Written by Matt Butler, Director of Primary Improvement and Professional Development
Cumbria Education Trust has invested in teacher’s professional development in partnership with One World, an international education consultancy, working in multiple countries, as well as several of the UK’s largest school trusts. Our collaboration with One World has been focused on enhancing how teachers approach lesson planning and delivery.
One World began working with Yanwath Primary School (YAN) in October 2024, introducing know/show charts – a tool that has transformed how teachers structure their lessons. Sarah Davies, Headteacher at YAN, reflected on the project: “The work with One World has enabled leaders and teaching staff to carefully consider what pupils need to know and show, so that gaps in foundational knowledge are addressed, misconceptions are clarified and adequate challenge is provided.”
By embedding this approach, teachers now dedicate more time to precise lesson preparation. This ensures that key learning points are explicitly planned, knowledge gaps are anticipated, and pedagogical discussion among teachers becomes standard practice.
Izzy Henderson, Year 5 Teacher at YAN, shared her experience: “The work we have done with One World around know/show has completely transformed my teaching practice. It has become a habit of mine that I apply to every aspect of student learning – from data analysis and lesson planning to addressing misconceptions during lessons.”
Sarah agreed: ” The impact has not only been evident in pupil progress data but in the creation of a culture of ‘good to great’ teaching and learning.”
Following its success at YAN, the know/show approach was introduced at The Whitehaven Academy (TWA), initially piloted in the Technology and Humanities departments. Catherine Sloan, Deputy Headteacher at TWA who is leading the project at the school, highlighted its benefits: “It has helped us to reinvigorate our teaching process so that gaps in learning are addressed through the use of know/show charts, modelling and guided discourse.”
Nigel Youngman, Headteacher at TWA, emphasised the value of this partnership: “CET’s collaboration with One World is a prime example of the benefits of being part of a Trust that cares passionately about developing teachers and exploring pedagogy creatively. Learning from best practice internationally is an empowering experience.”
YAN has now shared this practice with all primary schools within CET, while TWA is preparing to extend this initiative across secondary schools during the summer term.
We are delighted with the project’s positive reception amongst teachers and leaders across the Trust. While this is still the early stages, we are already seeing evidence of improved pupil progress at YAN – and this is just the beginning. Exciting times ahead!
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