Making effective pedagogical choices to impact learning – the role of modelling and questioning
What Does High-Quality Teaching Look Like Today? What does high-quality teaching look like in your school? Do staff have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that pupils know more and learn more? High-quality teaching remains the most powerful lever for improving pupil outcomes. Much research tells us: ‘High-quality teaching benefits all pupils and can…
The joys of joint working; sharing specialisms to meet need in schools
Over the course of the autumn term, Education North Tyneside’s Language and Communication Specialist Teaching Team and the Educational Psychology Service have had the privilege of working together. They jointly devised and delivered a targeted programme of training aimed at strengthening both teacher and support staff knowledge and confidence in planning and adapting approaches within their individual settings to…
Hanukkah: Finding Light, Joy, and Connection in the Festival of Lights
As winter settles in and the nights grow long, Hanukkah arrives like a gentle glow, eight days of warmth, celebration, and a reminder that even the smallest spark can brighten the darkest season. Whether you grew up celebrating or are discovering the holiday for the first time, Hanukkah offers something beautifully universal: a story of…
Festive Computing Activities for the Classroom
So, Christmas is coming and what better way to bring a bit of holiday spirit than to add a bit of sparkle to your computing lessons. Here are three festive activities that not only bring the fun but also enhance their computing skills. 1. Create a Festive Animation There are many ways to create…
The Importance of Christmas: The origins of our traditions
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays worldwide. More than 2 billion people in over 160 countries around the world celebrate Christmas, which is rich with spiritual, cultural, and social significance. As the popular Christmas song by Andy Williams suggests, it’s the most wonderful time of the year for many of us. In…
Christmas Around The World
Christmas is celebrated worldwide in various unique and culturally specific ways. While the central theme of Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, remains the same, traditions vary across countries and regions. Here’s a look at how different parts of the world celebrate Christmas. Australia, New Zealand and South Africa Season: Celebrated during summer. Traditions:…
Christmas book recommendations for primary schools
The build up to Christmas is well underway in schools: performances and end of term activities adding to children’s excitement! Amidst all this, it can be enjoyable to find some quiet time to enjoy a Christmas story or two. Here are two of my favourites which can be explored as a class, or by children…
FIRST LEGO League Challenge Comes to Teesside
On Friday 12th December, the halls of Redcar and Cleveland College will be buzzing with excitement. Sixteen teams of young innovators from across Teesside will gather to showcase their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork at our FIRST LEGO League Challenge Teesside tournament. Sponsored by Johnson Matthey, the local STEM company, this event promises to be a…
Creative Christmas Learning in Early Years
Ah, Christmas time in the Reception classroom – where the joy is contagious, the excitement is palpable, and the tinsel crowns are perpetually slipping off little heads. It’s a time full of giggles, chaos, and, of course, a certain cheeky elf or two. Now, settle in, my friends, because I have a little tale to…
Christmas Book Recommendations for Early Years Settings
‘Tis the season! The run-up to Christmas in Early Years is always hectic yet joyous: nativity performances, crafts, decorations, glitter everywhere, alongside the everyday observations and caregiving. All of this makes being an Early Years Practitioner not only challenging but profoundly rewarding. The smiles, the wonder, and the small moments of connection remind us why…
Busting Myths About EAL Learners: What You Really Need to Know
Every classroom has learners learning English as an Additional Language (EAL). Teachers and classmates want to help, but sometimes myths and assumptions get in the way. Let’s clear the air and look at what’s true. Myth 1: “If they struggle with English, they’re not smart.” Wrong. EAL learners can be incredibly bright. They just…
White Ribbon Day 2025 – “We Speak Up”
On Tuesday 25th November 2025, North Tyneside proudly joins the global movement for White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action against gender-based violence. Why It Matters 71% of women in the UK have faced sexual harassment in public spaces. Ofsted’s 2021 review found 79% of girls and 38% of boys believe sexual…