Why some schools excel

Ofsted have just published a report that showcases twelve schools in challenging circumstances that have been rated as 'outstanding' in at least two inspections and examines the elements that have created this success.
To find out more go here.

Working with Gifted and Talented pupils

Teachers TV has a new programme that examines how one school in London supports its Gifted and Talented pupils across a range of subjects. Their strategies could be used and adapted in your own lessons. Watch the programme here.

Help!

If you are finding your job particularly stressful you may like to know that help is at hand from the Teacher Support Network which describes itself as: "a group of independent charities and a social enterprise that provide practical and emotional support to staff in the education sector and their families"
If you go to their website, here, you can access information, and personalised guidance from professional coaches.

Creativity and education

Ewan McIntosh is a Scottish educator who who produces a blog on Education, ICT and other related matters. He has recently written in response to a new book by Sir Ken Robinson on Creativity in Education which raises some challenging ideas about the role of the teacher and schools in promoting creativity. To read more go here.

From good to oustanding

Teachers TV have produced a series of programmes that are designed as case studies of how to improve the quality of teaching and learning. They cover a range of subject areas and Key stages. Check them out here.

National Strategies

The DSCF have gathered all the National Strategies for schools on to one site. As they say:
The National Strategies have brought together all their web materials to one place to make it easier to access resources, particularly through improved search capabilities.
The new area of the Standards Site has been developed taking account of user feedback and now provides a consistent experience, no matter what area of guidance you are looking for.
In addition the site enables users to:
communicate and share knowledge with colleagues;
create an account and build their own personal profile; and comment on all content and help shape the National Strategies' future work.

Users can also add bookmarks to personalise the content so that repeat visits take them to areas of specific personal interest.

You can find the site here.