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. 
Hand holding large jelly-beans on blue background

Developing assessment in primary science Part 1 – what is our intention?

Blog
17 Apr 2023
Assessment in primary science begins with our curriculum and the delivery of that curriculum.