With so many unseen texts in the new GCSE and an emphasis on challenging texts from KS3 upwards, it’s becoming all the more important for students to unlock the meaning of unfamiliar words on their own. To prepare students for this daunting experience,... read more

Many of you were grateful for the advice on assistive technology for writing in our recent e-newsletter by Malcolm Litten. One in six people struggle with fundamental literacy skills at some point in their lives, and unlocking some of the barriers at... read more

#VeryRealisticYA - a Twitter hashtag that went wild last week – led teens across the world to consider how the heroes of dystopian fiction could possibly find the time to save the world, never mind finish their homework.  Some teaching ideas: (Link... read more

A letter from an 11-year-old girl recently caught the world’s attention, because it challenges DC Comics’ representation of female characters.  Use this letter to elicit strong viewpoints and lines of argument in your students’ writing (AO5). Teaching... read more

The controversial ban on anyone sending in books to prisoners is no longer in place having been ruled unlawful by the High Court.  Use this article by Frances Crook, leader of the campaign to reverse the ruling, to help students write letters for impact... read more

A number of powerful climate change adverts for students to analyse. Would work well with KS3 or 4.   Click to see the adverts  Teaching ideas Show students the videos/images and ask them to explain which is their favourite and why. Which... read more