English CPD

Francis Gilbert is Head of the MA in Creative Writing and Education and course leader for PGCE English at Goldsmiths. He shares his tips on how to introduce students to Shakespeare.

There's no doubt that unseen fiction texts can be challenging for even the highest attaining students. Learners need strong reading, comprehension and vocabulary skills, as well as an appreciation of the effects of language, structure and literary techniques to tackle the GCSE English Language exam questions. Here's a selection of carefully scaffolded and supportive practice resources to build KS3-4 English students' confidence.  

David Didau – trainer, consultant, writer and former English teacher – questions the received wisdom that all marking is good marking and suggests how to make your feedback to students worthwhile. He explores the underlying reasons why marking is essential to progress and suggests ideas for how you can provide clarity, and increase students’ effort and aspirations.

Comma splices? Misplaced apostrophes? Excessive exclamation marks? Get KS3-5 English students back on track with this selection of spelling, punctuation and grammar resources.

Reading comprehension – understanding the meaning of a text – is key to developing the reading skills of all students, and particularly struggling readers at secondary school. Here's a selection of our favourite lesson ideas, comprehension worksheets and classroom resources.