessment in Primary Science

There is a good, shared understanding of why we assess in in primary schools, but feeling confident about what to do to assess in science is challenging.  Teachers should use formative assessment as part of their everyday practice to help pupils achieve the learning that is set out… Read More

Why non-fiction is as important as fiction

“If a child can and does read non-fiction texts, the world is their oyster – they can learn anything and everything they want to learn.” This statement was written by tes.com writer Aidan Severs in his article ‘Six reasons why primary schools need to embrace non-fiction’… Read More

5 ways a thesaurus improves pupil vocab

Using Collins Primary Thesaurus as an example, here are some clever ways in which the arrangement of a thesaurus can improve pupils’ vocabulary and writing skills 1. At each entry the meaning of the word is explained in a sentence so that pupils can see straight away which sense is… Read More

What happens after Science Week?

Children love Science Weeks and Science Days, when the regular timetable is relaxed and every lesson is their favourite one – science! Of course British Science Week is the ideal opportunity to do this, but you can hold a School Science Week at any time to suit your school. Whatever… Read More

What are your plans for British Science Week?

British Science Week, a ten-day programme of science, technology, engineering and maths events and activities across the UK for people of all ages, begins on 10th March. How will children, staff and parents at your school be taking part? Will they be going to one of the hundreds of public… Read More

Hertingfordbury Primary review Snap Science

We recently visited Hertingfordbury Cowper Primary school and had a fantastic day talking to the teachers and the children about Snap Science. Alison Richards (Head Teacher) and Helen Sizer (Deputy Head) told us how Snap Science has improved the teaching of the science curriculum… Read More

Cultivating Curiosity

At the end of last year I was asked to speak at The Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS) Educators Conference in Copenhagen. The theme of the conference was Cultivating Curiosity, not just from the viewpoint of inquiry as a catalyst for learning, but also in trying to… Read More