Reconstructing Reading 2026

Reconstructing Reading 2026 16 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 At Reconstructing Reading, we’ll bring together international literacy leaders to translate the latest and most robust reading research into teaching strategies that support children in an evolving reading landscape. Whether you’re a teaching practitioner or researcher, you’ll come away with evidenced approaches to reading instruction […]
Belonging and wellbeing: Selected reading

This article has been published as part of the Rethinking Curriculum project, kindly funded by The Helen Hamlyn Trust. This is a collection of research articles, case studies, webinars and other relevant resources to develop your understanding of fostering a greater sense of belonging and wellbeing in your setting. We have […]
Fostering creativity in the classroom: Scaling creative thinking across a multi-academy trust

This article has been published as part of the Rethinking Curriculum project, kindly funded by The Helen Hamlyn Trust. Jane Fearnley OBE, CEO of Willow Tree Academy Context Willow Tree Academy is a four-school primary academy trust based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Our schools serve communities experiencing significant disadvantage, with many […]
What kind of school naturally creates wellbeing?
This article has been published as part of the Rethinking Curriculum project, kindly funded by The Helen Hamlyn Trust. Dr Jeremy Hannay, Executive Principal, Southall Waterside Federation Introduction More than a decade ago, visitors to Three Bridges Primary School were greeted by a phrase that attracted equal measures of curiosity, enthusiasm […]
Keeping Your Curriculum Broad and Balanced: Celebrating the Arts and Humanities in Primary Schools

Keeping Your Curriculum Broad and Balanced: Celebrating the Arts and Humanities in Primary Schools Presented by Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy (0 to 11 Years) Join us for an inspiring in-person conference exploring the important place of the arts and humanities in primary schools. Subjects such as art, music, drama, history and geography play a […]
The expressive arts as pedagogical mediators: Enquiry, creative thinking and curriculum-making in the early years

This article has been published as part of the Rethinking Curriculum project, kindly funded by The Helen Hamlyn Trust. Debi Keyte-Hartland, Pedagogical Consultant, Artist-Educator and Researcher Debi has worked with teachers and senior leaders at Woodlands Primary School and Nursery for over ten years, fostering reflective practice through pedagogical coaching. Introduction […]
Rethinking Curriculum – How can we ensure a curriculum nurtures wellbeing and belonging?

We know that wellbeing and belonging directly impact young people’s outcomes and sense of worth within schools, yet it is often forgotten or an afterthought to whole school curriculum design. In this session, hear from experts across the education sector around why they believe that this work must be a starting point and how you […]
Mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors: Reimagining a primary art and design curriculum

This article has been published as part of the Rethinking Curriculum project, kindly funded by The Helen Hamlyn Trust. Adele Darlington, School Artist-in Residence, Holy Trinity Church of England Primary Academy, Handsworth, Birmingham Context Holy Trinity Church of England Primary Academy is a one-form entry school serving the diverse community of […]
Calling early career teachers, senior leaders and mentors!

At the University of Sussex, we are inviting early career teachers (ECTs), and those who support ECTs, to collaborate with us on the co-development of a new intervention aimed at supporting those experiencing work-related stress. We’re seeking those who can share their insights and expertise to help shape an approach that genuinely reflects the needs […]
Developing a play‑based pedagogy for mathematics in Key Stage 1: An inquiry into developing pedagogical innovation

This article has been published as part of the Rethinking Curriculum project, kindly funded by The Helen Hamlyn Trust. Rebekah Gear, Local Leader of Mathematics Education, East Midlands West Maths Hub Ashley Pearce, Mathematics Lead and Key Stage 2 Phase Leader, Brookfields Primary School Introduction and context As part of ongoing […]
Igniting creativity: Activating children’s social-emotional learning, oracy and conflict resolution through collaborative storymaking

What is the purpose of this webinar? This webinar is part of a series around curriculum enrichment in primary schools as part of the extensive Rethinking the Curriculum project. This series aims to support and equip both teachers and school leaders with the knowledge and skills to identify, plan and implement curriculum development work in […]
Creativity: Selected reading

This article has been published as part of the Rethinking Curriculum project, kindly funded by The Helen Hamlyn Trust. By Jenna Crittenden, Teacher Advocacy Lead at the Chartered College of Teaching This is a collection of research articles, case studies, webinars and other relevant resources to develop your understanding of creative […]
Creativity in schools: The why and the how

This article has been published as part of the Rethinking Curriculum project, kindly funded by The Helen Hamlyn Trust. Written by Jenna Crittenden, Teacher Advocacy Lead, and Beth O’Brien, Education Content Manager What is creativity? Defining ‘creativity’ continues to be a complex and contentious task. As Desailly (2015, p. 2) states, […]
The relationship between teacher self-efficacy and perceived stress: The moderating role of context and experience

Study title: The relationship between teacher self-efficacy and perceived stress: The moderating role of context and experience. You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before deciding, it is essential to understand why the research is being conducted and what it entails. Please take time to read the following information carefully. Please […]
Topsy Page – An Introduction to Oracy

An introduction to the key principles of oracy and the vital role talk plays in learning. The session explores both how to develop oracy skills, and how to develop purposeful classroom dialogue to improve thinking, confidence and participation across the curriculum. Topsy Page is an experienced educator, trainer and facilitator specialising in oracy and Philosophy […]
From the editor

Teresa Cremin, Professor of Education (Literacy), the Open University, UK Over the last three decades, creativity and creative pedagogy have sustained numerous pendulum swings in policy and practice contexts. However, since the publication of UNESCO’s report Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education (ICFE, 2021), I think it is possible to discern […]
Reclaiming purpose: Disciplinary expertise and creative pedagogy as drivers of sustainable teaching

CLARE O’SULLIVAN FCCT, THE PTI, UK Introduction Imagine a Year 8 history class staging a courtroom trial to determine the fate of Anne Boleyn. Students interrogate sources, weigh evidence and argue passionately for opposing verdicts. Engagement is immediate and sustained – not because the activity is a novelty, but because it is rooted in a teacher’s […]
Professional development for creative pedagogies: The Art of Learning as a model for practice and pedagogical renewal

MARIE OTHILIE HUNDEVADT, INLAND COUNTY COUNCIL, NORWAY LAMIS SABRA, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CREATIVITY, CULTURE AND EDUCATION, UK SZILVIA NÉMETH, T-TUDOK CENTRE FOR KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INC, HUNGARY This case study will highlight the content, design, implementation and structure of the professional development (PD) of teachers in the context of the flagship ‘Art of Learning’ programme, which was […]
A joyful curriculum: Embedding creative practice to support pupils’ mental health

KATE CLARK FCCT, DEPUTY HEAD: PASTORAL, FOREST PREPARATORY SCHOOL, UK Over the past decade, concerns from both teachers and parents about the mental health of young people have grown significantly. Recent data from NHS England (2023) suggests that around one in five children and young people in England now experience a probable mental health disorder, a […]
Innovating listening-led classroom practice in primary education: Sounding digital playgrounds

MARIA GUERRA SAPPHO, UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD, UK KIRSTIN MACVICAR, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL, UK PAMELA BURNARD, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, UK FRÉDÉRIC DUFEU, UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD, UK MICHAEL CLARKE, UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD, UK In primary education, understanding human/nature relationships requires doing more than introducing children to works of art that are inspired by nature. Nature is not ‘out there’; […]