Thursday
How a new approach to vocabulary has transformed our reading scores
At a primary school in Leicester, a novel way of leading vocabulary retrieval lessons has boosted Sats scores and helped to develop a love of reading among pupils. Ellen Peirson-Hagger hears how it works
Scrap smart uniforms, say nearly half of secondary teachers
An increased focus on inclusion and cost means some schools are revising their uniform policies. But teachers are divided and leaders are less convinced of the need for change, exclusive polling reveals
Tuesday
How international schools are being impacted by geopolitics
With the world currently experiencing the most armed conflict since the Second World War, it’s inevitable that the international sector will suffer some ripple effects. But how are geopolitical tensions playing out in schools? Dan Worth investigates
Why leaders need to audit their spheres of influence
Assessing your spheres of influence can bring clarity to your school or trust leadership structure, argues Chris Baker
How to ensure teachers of all ages have a voice in your school
An international school leader outlines how they paired teachers of all ages and experience to ensure a breadth of opinions for new school initiatives
Monday
‘The Trump effect’: US universities’ allure fades for international students
A British Council report finds many international students are applying to institutions closer to home – something that schools are witnessing first-hand as part of a major market shift
Wealthier pupils benefited most from ‘gifted and talented’ scheme
A now-defunct government programme for ‘gifted and talented’ students could have ‘inadvertently reinforced educational inequalities’, say researchers – but they still want to see the idea revived
How schools can show parents the value of play
Some parents query why their child is still playing rather than engaging with formal teaching. Paul Ramchandani explains how EYFS professionals can help change their view
War’s impact on schools puts future peace in jeopardy
IB chief Olli-Pekka Heinonen reflects on how wars rob children of a normal childhood and disrupt learning, but says we must hold faith in the purpose of education
Friday
Ofsted recruits unpaid inspectors as part of pilot scheme
Inspectors recruited under the scheme will not get an inspection fee, with Ofsted instead contributing to their employers’ costs
Teachers should have to earn the right to use AI
AI can be a huge help for teachers – but its use must not come at the expense of hard-earned professional wisdom, writes this educator
