Empowering Kids to Shape our Future:
Inspirational Global Issues Lessons for Primary School Children Learn More

PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2020. AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

The Ofsted Inspection Framework states that cultural capital is 'The essential knowledge that pupils need to be educated citizens' and that schools 'should be introducing [students] to the best that has been thought and said and helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement'. They are now considering, 'the extent to which schools are equipping pupils with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.' But what does this term mean? And how are schools to respond to this?

In this densely argued and wide ranging text, Phil Beadle answers those questions and many more by using the work of Pierre Bourdieu to prompt a discussion of how we improve the provision of cultural capital in our schools. Where does the best that has been thought and said come from? Why is the government importing the unexamined language of the private school into the state sector? What is the real purpose behind character education? Does sport, as is reputed, teach resilience, and why would anyone think it was appropriate to teach children a quality they already have? Is cultural capital just ruling class culture? Chiefly, does using a term originated by a French intellectual and radical sociologist to instate the culture of the rich as being superior prove anything other more a complete absence of thought, or have they accidentally given us a radical tool to change education for the better? This is a serious, rich and deeply intelligent piece of work that will radically alter the way we view culture in schools and will be a key text for anyone designing a curriculum.

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Reflections by a group of experts on addressing issues in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Learn More

The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is one of the fastest-growing international programmes in the world today.

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The future of the IB Middle Years Programme Learn More

This book has a simple intent. In September 2014, primary schools in England will be expected to adopt a new National Curriculum. There is good time to prepare, and this book shows you how.

At this point of curriculum change and evolution in England’s primary schools, a number of contributors have offered their reflections on how primary schools across the country might take forward and shape their own curriculum framework for pupils. The spirit of the book is based on considerable leadership experience in schools – ‘letting-a-thousand-flowers-bloom rather than recommending a one-size-fits-all approach’.

The authors’ reflections come from varying perspectives: teachers, headteachers, directors of foundations and leading thinkers on education, each of whom is involved in the work of the National Education Trust (www.nationaleducationtrust.net), an independent charitable foundation which champions best practice.

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This Practical Guide seeks to illuminate the National Standards of Excellence for Headteachers, presenting a range of perspectives to bring the text alive for current and future school leaders and for those with the vital responsibilities of proper governance. 

Discounts available for multiple copies. Please email booksales@johncatt.com to enquire.

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Abridged specifically for all those interested in Shakespeare's plays, especially teachers and students of English and drama, these one-hour performance scripts maintain the arcs of Shakespeare's plots without compromising the integrity of his original language. What remains are manageable performance texts and the essential elements needed for an introduction to three of Shakespeare's most popular plays. Learn More

Paper, Pens & People is about creative and fresh ideas. It's not a creative rule book, but a suggestive guide of techniques and projects to make the creative process more fluid and more enjoyable for students Learn More

Abridged specifically for all those interested in Shakespeare's plays, especially teachers and students of English and drama, these one-hour performance scripts maintain the arcs of Shakespeare's plots without compromising the integrity of his original language. What remains are manageable performance texts and the essential elements needed for an introduction to three of Shakespeare's most popular plays. Learn More

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Presenting practical ideas that support teachers and trainees with the planning, implementation and assessment of the 2014 Primary Computing Curriculum.

It covers all aspects of the 2014 primary curriculum, including computer science, digital literacy and information technology, and includes both plugged and unplugged activities.

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Does the traditional teacher evaluation system improve student learning? Has it failed?

Ask 1000 teachers how many of them are becoming more professional, effective or fulfilled through the use of the present system and probably only a few will say “yes”. We have a failed system and we need to change it.

Over the last 30 years, Bill Powell and Ochan Kusuma-Powell have worked with a large number of teachers and school leaders in over 50 countries worldwide. In this book they propose a simple (but not simplistic), coherent, common sense alternative that has its roots in what they know about student and adult learning.

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It is acknowledged that the quality of teaching is the critical factor in raising standards of learning. And yet teachers' workload has rocketed in recent years, leaving morale for many at rock-bottom.

Recent DfE analysis shows that primary teachers work around 60 hours a week and school leaders even longer. This is not sustainable. Teachers need an end to excessive working hours.

Edited by Nansi Ellis, assistant general secretary at leading teaching union ATL, Managing Teacher Workload brings together leading educationalists to discuss real, practical ways to solve the biggest problem in the profession.

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An empowering book that shows teachers and leaders how to embrace a culture of risk-taking and danger in their schools - by a Headmaster who walks the walk.

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Rooted firmly in practical experience, this book supports the reader in understanding what excellent early years practice should look like and how staff in all settings can establish it.

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Review

I thoroughly recommend this clear and engaging workbook. Barbara Langford has written an excellent workbook which will give all pupils a secure foundation for the maths skills required for Common Entrance. The text is clear, engaging and the maths is spot on. This book is a first-rate resource for teachers to use within the classroom or for parents at home. --Andy Colpus, Headmaster at St Joseph s College, Reading

About the Author

Barbara Langford is Director of Studies and Head of Maths at Westbourne House.

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How can our education system be made fit for purpose in a rapidly changing world, where the norms are no longer capable of delivering the goods to the new generation? David Boddy argues that real change can take place when teachers and parents work together to create schools and homes of warm-heartedness.

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PUBLISHED MARCH 2017: PRE-ORDER NOW

Paul Garvey uses his experience as a teacher, inspector and a National Strategies consultant to advise educators and schools on how his Talk For Teaching method can help them take control of their Professional Development - without it increasing costs or taking up valuable lesson time.

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If we are to improve educational outcomes for all, one of the things we need to do is move away from the notion of ‘labelling’ children and their families. Rather, we need to focus on the needs of such pupils, never forgetting their greatest need is relentlessly high expectations and great teaching.

As fragmentation of LAs continues, the need for authoritative, evidence based guidance and signposting has grown. This collection of contributions from some of the UK’s leading educationalists does not provide an exhaustive list of all the challenges that might arise, but it has a good go. Learn More

Experience - it is our first teacher in life, our early warning system, and our guide to world discovery. Experience connects the inner self to the outer world. It shapes our thoughts, informs our attitudes, motivates our actions. It is the most common mode of learning for all of humanity. Yet, hidden in plain sight, experiential learning is largely taken for granted by educators and researchers. We assume that experience is largely educational. We simply 'learn by doing' - don't we? There is a world of difference between 'doing' and 'doing intelligently'. By understanding how experience acts as a mechanism to inspire and scaffold memorable learning, we stand to gain greater control over this most powerful and universal force in human development. Learning, empowered by experience, is life-changing for learners; experience, purposefully harnessed, is transformational for schools. Learn More

For many years Barnaby Lenon was the headmaster of Harrow. On his retirement he helped set up a state school in east London, widely regarded as one of the most successful free schools. In 2016 he went on a tour of schools in England that achieve outstanding results, in many cases with disadvantaged pupils.

In Much Promise, he describes how they do it, set in the context of the latest research into school and teacher performance. He evaluates the school system in England and the effectiveness of recent reforms; he looks at how parents and governors achieve results and puts the spotlight on the school curriculum, exam systems and social mobility.

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In this personal, thought-provoking and timely book, Dr Andrew Reay offers a clarion call to parents, educators and business leaders who are seeking to unlock the true potential of our next generation - their character - and ensure they really do flourish as human beings. Learn More

This edited collection provides ideas and support for those involved in implementing the CP, or planning to introduce it in the future. The chapters are written by practitioners, some of whom have been involved with the CP from its earliest days, who provide forthright accounts of the significant rewards the introduction of the CP has brought to their students.

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In this thorough, enlightening and comprehensive book, Carl Hendrick and Robin Macpherson ask 18 of today's leading educational thinkers to distill the most up-to-date research into effective classroom practice in 10 of the most important areas of teaching. The result is a fascinating manual that will benefit every single teacher in every single school, in all four corners of the globe.

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PUBLISHED: SEP 2017

As Education Secretary from 2014-16, Nicky Morgan had a job she describes as 'one of the best in the UK Cabinet'. Here, she reveals why she believes that building characterful children has a positive impact on academic attainment.

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No-one is better placed than Tom Ravenscroft to write this wake-up call to all those who work with young people, calling for an explicit focus to develop the non-academic skills that will be essential to thrive in the 21st Century Learn More

The Learning Rainforest is an attempt to capture various different elements of our understanding and experience of teaching. It is a celebration of great teaching - the joy of it and the intellectual and personal rewards that teaching brings.

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An entertaining story of the many teachers Fergal Roche, chief executive of The Key, has come across in his long career; each one effective in their own special way, despite their hugely different approaches, ordinary people who have produced an extraordinary impact.

If you are currently a teacher, were once a teacher, or are thinking about becoming a teacher, this book will be like coming to a party. Or if you hate parties, doing something you really love. The message, in a beautifully light and accessible tone, is that teaching is the most exciting and significant job in the world, hugely complex and exhausting, yes, but a role that needs to be mastered over decades of practice.

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Craig Barton is one of the UK's most respected teachers of mathematics. In his remarkable new book, he explains how he has delved into the world of academic research and emerged with a range of simple, practical, effective strategies that anyone can employ to save time and energy and have a positive impact on the long-term learning and enjoyment of students.

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Dan Roberts, Headteacher of Devonport High School for Boys in Plymouth, believes it is crucial to empower young people to take control of their future.By building the right culture and environment, educators can help ensure that children can truly flourish and develop into adults that wish to have a positive impact on their local, national and international communities.

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AVAILABLE FROM JANUARY 2018: ORDER NOW

Holding difficult conversations well is the key to successful leadership and management in schools - this easily read book will be invaluable to both experienced and new leaders.

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In the past three decades, teaching has seen more change than it had in the previous hundred years. Gone is the ill-defined transmission of academia and in its place now stands a clear, focused and productive system for equipping young people with ... bits of paper. Is this system any better than its predecessor in developing the people that we are told society needs in the 21st century?

Ian Stock, an experienced and practising teacher for more than 30 years, argues that it is worse. We are now turning out many compliant workplace drones instead of the dynamic, high-aiming innovators that a post-industrial society truly needs. Learn More

Slow Teaching is a thoughtful exploration of how slowing down in all aspects of education can lead to improved student outcomes. It evaluates how this slow pedagogy will result in improved feedback, more nuanced and skilled classroom management and relationships, meaningful classroom dialogue, retention of knowledge and school leadership with attention to detail.

It explores how to slowly deepen the craft of teaching to grow expert practitioners who are committed to mastering their practice. It also reflects on strategies that will enable teachers to feel calm, confident and organised in a profession that can often appear relentless. Learn More

The authors have been mindful to create this guide as one that gives the reader both an understanding of the transformational theoretical ideas underpinning it and a range of practical exercises that will support its implementation. In the first theoretical part of this guide the authors give the reader an overview of Values-based Education (VbE): the Inner Curriculum (IC) and their relationship with each other. Part B explores how to implement the Inner Curriculum (IC). Learn More

This book is based on the research used in a popular and effective nine week course run by the author aimed at equipping parents with the understanding of why teenagers behave as they do and explores effective tools take away a lot of stress in dealing with them. It looks at how parenting styles and different interactionist models impact on our relationship with these emotional and argumentative beings. Learn More

A brilliant and practical collection of essays by educators, psychologists and counsellors, highlighting the critical importance of mental health and wellbeing of students in our schools. Learn More

In this highly accessible book James and Dianne Murphy combine more than 50 years of experience to provide teachers with a thorough, easy to use introduction to the extensive research on reading and its effects on student achievement. Drawing on the work of experts from around the world, the authors explore how we learn to read, how the many myths and misconceptions around reading developed, and why they continue to persist. Learn More

A selection of essays from leading educationalists and school leaders with a track record of improving outcomes for children and young people with additional needs, highlighting the significant role that school leaders play in shaping effective practice in SEND. Learn More

Increasingly, across the system, people are talking about knowledge and curriculum. In this timely new book, Mary Myatt is at her brilliant best as she passionately argues that the solutions to overcoming achievement barriers lie in understanding the curriculum and in what children are meant to know. Learn More

The common goal of the contributing authors in this publication is to engage, learn from and share success in order to energise the positive education movement for the benefit of our young people. This is the greatest contribution we can make to the future of our global society and the wellbeing of its citizens. Learn More

Teaching is a profession where we are persistently trying to ensure that our children have the best possible future, yet gender is still a huge hurdle in terms of expectations. We are setting children up to fail because society instills certain messages in them that can often stop them from achieving what they desire and as teachers, we aren’t always opposing them. Often, teachers are so removed from this issue that they don’t see it going on in their classroom. This book provides thinking points for teachers and useful strategies for schools to overcome this divide and provide equal opportunities for all children. It’s commonplace to see this divide in newspapers and on social media, it’s something that needs to be addressed. As educators, we need to be at the forefront of this revolution.

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Readers of poetry are often told to leave poems alone - to learn them by heart or to enjoy how they sound and leave it at that. This is all very well, except for those readers who have to study poetry at school or university. Or other readers who don't yet enjoy poems because they are daunted by their seemingly impenetrable meanings or inaccessible techniques.

In this annotated anthology, Robert Gullifer and Matthew Jenkinson demystify poetry while showing that there are many good reasons to pick poems apart. From Beowulf to the Iraq War, a millennium of poetry is presented to give readers a sense of how poems have evolved since we first started writing them down. 

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This publication seeks to explore in depth the Nine Pillars of Greatness written by the course leaders of the Going for Great programme. It considers the range of characteristics that define great schooling, from a school's values and ethos, leadership and teaching to its curriculum, approach to professional development, learning community and ongoing self-evaluation. Learn More

Helen Woodley's critically-important action research is an investigation into the effect of working on a toxic schools on teacher mental health and wellbeing. Five teachers share their experiences of working in toxic schools across a variety of settings. Learn More

Love To Teach: Research and Resources for every classroom is an exciting book that combines the latest educational research with examples of what this can look like in the classroom. Filled with research-informed ideas to support all teachers and leaders in both Primary and Secondary this book would be great for NQTs to more experienced teachers and leaders alike. The educational research is presented in a format which is accessible, helpful and informative and will help inform educators about cutting-edge research in practical and applicable ways. The practical resources are easily adaptable and ready to be implemented in any classroom and are grounded in Kate's own classroom practice.

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Words that Win is an insider's guide for student debaters, debate coaches, campaigners, politicians and business leaders and anyone who has to persuade people on the issues that matter to society. The book covers topics ranging from how to think strategically about a case to delivering speeches confidently in a large room. The final section of the book argues why every educational institution and business should invest in this activity. Learn More

In this book, headteacher and professional learning expert Dr Kulvarn Atwal presents a model that maximises both formal and informal opportunities for staff development. Through peer learning, modelling, coaching and mentoring, engagement in research and other professional growth activities, the thinking school creates a dynamic collaborative culture that permeates the entire learning community. Learn More

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In this concise new guide, Rosenshine fan Tom Sherrington amplifies and augments the principles and further demonstrates how they can be put into practice in everyday classrooms.

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