Cognitive acceleration programmes are intervention approaches which seek to enhance learning through the use of innovative methods centring on thinking skills. Knowledge bank Cognitive acceleration programmes first came to the attention of schools thanks to the work of a team of researchers at King’s College, London during the 1980s. Through academically rigorous trials with learners, [...]

Accelerated learning is a set of principles and approaches to promoting effective learning. It rests on a foundation of neuro-scientific research from which is extrapolated a series of models and strategies that enhance the capacity of learners. Knowledge bank Accelerated learning has a number of underpinning principles: A focus on learning A positive and purposeful [...]

Brain breaks are pauses in learning taken in order to carry out physical activities for the purposes of enhancing learning. They can be set within a philosophy of a healthy lifestyle for effective learning. Knowledge bank There are many commercially branded brain break activities which claim specific brain-related benefits. In some cases these brain break [...]

Mentoring is a process of supporting others to develop through the provision of challenge, support, sharing relevant experiences and providing solutions. Knowledge bank Mentoring, as distinct from coaching, provides support and challenge for an individual or group from a mentor who has experience and expertise in the field in which they are helping. Mentoring involves [...]

The National Strategies for schools are a series of high-profile government-backed programmes to promote reforms to the education system and what is taught in schools. They include: The Primary National Strategy – launched in 2003 The National Literacy Strategy – launched in 1998 and now part of the Primary National Strategy The National Numeracy Strategy [...]

Research in education seeks to discover patterns, trends and truths that can inform the work of teachers and school leaders. Action research is a specific type of research which is designed to provide insights that will enable an improvement in performance – in the case of education, usually more effective teaching and learning. Knowledge bank [...]

Managing upwards is being proactive about supporting your line manager to do his or her job effectively, in supporting you to do yours properly. It involves building a positive rapport with your line manager, helping them to cope on a day-to-day basis and assertively stating your needs with regard to doing your own job. With [...]

Creativity is the process of finding and implementing new and appropriate ways of thinking and doing. People who are able to do so with ease are often said to be ‘creative’, but there are dangers of pigeon-holing people in this way. Knowledge bank Though traditionally thought of as referring to the ‘creative arts’ (music, art, [...]

Giving learners a voice refers to the process where the views of children and young people are used to improve the educational offering of schools. It involves actively listening to what learners have to say and then, within reason, acting on the suggestions they have made. A series of recent studies has shown that it [...]

Presenting skills are approaches to making maximum impact when introducing ideas to others. Knowledge bank A presentation is a fast and potentially effective method of getting ideas across to others. It is a key skill which can be used effectively in the classroom, though should be used sparingly. It will also be required at many [...]