Blog

Keep up to date with the latest news and views in the YPO Blog RSS Feed

We'll be blogging every few days about various topics, so come back soon to see more!

  • maths

    Why is mathematical fluency important?

    07 June 2019 By Polly Church - Eastpoint Ltd

    The National Curriculum aims for pupils to ‘become fluent in the basics of mathematics. This should be done through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex maths problems, so that pupils develop understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.

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  • Top tips for practical science lessons

    15 May 2019 By Debbie Roberts – International education consultant, author and trainer

    Schools are under a great deal of pressure to invest in an array of new curricula and programmes of study. At the same time budget constraints impact negatively on the provision for practical subjects such as science. Exam boards are assessing students on specified practical investigations, where students have a hands-on experience. In my experience most schools and academies are preparing for this by ‘practicing’ these from as early as year 7. This is an expensive strategy to ensure that students get the best grade possible in assessments.

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  • Encouraging active lifestyles in and out of school

    11 March 2019 By Jo-Anne Town - Early Years and PE Leader, Gooseacre Primary Academy

    There is strong evidence that regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits for children. The UK chief medical officers recommend that all children and young people should engage in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day.

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  • Stress management tips

    19 February 2019 By John Harrison - Learning and Development Business Partner, YPO

    According to the 2018 Education Support Partnership Teacher Wellbeing Index, 67% of education professionals describe themselves as stressed. Let me start out by saying, although this article is written in a light way, I do understand the impact prolonged stress can have, and I can speak from personal experience on the significant impact acute stress has had on my own mental health. This article is designed to provide a range of practical solutions that could support people with managing stress.

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  • Top tips for parent communications

    12 February 2019 By Fiona Jukes, PR and Communications Manager - YPO

    Teachers tell us that one of the most challenging parts of their role can be around relationships with parents. One way we can develop relationships is through clear and regular communication. YPO’s PR and Communications Manager Fiona Jukes, shares some top tips for effective Communications.

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  • Stay active during the winter months

    22 November 2018 By Gemma Maw, Category Buyer for Sports and SEN

    As we come into the long, dark and cold winter days it is very easy to want to just hibernate on the sofa under a warm cosy blanket, watch television or play video games. Staying active over the winter months is important to keep children’s fitness and activity levels high which further helps to instil healthy habits.

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  • Making connections in art, craft and design

    Making connections in art, craft and design

    26 October 2018 By Susan Coles - Creativity, arts and educational consultant and artist

    One of the best things about teaching art, craft and design is that there is so much choice. It is also important to remember that we teach art AND craft AND design and that a successful art curriculum will involve all of these. We should build assessment through four different skills.

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  • School sign

    Diary of a head teacher

    19 September 2018 By Sash Hamidi - Head teacher, Priestmead Primary School

    We're pleased to welcome Sash Hamidi from Priestmead Primary School, who gives an insight into cross-curricular learning in his school.

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  • Boy with magnifying glass

    Why do we teach science?

    19 September 2018 By Hester Binge - Education consultant and trainer, specialising in science and wellbeing

    Why do we teach science? Ok so it’s on the national curriculum but we teach it because it helps us understand and connect to the world we inhabit. We have, at some point in our busy lives wondered about the world that surrounds us. Why does the sea come in and out? How do the trees know when to lose their leaves? How come we lose our sense of taste when we get a cold? That’s why science can be truly cross–curricular. It can be the language we use to access other learning. Many other subjects need science to help them be understood.

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  • Time management YPO

    Time management tips for teachers part 2

    27 April 2018 By John Harrison - Learning and Development Business Partner at YPO

    In the last edition, I shared some tips and advice around time management. Here’s part two that looks at more ways you can master your time – give it a go, you might find a technique that really works for you.

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