Hodder Education’s Review magazines provide subject-specific expertise aimed at GCSE and A-level students, featuring the latest research, thought-provoking articles, exam-style questions and discussion points to deepen learners’ subject knowledge and develop independent learning skills. 

Earlier this academic year, we partnered with Hodder on a live webinar for NACE members, followed by an opportunity to undertake a free trial subscription to the Review magazines, and then reconvening for an online focus group to share experiences, ideas and feedback.

Below are 15 ways NACE members suggested this resource could be used:

1. Wider reading – encouraging learners to read more widely in their subjects, developing deeper and broader subject knowledge
2. Flipped learning – tasking students with reading an article (or articles) on a topic ahead of a lesson, so they are prepared to discuss during class time (members noted that this approach benefits from practising reading comprehension during lesson time first)
3. Developing cultural capital – exposure to content, contexts, vocabulary, and text formats which learners might not otherwise encounter
4. Independent research and project work – to support independent research and projects such as EPQs, for example by using the digital archives to search on a particular theme
5. Developing literacy and vocabulary – exposure to subject-specific and advanced vocabulary; this was highlighted by some schools as a particular concern post-pandemic
6. Shared text during lessons – used to support lessons on a particular topic, and/or to develop comprehension skills
7. Developing exam skills – using the magazines’ links to specific exam skills/modules, and practice exam questions at the end of articles
8. Examples of academic/exam skills in practice – providing examples of how a text or topic could be approached and analysed, and ways of structuring an essay/response
9. Library resource – signposted to students and teachers by school librarian to ensure a diverse, challenging reading menu is available to all 
10. Linking learning to real-world contexts – providing examples of how curriculum content is being applied in current contexts around the world, helping to bring learning to life
11. Broadening career horizons – examples of different careers in each subject area, giving learners exposure to a range of potential future pathways
12. Extracurricular provision – used as a resource to support subject-specific clubs, or general research/debate clubs 
13. Developing critical thinking and oracy skills – to support strategies such as the Harkness method, as part of a wider focus on developing critical thinking and oracy skills
14. Exposure to academic research – preparing students for further education and career opportunities
15. Fresh perspectives on curriculum content – new angles and insights on well-established modules and topics – for teachers, as well as students!

Find out more:

• Sample issues of the Review magazines
• Impact study: Politics Review
• Impact study: Hindsight (GCSE History)
• Posters and revision PDFs from the magazines
• NACE webinar: Enrichment and extension in secondary subjects

Discount offer for NACE members

NACE members can benefit from a 25% discount on Hodder's digital and print resources, including the Review magazines (excluding student £15 subscriptions). To access this, and our full range of member offers, log in and visit our member offers page.

Does your school use the Review magazines or a similar resource? To share your experience and ideas, contact communications@nace.co.uk