Character education: Virtue In a new series of best practice articles exploring character education, expert Matt Bawden asks what aspects of character should be central to our education system and details a new DfE-backed pilot project to teach character through the curriculum
Case study: A central role for the arts From changing classrooms into workshops to pupils curating their own museums, the arts play a central role at Sidegate Primary School. The school’s arts and culture coordinator Jane Ryder explains
Case study: Sustainable schools The Ashden Sustainable Schools Awards celebrate schools that pave the way in saving energy and inspiring others. Alex Green looks at two recent primary school winners and explains more about Ashden’s work and awards
Learning to Lead in the primary school At Walker Primary School, pupils took on the project management of the new website. Headteacher Jennifer Malone explains how they got on
Embedding a ‘mastery‘ teaching approach ‘Mastery’ teaching encourages pupils to learn to redraft and improve their own work, equipping them with a deep understanding of their learning. Jenna Crittenden explains how she worked to embed this approach at her school
Case study: Skills and coding Teacher Alison Henderson engaged with the popular Apps for Good scheme to push her pupils’ problem-solving and computing skills to the limit. She explains more
A Cultural Education Challenge The Arts Council’s Cultural Education Challenge is aimed at bringing those working in schools and the arts together to deliver effective and inspiring arts education. Laura Gander-Howe explains
What will this year hold for character education? The government has thrown its backing behind character education, with a national awards and financial grants. Suzanne O'Connell looks at how schools might embrace and prioritise this agenda in the year ahead
Literacy difficulties and the Pupil Premium Whole-school approaches to supporting students with persistent literacy difficulties and spending the Pupil Premium are essential. Sarah Driver explains more and offers practical advice and ideas
India and Uganda: Forging global links The impact of two international partnerships – with India and Uganda – on pupils at Pakefield Primary School has been impressive. Helen Phillips explains
Practical science at KS2 What are the main challenges when delivering effective practical science at key stage 2? Dan Sullivan takes a look
Supporting languages education in Scotland Scotland’s National Centre for Languages works to develop and improve the learning and teaching of languages. Petra McLay describes some of the support on offer to languages teachers in Scotland
Be prepared: Scouts in school Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe has decided to give over an afternoon a week to Beavers and Cubs. Vice-principal Sean Woolley explains why
A guide to subject leadership What does subject leadership look like in a primary school environment? Headteacher John Tilley discusses the introduction of defined principles and approaches for subject leadership in his school, including a Subject Leader Guide 10 comments
Gifted and talented: Spotting star talent How can we spot gifted and talented pupils early on to ensure that their potential is nurtured and developed. Headteacher Ben Evans offers some advice
Getting the most from external arts partnerships Primary schools often engage with external organisations when it comes to delivering arts education and wider opportunities. Jeremy Newton looks at some of the ingredients that make for productive relationships
Cicadas and prime numbers Mathematics expert Marcus du Sautoy explains why art is an ideal vehicle for teaching mathematics and introduces a simple lesson idea involving the cicada and its predators...
Reading, writing and the importance of vocabulary Research indicates that low levels of vocabulary can have an impact on reading and therefore writing. Headteacher Frances Robertson looks at the role of vocabulary teaching and some effective approaches 2 comments
Running forest learning Pupils at Fairfield Preparatory School are taking their learning outside thanks to an initiative that is revolutionising the school day. Forest school leader Alex Carter explains
Research into the impact of the funded Bikeability scheme The government-funded Bikeability scheme trains children to be confident and safe cyclists and has so far reached 1.5 million young people. Claire Hodgson looks at how the initiative engages with schools and reports on research into its impact
Character education – is it the solution? With increasing concerns about mental health, Suzanne O'Connell asks whether character education is really part of the solution
A three-pronged strategy to improve teaching and learning The strategy to improve teaching and learning at Long Cross Primary School focused on three areas. Deputy headteacher Amelia Nelson explains
Ofsted and e-safety in schools It is vital that schools get their e-safety policies right. Geoff Millington offers advice for schools on creating an effective e-safety policy and outlines what Ofsted inspectors are looking for
Boosting confidence, communication and learning skills Staff at Paget Primary School have carried out a range of enquiry and research-led investigations to help boost their pupils' confidence, communication and learning skills. Dorothy Lepkowska explains
More computing ideas... Continuing our focus on the computing curriculum, Lauren Hyams from the not-for-profit Code Club Pro explores the new-look subject and offers some practical suggestions for the classroom
