Learning to teach through immersive practice
June 9, 2025
This year has seen the introduction of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) as a requirement for all teacher education courses in England. How does ITAP relate to existing teacher education practices? How might ITAP be integrated in a way that aligns with existing principles on a course like a one-year PGCE? In this post, …
Crafting mathematical learning journeys for children: the power of board work
May 2, 2025
Many primary school lessons – mathematics lessons included – include use of a PowerPoint, Google slides (or similar) presentation. Popular schemes of work provide slide decks (e.g. NCETM PD materials, White Rose, and Oak National Academy), and also include all of the resources, worked examples, explanations, and pupil tasks needed for lessons. Teachers supplement the …
Enhancing the writing process with technology: practical insights for teachers
March 27, 2025
Initial reflection on the relationship between technology and the development of writing might have you thinking they are not natural soul mates. However, schools across Transform Trust have been integrating technology into the writing process and this offers a dynamic way to engage students, supporting each stage from idea generation to final publication. Trust Associate …
How can schools create a sense of belonging for beginning teachers?
February 13, 2025
In this blog Esther Fulton looks at the importance of the sense of belonging in schools. Although there is a plethora of research around a sense of belonging for children, this blog focuses specifically on the role and responsibilities the teachers have in creating this belonging for themselves and the beginning teachers they …
Map-making, path-finding, and bridge-building: closing the gap between working-class pupils and their peers.
January 6, 2025
In this post, Brittany Wright from L.E.A.D. Academy Trust reflects on ways to improve educational outcomes for pupils from working-class backgrounds. As teachers and leaders, we know how important our work is to the lives and life chances of our pupils. As well as providing a high-quality education for pupils during their school days, …
Ofsted versus Early Years? The debate about ‘poorly planned play’
November 26, 2024
In this post, Lauran Doak reflects on current debates around the status of play in Early Years settings Ofsted and play in Early Years ‘Play-based learning in Reception classes sometimes does no more than occupy children’s time. If it does not challenge their thinking, problem-solving, persistence and collaboration, it is ineffective in developing their executive …
We need to talk: four implications for primary schools of the Oracy Education Commission’s report.
October 21, 2024
This month has seen the publication of We Need to Talk, the final report from the Oracy Education Commission. In this blog, I reflect on some immediate takeaway messages for primary schools. The work of the Oracy Education Commission has examined a mass of evidence over a busy six-month period. I’ve been fortunate to have …
Higher-order questions or questioning for higher-order thinking?
September 9, 2024
In this post, I contrast higher-order questions with questioning for higher-order thinking and suggest some principles for developing this aspect of practice. Why ask questions? Let’s imagine a visit to a Year 5 class where pupils have been studying Roman Britain for the last few weeks. It’s the penultimate lesson in the unit and time …
Getting them out there: the importance of fieldwork in Geography and getting students in the zone to notice
June 13, 2024
In this post, Alex Booth and Mal Kerr make the case for the importance of fieldwork in geography and offer some guiding principles. “Geography wants to take children outside the school and into the streets and fields; it wants to take the keyboard tappers out of their gloomy offices and into the rain or sunshine.” …
PE is just playing sport…right?
May 1, 2024
In this post, Chris Pinnington from Brocklewood Primary School in Nottingham challenges traditional views of Physical Education (PE) as he describes the journey he and his school have been on to ensure the PE curriculum is fit for all children and staff in school. Introduction I’m not sure if there is any other school subject …
