Thursday morning saw our final virtual Primary Geography Subject Leader Network (PGSLN) meeting of this academic year, which had a focus on quality assurance (QA). Presenting alongside myself was Mark Enser, former National Lead for Geography for Ofsted as well as an HMI and now offering independent support to schools. We were joined by representatives from over 30 schools across …
History’s turn now!
This week has been devoted to bespoke CPD. Today, it was a session with the History Subject Leaders at Oliver Tomkins C of E VA Schools near Swindon, Wiltshire (https://www.olivertomkinsschools.co.uk/swindon/primary/olivertomkins). Prior to this morning’s virtual session, there had been a brief conversation and number of e-mails sent between myself, the Headteacher and History Subject Leaders to share documentation and establish ‘where they were at’. This …
A spot of bespoke CPD (geography)
This week has been devoted to bespoke CPD. Today, it was a session with the Geography Subject Leader at Oliver Tomkins C of E VA Schools near Swindon, Wiltshire (https://www.olivertomkinsschools.co.uk/swindon/primary/olivertomkins). Prior to this morning’s virtual session, there had been a brief conversation and number of e-mails sent between myself, the Headteacher and Geography Subject Leader to share documentation and establish …
Another bespoke CPD session before the academic year is out!
It was rather tight, but we managed it! Last week, a bespoke CPD session was requested by the Geography Subject Leader at Milton Road Primary School in Cambridge (https://www.miltonroadschool.org.uk/) and, with only a few free dates left in my diary before schools break up for the summer, we were very fortunate to be able to earmark a mutually convenient time. …
Bespoke CPD (Part 2)!
It was, once again, time to reconvene with the History Subject Leader at Lawrence View Primary and Nursery School in Eastwood, Nottingham (https://www.lawrenceviewprimary.co.uk/) to continue our discussions around their whole school curriculum map for the subject. Following our previous session, the History Subject Leader had revisited my suggested websites, resources and ideas. I was really impressed with the progress that she …
Virtual Primary Geography Subject Leader Network (PGSLN) meeting number 3!
Whilst the weeks when we hold in situ and virtual Primary Geography Subject Leader Network meetings are rather manic, I do enjoy them. Engaging with so many teachers over the course of two days (more than 65 from all areas of the UK), supporting and inspiring them in the process, is extremely rewarding. I also gain an insight into what …
Bespoke CPD, part 2!
Well, it was time for another bespoke CPD session with staff at St. William’s Catholic Primary School in Wigan, Lancashire (https://www.saintwilliams.wigan.sch.uk/). I received an e-mail a couple of weeks’ ago requesting ‘…. could we please look at what we have been working on since our first meeting (long-term overview and sequencing of it, enquiry and auxiliary questions) and then also …
Virtual Primary Humanities Network meeting (Term 6)
Trying to fit a virtual Primary Humanities Network meeting into a busy Term 6 is not easy, but we managed it! Our ‘real time’ numbers were slightly less than usual as several regulars were away on residential trips, could not gain cover due to sickness among colleagues or had Parents’ Consultation afternoons, Sports Day, etc. to attend. Nevertheless, there was …
Regional Primary Geography Conference (Bowden Hall Hotel Gloucestershire)
Well, it was time for David Weatherly to return to Gloucestershire for his annual Regional Primary Geography Conference (www.davidweatherlyeducation.co.uk). David is a School Improvement Adviser and an accomplished teacher with an international reputation as an inspiring trainer. Whether working in schools or at CPD events, he always models practical and achievable approaches to improving engagement and outcomes of pupils. He …