Back to Plan your Day 2022 – Zara Shah – embedding ‘threshold’ concepts in KS3 – a case study in English Teaching and Learning Leeds Conference 2023 Session Choice #3 Workshop facilitator Zara Shah Name of Workshop Embedding ‘threshold’ concepts in KS3 – a case study in English Who is it for Current and aspiring team or key stage leaders and English teachers with an interest in curriculum design Brief synopsis of workshop: This session is in three parts, aiming to help participants navigate their way through the various stages of curriculum design and refinement to exploring mechanisms that can ensure successful embedding of key conceptual knowledge. It starts with an evidence-informed approach that interrogates some of the language and existing approaches around conceptual knowledge within educational discourse. It then explores some mechanisms that practitioners can use to prioritise and implement key conceptual knowledge, using examples from a case study in KS3 English, followed by a focus on inter-disciplinary strategies that team leaders can employ to successfully embed conceptual knowledge within the very fabric of their curriculum vision, curriculum discussions within teams and learning in every classroom, so that all their learners can successfully build schemas that enable secure transition through the various key stages. What you will get out of it: An understanding of some of the key approaches to a conceptualised curriculum and mechanisms to embed key concepts so that the curriculum truly becomes ‘the progression model’. Profile of facilitator: Zara Shah is co-author of ‘Succeeding as an English Teacher’, KS3 Coordinator in English at The Grammar School at Leeds, a Learning and Teaching Specialist for the Leading Learning Partnership, a primary school Governor responsible for Teaching and Learning and a passionate advocate for equity and evidence-informed practice. Zara has an MA in Teaching and is also a mentor and LitDriveUk Regional Advocate for West Yorkshire, a non-profit organisation committed to better balance and subject-specific CPD. In her spare time, Zara listens to podcasts, drives her three cricket-obsessed boys to trainings and fixtures, and organises themed events. Twitter @zssnas Website
