Ofsted Inspection Myths

7 Ofsted Inspection Myths

Despite the fact that every teacher should have read Ofsted’s school inspection handbook, which goes into detail about things like the evaluation schedule and grade descriptors, several inspection myths still exist.

So, to provide clarification over the facts once and for all, here are 7 Ofsted inspection myths you should pay no attention to whatsoever.

Read More

Cognitive Theory

Cognitive Load Theory – What You Need to Know

In recent years, an increasing number of teachers and schools have started to adopt research and evidence-based practices.

One notable example is cognitive load theory, which has been described by Dylan William as “the single most important thing for teachers to know.”

But what do we mean by cognitive load theory? And how can it impact the classroom? Here’s what you need to know.

Read More

School Examinations Failing Some Pupils

Are School Examinations Failing Some of Our Pupils?

It is fair to say that throughout life, people are measured and judged against certain benchmarks, which don’t always paint true-to-life pictures of character or capability.

The exact same thing can be said for our current examination system, which ignores the individuality of each student – it’s simply the strongest and fittest who survive.

So, does that mean to say we are failing our pupils with school examinations?

Read More

ofsted

How Do Ofsted Select A School For Inspection?

Every week, Ofsted carries out hundreds of inspections and regulatory visits of services providing education and skills for learners of all ages.

For many years, it has used statistical models to ensure proportionate inspection of maintained schools and academies as well as independent educational institutions and programmes.

But in March 2018, Ofsted released a publication outlining the risk assessment process for good and outstanding maintained schools and academies, which involved individual assessment of published data alongside a more in-depth ‘desk-based’ review of a wider range of available information.

Read More

Small Class Sizes

Do Small Class Sizes Have Any Impact?

In order to control spending and keep costs down, education policymakers often decide to increase class sizes. But what impact does this have on the academic ability and achievements of children?

A 110-page report by Campbell Collaboration attempts to lift the lid on class sizes and their effect on student learnings in both primary and secondary schools.

Read More

Behaviour Management for Early Career Teachers

Behaviour Management for ECTs

Getting to know your students is never easy, especially in the first term of a new school year. But now that you’ve spent some quality time with your class and the distraction of the Christmas holidays has disappeared, this is the perfect opportunity to gain a better understanding of your students both as learners and people.

By doing so, you’ll be able to build strong relationships and a favourable rapport with your class, which in turn can help you become a master of behaviour management. Throughout the rest of your career in education, you’ll soon realise that this is an invaluable and indispensable skill.

Read More

Teacher Role Model

Top Tips For Becoming A Teacher Role Model

It is easy for teachers to feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. Not only are teachers trusted with the learning and development of children, they must also act as inspirational and influential ‘role models’.

But in many respects, the attitudes and attributes of good teachers go hand-in-hand with role models…

Read More

GLC Open Day

Have You Considered Starting Your Teaching Career In Thurrock ?

On Wednesday 13THFebruary 2019, Strategy Education will be co-ordinating an interview day in Thurrock for primary ECTs.

On the day you will have the opportunity to meet a number of Headteachers as well as visit and teach in local schools.

Read More

School Budgets Are Dwindling

Fact: School Budgets Are Dwindling – What Does It Mean?

According to research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, total school spending per pupil in England fell by about 8 per cent in real terms between 2009-10 and 2017-18. In Wales, it fell by about 5 per cent over the same period.

The reason for higher cuts in England was driven by a combination of a greater fall in spending by local authorities and school sixth form spending alongside faster growth in pupil numbers.

Read More

Christmas Nativity Play

Who Wins The Christmas Nativity Play?

Now that the festive season has passed, a hot topic over the internet and social media is that of the school Christmas nativity.  Is the tradition still relevant, and who really benefits from maintaining it?

The nativity play remains a long-standing tradition in several schools up and down the country. For many, it’s something to look forward to with great anticipation and excitement. But for others, it is yet another major school project that has the potential to take up a lot of precious time.

Read More