Exploring how we further develop challenge for more able students within the secondary curriculum
1-day online workshop focusing on Design & Technology, English and History for school leaders and practitioners
Secondary Subject Workshops
D&T, English, History
Thursday 22 January 2026; online Member and multi-delegate discounts available
How can we further develop challenge for more able students within the secondary curriculum, thereby improving challenge for all?
This workshop event explores the balance of subject knowledge and creativity in how we ensure the needs of more able learners are met. Focusing on the subject areas of Design & Technology, English and History, we will draw
on the latest evidence and learning to explore the mechanisms of challenge in each subject area and how we can facilitate higher-order thinking.
The day will bring together school leaders, department heads and practitioners to explore these themes in subject groups, as well as time to return together as a combined group for reflection (see below for full programme details).
Delegates will leave with an understanding of what challenge means for their subject area, what it can look like in the classroom, and practical actions they can take back into school.
Feedback from our last secondary workshop event:
“Thought-provoking day. Good mix of setting the scene whilst giving valuable time to subject-specific sessions.”
“Loads of practical strategies to improve my practice.”
“Left the day with tangible strategies that can be discussed in my department.”
Programme
10:00am
Welcome
10:05am
Challenge across the secondary curriculum Dr Keith Watson, NACE Curriculum Development Director
The balance of subject knowledge and creativity in challenge for more able learners.
10:25am
Comfort break
10:30am
Subject workshops
A) Challenge within the Design & Technology curriculum: Jenny Dhami
B) Challenge within the English curriculum: Chichi Ribbans-Opara
C) Challenge within the History curriculum: Pete Finlay
12:00pm
Lunch
12:45pm
Subject workshops
A) Challenge within the Design & Technology curriculum: Jenny Dhami
B) Challenge within the English curriculum: Chichi Ribbans-Opara
C) Challenge within the History curriculum: Pete Finlay
2:15pm
Please complete your feedback surveys
2:20pm
Coffee break
2:30pm
Reflections on key themes
3:00pm
Close
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.
Chichi Ribbans-Opara English
Chichi Ribbans-Opara is Vice Principal – Curriculum, Learning and Progress at The Skinners Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells. Chichi has been in education for nearly 20 years. For the vast majority of that time, in a range of secondary schools, she has led on the whole-school raising of attainment and progress for more able pupils and higher prior attainers.
Jenny Dhami Design & Technology
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.
Pete Finlay History
Pete has been teaching for 13 years and in that time has held roles as a Head of House, History Teacher and now Head of History. He has worked as a progress leader with a focus on helping to support high progress for more able students and disadvantaged students in KS3 and KS4.
Primary subject workshops Half-day online workshop exploring how we further develop challenge for more able students within the primary curriculum. Thursday 15 January 2026; online
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