Miss Maple invited to share literacy expertise through PTI work
Teacher of English and Literacy and Phonics Lead, Miss Maple, has been invited to deliver professional development for teachers through The Professional Teaching Institute (PTI). The invitation recognises the strength of literacy leadership at Dallam and creates opportunities to bring fresh insight back into our school.
On Tuesday, 19 May, Miss Maple will lead an afternoon session at a PTI Primary Hub Day in Manchester. Her session will focus on non-fiction writing and support primary colleagues with practical strategies they can take back to their classrooms.
The session will focus on approaches that help pupils develop vocabulary, craft stronger sentences, build paragraphs, plan effectively, edit with purpose and identify where further support is needed.
“When I was invited back to lead the Primary Hub day, I felt really proud,” said Miss Maple. “My expertise and passion for literacy had been recognised, and I could make a difference not only to the students in my own school, but more widely too.”
The work is also closely aligned with our own priorities here at school. Writing is a key literacy focus this academic year, and the opportunity to work with teachers from other settings offers Miss Maple valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen understanding of practice across Key Stage 2, and bring useful insight into how pupils can be supported as they make the transition into Key Stage 3 at Dallam.
“I enjoy the networking and hearing about literacy strategies in other schools,” she said. “These discussions mean I can return to Dallam with fresh ideas and perspectives that we can benefit from too.”
“The more strategies we have to improve students’ writing, reading and oracy, the stronger their literacy skills will be,” said Miss Maple. “That helps them unlock learning across all subjects and gives them the best chance of achieving their full potential, both in exams and later in life. By placing such a strong focus on literacy, we are giving students the best possible foundation for a successful future.”
Miss Maple’s growing involvement with the PTI also builds on an established Dallam connection through Deputy Head Mr Pattinson, who has worked with them for several years. After first attending a PTI course as a participant in 2017, Mr Pattinson has since served as a Teacher Leader, mentor, and course designer, supporting teachers and leaders in schools across the country.
That wider professional dialogue is something he sees as a real strength for schools and staff development here at Dallam:
“The best professional development strengthens what happens for our students in the classroom every day,” said Mr Pattinson. “Our work with the PTI brings so many new ideas. It is a source of energy and inspiration and connects us with a network of talented, enthusiastic teachers across the country. This helps us to keep developing our subject knowledge, implementing new teaching ideas and building a richer, more challenging curriculum.
“For Dallam, Miss Maple’s forthcoming session is a positive reflection not only of her own growing literacy leadership, but also of a culture in school that values collaboration, professional development and the sharing of expertise beyond the classroom.”
