I remember being surprised as a newly qualified teacher that many of the pupils in my class had not been to the seaside. We were studying coastal erosion and because of their lack of experience, they were struggling to remember what had been taught. I only found this out once I had the confidence to have open conversations with my class about what they could remember. Recently, I was reading the EEF guidance outlining the ShREC approach to engage young pupils in high quality interactions. This guidance is aimed primarily at early years pupils, but I think resonates with high quality pedagogy at all ages, particularly those older year groups where didactic teaching methods can be instinctively used more by teachers. It particularly benefits young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The most accomplished teaching is confident enough to allow guided, open discussion and this is underpinned by developing trust between pupils, their peers and their teachers. However, this approach needs to be part of a school culture. In his now (somewhat old!) book, Classrooms as Learning Communities, Chris Watkins speaks of the place of a whole school ethos’ that engages pupils in the process of exploring and rehearsing knowledge. There is little truly new in the world of teaching, but always a new way of seeing things so it is important that exploring oracy and developing language is a theme in our Education Strategy, and during my visits to both Primrose Hill and Netley this week I saw examples of the curriculum being brought alive through adults facilitating discussions.

Looking at the weather forecast I doubt many of you will be making geological trips to the seaside during half term, but I hope you have other plans. Autumn half term brings with it a valuable chance to take stock and re-energise for the long run up to Christmas. It also marks my first half term in Camden. Thank you all for making me feel so welcome. I have learned and processed so much in this time, and I am very much looking forward to finding out more.

Enjoy the break

Best wishes

Stephen Hall

Chief Executive Officer, Camden Learning