Freedom to Teach

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...

6 min

Meet Nadine Cowan, author of the new Black history series from Big Cat

Meet Nadine Cowan, author of the new Black history series from Big Cat

I’m Nadine Cowan and I write and illustrate picture books. I include Black main protagonists to combat the low figures of Black children in children’s literature from diverse and underrepresented voices/creators.  I’ve loved writing creatively for as long as...

3 min

Getting GCSE maths revision right!

Getting GCSE maths revision right!

The run up to GCSEs can be a very difficult time for Year 11 students. Often, they are still learning new material but are aware of the need to practice and consolidate earlier learning so they are ready...

3 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

Q&A with Poppy O’Neill, author of ‘Hello Feelings’

Q&A with Poppy O’Neill, author of ‘Hello Feelings’

Why this book? I think the key to emotional wellbeing is feeling comfortable with our emotions. On top of difficult emotions themselves – like fear or sadness – many of us also feel anxious about feeling these...

3 min

Books Like Us

Books Like Us

Why shouldn’t the reincarnated children of Zeus be transported to fight against their timeless serpent foe outside Greggs in Doncaster town centre? All children deserve to see the different aspects of their lives reflected in the books that...

3 min

Global history broadens horizons

Global history broadens horizons

Laura Aitken-Burt, co-author of Knowing History second edition, explains the importance of teaching global history to your students, and how you can integrate this into your KS3 curriculum.  

5 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

How to develop brilliant reading at KS3

How to develop brilliant reading at KS3

Reading is in vogue at the moment – and rightly so! Several factors have raised the priority of reading in schools. The number of students reading at home has slowly dwindled as the number of distractions has dramatically increased....

6 min

Navigating cultural capital in primary music

Navigating cultural capital in primary music

Most schools in England are aware of the concept of ‘cultural capital’, defined by Ofsted as ‘the essential knowledge pupils need to be educated citizens, introducing them to the best that has been thought and said’. Taking our pupils...

4 min

Leaping across the writing gap: building resilience and independence at KS3

Leaping across the writing gap: building resilience and independence at KS3

The impact of the disrupted nature of the last few years is perhaps most felt on the continuity which is key to progression. It is surely harder than ever to get a sense of just what level students transition...

5 min