International Schools Blog

As Paula explored in her previous blog post in this series, research clearly identifies a concept-based, challenging, inquiry approach as necessary for deep understanding, an enjoyment of mathematics and improved student progress. But how can it be put into practice in the classroom?

In the second in her series of blogs, Paula Rowlands outlined how a smooth transition between MYP and DP mathematics is supported by having a seamless continuity between the components of the written curriculum and the merits of a whole school continuum plan.

Mastery of learning is something that humans do instinctively, right from birth. Think about how babies learn to walk over the course of months and months. They begin with sitting, finding their balance, pushing themselves up again and again in pursuit of their goal. Next comes standing – and a fair amount of toppling over or sitting down with a bump! Then, they progress to cruising, moving around using walls or furniture to keep their balance, before finally mastering the skill of walking.

The education sector can be a difficult field for achieving a healthy work-life balance. After all, teaching is a deeply vocational job. And when you’re passionate about your job and emotionally invested in your students, it can be hard to say no and feel like you’re letting people down.

Our international schools blog is somewhere to share ideas, exchange opinions and take part in a bigger conversation about ideas and trends in the world of education. But with lots of articles, it can be hard to keep up to date, especially for busy teachers.

Society is always in a state of flux and development. But the rate of social change has accelerated over the last hundred years, thanks to technological advances and increasing connectivity. These social changes are reflected in every field, and perhaps nowhere more so than in education, where teachers are surrounded by the next generation.

Mastery is not a new approach. In fact, the concept was first introduced in 1968 by American psychologist Benjamin Bloom with his idea that if learners don’t get something the first time, then teach them again and in different ways until they do. Teaching for mastery in maths is fundamental to the UK government’s education reforms and was reflected in the 2014 English national curriculum for mathematics. The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching Mathematics (NCETM) and the Department for England (DfE) have all endorsed this evidence-based approach which is inspired by some of the leading performers in mathematics education, including Shanghai and Singapore.

There has been a long-running pedagogical debate over the benefits of a skills-based educational approach, as opposed to a knowledge-based education. And with the exponential development in new technology making huge changes to our society, it’s difficult to predict the future of employment. So, there is an increasing demand for a skills-based education, where students will be equipped with the skills they need to navigate a changing world.

School uniforms have a history stretching back to the sixteenth century. And for almost as long as the concept of school uniforms has existed, so has debate around them. Even in recent years, schools have been featured in news stories for introducing or abolishing school uniforms. Almost everyone has personal experience of either wearing a uniform or not during their school days. It’s certainly a topic that generates strong opinions.

This academic year started a whole new chapter for schools but how can we better promote a healthy reading culture? Storyteller and educational trainer, Alec Williams shares his top tips for building your school reading culture to inspire every child to become a reader.