Developing subject expertise in secondary science

This case study is written by Adam Boxer, Head of Science at a secondary school. As you read this case study, reflect on the approaches suggested for developing subject expertise and consider how the approaches might be relevant to your own development as an early career teacher. The dynamic between generic teaching and learning and […]
Right is right in a KS1 classroom

Questioning is a common feature of classroom teaching. Brualdi’s (1998) research suggests that many teachers ask more than 300 questions per day! In order to support our pupils’ progress, we need to think carefully about the way that we construct and use questions in the classroom. In this clip, we see a teacher maintain high […]
Right is right in a primary classroom

Questioning is a common feature of classroom teaching. Brualdi’s (1998) research suggests that many teachers ask more than 300 questions per day! In order to support our pupils’ progress, we need to think carefully about the way that we construct and use questions in the classroom. In this clip, we see a teacher maintain high […]
Right is right in a secondary classroom

Questioning is a common feature of classroom teaching. Brualdi’s (1998) research suggests that many teachers ask more than 300 questions per day! In order to support our pupils’ progress, we need to think carefully about the way that we construct and use questions in the classroom. In this clip, we see two teachers maintain high […]
Questioning to stretch pupils’ thinking in a secondary classroom

Questioning is a common feature of classroom teaching. Brualdi’s (1998) research suggests that many teachers ask more than 300 questions per day! In order to support our pupils’ progress, we need to think carefully about the way that we construct and use questions in the classroom. Cotton’s (1988) research illuminates some helpful evidence about effective […]
Creating a culture of high expectations in a secondary classroom

A variety of research into teacher expectations reveals that they can affect the performance of students. Brattesani, Weinstein and Marshall (1984) claimed that teachers’ behaviour communicates their achievement expectations to their students and influences students’ own expectations and achievement as a result. Studies conducted by Rosenthal and Jacobson (1963) into teacher expectations of students concluded […]
No opt out in a secondary classroom

Questioning is a common feature of classroom teaching. Brualdi’s (1998) research suggests that many teachers ask more than 300 questions per day! In order to support our pupils’ progress, we need to think carefully about the way that we construct and use questions in the classroom. What happens when our carefully constructed, challenging question results […]
Top tips for resilience: The relationship between thoughts and behaviour

Introduction In these top tips, Cornelia Lucey, psychologist and leadership consultant presents some possible approaches to building resilience for teachers and educationalists and shares ways they can be applied to build resilience. It is important to note that these are only some tips to help you cope with everyday challenges at work and beyond. It […]
Top tips for resilience: Resilience and the recovery system

Introduction In these top tips, Cornelia Lucey, psychologist and leadership consultant presents some possible approaches to building resilience for teachers and educationalists and shares ways they can be applied to build resilience. It is important to note that these are only some tips to help you cope with everyday challenges at work and beyond. It […]
Top tips for resilience: Emotional experiences and responses

Introduction In these top tips, Cornelia Lucey, psychologist and leadership consultant presents some possible approaches to building resilience for teachers and educationalists and shares ways they can be applied to build resilience. It is important to note that these are only some tips to help you cope with everyday challenges at work and beyond. It […]
Top tips for resilience: Understanding teacher resilience

Introduction In these top tips, Cornelia Lucey, psychologist and leadership consultant presents some possible approaches to building resilience for teachers and educationalists and shares ways they can be applied to build resilience. It is important to note that these are only some tips to help you cope with everyday challenges at work and beyond. It […]
Top tips for resilience: Knowing and using your strengths

Introduction In these top tips, Cornelia Lucey, psychologist and leadership consultant presents some possible approaches to building resilience for teachers and educationalists and shares ways they can be applied to build resilience. It is important to note that these are only some tips to help you cope with everyday challenges at work and beyond. It […]
A brief introduction to cognitive science

Cognitive science is the study of the human mind. It is difficult to study and teach, and because it doesn’t have fixed laws like Newton’s Laws of Motion, is open to interpretation. But there are principles that can be utilised to design more rewarding educational experiences for young people in schools (Bermúdez, 2010). To utilise […]
Owning your professional identity

Initial teacher training (ITT) promises much. You get told that, at the end, you will be an advocate for your subject, inspirational, primed on the latest thinking on psychology, assessment, behaviour management and inspection requirements so that you are ready to help shape society. What they don’t necessarily tell you is that becoming a teacher […]
Resetting and rebooting behaviour

Behaviour is crucial to the success of both you and your pupils. When your classes are civil and keen, content is covered and everyone’s opportunities are multiplied. However, learning can dissolve in the presence of even a few stubborn individuals determined to set their shoulders against your ambitions. But teachers can reset and reboot their […]
Developing a ‘to-be’ list

It is with great pleasure that I write to you as you start either your NQT year, your studies or your career in teaching. I loved my job as a teacher! I don’t say that lightly. I think back to my years in the classroom and they rank as some of the most rewarding times […]
The life of new teachers

New teachers struggle with many aspects of the job: learning countless names, trying not to go to the toilet, writing clearly on whiteboards. However, one of the most consistent struggles for new teachers is managing poor behaviour. Just how many people struggle on a given day? A year ago, we set out to find out. […]
Preparing for your interview: A Q&A with CCT Fellows

We asked some of our Fellows to share the top two questions they ask at interview and what they are looking for in response: Clare Rees, Headteacher, Havelock Primary School What are you most proud of and what would you like more support with as an NQT? I’m looking for passion and enthusiasm for what […]
Choosing the school that’s right for you

As we begin a new academic year, I realise how much I have progressed during my first year as an NQT. I have grown in confidence and developed new skills. I have led CPD sessions, taken part in extra-curricular activities and gained leadership experience. There have been moments of stress and there have been days […]
Planning your learning

You’ll find that the Early Career Hub hosts a huge range of resources to support your professional learning. As a new teacher, this can feel overwhelming; there’s simply not enough time to engage with all of the content, and you’ll want to be sure that the learning you invest your time in, has an impact […]