Alex Powley
@alexpowley.bsky.social
Director of Teaching, Learning and School Improvement | Facilitator for NPQLT and NPQLTD | Facilitator for UCL ECF Induction Programme | SLE for Curriculum Design when that was a thing
My opinions are my own.
My opinions are my own.
Reposted by Alex Powley
12 New research papers worth knowing
Subscribe for future updates ➡️ carlhendrick.substack.com/p/the-learni...
Subscribe for future updates ➡️ carlhendrick.substack.com/p/the-learni...
The Learning Brief: Research Worth Knowing - July 2025
A monthly roundup of new research on the science of learning for educators
carlhendrick.substack.com
July 19, 2025 at 6:33 AM
12 New research papers worth knowing
Subscribe for future updates ➡️ carlhendrick.substack.com/p/the-learni...
Subscribe for future updates ➡️ carlhendrick.substack.com/p/the-learni...
Reposted by Alex Powley
Sorry what? LAs will be able to encourage unlimited families to appeal against unsuccessful academy admissions (managed by the LA). Appeals panels volunteers. The academy will have to pay the LA £200 for every single one.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
In one of my smaller schools this is £10k.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
In one of my smaller schools this is £10k.
DfE cuts admission appeals funding for academies
Academies fighting more than 20 admission appeals will no longer be able to claim towards the costs
www.tes.com
July 16, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Sorry what? LAs will be able to encourage unlimited families to appeal against unsuccessful academy admissions (managed by the LA). Appeals panels volunteers. The academy will have to pay the LA £200 for every single one.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
In one of my smaller schools this is £10k.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
In one of my smaller schools this is £10k.
Reposted by Alex Powley
High-quality teaching is for everyone. But what does it look like in the context of SEND?
This guide provides questions teachers can use to shape collaborative conversations about teaching of learners with SEND, and signposts resources within the GTT.
Download here buff.ly/MhyuMWV
#EduSky
This guide provides questions teachers can use to shape collaborative conversations about teaching of learners with SEND, and signposts resources within the GTT.
Download here buff.ly/MhyuMWV
#EduSky
July 16, 2025 at 5:12 AM
High-quality teaching is for everyone. But what does it look like in the context of SEND?
This guide provides questions teachers can use to shape collaborative conversations about teaching of learners with SEND, and signposts resources within the GTT.
Download here buff.ly/MhyuMWV
#EduSky
This guide provides questions teachers can use to shape collaborative conversations about teaching of learners with SEND, and signposts resources within the GTT.
Download here buff.ly/MhyuMWV
#EduSky
Saw a 'back to school' Tesco ad on the way home this evening. Can we not?
July 15, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Saw a 'back to school' Tesco ad on the way home this evening. Can we not?
Reposted by Alex Powley
Looking at this it seems possible that the “they all forget everything over the summer holidays” mantra is a myth. Fact is, they struggle to learn anything in the second half of the summer term.
July 12, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Looking at this it seems possible that the “they all forget everything over the summer holidays” mantra is a myth. Fact is, they struggle to learn anything in the second half of the summer term.
Reposted by Alex Powley
Partial prior knowledge activation before instruction can be as effective as complete activation.
V interesting in light of Rosenshine & activating prior knowledge. It seems you can overdo this. The general theory here seems to be; less pressure, same results. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
V interesting in light of Rosenshine & activating prior knowledge. It seems you can overdo this. The general theory here seems to be; less pressure, same results. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Prior knowledge activation as preparation prior to instruction: does the coverage of relevant prior knowledge affect learning? - Instructional Science
Two-phase instructional designs such as Productive and Vicarious Failure employ preparatory activities before explicit instruction. It is assumed that during this preparatory activity, students need t...
link.springer.com
July 12, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Partial prior knowledge activation before instruction can be as effective as complete activation.
V interesting in light of Rosenshine & activating prior knowledge. It seems you can overdo this. The general theory here seems to be; less pressure, same results. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
V interesting in light of Rosenshine & activating prior knowledge. It seems you can overdo this. The general theory here seems to be; less pressure, same results. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Reposted by Alex Powley
Debunking edu-myths: ‘Emergent writing’ isn’t necessary before teaching children to write
writing4pleasure.com/2025/07/11/d...
writing4pleasure.com/2025/07/11/d...
Debunking edu-myths: ‘Emergent writing’ isn’t necessary before teaching children to write
“Emergent writing is not a necessary stage that children have to go through before they can be taught to write letters and words.” This statement is often presented as a bold truth – one that…
writing4pleasure.com
July 11, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Debunking edu-myths: ‘Emergent writing’ isn’t necessary before teaching children to write
writing4pleasure.com/2025/07/11/d...
writing4pleasure.com/2025/07/11/d...
Reposted by Alex Powley
National Curriculum for Y3/4 English: "Pupils should be taught to use the first 2 or 3 letters of a word to check its spelling in a dictionary"
New DfE Writing Framework: "Pupils should not be asked to correct the spelling themselves by looking it up in a
dictionary"
New DfE Writing Framework: "Pupils should not be asked to correct the spelling themselves by looking it up in a
dictionary"
July 8, 2025 at 3:41 PM
National Curriculum for Y3/4 English: "Pupils should be taught to use the first 2 or 3 letters of a word to check its spelling in a dictionary"
New DfE Writing Framework: "Pupils should not be asked to correct the spelling themselves by looking it up in a
dictionary"
New DfE Writing Framework: "Pupils should not be asked to correct the spelling themselves by looking it up in a
dictionary"
The moment an interesting presentation slide appears at #educationfest
bender from futurama is holding a purple camera and says neat
ALT: bender from futurama is holding a purple camera and says neat
media.tenor.com
July 4, 2025 at 10:07 AM
The moment an interesting presentation slide appears at #educationfest
It's that time of the year again #educationfest
July 3, 2025 at 7:48 AM
It's that time of the year again #educationfest
Reposted by Alex Powley
📣NEW BLOG📣
Cueing attention in time… AKA the three benefits of a good check for understanding.
hobbolog.wordpress.com/2025/06/24/c...
Cueing attention in time… AKA the three benefits of a good check for understanding.
hobbolog.wordpress.com/2025/06/24/c...
Cueing attention in time… AKA the three benefits of a good check for understanding.
This piece follows on from my last blog post: ‘Managing attention in classrooms is a social justice issue’ Lots of people have written great pieces about checking for understanding (CFU) in the cla…
hobbolog.wordpress.com
June 24, 2025 at 12:09 PM
📣NEW BLOG📣
Cueing attention in time… AKA the three benefits of a good check for understanding.
hobbolog.wordpress.com/2025/06/24/c...
Cueing attention in time… AKA the three benefits of a good check for understanding.
hobbolog.wordpress.com/2025/06/24/c...
Reposted by Alex Powley
Using AI in education settings: support materials:
In case you missed it, newly published support materials from the Department for Education to help schools and colleges use AI safely and effectively:
www.gov.uk/government/c...
In case you missed it, newly published support materials from the Department for Education to help schools and colleges use AI safely and effectively:
www.gov.uk/government/c...
Using AI in education settings: support materials
Support materials to help schools and colleges use AI (artificial intelligence) safely and effectively.
www.gov.uk
June 15, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Using AI in education settings: support materials:
In case you missed it, newly published support materials from the Department for Education to help schools and colleges use AI safely and effectively:
www.gov.uk/government/c...
In case you missed it, newly published support materials from the Department for Education to help schools and colleges use AI safely and effectively:
www.gov.uk/government/c...
🤯
Stuck schools will be held accountable even if support brokered for them by the government RISE teams fails to turn them around
schoolsweek.co.uk/stuck-school...
schoolsweek.co.uk/stuck-school...
Stuck schools held accountable if RISE advice falls flat
Stuck schools will be held accountable even if support brokered for them by the government RISE teams fails to turn them around
schoolsweek.co.uk
May 15, 2025 at 4:07 PM
🤯
Reposted by Alex Powley
The 2.8% isn’t fully funded and based on this assumption many schools and Trusts are facing the prospect of having to lower staffing numbers.
4% without additional funds will be an unmitigated disaster
4% without additional funds will be an unmitigated disaster
Yikes. Schools pay review board set to propose a 4% pay rise but only 2.8% is funded. Schools would have to find an extra £300m+ if no extra funding on offer.
The Times: Reeves faces pay demand for teachers
and nurses #TomorrowsPapersToday
and nurses #TomorrowsPapersToday
April 28, 2025 at 6:12 AM
The 2.8% isn’t fully funded and based on this assumption many schools and Trusts are facing the prospect of having to lower staffing numbers.
4% without additional funds will be an unmitigated disaster
4% without additional funds will be an unmitigated disaster
Reposted by Alex Powley
If you Haven't Checked out my Podcast yet, I've had some Cracking Guests!!
Spotify - shorturl.at/EGQq1
Apple - shorturl.at/bqX7L
My Website - shorturl.at/Qcb5i
Spotify - shorturl.at/EGQq1
Apple - shorturl.at/bqX7L
My Website - shorturl.at/Qcb5i
April 26, 2025 at 4:13 PM
If you Haven't Checked out my Podcast yet, I've had some Cracking Guests!!
Spotify - shorturl.at/EGQq1
Apple - shorturl.at/bqX7L
My Website - shorturl.at/Qcb5i
Spotify - shorturl.at/EGQq1
Apple - shorturl.at/bqX7L
My Website - shorturl.at/Qcb5i
Reposted by Alex Powley
In education governance, more data doesn't always mean better decisions. Governors need clarity, not complexity. In a new article, @jpembroke.bsky.social suggests that we need to shift the focus: from data deluge to meaningful dialogue. Read 'What Data do Governors Need?' here: buff.ly/TW6OqJa
April 24, 2025 at 1:21 PM
In education governance, more data doesn't always mean better decisions. Governors need clarity, not complexity. In a new article, @jpembroke.bsky.social suggests that we need to shift the focus: from data deluge to meaningful dialogue. Read 'What Data do Governors Need?' here: buff.ly/TW6OqJa
A practical, focused checklist from @mrarobbins.bsky.social on designing CPD that sticks. The emphasis on clarity, reflection, and follow-up is useful. What would you add or leave out?
New Blog #Edusky
This one is about a topic close to my heart:
Supporting the planning and delivery of effective CPD sessions
adam-robbins.com/2025/04/22/u...
This one is about a topic close to my heart:
Supporting the planning and delivery of effective CPD sessions
adam-robbins.com/2025/04/22/u...
Unlocking Teacher Development: CPD session checklist
Over the last two years I have spent a lot less time blogging and a lot more time thinking about CPD. I’ve noticed that often when CPD goes bad it misses many of the EEF’s mechanisms fo…
adam-robbins.com
April 22, 2025 at 4:25 PM
A practical, focused checklist from @mrarobbins.bsky.social on designing CPD that sticks. The emphasis on clarity, reflection, and follow-up is useful. What would you add or leave out?
Reposted by Alex Powley
Getting every kid reading in primary school is one of the most important things that teachers and leaders can do.
So @emmaturner75.bsky.social and I spoke to @suchmo83.bsky.social for @mindthegappodcast.bsky.social to get the lowdown on fluency, myths and a whole lot more.
youtu.be/DyrGjl-U2Xc?...
So @emmaturner75.bsky.social and I spoke to @suchmo83.bsky.social for @mindthegappodcast.bsky.social to get the lowdown on fluency, myths and a whole lot more.
youtu.be/DyrGjl-U2Xc?...
April 20, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Getting every kid reading in primary school is one of the most important things that teachers and leaders can do.
So @emmaturner75.bsky.social and I spoke to @suchmo83.bsky.social for @mindthegappodcast.bsky.social to get the lowdown on fluency, myths and a whole lot more.
youtu.be/DyrGjl-U2Xc?...
So @emmaturner75.bsky.social and I spoke to @suchmo83.bsky.social for @mindthegappodcast.bsky.social to get the lowdown on fluency, myths and a whole lot more.
youtu.be/DyrGjl-U2Xc?...
Reposted by Alex Powley
Worked examples help beginners. Problem-solving helps experts. But mixing correct and incorrect steps? The evidence is less clear.
Incorrect examples may not always help—especially if students lack the prior knowledge to recognise and correct the mistake.
www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15...
Incorrect examples may not always help—especially if students lack the prior knowledge to recognise and correct the mistake.
www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15...
April 18, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Worked examples help beginners. Problem-solving helps experts. But mixing correct and incorrect steps? The evidence is less clear.
Incorrect examples may not always help—especially if students lack the prior knowledge to recognise and correct the mistake.
www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15...
Incorrect examples may not always help—especially if students lack the prior knowledge to recognise and correct the mistake.
www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15...
Reposted by Alex Powley
Visualising The Science Of Writing: The Writing Map Explained
writing4pleasure.com/2025/02/27/v...
🧵1/ Want to deepen your understanding of how children develop as writers?
We’ve created a comprehensive Writing Map that visualises the science behind writing development….
writing4pleasure.com/2025/02/27/v...
🧵1/ Want to deepen your understanding of how children develop as writers?
We’ve created a comprehensive Writing Map that visualises the science behind writing development….
Visualising The Science Of Writing: The Writing Map Explained
Because of formatting, we can recommend downloading the PDF version of this article: download this article This is a writing map we have started using in our professional development. We tried to c…
writing4pleasure.com
April 11, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Visualising The Science Of Writing: The Writing Map Explained
writing4pleasure.com/2025/02/27/v...
🧵1/ Want to deepen your understanding of how children develop as writers?
We’ve created a comprehensive Writing Map that visualises the science behind writing development….
writing4pleasure.com/2025/02/27/v...
🧵1/ Want to deepen your understanding of how children develop as writers?
We’ve created a comprehensive Writing Map that visualises the science behind writing development….
Reposted by Alex Powley
🚨NEW: There has been a big spike in schools using funding for disadvantaged pupils to plug budget holes.
Our new research reveals that more cash-strapped schools are cutting back on staff, trips and equipment than in 2024⤵️ 🧵
Our new research reveals that more cash-strapped schools are cutting back on staff, trips and equipment than in 2024⤵️ 🧵
April 10, 2025 at 6:44 AM
🚨NEW: There has been a big spike in schools using funding for disadvantaged pupils to plug budget holes.
Our new research reveals that more cash-strapped schools are cutting back on staff, trips and equipment than in 2024⤵️ 🧵
Our new research reveals that more cash-strapped schools are cutting back on staff, trips and equipment than in 2024⤵️ 🧵
Reposted by Alex Powley
Our Senior Learning and Innovation Lead Kathleen McBride continues her incredible work exploring how to support vocabulary development at the primary to secondary transition👇
voice21.org/oracy-vocabu...
voice21.org/oracy-vocabu...
April 9, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Our Senior Learning and Innovation Lead Kathleen McBride continues her incredible work exploring how to support vocabulary development at the primary to secondary transition👇
voice21.org/oracy-vocabu...
voice21.org/oracy-vocabu...
Picking up on a thread from elsewhere - School improvement often relies on a small group of high-capacity people doing a lot of heavy lifting. What makes that sustainable—or not? Interested in how others are tackling this in Trust or school-level work.
April 10, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Picking up on a thread from elsewhere - School improvement often relies on a small group of high-capacity people doing a lot of heavy lifting. What makes that sustainable—or not? Interested in how others are tackling this in Trust or school-level work.