“Knowledgeable and dynamic”
Katie King, Assistant HOD, Dragon School
Knowledge – rich curriculum
Teachers , especially in Secondary schools often cite subject-based CPD as more effective than generic training, as they can see a direct effect on their own teaching and therefore the attainment of the classes that they teach; certainly teachers enjoy training within their subject discipline and there are certainly instances where there would be little point in doing generic training – in areas such as exam technique for example.
Ofsted Inspections of Schools
The Ofsted framework from September 2019 focuses on the school’s curriculum.
‘The curriculum is a framework for setting out the aims of a programme of education, including the knowledge and understanding to be gained at each stage (intent); for translating that framework over time into a structure and narrative, within an institutional context (implementation) and for evaluating what knowledge and understanding pupils have gained against expectations (impact/achievement).’
Sean Harford, National Director, Education at Ofsted
Subject knowledge & pedagogy has become more important as schools & colleges have moved towards a ‘knowledge rich’ curriculum under the new Ofsted framework. Subject leaders and coordinators have never had a greater responsibility for ensuring progress in skills, knowledge and understanding from different starting points in their subject areas.
“Teachers should have to prove their subject knowledge is up-to-date at regular intervals to maintain their qualified status”
Professor Daniel Muijs , Ofsted, Head of Research
Research also shows that strong subject knowledge contributes significantly to outstanding teaching pedagogy. Teacher credibility ( the belief and trust pupils have for their teacher) scores and effect size of 0.9 in Hattie’s Visible Learning which is (almost) equivalent to a two grade leap in GCSE grades!
Our subject specific courses are delivered by experts in their field with insight, depth and passion. They are designed to help your in-service teachers update or develop their current subject knowledge or to train to teach other specialist subjects. As a departmental or whole school training event they give an invaluable opportunity to foster expertise and academic rigour.
“It was exceptionally useful, highly relevant & personalised to our school. I cannot recommend highly enough!”
Dr Dawn Casserly, Headteacher, St. Paul’s School for Girls
Our subject-specific courses can cover changes in exam expectations, support teachers delivering in a subject area they are less familiar with and provide a range of strategies and approaches to bring a subject to life.
Why choose Subject Knowledge training for Teachers?
Our subject knowledge courses will help your teachers:
- Gain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject and associated specialist pedagogy
- Develop critical reflection skills
- Acquire some of the tools to become an outstanding teacher
- Gain confidence in teaching their chosen subject
- Get experience of action research and evaluating impact on pupil progress to help with career progression
- Discover innovative ideas, techniques and activities to use in the classroom
Arrange for a Mock Deep Dive in your school or subject area
Contact our Inspection team to arrange a ‘Mentoring Dive’ to reassure your team & allay any fears
JMC Inspection Team
A selection of our subject enriching courses are listed below but if you can’t find the area you are looking for use our enquiry form and we can source a lead practitioner to meet your needs.
“I really appreciated how organic the delivery was”
Shelley Chapman, Head of Teaching & Learning, The Marist School
Subject Knowledge Courses
Science INSET : Challenging able pupils in Science
“Impactful , positive & inspiring – highly recommended “ Jenny Carruthers HOD , Cleeve School The PISA 2022 report reveals that in the UK, 10% of students were top performers…
Science INSET: Outstanding Science lessons
‘Schools need to raise pupils’ aspirations and enjoyment of science and ensure that they nurture the talents of our potential young scientists of the future.’ Ofsted Report ‘Success in Science’…
INSET : Improving Reading in Secondary Schools
‘Really helpful – lots of ideas regarding whole school literacy, as well as in department. An excellent understanding / knowledge of how the Ofsted framework will impact schools – thank…
INSET: Building confidence in KS3 & 4 Physics teaching
This INSET builds subject knowledge, confidence and pedagogy for those teaching KS3 and KS4 Physics without a Physics specialism. Non- specialist teachers in Science at Key stage 3 &4 Science…
INSET: Challenging the most able Physics students
Does your teaching stretch the most able Physics students? Are your students able to access top marks in public exams? Are you preparing your students to study Physical Science and…
INSET : Challenging able Chemistry students to reach their true potential
“It was exceptionally useful, highly relevant & personalised to our school. Our Chemistry teachers found the opportunity to work with someone of such pragmatic experience invaluable. I cannot recommend highly…
INSET: Metacognition in STEM / Science / Maths Teaching
“Left inspired!” Kim Carmichael, Head of Science, Longcroft School Train your pupils to think for themselves • Do your pupils prefer recalling information to “real” thinking? • Are you fed-up…
Secondary INSET : Outstanding Maths Teaching
“Superbly clear, inspiring, and backed by outstanding subject knowledge.”Tom Bowley, Millfield School, Head of Maths Subject Specific Pedagogy for Ofsted 2020 Subject knowledge CPD is becoming more important as many…
Secondary INSET : Raising Attainment in Biology A level
“Left inspired!” Kim Carmichael, Head of Science, Longcroft School Improving the performance of lower attaining A level Biology students How do you make the new Biology specifications more accessible to…
INSET: Developing a Knowledge Rich Curriculum in Science
“Really engaging tutor who clearly knew his stuff” Sadia Mirza, HOD, Dr Challoners High School • Do you know what the changes that Ofsted are proposing?• How articulate are you…
Secondary INSET : A/A* Strategies for Biology A level
Challenging able Biology students to reach their true potential “Really worthwhile and applicable, felt like I was actually learning something!” Jack White-Foy, Dulwich College Does your Biology teaching really stretch…