Freedom to Teach

Getting comfortable with unseen poetry

Getting comfortable with unseen poetry

Of all the different forms of writing that we study in English, poetry often seems to be the one with which students feel the least comfortable.  The fact that it simply doesn’t look like prose creates an instant barrier.

5 min

Academic writing for GCSE

Academic writing for GCSE

In recent years, people have been talking much more about students needing to use academic writing.  At first, it seems like an impossible request.  Many of us link academic writing to the essays and research that we read while...

4 min

Retrieval strategies in the classroom

Retrieval strategies in the classroom

In my previous three blogs, I have addressed the power of retrieval practice, using retrieval alongside spaced practice and how to use retrieval to self-regulate learning. Here, I am going to highlight some of the key strategies I...

6 min

Developing metacognitive skills with retrieval practice

Developing metacognitive skills with retrieval practice

One of the most challenging aspects of teaching is equipping students to be able to learn effectively on their own, outside of the classroom. This is particularly difficult when it comes to equipping students with the tools for effective...

5 min

Retrieval practice and spaced practice

Retrieval practice and spaced practice

During my first post, I outline some of the many benefits of retrieval practice and why it should be used regularly in lessons to enhance students’ learning. In this post, I am going to discuss the...

6 min

Using Complete Revision and Practice as a GCSE course companion

Using Complete Revision and Practice as a GCSE course companion

Who is your worst critic? Well, for me, it is my daughter Annie. She is exactly the target audience for the Collins Complete Revision & Practice series; I was lucky to be commissioned to work on the series. Last...

5 min

The power of retrieval practice

The power of retrieval practice

During my first five years of teaching retrieval practice has been one of the key strategies that has had the greatest impact on my practice and, as a result, the students’ learning. There are so many benefits of retrieval...

5 min

Revision tips to help your students to prepare for GCSE exams

Revision tips to help your students to prepare for GCSE exams

Summer exams for students, and for teachers for that matter, are assessments that are worked towards for the whole of the school year. With such high stakes surrounding GCSE exams, students often feel a heightened amount of pressure in...

6 min

Revision ideas for ‘A Christmas Carol’

Revision ideas for ‘A Christmas Carol’

“You recollect the way?” inquired the Spirit.“Remember it!” cried Scrooge with fervour; “I could walk it blindfold.”“Strange to have forgotten it for so many years!” observed the Ghost. “Let us go on.”They walked along the road, Scrooge recognising every gate,...

5 min

Connecting with unseen poetry

Connecting with unseen poetry

Any examination is a contained and isolating space, the examinee on their own, having to rely on themselves to navigate their way and manage their time. The unseen poetry section is often considered the place containing the highest degree...

5 min

Practising SATs-style questions

Practising SATs-style questions

To help prepare pupils for SATs, we can build their confidence by revising topics and making sure they know what to expect. Here are some ways to make sure pupils are familiar with the style of the SATs papers and...

4 min

Getting the best out of assessment

Getting the best out of assessment

Assessment is now a routine and essential element of school life. Using classroom activities, homework assignments, periodic testing, or once-a-year summative assessments; teachers constantly monitor and appraise the students in their charge to help them realise their potential.

4 min