Bella Saunders MCCT
@mrsavesaunders.bsky.social
Assistant Head Academic and former Head of RE. Advocate of Religion and Worldviews approach. PhiE enthusiast. Passionate about teaching and learning. Mum of two. Previously @MissAVECarter.
’ve been thinking about personal knowledge again and in particular about assessing the development of personal knowledge. I made some scribbles on the handbook… I’ve made a resource to use with students BUT is this my own idea or did I borrow it??! Can you help @natre-update.bsky.social ?
July 28, 2025 at 8:03 PM
’ve been thinking about personal knowledge again and in particular about assessing the development of personal knowledge. I made some scribbles on the handbook… I’ve made a resource to use with students BUT is this my own idea or did I borrow it??! Can you help @natre-update.bsky.social ?
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
A recent article claimed that the Science of Learning and Direct Instruction is "neoliberal ‘dogma’ that is working to de-skill the teaching profession". This is my response to that ⬇️ carlhendrick.substack.com/p/defending-...
June 8, 2025 at 8:06 AM
A recent article claimed that the Science of Learning and Direct Instruction is "neoliberal ‘dogma’ that is working to de-skill the teaching profession". This is my response to that ⬇️ carlhendrick.substack.com/p/defending-...
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
NEW BLOG: Managing attention in classrooms is a social justice issue
hobbolog.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/m...
#UKEd
#Edusky
#EduBlogUK
hobbolog.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/m...
#UKEd
#Edusky
#EduBlogUK
Managing attention in classrooms is a social justice issue
This is a blog about some of my favourite research findings in the field of attention. They are remarkable studies for their simplicity, the scale of the effect that they find, and the deep philoso…
hobbolog.wordpress.com
June 2, 2025 at 3:03 PM
NEW BLOG: Managing attention in classrooms is a social justice issue
hobbolog.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/m...
#UKEd
#Edusky
#EduBlogUK
hobbolog.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/m...
#UKEd
#Edusky
#EduBlogUK
CPD beyond your subject area is often overlooked, but it can lead to powerful pedagogical insights. I explored variation theory from maths and found it significantly improved students’ essays. missavecarter.wordpress.com/2025/05/08/h...
How Maths Improved my Religious Studies Teaching
I am always keen to help colleagues see the value of CPDL activites that fall outside of a subject specialism. In fact, looking at pedagogical concepts which are designed for a subject definitively…
missavecarter.wordpress.com
May 8, 2025 at 7:52 PM
CPD beyond your subject area is often overlooked, but it can lead to powerful pedagogical insights. I explored variation theory from maths and found it significantly improved students’ essays. missavecarter.wordpress.com/2025/05/08/h...
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
A great report on the challenges facing religious education by @itvnews.bsky.social, featuring interviews with students about why the subject is so important to them #RENationalPlan #TeamRE #RETeacher #Worldviews
May 7, 2025 at 11:35 AM
A great report on the challenges facing religious education by @itvnews.bsky.social, featuring interviews with students about why the subject is so important to them #RENationalPlan #TeamRE #RETeacher #Worldviews
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
🚨 BANK HOLIDAY BLOG 🚨
'Learning barriers, not labels'
"Teachers can make gains from building their knowledge about specific educational needs, but their actual practice is most likely to improve if they focus on barriers to learning... & effective strategies."
alexquigley.co.uk/learning-bar...
'Learning barriers, not labels'
"Teachers can make gains from building their knowledge about specific educational needs, but their actual practice is most likely to improve if they focus on barriers to learning... & effective strategies."
alexquigley.co.uk/learning-bar...
Learning barriers, not labels
Let me introduce you to James.
James finds it hard to articulate his thoughts due to limits to his vocabulary and a difficulty in understanding complex language in class. He can rely on simple words,...
alexquigley.co.uk
May 5, 2025 at 3:23 PM
🚨 BANK HOLIDAY BLOG 🚨
'Learning barriers, not labels'
"Teachers can make gains from building their knowledge about specific educational needs, but their actual practice is most likely to improve if they focus on barriers to learning... & effective strategies."
alexquigley.co.uk/learning-bar...
'Learning barriers, not labels'
"Teachers can make gains from building their knowledge about specific educational needs, but their actual practice is most likely to improve if they focus on barriers to learning... & effective strategies."
alexquigley.co.uk/learning-bar...
Even the best teacher PD often fails because under pressure, habits win. Teachers forget to change—or resist it.
The fix? Clear purpose, deliberate practice, and simple cues.
missavecarter.wordpress.com/2025/05/05/t...
The fix? Clear purpose, deliberate practice, and simple cues.
missavecarter.wordpress.com/2025/05/05/t...
Two barriers that prevent teacher development (and how we might overcome them)
I’ve been thinking hard on how to navigate the challenge of providing effective professional development for teachers. Even with the most carefully constructed PD cycles, two1 key problems se…
missavecarter.wordpress.com
May 5, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Even the best teacher PD often fails because under pressure, habits win. Teachers forget to change—or resist it.
The fix? Clear purpose, deliberate practice, and simple cues.
missavecarter.wordpress.com/2025/05/05/t...
The fix? Clear purpose, deliberate practice, and simple cues.
missavecarter.wordpress.com/2025/05/05/t...
Looking forward to this!
Over 100 people have registered for The CPD Exchange.
💥Still time to join: hubs.li/Q03gxC1_0
📌6 May🎯London & Online
Protecting Agency–Cabot Learning Federation
Consistency in Teaching–Hales Valley Trust
Personalised PD–Langley Heritage Primary
Building Culture & Retention–Diverse Academies Trust
💥Still time to join: hubs.li/Q03gxC1_0
📌6 May🎯London & Online
Protecting Agency–Cabot Learning Federation
Consistency in Teaching–Hales Valley Trust
Personalised PD–Langley Heritage Primary
Building Culture & Retention–Diverse Academies Trust
May 4, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Looking forward to this!
I've been thinking about how best to summarise our Y7 SOW for department use. This updated document aims to 1) reduce cognitive load, 2) support non-specialists, 3) achieve consistency, 4) offer autonomy, 5) ensure sensible sequencing, 6) allow deep understanding.
April 14, 2025 at 11:34 AM
I've been thinking about how best to summarise our Y7 SOW for department use. This updated document aims to 1) reduce cognitive load, 2) support non-specialists, 3) achieve consistency, 4) offer autonomy, 5) ensure sensible sequencing, 6) allow deep understanding.
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
Teacher of RS - Part Time, Derby - Tes Jobs
Derby High School, United Kingdom
www.tes.com
March 25, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
March 27, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Teacher of RS - Part Time, Derby - Tes Jobs
Derby High School, United Kingdom
www.tes.com
March 25, 2025 at 9:54 AM
*NEW BLOG!* The Challenge of Effective Teacher Development: Is Instructional Coaching the Answer?
wp.me/p6c1Gw-j7
wp.me/p6c1Gw-j7
The Challenge of Effective Teacher Development: Is Instructional Coaching the Answer?
Effective teacher development has become a significant priority in recent years. In 2016, the Department for Education outlined a new professional development standard, emphasising key areas such a…
wp.me
March 22, 2025 at 9:59 PM
*NEW BLOG!* The Challenge of Effective Teacher Development: Is Instructional Coaching the Answer?
wp.me/p6c1Gw-j7
wp.me/p6c1Gw-j7
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
Two core ideas underpin effective inclusive teaching:
1. Cognitive similarity
2. Instructional sensitivity
Let’s dig into both…
↓
1. Cognitive similarity
2. Instructional sensitivity
Let’s dig into both…
↓
March 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Two core ideas underpin effective inclusive teaching:
1. Cognitive similarity
2. Instructional sensitivity
Let’s dig into both…
↓
1. Cognitive similarity
2. Instructional sensitivity
Let’s dig into both…
↓
Pleased to have passed my first assessment for CTeach (Leadership) with @collegeofteaching.bsky.social
March 19, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Pleased to have passed my first assessment for CTeach (Leadership) with @collegeofteaching.bsky.social
An RE teacher using ChatGPT to plan an introductory lesson for a short unit on Sikhi #REchatUK missavecarter.wordpress.com/2025/01/05/a...
An RE teacher using ChatGPT to plan an introductory lesson for a short unit on Sikhi
I found myself with that common teacher problem. That familiar Sunday dread, combined with a ‘back to school’ workload crisis. I’ve certainly taken on a bit too much recently and,…
missavecarter.wordpress.com
January 5, 2025 at 4:32 PM
An RE teacher using ChatGPT to plan an introductory lesson for a short unit on Sikhi #REchatUK missavecarter.wordpress.com/2025/01/05/a...
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
📽️ Steplab has an extensive video library 📹
We've got HUNDREDS of videos of the world's most effective teachers to demonstrate and exemplify great practice in a range of contexts. 🚀
We've got HUNDREDS of videos of the world's most effective teachers to demonstrate and exemplify great practice in a range of contexts. 🚀
December 5, 2024 at 4:30 PM
📽️ Steplab has an extensive video library 📹
We've got HUNDREDS of videos of the world's most effective teachers to demonstrate and exemplify great practice in a range of contexts. 🚀
We've got HUNDREDS of videos of the world's most effective teachers to demonstrate and exemplify great practice in a range of contexts. 🚀
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
Steplab Record:
⬇️ Download the app to your phone/device
🤳 Safely record classroom insights
💻 Securely upload to Steplab
👩💻 Review, mark up and discuss the footage
🗣️ Ensures powerful coaching conversations
🚀 Improves teaching and learning
⬇️ Download the app to your phone/device
🤳 Safely record classroom insights
💻 Securely upload to Steplab
👩💻 Review, mark up and discuss the footage
🗣️ Ensures powerful coaching conversations
🚀 Improves teaching and learning
December 11, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Steplab Record:
⬇️ Download the app to your phone/device
🤳 Safely record classroom insights
💻 Securely upload to Steplab
👩💻 Review, mark up and discuss the footage
🗣️ Ensures powerful coaching conversations
🚀 Improves teaching and learning
⬇️ Download the app to your phone/device
🤳 Safely record classroom insights
💻 Securely upload to Steplab
👩💻 Review, mark up and discuss the footage
🗣️ Ensures powerful coaching conversations
🚀 Improves teaching and learning
This is a great resource
I use the tree octopus and the spaghetti tree in my HPQ course for year 8s. It usually takes a while….
Great Fake Websites to Help Teach Students About Digital Literacy: www.whiteboardblog.co.uk/2018/03/fake...
#edusky #eduskyprimary #uked
#edusky #eduskyprimary #uked
December 10, 2024 at 4:39 PM
This is a great resource
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
Happy Feast Day of St Nicholas the Wonderworker!, puncher of heretics! I think his icons are some of my favourites. I’ve woven this into home ed for today.
December 6, 2024 at 7:18 AM
Happy Feast Day of St Nicholas the Wonderworker!, puncher of heretics! I think his icons are some of my favourites. I’ve woven this into home ed for today.
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
8 years ago we stopped writing comments in pupils' books and moved to whole class feedback. Teacher workload and pupil outcomes improved dramatically as a result. We have never looked back.
Very pleased to see our case study in @katejonesteach.bsky.social excellent new book.
Very pleased to see our case study in @katejonesteach.bsky.social excellent new book.
December 6, 2024 at 7:14 AM
8 years ago we stopped writing comments in pupils' books and moved to whole class feedback. Teacher workload and pupil outcomes improved dramatically as a result. We have never looked back.
Very pleased to see our case study in @katejonesteach.bsky.social excellent new book.
Very pleased to see our case study in @katejonesteach.bsky.social excellent new book.
Thinking about cognitive overload. Printed an old ‘tried and tested’ worksheet. Binned it and started again. Sometimes it takes a bit of time, thought and careful research to realise what a heap of rubbish your lesson resource is!
November 26, 2024 at 8:07 AM
Thinking about cognitive overload. Printed an old ‘tried and tested’ worksheet. Binned it and started again. Sometimes it takes a bit of time, thought and careful research to realise what a heap of rubbish your lesson resource is!
Reposted by Bella Saunders MCCT
🚨 We've just pressed send on our first newsletter: the *Steplab Snapshot* 🚨
Want to win:
🎁 Merch for you and your team?
📙 Copies of @joshpd.bsky.social's *Responsive Coaching* book?
Simply SHARE this post AND sign-up to our newsletter 👉 steplab.co/newsletter
🏆 One winner announced Mon 18th Nov!
Want to win:
🎁 Merch for you and your team?
📙 Copies of @joshpd.bsky.social's *Responsive Coaching* book?
Simply SHARE this post AND sign-up to our newsletter 👉 steplab.co/newsletter
🏆 One winner announced Mon 18th Nov!
November 11, 2024 at 5:17 PM
🚨 We've just pressed send on our first newsletter: the *Steplab Snapshot* 🚨
Want to win:
🎁 Merch for you and your team?
📙 Copies of @joshpd.bsky.social's *Responsive Coaching* book?
Simply SHARE this post AND sign-up to our newsletter 👉 steplab.co/newsletter
🏆 One winner announced Mon 18th Nov!
Want to win:
🎁 Merch for you and your team?
📙 Copies of @joshpd.bsky.social's *Responsive Coaching* book?
Simply SHARE this post AND sign-up to our newsletter 👉 steplab.co/newsletter
🏆 One winner announced Mon 18th Nov!
Train journey- made for a bit of reading. Words from Caroline Barlow resonate: “I want to ensure that a change in teachers’ habits is achieved and understood, developing new mental models that allow for different independent, informed decisions to be made in the classroom” p.iv
October 28, 2024 at 9:52 AM
Train journey- made for a bit of reading. Words from Caroline Barlow resonate: “I want to ensure that a change in teachers’ habits is achieved and understood, developing new mental models that allow for different independent, informed decisions to be made in the classroom” p.iv