Find fresh inspiration and practical ideas for NQTs (newly qualified teachers) in our education articles. Read professional updates, broaden your knowledge and discover transferable good practice in our case studies. There are also many specific topic areas for you to explore. Choose from the menu on the left, or click on the ‘Articles’ tab at the top of the screen and scroll down for a full list.
All NQTs will now be able to study for a Master’s level qualification. Cliff Jones puts forward three statements to provoke debate on this topic
The provision of Master’s-level credits in the PGCE is a significant milestone for the teaching profession, but what are the implications for CPD in schools asks Alison Jackson, ESCalate ITE leader at the University of Cumbria
A project aimed at raising the profile of plenaries at Sandringham School, St Albans, has evolved into a catalyst for change that allows students to make their voices heard in the school. Deputy head Ceddy de la Croix explains
Comment-only marking is vital in helping students to reflect on their own learning, but implementing it can be a challenge. Jason Edwards, vice principal at Priory Community School, Somerset, describes how his school has overcome the initial problems
Professor Maurice Galton, from the University of Cambridge, examines the benefits of group work and its possible contribution to improving the current classroom climate
The intention of raising standards is one that seems to run through all sorts of current ideas about education. But which ‘standards’ are being referred to and in what sense (if any) are they being raised? Pam Woolner examines the issues
Jan White provides a range of practical ideas for creating enabling outdoor environments that support young children’s health, wellbeing, development and learning
Miraz Triggs found that random name generation as a way of choosing who would answer questions focused students’ attention and led to a higher level of participation
Storyteller Taffy Thomas provides games and activities to stimulate children’s and young people’s capacity to tell stories
Antidote’s development director Marilyn Tew describes how schools can encourage learning by promoting ‘CLASI-ness’ – where children feel capable, listened to, accepted, safe and included
Guy Claxton invites debate on his eight character strengths and virtues for the learning age
Teaching abroad is no longer seen as a sideways move that could harm career progression. Steve Caulfield of the Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpar, describes some of the opportunities
Shiraz Chakera, professional networks manager for the GTCE, describes how the Engage Network has supported early career teachers in coping with a major concern – classroom behaviour
Who are the parents who evade all forms of contact from schools and why do they choose to exist at the fringes of their child’s education? Jo McShane investigates
Gross motor skills are the movements of the large muscles of the body. These activities will help to develop and improve gross motor skills.
Pragmatics refers to the ability to communicate in social situations. These classroom activities will help all children to develop social communication skills.
These classroom activities can help develop grammar skills, particularly syntax and morphology
Jo Smith provides some practical tips on how to develop questioning skills as a tool for promoting participation and learning
Ingrid Sutherland outlines controversial new guidance on the provision of sexual health services in schools
Is it possible to create a more ‘gender balanced’ learning environment? Natalie Griffiths explains how she investigated the effect of gender on learning in the D&T classroom and developed strategies to benefit pupils of both sexes
Pam Woolner looks at the variety of ways in which the widely-used term ‘learning environment’ is employed
Katrina Foley describes how young children’s independence and self-management skills can be promoted in an environment which celebrates risk, challenge and empowerment
Crispin Andrews looks at the increasing emphasis on topic-based learning and offers some ideas to teach science through the topic of birds
Sara Wernham looks at the Renewed Primary Framework for Literacy and discovers how it will affect teachers
Trevor Millum outlines a truly novel way to get pupils to enjoy manipulating and using words
PE and Sport Today talks to primary link teacher Lorraine Livingstone who, despite the inadequacies of PE training for primary teachers, has become something of a specialist
Mary James, the Teaching and Learning Research Project (TLRP) deputy director, describes the most important messages that have arisen out of this national multi-faceted exploration of teaching and learning practice
Jo McShane used to think that pedagogy was just a stuffy academic way of saying ‘teaching’, but after attending a conference on the subject she finds that it means a great deal more
Jeremy Cunningham shows how schools can ensure ‘just’ disciplinary procedures
Listening to what students themselves have to say about their education is an important part of high-quality G&T provision. Year 8 pupil, Beth Hancox outlines her thoughts on the qualities of a good teacher for gifted and talented students
Some people find it easier to work with steady, gentle background sound rather than absolute silence, writes Mark McKergow
Do you like to use moments of quietness and reflection in your classes? Do you like to tell stories while the pupils listen attentively? If so, consider using music as a soundtrack to boost visualisation and imagination, suggests Mark McKergow
Mark McKergow suggests ways of using music to stimulate creativity in your pupils
Lesley Hendy examines how you can look after your voice when teaching outside and also gives some tips on reading aloud
Mike Munro Turner summarises the STOP technique for time management
Mark McKergow describes how music can be used at the end of your lessons, as a soundtrack for your students to review their learning
Gerald Haigh concludes his series on primary assemblies by giving some tips on preparation, along with some advice on how to deliver an unplanned assembly
Gerald Haigh continues his three-part series on primary assemblies by looking at the role of the assembly leader
Gerald Haigh begins a three-part series on primary assemblies by looking at values
In the first episode of her diary, drama teacher Julie Leoni writes about reconciling her emotional literacy programme with the school’s focus on targets and achievement.
Pupil discipline provisions enshrined in the Education and Inspections Act 2006 came into force in April 2007. Solicitor Dai Durbridge interprets what these measures will mean for work in schools
The relationship between teachers and teaching assistants is a changing one. Angela Youngman investigates and offers guidance to ensure effectiveness
The EPPI website is an excellent resource for informing your decision making, says David Leat.
‘Personalised learning’ has been appearing with increasing frequency in policy documents and in discussion about teaching and learning for the last few years. But what is truly meant by ‘personalised learning’?
How can G&T specialists support NQTs, and how can NQTs prepare themselves? Hilary Lowe of Oxford Brookes University looks at some of the key issues
Sue Roffey describes her way of thinking about how to relate more deeply with students in the classroom.
In his introduction to a new column, Dr Graham Haydon focuses on choice and discusses how the decisions we make influence our everyday life.
David Watkins argues that homophobia is something we should talk about and offers practical advice for creating LGBT-inclusive schools.
Andrew Chambers tackles young people’s binge drinking through a new resource.
In a second extract from his book, psychologist Steve Killick describes two approaches to engaging young people in problem-solving conversations.
We are constantly trying to drive up standards of teaching and learning with new approaches, preferably those with a strong evidence base. But is ‘What Works?’ the right question? Should we really be asking ‘How do good teachers get better?’ Elaine Hall reflects on the messages from a meta-analysis of teaching and learning interventions.
In an edited excerpt from his new book, clinical psychologist Steve Killick writes about the importance of listening to young people.
Secondary drama teacher Julie Leoni writes about how she teaches through the darkest days of winter
How can you handle children’s surprise at a new classmate’s disfigurement in a way that is positive for everybody? Jane Frances of Changing Faces offers some practical ideas.
Patricia Lee explains how we can help children to acquire ‘pitch’.
Lev S. Vygotsky is the subject of Steve Mynard’s article on the psychology of child development.
Carole Farrar continues her series on communication with parents.
Programme director Claire Finka writes about how the Sheffield-based Juniper programme helps children find a way to cope with stress.
Carole Farrar continues her series by looking at ways to make the most of personal contact with your parents.
Patricia Lee continues her exploration of music for young children.
Steve Mynard opens a series of articles on educational thinkers who have influenced our approaches to early education.
Sarah Treneer and Claire Kendall describe how they developed a technique for encouraging children to reflect on their own and others’ learning through the use of peer feedback.
Jane West looks at some misconceptions about giftedness and how to dispel them.
Geography can reward the inquisitiveness of young children, says Steve Mynard.
Margaret Collins describes how children can learn to be risk assessors.
Archaeologist and teacher John Crossland, describes how you can use an historic site with Foundation Stage children.
Mary Mahoney examines our responsibilities when asked to give medicine to children.
Extending vocabulary when talking or listening to children is a good way to develop their emotional language. Margaret Collins describes two ways of doing this.
Margo Turnbull explores the development of children’s communication skills, by focusing on the role of the practitioner.
Nick Smurthwaite investigates current developments in radio for young children.
We all know that learning to read is a very important step for any child to make, but how can we be sure that we are offering children the best introduction to this skill. Roger Hurn unpicks some of the issues currently under debate.
Angela Youngman found out about a broad and creative approach to learning.
Steve Mynard explores a process to enrich your children’s language and literacy experiences.
Teaching Expertise is delighted to announce our sponsorship of a teacher’s expedition to Antarctica, exploring how humans cope with extremes.
Assessment is dependent upon our observations of the children. Anne O’Brien, an experienced teacher and headteacher of young children, explores how we can use the observations we have made to inform the next stage of our planning.
Steve Mynard looks at the place of drama in your setting and how existing practice can be enhanced.
A love of stories is common to all young children, and by telling stories, rather than reading them, a storyteller can really bring the tale to life and make it a more interactive experience for the children. Former headteacher Steve Mynard explains how everyone has the ability to become a storyteller, it is just a matter of following some easy guidelines.
John Cousins is a primary mental health worker, supporting children and their families. He explains what we mean by ‘transitions’ and how they can affect the child.
Angela Youngman talked with Justine O’Driscoll of the Bedford Just Learning Nursery about making computers accessible for children in the early years.
Children’s therapist John Cousins examines the concept of self-esteem, which is integral to a child reaching Early Learning Goals in the PSE area of learning.
Margaret Collins looks at ways to raise children’s awareness of sun protection.
Attachment theory is explored here by Steve Mynard, who summarises some of the research and suggests ways that you could use this in your setting.
In his regular column Dr Graham Haydon argues that when the principles of justice and care are combined a more beneficial outcome is likely to be achieved.
In a special feature which encourages informed and responsible ways of tackling abuses of power Dr Christopher Williams suggests that young people make use of new web resources.
Semantic knowledge is the ability to understand narrative. This includes the ability to understand the meanings of words in different contexts, as well as a knowledge of the meaning of relationships between words. The activities listed here will help develop semantic knowledge.
Word finding is the ability to access vocabulary from the long-term memory. These activities can help develop word finding skills and can be used in lessons for the benefit of all pupils.
Listening is the ability to attend to sounds across a range of stimuli. Pupils with listening and attention difficulties have one of two problems…
Spatial awareness is the ability to be aware of oneself in space. Awareness of spatial relationships is the ability to see two or more objects in relation to each other and to oneself. These activities will help develop spatial awareness skills and can be used in lessons for the benefit of all pupils.
Visual comprehension is the ability to listen to information that has been given orally, then remember it, understand it and use the information across a range of tasks. These activities can help develop skills in this area, and can be incorporated into lessons for the benefit of all pupils.
Visual perception is the ability to recognise, interpret and organise visual images. The activities listed here will help develop visual perception skills and can be incorporated into lessons to benefit all pupils.
This series of classroom activities will be useful for SENCOs, teachers, assistants and mentors. Each page focuses on a different skill set – from spatial awareness to visual discrimination to semantic knowledge
Auditory memory is the ability to recall information that has been given orally. The activities listed here can help develop auditory memory and can be incorporated into lessons for the benefit of all pupils.
Visual memory is the ability to recall information that has been presented visually. The activities listed here can help develop visual memory and can be incorporated into a lesson for the benefit of all pupils.
Visual discrimination is the ability to recognise similarities and differences between visual images. The activities listed here can help develop visual discrimination skills and can be used in lessons to benefit all children.
Phonological awareness is the ability to be aware of sounds within words and to be able to break down words into syllables and into phonemes. The activities listed here can help develop phonological awareness and can be used in lessons for the benefit of all children.
Auditory discrimination is the ability to detect similarities and differences when listening to sounds. The activities listed here can be used to strengthen auditory discrimination skills and can be incorporated into a lesson to benefit all children.
Don Harrison describes three ways to explore issues of global poverty through a new resource from Save the Children.
In his regular column, Dr Graham Haydon argues that in responding to multiculturalism, we need to think hard about the idea of culture.
Critical thinking skills can help us unpack national stereotypes. Dr Christopher Williams proposes strategies and resources focusing on the image of young people in Palestine.
John Potter says citizenship gives education meaning and purpose – and students seem to agree.
In his regular column, Dr Graham Haydon asks whether tolerance has become an easy option, which allows us to continue with an underlying disapproval of others because they are different.
In his regular column, Dr Graham Haydon argues that, despite appearances, PSHE as well as citizenship has a role in education for democracy.
Educational consultant Mike Fleetham shares some interesting ideas about choosing books and looks at some practical ideas for using stories to develop children’s thinking.
Rob Sanderson of Wigan Schools Library Service offers some practical advice for building an early years library.
Global citizenship benchmarks for secondary schools.
To mark Martin Luther King day, students wrote poems on social responsibility themes.
On Martin Luther King Day, suggestions from Year 8 and 9 students at Benjamin Britten High School.
Lesley Hendy considers how the teacher’s voice affects pupils’ behaviour and their ability to learn
In this article, Philip Drury underlines the numerous educational advantages of project work, and shows how negative points can be effectively circumvented
Andy Bowman explores strategies to begin to develop independence and resourcefulness in young learners.
Bill Lucas explores the phrase ‘accelerated learning,’ and its associated curious, if well-meaning, misconceptions
Following the review of the national standards (see opposite), the secretary of state for education and skills has asked the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) to review the initial teacher training (ITT) requirements.
In her final article on how teachers use emotions, teacher trainer Susan Gibbs discusses why emotional safety is so important in enabling children and young people to learn.
Some key findings from research on how teachers can use groups to boost young people’s achievement
The Teacher Support Network has set up an online advice, information and support service for teachers. This will supplement the existing telephone service, which offers counselling to around 17,000 teachers and lecturers every year.
If schools are to help tackle self-harming behaviours, says the final Report of the National Inquiry into Self-Harm among Young People, they need to ensure that young people have opportunities to talk about their fears and anxieties.
Groupwork needs a bigger role in classroom practice, according to the findings of the SPRinG (Social Pedagogic Research into Groupwork) project, carried out over five years by researchers at the universities of London, Cambridge and Brighton.
DOES the right to freedom of religion entitle teachers to inflict corporal punishment on children if parents authorise it?
However well planned for, the process of moving from trainee to professional will always constitute a big change.
Lorne Charles, who teaches at Morpeth School Bethnal Green, was one of the first NQTs to join the GTCE’s Teacher Learning Academy (TLA). She describes how her involvement has helped her to develop professionally and the value of the TLA’s support at this moment in her career.
In a letter to the DfES in May Universities Council for Education of Teachers (UCET) expressed concern that teachers working in city academies do not need to be members of the General Teaching Council (GTC).
Julie Bennett suggests three different techniques that you can use to motivate learners and add further dimensions to your teaching
On the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth, Garry Burnett used the composer as a model to question whether creative skills such as problem-solving and interpretation can be taught
Team teaching is an approach in which two or more teachers are jointly responsible for course content, lesson activities and assessment. Could it work for you?
G&T coordinator Jo McShane reflects on how far things have come since she did her own PGCE and provides some strategies to share with NQTs and teacher trainees.
Dr Steve Rayner (School of Education, University of Birmingham) explores recent criticisms of the use of learning styles in education, arguing that they are, when used in well-considered ways, an essential feature of personalised learning.
This is an excellent introductory text to special educational needs and inclusion. It is aimed at trainee teachers and addresses relevant Professional Standards for QTS, but is certainly not constrained by these. The book is organised around three key themes of: principles and policies of special educational needs; working with others; and practical applications in the primary classroom.
Linda Evans considers the implications for SENCOs in helping trainee and newly qualified teachers (NQTs) to develop effective strategies for meeting pupils’ individual needs.
SWOT is a frequently used management tool, useful for reflection, decision-making and appraising options
“If you continue to do what you have always done, then you’ll continue to get what you’ve always got.” Anon
The Teacher Support Line is available to all teachers, providing access to counsellors when support is needed
If you are disorganised your colleagues will think you’re less effective, even if you aren’t. Unfair but true. Prioritised lists and well-planned lessons disperse the illusion of chaos, but what else can you do?
There are pros and cons to all seating patterns
Win it or lose it within the first three minutes, by Nicola Fahey
In a letter to the DfES in May Universities Council for Education of Teachers (UCET) expressed concern that teachers working in city academies do not need to be members of the General Teaching Council (GTC).
Critical thinking, communication, politics, philosophy, environmental awareness, economics.
Why do we need to celebrate? Is there a pattern common to both religious festivals and secular festivals and celebration?
John Senior looks at an approach that will help G&T students develop creative thinking.