Early Years children drawing

What do we mean by ‘pictorial’ in the CPA approach?

Blog
08 Mar 2022
Do we encourage young children to draw pictures when engaging with the CPA approach? Are these pictures important?
Random letters on yellow background

KS2 Spelling: all spelling statements are equal, but some spelling statements are more equal than others

Blog
28 Nov 2018
KS2 Spelling: all spelling statements are equal, but some spelling statements are more equal than others.
Alphabet shapes in wood

Getting more mileage out of the Y5/6 spelling list

Blog
15 Jan 2019
In this blog, Penny Slater explains how an understanding of morphology might help you to see the words from the Y5/6 list in a whole new light.
Primary children in red jumpers in classroom

Rosenshine’s principles of instruction applied to the teaching of spelling

Blog
11 May 2021
This is a blog packed with practical activities and ideas to support with spelling instruction, and linked to Rosenshine’s principles of instruction.
Random letter cut-out shapes

Spelling: tracking back to move forward

Blog
17 Oct 2019
Michelle Nicholson explores the importance of building links to prior learning to help close gaps in children’s spelling.
Multi-coloured pencils

Section 28: Impact and legacy

Blog
21 Jun 2022
Section 28 banning teachers from talking or teaching about homosexuality had a profound impact on schools and individuals. The consequences are still being felt today.
Open book with glowing pages

Time is short - time for short stories: enriching reading & writing with perfectly formed tales

Blog
12 Jan 2021
In this blog, Martin Galway shares the benefits of a healthy diet of short stories, especially when time is short, as well as a booklist of recommended collections.
Preparing for the 2022 KS2 Reading SATs: unpicking challenge in non-fiction texts

Preparing for the 2022 KS2 Reading SATs: unpicking challenge in non-fiction texts

Blog
11 Jan 2022
As schools around the country begin to prepare pupils for the KS2 Reading SATs, we hope this guidance – looking at indicators of perfectly pitched non-fiction in line with the challenge of the KS2 test – offers some helpful support.
Pen writing in book

It’s no doddle writing a good model!

Blog
04 Apr 2019
Penny Slater presents her view that a good model for writing should always be the starting point for planning successful written outcomes.
School children planting small green vegetables

Voices from the classroom: Oak View Primary and Nursery – pop-up outdoor education

Blog
09 May 2023
This blog delves into the benefits of pop-up outdoor education centres, run by the University of Hertfordshire, including pond dipping, links to art and English and gardening.