From art and oracy to outdoor learning and free trees: a network round‑up
From research‑informed conversations to creative inspiration, the past few months have brought a rich mix of voices to the network. Here’s a look back and a preview of what’s coming next.
Learning from research and creativity
Over the past few months, we’ve welcomed a wide range of contributors across the network. This included Alex Quigley, author and Head of Content at the EEF, who shared practical insights into writing craft and how schools can work to close the writing gap. These practical and insightful conversations sat alongside our ongoing celebration of the latest and greatest authors, illustrators and poets, creating a balanced mix of research-informed thinking and creative inspiration. A standout was our session with Matt Goodfellow, who reminded us of the power of poetry.
We also launched our DfE-aligned handwriting scheme, an invaluable resource that honours the journey of becoming a writer and makes the fundamentals clear and easy to teach.
Summer term meet‑up
Join us for an art-themed Summer Network Meeting on Monday 18 or Tuesday 19 May with special guest Ed Vere, the award-winning and New York Times bestselling writer and illustrator.
Claire Halstead will talk us through ways to strengthen writing across the curriculum and we will be joined by Art UK, who will share an exploration of how we can develop oracy through looking at art.
Greater depth writing
In June, we’re running two focused sessions exploring greater depth writing in KS1 and KS2. Each session will look closely at what high‑quality writing looks like in practice and offer practical approaches you can use to support pupils as they craft more confident, thoughtful work.
KS1 takes place on 11 June and KS2 follows on 18 June.
Have your say
Into Film, the UK’s leading charity for film in education, has offered to run a free online CPD session for SLN members.
Options include exploring Shakespeare through film, diversifying the literacy curriculum and supporting storytelling through stop motion animation.
A breath of fresh air
Take learning outside
Celebrate Outdoor Classroom Day on 21 May by taking your learning outside. We would love to see how you are using our resources in the great outdoors, whether that’s reading under a tree or exploring ideas in the school grounds. Share your photos with us and show how you are embracing the joy of outdoor learning.
Free trees for schools
Planting trees can help keep spaces cooler in summer and support wellbeing and wildlife. The Woodland Trust is offering free native tree packs to schools and community groups, giving them the opportunity to plant species well suited to UK soils. Applications are now open for packs arriving in November, with applications expected to close in August.