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Creating cognitively challenging classrooms | Modular courses | NACE

Creating cognitively challenging classrooms

On-demand CPD for teachers and school leaders



Building on NACE’s research into cognitively challenging learning environments, these on-demand courses explore key aspects of cognitively challenging teaching and learning. Grounded in research, each module is brought to life with examples of cognitive challenge in practice – at the whole-school/leadership level, and within the individual classroom.

The modules can be used to support individual, departmental or whole-school CPD*. Each is designed to be relevant across the primary and secondary phases, with the exception of module 7, which is available in two phase-specific versions.

These on-demand CPD modules are available to purchase individually, or with a saving when purchased as a complete set. Accessed via online platform Nucleus Learning, each module comprises a series of recorded presentations, broken down into bitesize chunks, accompanied by questions for reflection and additional resources to help participants embed key takeaways, develop action points, and apply the course content within their own school context.



Flexible, evidence-based CPD for schools throughout the year:
for use individually, in groups, or to support whole-school CPD*





Programme overview

Module
 Session leader
Content
Cost*

1. Exploring cognitive challenge
Christabel Shepherd,
NACE Challenge and Curriculum Development Director
  • What cognitive challenge is and why it is so important
  • Theory underlying the core components of cognitive challenge
  • General principles of how to plan for and provide high-quality challenge
Members: £150
Non-members: £195
(6 month licence)

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2. Oracy and discourse
Christabel Shepherd,
NACE Challenge and Curriculum Development Director
  • How effective oracy and discourse can support cognitive challenge
  • Practical strategies for teaching oracy and discourse
  • Practical tasks that provide challenge through oracy and discourse
Members: £150
Non-members: £195
(6 month licence)

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3. Climate for learning
Christabel Shepherd,
NACE Challenge and Curriculum Development Director
  • Importance of school culture and climate in creating cognitively challenging schools and classrooms
  • Key principles underpinning the development of a culture and climate for challenge
  • Strategies and approaches to develop and embed a culture and climate for challenge
Members: £150
Non-members: £195
(6 month licence)

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4. Effective questioning strategies
Dr Keith Watson
NACE Curriculum Development Director
  • The research on effective questioning for more able learners
  • What does effective questioning for more able learners look like in action?
  • Practical examples of effective questioning to challenge more able learners
Members: £150
Non-members: £195
(6 month licence)

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5. Planning to the top
Dr Keith Watson
NACE Curriculum Development Director
  • Benefits of teaching to the top
  • Key ingredients to increase challenge for all by teaching to the top
  • Specific examples to demonstrate successful teaching to the top
Members: £150
Non-members: £195
(6 month licence)

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6. Independent learning
Dr Keith Watson
NACE Curriculum Development Director
  • The theory behind developing independence
  • Practical strategies for developing independence
  • Practical tasks to develop independence
Members: £150
Non-members: £195
(6 month licence)

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7a. Practical strategies for challenge (primary)
Dr Keith Watson
NACE Curriculum Development Director
Additional primary strategies covering all of the areas above.
Members: £150
Non-members: £195
(6 month licence)

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7b. Practical strategies for challenge (secondary)
Rob Lightfoot, NACE CEO
Rob Buck and Chloe Bateman,
Maiden Erlegh School
Laura March,
Southend High School for Boys
Additional secondary strategies covering all of the areas above.
Members: £150
Non-members: £195
(6 month licence)

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Full course package
See above.
    All of the above (including one or both versions of module 7). Can be used to support individual, departmental and/or whole-school CPD.
Members: £795
Non-members: £995
(18 month licence)

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*All prices +VAT. Multiple logins can be provided for staff within the same school to access purchased modules individually. Module recordings and resources can also be displayed on a shared screen to support group CPD.



Why NACE?

  • Our programmes are underpinned by 40 years’ expertise in the field of more able policy, provision and research-informed practice,
    including our own published research
  • Our extensive school links provide access to some of the most up-to-the-minute examples of effective school practice.
  • Modules developed and delivered by experienced practitioners, school leaders, advisers and coaches (read more about our senior team here).

“We paused very regularly to discuss points and the material. It prompted a lot of discussion […] We have three points we are taking to use straight away in class which will benefit all children with slight adaptations to our delivery. ”

Feedback from a previous
participant in NACE on-demand CPD


Additional support

NACE membership – available for schools, ITT providers, MATs, alliances and clusters – offers ongoing support for all leadership and teaching staff through access to an extensive library of online resources, recorded webinars, research and events. Learn more.

To help you apply your learning, additional 1-2-1 guidance and support is available through our coaching and mentoring or Ask NACE services.

Plus: for ongoing peer-led CPD and support, join our More Able Leads Network Group – meeting online every half-term to share challenges, experiences and ideas. Find the next session in our events calendar.




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