Exploring how we further develop challenge for more able students within the primary curriculum
Half-day online workshop focusing on Design & Technology, English and Early Years for school leaders and practitioners
Primary subject workshops
D&T, English, Early Years
Thursday 15 January 2026; online Member and multi-delegate discounts available
How can we further develop challenge for more able students within the primary curriculum, thereby improving challenge for all?
Our regular subject workshops explore the importance of challenge across the primary curriculum, this time focusing on Design & Technology, English and Early Years. Drawing on current research and effective practice, each
workshop focuses on sharing subject- and phase-specific guidance and practical ideas for effective teaching.
This event will bring together school leaders and practitioners to explore these themes, spending the core part of the workshop within subject/phase groups before returning to the wider picture in a final discussion and reflection
(see below for full programme).
Delegates will leave with an understanding of consistent themes in providing challenge across the curriculum, with practical actions for implementation in the classroom.
Feedback from our last primary workshop event:
“So lovely to be able to take the time to improve my subject knowledge with a real expert.”
“Lots of practical ideas and inspiration which can be used pretty much straight away.”
“Plenty of fantastic ideas but also a reinforcement that what I am doing is on the right track too.”
Programme
9:00am
Welcome
9:05am
Challenge across the primary curriculum Dr Keith Watson, NACE Curriculum Development Director
A focus on the importance of challenge across the primary curriculum. Reflecting upon NACE research, we will identify the types of activities that can promote challenge and act as a basis for more subject-specific guidance that will be delivered in the
workshops that follow.
A) Challenge within the primary Design & Technology curriculum: Jenny Dhami
B) Challenge within the primary English curriculum: Jane Branson
C) Challenge within the Early Years Foundation Stage: Emma Tibbitts
11:30am
Comfort break – log into main session
11:35am
Leading challenge across the primary curriculum Dr Keith Watson, NACE Curriculum Development Director
A focus on the role of the subject leader in being a ‘challenge champion’ for their subject including examples of how NACE schools have developed challenge across the school. This includes ideas for CPD, planning proformas and monitoring the subject.
11:45am
Please complete your feedback surveys
11:50am
Reflection and questions
12:00pm
Finish
Workshop leaders
Dr Keith Watson FCCT Presenter
With over 30 years’ experience of working in educational settings, Dr Keith Watson draws on his experiences as a former MAT CEO, Teaching School Leader and published researcher. Keith led the work on Portswood Primary School being the first school in the country to attain the NACE Challenge Award three times. Keith holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Southampton University and regularly publishes articles on a range of educational issues. He is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.
Jane Branson English
Jane Branson brings over 30 years' experience to her work as an education consultant and trainer and has provided training and development in over one hundred schools. With a special interest in primary and secondary English, particularly oracy, reading, grammar and writing, she is also an ITT tutor, an experienced Philosophy for Children facilitator, an experienced governor and the writer of a range of books and online titles for Oxford University Press and other publishers.
Jenny Dhami D&T
Jenny is an experienced Design and Technology teacher and curriculum leader with over 17 years in education. She currently teaches three days a week while also working as a D&T Subject Creator for the National Oak Academy. Jenny co-authored the Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Design and Technology textbook and has written numerous resources for BBC Bitesize. Her passion for creative and engaging classroom practice is reflected in the regular teaching articles she contributes to a range of educational magazines.
Emma Tibbits Early Years
As a highly effective, passionate and ambitious senior leader, and an outstanding practitioner, Emma has over a decade’s experience of teaching and leading across the early years and primary phase. She has held numerous roles including co-principal in two free schools, Early Years Lead for a large London Academy chain, and Primary Curriculum Leader for one of the largest international schools groups.
Secondary subject workshops One-day online workshop exploring how we further develop challenge for more able students within the secondary curriculum. Thursday 22 January 2026; online
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