Blog posts by Guest

I’ve long believed in the importance of oracy education. As a young teacher, I was inspired by the Bullock Report, which made the case – beautifully and unarguably – for the importance of language across the curriculum.

Why after fifteen years, are we still continuing to embed formative assessment and what impact has it had in school; beyond its prime directive of improving the quality of teaching and learning?

Recognising what Gert Biesta (2016) describes as “…the beautiful risk of education,” we hope that this short piece introduces you to how engaging with SSAT’s Embedding Formative Assessment (EFA) programme – proven, evidence-based professional development – has revolutionised our approach to working together on formative assessment.

Greg Gilbey, Director of Learning at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, shares how a drama lesson hinge question helped shift student thinking. His approach offers a practical model for using hinge questions to deepen understanding across subjects.

Discover how Catcote Academy’s innovative use of the Embedding Formative Assessment (EFA) programme transformed teaching practices and significantly improved student outcomes. This case study highlights the power of collaborative teacher development and adaptive assessment techniques in a supportive environment, making a lasting impact on students with diverse needs.

As we hurtle towards the finish line of our two-year Embedding Formative Assessment (EFA) journey, it felt like a good time to step back and reflect upon what has been a truly transformational process in terms of how we effectively use formative assessment in our classrooms and the passionate and reflective staff and student conversations around teaching and learning happening regularly at Erdington Academy.

This blog demonstrates the value of coaching and reflection not only for student teachers but also for mentors. By fostering growth through structured CPD and collaborative practice, these initiatives highlight how empowering educators at all levels can create lasting improvement in teaching and learning.

There was a time when teaching was the best job to do as a working parent. Some people who don’t work in schools or are not married to teachers still view it as a job that fits around the family. You get the holidays, of course. Except you don’t.

I look around the education landscape with sadness and concern as the word “inclusion” has been diluted, misappropriated, and sometimes airbrushed out of everyday professional parlance.

After 33 years of teaching, following many different trains of thought, always amending my approach and trying earnestly to keep myself ahead of the game, I have found myself curiously captivated by what really is good feedback?