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In this episode, we talk to Simon Hickton, former primary headteacher and founder of Cornerstones Education, all about Assessment Maestro. Listen to how this revolutionary platform supports teaching and learning of all subjects and areas of learning from the classroom up. Assessment can be fully integrated into your curriculum. Useful linkshttps://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/curriculum/assessment-maestro/ (Assessment Maestro information) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/assessment-in-primary-schools-2021-onwards/ (The future of assessment in primary schools) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/measuring-progress-at-primary-school-where-to-next/ (Measuring progress at primary school – where to next?)

In this episode, we talk to Curriculum Manager Catherine Scutt and Commercial Marketing Manager Dale French about what makes a good primary school resource. Catherine and Dale oversee the production of all resources at Cornerstones Education, so they are well placed to explore the importance of research, writing, images and design when making resources. They also discuss the problems that arise when these elements don't all come together. Catherine and Dale provide a range of valuable hints and tips for teachers and explore some of their favourite resources, which are also available to download. Useful linkshttps://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/how-to-create-the-best-resources-for-your-primary-curriculum/ (How to create the best resources for primary school) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/what-are-knowledge-organisers-and-how-can-we-use-them-in-the-primary-classroom/ (What are knowledge organisers and how can we use them in the primary classroom?) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/downloadable-resources/ (A selection of Cornerstones' free resources) includes knowledge organisers, audio stories, and even a complete curriculum project. Brilliant online resources for teachers and childrenhttps://www.britannica.com/ (Encyclopedia Britannica) (Great as a starting point for researching anything) https://sketch.io/sketchpad/ (Sketch) (Brilliant free digital editing software, great for photo manipulation and drawing) https://scratch.mit.edu/ (Scratch) (This great piece of software allows children to explore the world of programming code. They can create stories, games and animations) https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasaviz/index.html (NASA Visualisation Explorer) (The excellent app from NASA which enables children to explore the universe) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (Wikimedia Commons) (A superb source for copyright-free imagery, from artefacts to works of art) https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/ (DK fIndout!) (A well written, reliable and child-friendly source of information about a whole range of topics, including colourful and interactive diagrams)

We talk to Simon Antwis from Steer Education (former headteacher and schools inspector) about how technology can help find those children in school suffering from mental health and offer support. We look at how technology has helped transform schools' data unity and pastoral care. We also touch on the struggles of children who hide their feelings by 'gaming the system' and how to reach them, with why girls' mental health is of particular concern. And finally, what teachers can do about the growing divide between girls' and boys' social and emotional well-being. "We want to reverse this awful decline in mental health and well-being in young people." Simon Antwis, Steer Education 2022#Mentalhealthawarenessweek2022 Useful linkshttps://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week (Mental Health Awareness week 2022) Blog – https://steer.education/girls-mental-health-at-a-precipice-and-increasingly-worse-than-boys-data-shows/ (Girls’ mental health “at a precipice” and increasingly worse than boys’, data shows) Blog – https://www.teachwire.net/news/mental-health-support-how-should-schools-help-students-who-dont-want-to-be-helped (Mental health support – How should schools help students who don’t want to be helped?) FREE resource – https://cornerstones--live.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/04/28105309/mindfulness-infographic.pdf (Handy guide to teaching mindfulness) Relating podcast – https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/podcasts/how-to-teach-mindfulness-to-children-with-nadege-robin/ (How to teach mindfulness to children with Nadege Robinq) Find out more about https://steer.education/ (Steer Education – Proactively safeguarding young people’s mental health) Follow Steer Education on Twitter https://twitter.com/SteerEducation (@SteerEducation) Find out more about https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/ (Cornerstones Education – Everything you need to build an ambitious primary curriculum) Follow Cornerstones Education on Twitter https://twitter.com/Cornerstonesedu (@Cornerstonesedu)

In this episode, curriculum developers Amy McCaw and Sara Bruce discuss how to achieve ambitious levels of literacy across the curriculum through using quality texts and scrutinising the school environment and ethos. Useful linkshttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1050849/Reading_framework_Teaching_the_foundations_of_literacy_-_July_2021_Jan_22_update.pdf (Reading framework: Teaching the foundation of literacy) https://cornerstones--live.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/14090258/Cornerstones-Curriculum-22-Single-Age.pdf (Curriculum 22 overview) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/resources/english-packs/ (FREE English pack downloads ) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/resources/novel-and-book-studies/ (FREE Novel and book study downloads)

In this episode, Curriculum Support Manager, Rachael Ashforth, discusses the benefits of adopting a commercial curriculum and adapting it to meet a school's needs. Useful linkshttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook (School inspection handbook – GOV UK) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/how-to-design-your-curriculum/ (How to design your curriculum (6 Steps of Curriculum Design)) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/how-to-design-plan-and-teach-an-ambitious-primary-curriculum/ (How to design, plan and teach an ambitious primary curriculum)

In this episode, Simon Hickton, CEO of Cornerstones Education, shares valuable knowledge and information about a new dawn of assessment practice. Packed with tips, advice and knowledeable chat, this episode is just 15 minutes short so you can fit it in to your busy day. Useful linkshttps://thisismyclassroom.wordpress.com/2021/10/01/6-questions-for-leaders-about-assessment/ The future of assessment in primary schools https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/assessment-in-primary-schools-2021-onwards/ (6 Questions for leaders about Assessment – Nick Hart) https://www.amazon.co.uk/INSIDE-BLACK-BOX-Standards-Assessment/dp/0708713815/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14IH2UZLVCQQG&keywords=inside+the+black+box&qid=1643286164&sprefix=inside+the+black+box%2Caps%2C59&sr=8-1 (Inside the black box – Dylan William)

In this episode, we invite Jonathan Coy, CEO of Headteacher Chat to speak to us about the role they play in supporting primary senior leaders. Jam-packed full of interesting information. This episode is just 15 minutes short so you can fit a listen into your busy day! Useful linkshttps://twitter.com/Headteacherchat (Follow @HeadteacherChat on Twitter) https://www.headteachers.org/ (Check out their website)

In this episode, we speak to Nicola Marriott, a curriculum adviser. Nicola shares her expertise about the requirements of the Curriculum for Wales and provides valuable tips and information about curriculum design. This episode is just 15 minutes short, so that you can fit a listen into your busy day! Useful linkshttps://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/podcasts/how-to-design-a-bespoke-primary-curriculum-for-wales/ (Wales: How to design a bespoke primary Curriculum Podcast 64) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/the-magazine/the-cwricwlwm-wales/ (The Cornerstones magazine - The Cwricwlwm Wales) https://hwb.gov.wales/curriculum-for-wales (The Hwb – up to date government information - The Curriculum for Wales) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/how-to-provide-an-exceptional-primary-curriculum-for-wales-using-cwricwlwm-maestro/ (How to provide an exceptional primary Curriculum for Wales using Cwricwlwm Maestro Blog) https://cornerstones--live.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/2020/10/28132544/The-six-steps-of-curriculum-design-for-Welsh-schools.pdf (Download a PDF version of our six steps of curriculum design for Welsh schools.)

In this episode we speak to our Curriculum Director, Melanie Moore about how to create an awesome art curriculum. This episode includes tons of practical advice, tips and guidance to ensure your art curriculum is top notch. This episode is just 15 minutes short so you can fit a listen into your busy day! Useful linkshttps://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/how-to-design-an-outstanding-primary-art-and-design-curriculum/ (How to design an outstanding primary art and design curriculum) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/how-to-create-the-best-resources-for-your-primary-curriculum/ (How to create the best resources for your primary curriculum)

In this first episode of the Primary Knowledge Podcast, we speak to Simon Hickton, CEO of Cornerstones Education and Rachael Ashforth, curriculum support manager about schools' experiences under the new inspection framework. Jam-packed full of Q and A, tips and information. Useful linksFor the most accurate guidance from Ofsted’s Matthew Purves: https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/what-to-expect-from-ofsteds-subject-deep-dives/ (What to expect from Ofsted’s subject ‘deep dives’) EYFS adviser, Gill Quantrell, explores curriculum requirements in the early years: https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/inspection-and-the-early-years-curriculum-a-guide-for-practitioners-in-the-eyfs/ (Inspection and the early years’ curriculum – a guide for practitioners in the EYFS) Curriculum sequencing is now essential in the current educational climate: https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/podcasts/what-is-curriculum-sequencing-and-why-is-it-important/ (What is curriculum sequencing and why is it important?) Headteacher, Adrienne Smith, describes her experience of working with Cornerstones: https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/case-studies/requires-improvement-to-good-town-junior-school/ (Requires Improvement to Good: Town Junior School (Feb 2020)) Headteacher, Sarah Shaw, explains their school’s journey through an Ofsted Inspection: Our experience under Ofsted’s new inspection framework using Cornerstones In Edition Five of The Curriculum magazine, we looked at ways to help you meet the demands of the curriculum, inspection and beyond: https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/the-magazine/ofsted-inspection-framework-edition/ (Ofsted inspection framework edition) This framework sets out Ofsted's inspection principles and the main judgements that inspectors make: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework (Education inspection framework (EIF)) This briefing explains how Ofsted conducts deep dives and how inspectors use evidence from deep dives to form inspection judgements: https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/advice/in-the-classroom/inspection-and-accountability/inspection-in-england/ofsted-inspection/deep-dives.html (Deep Dives)

Welcome to the BRAND NEW Primary Knowledge Podcast from Cornerstones Education. A revamped version of our original podcast, 'The Curriculum'. With a fresh look, new host and brilliant topics, we are ready to drive in and discuss all things curriculum! The Primary Knowledge Podcast is for primary headteachers and senior leaders involved in curriculum design, development, management and implementation. Delivered by specialist educators, each episode focuses on the sharing of knowledge, experience and wisdom about primary curriculum and best practices. Hosted by James Marriott and curated by Cornerstones Education, each episode is around 15 minutes, easily squeezed into a busy working day but packed full of useful tips and advice.

The Primary Knowledge Podcast is for primary headteachers and senior leaders involved in curriculum design, development, management and implementation. Delivered by specialist educators, each episode focuses on the sharing of knowledge, experience and wisdom about primary curriculum and best practices. Hosted by James Marriott and curated by Cornerstones Education, each episode is around 15 minutes, easily squeezed into a busy working day but packed full of useful tips and advice.

In this episode, Caroline meets Martin Yelling, founder of Stormbreak, a children’s mental health charity supported by BBC Children in Need. They discuss how Stormbreak’s innovative, easy to implement, movement-based approach can have a positive impact on children’s anxiety levels and behaviour, particularly in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.  Notes And LinksHere is a list of links to some of the things we reference on the show. https://www.stormbreak.org.uk/ (Stormbreak website with free videos)  https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-children-and-young-people (Children and young people’s mental health statistics)  https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/podcasts/how-to-teach-mindfulness-to-children-with-nadege-robin/ (Podcast episode on how to teach mindfulness in class)  https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1018804 (Make a donation to Stombreak)   http://www.stormbreak.org.uk/surge2021 (Link to the Surge programme for schools)   Stormbreak emaiel address hello@stormbreak.org.uk   Find out more about https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/products/curriculum/curriculum-maestro/ (Curriculum Maestro) Follow Cornerstones Education on Twitter https://twitter.com/Cornerstonesedu (@Cornerstonesedu) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/ (Cornerstones Education – Website)

Curriculum sequencing is now essential in the current educational climate. So, what is Ofsted looking for, what does sequencing mean in practice, and how do you achieve it at primary school? Caroline is joined by Curriculum Director, Melanie Moore, to take a deep dive into this important topic. A transcript of the conversation is also available.   Notes And LinksHere is a list of links to some of the things we reference on the show. https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/introducing-cornerstones-curriculum-2022-a-fully-sequenced-and-interconnected-primary-curriculum/ (Curriculum 2022 – a sequenced curriculum that you can adopt and tailor) Find out more about https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/products/curriculum/curriculum-maestro/ (Curriculum Maestro) Follow Cornerstones Education on Twitter https://twitter.com/Cornerstonesedu (@Cornerstonesedu) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/ (Cornerstones Education – Website)

Caroline talks to well-known art educator and YouTuber, John Mayson. John shares his advice on how to approach art in primary school, offering fantastic tips for breaking down barriers and how to integrate art into a busy timetable. A must-listen for anyone who wants to reap the benefits of art and creativity flourishing in their school.    Notes And LinksHere is a list of links to some of the things we reference on the show. Read our blog: https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/how-to-design-an-outstanding-primary-art-and-design-curriculum/ (How to design an outstanding primary art and design curriculum)  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW4BB8xCUzOx7ayi3kACG1w (ArtJohn’s YouTube tutorials channel)  https://twitter.com/artjohnmayson (Follow John on Twitter)  https://www.instagram.com/artjohneducation/ (Follow John on Instagram)   Follow Cornerstones Education on Twitter https://twitter.com/Cornerstonesedu (@Cornerstonesedu) Find out more about https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/products/curriculum/curriculum-maestro/ (Curriculum Maestro) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/ (Cornerstones Education – Website)

Caroline talks to the Reception teacher and Deputy Headteacher at an exemplary school in Wigan, who implements the new Cornerstones projects in exciting ways. Mostly focusing on the Early Years provision, which was judged outstanding, they discuss the impact of the curriculum on teachers and children and how they bring it to life in their setting.  Notes And LinksHere is a list of links to some of the things we reference on the show. https://www.canonsharples.wigan.sch.uk/ (Canon Sharples website) https://twitter.com/CanonSharples (Canon Sharples on Twitter)  https://twitter.com/Canon_Reception (Canon Sharples Reception on Twitter)  https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/an-exciting-new-eyfs-curriculum-from-cornerstones/ (Cornerstones early years curriculum)  Follow Cornerstones Education on Twitter https://twitter.com/Cornerstonesedu (@Cornerstonesedu) Find out more about https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/products/curriculum/curriculum-maestro/ (Curriculum Maestro) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/ (Cornerstones Education – Website)

Caroline speaks to Slava Kremerman, CEO of the fast-growing education recruitment company Zen Educate, who has developed an online platform that streamlines the entire teacher recruitment process, including finding good supply cover. Slava explains how the platform works, how Zen ensure quality and the CPD that they offer for teachers. He and Caroline also discuss the broader issues of teacher recruitment and retention.  Notes And LinksHere is a list of links to some of the things we reference on the show. Find out more about https://www.zeneducate.com/ (Zen Educate) Follow Zen Educate on Twitter https://twitter.com/ZenEducate (@ZenEducate) Connect with Slava Kremerman on https://www.linkedin.com/in/slavakremerman/?originalSubdomain=uk (LinkedIn) Watch Zen Educate's latest webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgR9Vef0xMM (Designing an Effective Catch Up Curriculum) Follow Cornerstones Education on Twitter https://twitter.com/Cornerstonesedu (@Cornerstonesedu) Find out more about https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/products/curriculum/curriculum-maestro/ (Curriculum Maestro) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/ (Cornerstones Education – Website)

As the world of education continues to shift, Caroline talks to Angela Browne, a highly-respected leadership expert, star of BBC2 documentary series, School, and author of Lighting the Way: The case for ethical leadership in schools. They discuss the challenges faced by school leaders now, the importance of a clear vision and values, how to develop resilience and an ethical, nourishing approach. An inspirational episode if you’re looking to get the very best out of your leadership.   Notes And LinksHere is a list of links to some of the things we reference on the show. Lighting the Way https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/lighting-the-way-9781472972460/ (Book) https://www.angelabrowne.co.uk/ (Angela Browne's website) What are curriculum principles and why are they important? https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/news/what-are-curriculum-principles-and-why-are-they-important/ (Blog) Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/Cornerstonesedu (@Cornerstonesedu) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/products/curriculum/curriculum-maestro/ (Curriculum Maestro – More information) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/ (Cornerstones Education – Website)

With wellbeing high on schools’ agendas, Caroline talks to experienced mindfulness educator, Nadege Robin, about the huge benefits of teaching children mindfulness and how to plan it into daily practice. Nadege explains the science behind the approach and offers her top tips for teaching mindfulness to children in practical ways that even the novice can implement. Notes And LinksHere is a list of links to some of the things we reference on the show. https://cornerstones--live.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/04/28105309/mindfulness-infographic.pdf (Download this handy guide to teaching mindfulness) Growing Mindful http://www.growingmindful.co.uk/wordpress/ (Website) Growing Mindful – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEU1pwAY7UFCPpZMEKTROw/featured (YouTube) Follow Nadege on Twitter https://twitter.com/GrowingMindful1 (@GrowingMindful1) Follow Nadege on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mindfulnessinDronfield01246 (@GrowingMindful) Check out Zen Educate's fantastic webinar on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfSjA3hxOm8 (What really works with staff wellbeing?) Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/Cornerstonesedu (@Cornerstonesedu) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/products/curriculum/curriculum-maestro/ (Curriculum Maestro – More information) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/ (Cornerstones Education – Website)

In this episode, Caroline talks to Professor Bob Harrison, the well-known and often outspoken EdTech expert and education speaker. Bob shares his thoughts on the handling of the pandemic’s impact on education, centralised control over policy and pedagogy and his vision for more school autonomy moving forward. Bob also describes his take on remote learning and the best practice that we can take into the future. Whether or not you align with Bob’s opinions (he was once sacked by Dominic Cummings), this episode is sure to stimulate your thinking about the future direction of education. Notes And LinksHere is a list of links to some of the things we reference on the show. https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/education-secretary-speech-to-education-policy-institute-on-remote-learning (Gavin Williamson's speech on remote learning, January 2021) Follow Bob Harrison on Twitter https://twitter.com/bobharrisonedu (@BobHarrisonEdu) Bob Harrison's remote learning – https://www.sec-ed.co.uk/best-practice/online-learning-there-is-nothing-remote-about-it-coronavirus-blended-learning-self-isolation-edtech-technology/ (Blog) Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/Cornerstonesedu (@Cornerstonesedu) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/products/curriculum/curriculum-maestro/ (Curriculum Maestro – More information) https://cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/ (Cornerstones Education – Website)