Pearson Schools Blog

What gets measured tends to get done. In primary schools this means a curriculum driven largely by English and maths.

But perhaps assessment needs to help us look below the surface of these headline measures. Why? Consider these research findings:

• Children with poor language at age five are six times less likely to reach the expected standard in literacy at age 11 than those with good language, and 11 times less likely to reach the expected standard in maths.
• Children’s reading ability is dependent on their oral language skills – their vocabulary and language structures. The contribution of spoken language skills to reading is not confined to reading comprehension; it also predicts how easily they will learn phonics.

Jo Ledbury gives her top tips on encouraging children to be passionate about maths including highlighting some aspects of Pearson's whole-school mastery programme, Power Maths. She also talks about her experience with the local maths hub and mentions barriers her learners face that impact their ability to love maths.

We all know that a child is more likely to have lifelong success if they become a reader because it lays the foundation for learning across the curriculum. In this blog, Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk, discusses the importance of reading, and how you can use Pearson's Primary Interactive Library to enhance a child's reading experience.

Robert McGregor, Director and founder of STEAM Powered Education, discusses top tips to help primary teachers effectively integrate maths concepts into subjects beyond maths, such as english, science, or art. As well, he discusses why it is key to develop the foundations of maths learning in primary and why introducing STEAM across primary can provide a more holistic approach to learning. 

Five top tips from Nicola Richards, Deputy Head and Nursery/Reception teacher, for fitting Maths into the curriculum, including advice for primary teachers to make teaching and learning stimulating and interesting.

Ketrina Teresa, Year 6 class teacher and Maths lead, discusses how embracing new technology can improve learners' experience of maths in the classroom. As well as exploring future edtech trends and AI in primary schools.

Scott Hindle, primary teacher and maths lead is "genuinely impressed" by Pearson’s Primary Interactive Library.

Ben Sparks shares five top tips for making maths fun and further advice for primary teachers.

Top five tips from James Grocott, Deputy Headteacher, for fitting Maths into the curriculum, including advice "to not worry so much about fitting everything in" for primary teachers.