We thought a knowledge-rich curriculum would help our children learn more. We didn't expect it to give our teachers added confidence too.

Back in 2021, our curriculum was topic-based, creative and our children enjoyed it. As an approach, it had served us well, but we had begun to sense it had taken us as far as it could. In a topic-based model, the subject is often a servant to the theme. You start with "The Rainforest" or "The Victorians" and build activities around it. It looks coh...

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How physical activity is key to meeting all our children’s needs in these uncertain times

Let's not be too quick to make the distinction between academic learning and physical activity - the two naturally go together.

Headteachers across the country are now under considerable pressure to ensure our pupils catch up on their academic learning, while of course making sure their emotional and social needs are also met.Physical activity and PE can sometimes be forgotten amid this pressure.It shouldn't be. In fact, our school is proof that when everything in a school ...

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In with the old and new: we need the NQT and the experienced head of department in the same staffroom

It's not just the kettle that gets heated in the staffroom. A combination of pressure from pupils and pressure from management often results in outbursts directed at the wrong people. "You've only been here five minutes, I've got 20 years' experience" was the inappropriate response levelled at a newly qualified teacher (NQT) in my previous school, ...

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A beginner’s guide to: Professor Barak Rosenshine

Best known for: Rosenshine's research has contributed significantly to understanding the effectiveness of various instructional methods, which culminated in his identification of 10 principles of effective instruction. Quick facts: Born: 1930, Chicago, Illinois Deceased: May 2017, Urbana, Illinois Nationality: American Where did he w...

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School's out, sofa's in. Teachers share their favourite education films and books

One of our NQT surgeries looked at how new teachers can spend the holidays wisely – with the overwhelming advice being to relax, recuperate and not think about work. We know that's easier said than done, however. But rather than taking on mountains of planning or crafting intricately annotated seating plans (which you'll almost definitely have...

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