iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

In the latest episode of English Teacher Feature, @nicolaromaine.bsky.social talks about cognitive load theory & writing. Teachers need a grasp on working memory to fully understand the writing challenge. open.spotify.com/episode/7hjo... #twinklbeyondenglish @TwinklBeyond

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

📢 New podcast ep on the struggles of writing and how to overcome them! Learn strategies for the different education phases. With @nicolaromaine.bsky.social 🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7hjo... 🎞️ YouTube: youtu.be/5x6Cp35qUa0 #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

Why some pupils struggle with writing and what we can do (The Writing Framework Ep. 6)

The English Teacher Feature · Episode

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

How is your school incorporating oracy into its curriculum? Author and oracy specialist Alan Howe is on TETF podcast. Listen here: tinyurl.com/fybp2y5r Or watch: youtu.be/s5Oe9c8lKiY @twinklbeyond.bsky.social @bloomsburyed.bsky.social @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social #twinklbeyondenglish

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

On TETF pod, @nicolaromaine.bsky.social chats with @lynstoneliteracy.bsky.social - linguist, author and educator - on the teaching of words and spelling. A fabulous listen for English teachers from KS1 to KS4. 🎧: open.spotify.com/episode/53bG... #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

A fab day out at the St Wilfrid's English Hub Reading Conf! So inspiring and such a lot to contemplate. Loved hearing from @teresacremin.bsky.social and talking to fellow educators. Huge thanks to the St. Wilf's team! @stwenglishhub.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social #twinklbeyondenglish

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Find me @twinklresources Festival of Tutoring on Wed 1st July! 🎪 A free online event packed with sessions for tutors. I’ll be talking about reading and textual analysis in KS3, sharing ideas you can use now! Sign up: tinyurl.com/4skz4t6j #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Do the parents of young people at your school know not only what is being taught, but how it's being taught, so that they can support learning? 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/1Tij... #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklbeyond.bsky.social @nicolaromaine.bsky.social

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

This episode looks at literacy and the school / home relationship. @nicolaromaine.bsky.social, Caroline Hudson and I offer ideas to work with from KS1 up to KS4. 🎧https://open.spotify.com/episode/1TijB5BCmoUArPjLCvDHVG?si=h1MVF4zNT12c25hK5YaZXg #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Fab new episode! We look at a model writer and unpack what makes them successful. We cover: - Self-identification as writers - The cognitive burden - Getting back on track Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/2MOy... @twinklbeyond.bsky.social @nicolaromaine.bsky.social #twinklbeyondenglish

The writing framework unpacked (5): Why some pupils thrive in writing

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Discussing the pillars of writing on TETF podcast. 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/39Mk... These are ideas that primary teachers may be au fait with, but it should be a secondary school conversation, too. Any secondary peers familiar with this stuff? @twinklbeyond.bsky.social #twinklbeyondenglish

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Loved recording this episode of The English Teacher Feature. We look at the "simple view of writing" model which is a helpful tool for visualising different writing pathways. open.spotify.com/episode/39Mk... #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklbeyond.bsky.social @nicolaromaine.bsky.social

The writing framework unpacked (4): What the simple view of writing means for your classroom

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

New episode of The English Teacher Feature 🎧 In episode 3, Nicola Romaine and I explore the relationship between reading and writing. Reading is recognition. Writing is production. 🎧 Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/1Vo3... #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

The writing framework unpacked (3): How reading and writing actually work together

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

“Speech is biologically primary. Writing is biologically secondary.” A clip from ep 2 of The English Teacher Feature where we discuss why talk is often the beginning of the writing process. 🎧 Full episode: open.spotify.com/episode/4sx4... #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

New episode of The English Teacher Feature🎧 In episode 2, Nic R and I explore why speech underpins writing, the Y7 bottleneck between thinking and transcription, and a practical strategy. 🎧 Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/4sx4... #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

The writing framework unpacked (2): Why speaking is foundational to writing

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

In ep 1 of our Writing Framework Unpacked series, Nicola suggests a really practical activity for pupil self-reflection when using AI. We also dig into bigger questions about writing and its place alongside competing priorities. 🎧 Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/52KZ... #twinklbeyondenglish

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

New podcast 🎧 Episode 1 of The Writing Framework Unpacked asks: should we prioritise writing over reading? An insightful conversation about the writing framework and its implications. 🎧 open.spotify.com/show/7K4vM36... #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

The writing framework unpacked (1): Have we undervalued writing?

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Here are my 10 key takeaways for secondary English professionals from the Curriculum & Assessment recommendations. Arguably, we're on the "revolution" end of the evolution / revolution spectrum! twinkl.co.uk/blog/curricu... @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social #twinklbeyondenglish

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Twinkl's subject-by-subject review of the Francis CAR recommendations can be found here: twinkl.co.uk/curriculum-a... What does it mean for teachers and schools? We cover all of the main takeaways. @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social #twinklbeyondenglish

twinkl.co.uk

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

@twinklresources.bsky.social are launching a new podcast series for leaders and teachers, and episode 1 is here! It was great to pick @sammywright.bsky.social's brain on the shape and texture of English schools. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1hjk03 @twinklbeyond.bsky.social #twinklbeyondenglish

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

FREE webinar - Wednesday 22nd @ 4pm: "How Can We Encourage Our KS3 Pupils to Read for Pleasure?" www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-can-we... Looking at the evidence for RfP and discussing classroom and whole school strategies. #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

eventbrite.co.uk

How Can We Encourage Our KS3 Pupils to Read for Pleasure?

Discover effective strategies to foster a love of reading in KS3 students and understand the importance of reading for pleasure.

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

Get your FREE tickets for a teachmeet coming up on Reading for Pleasure at KS3 (www.eventbrite.com/cc/twinkl-te...). I'll be talking about context and offering tips for embedding reading habits. @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social #twinklbeyondenglish #readingforpleasure

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

I wrote a blog for the Twinkl Tutors team last week to publicise this season's run of CPD teachmeets: tinyurl.com/5abmpshp. We need to get better at understanding pupils' prior journeys and sharing strategies across phases. #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

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I'm running a webinar on "KS3 reading for pleasure" on 22 Oct, and I'd love to hear from schools that model good RfP practice so I can shout-out some exemplars. Share your experiences below or DM me at beyond@twinkl.co.uk @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social #twinklbeyondenglish

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Final plug for the first session of these teachmeets. It's on Wednesday 17th Sept at 4pm. All sessions now available to book independently on Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/cc/twinkl-te... #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social @twinklslt.bsky.social

eventbrite.com

Twinkl TeachMeet Supporting KS3 Reading Collection

A collection of live TeachMeet events to support reading in Key Stage 3 (KS3)

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Reposted by Sam Denno

Here at Twinkl we're running a teachmeet series on Supporting Struggling Readers @ KS3. Free to join, sign up on Eventbrite. The first session is next Wednesday 17th Sept. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/improving-... #twinklbeyondenglish @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

The last episode of Obsessed with Assessment podcast! Emma and I are bowing out by looking back over our 10 month, 35 episode run. Apple: tinyurl.com/y76yzzec Spotify: tinyurl.com/cxpskjwr Amazon: tinyurl.com/4s8msmaw YT: youtu.be/joqEarN7hhQ @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

Podcast Episode · Obsessed with Assessment · 05/05/2025 · 18m

The Final Analysis

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

I talk to OCR exam board in today's podcast. They argue that their proposed reformat of the Maths GCSE could revitalise secondary maths and solve the resit burden. @twinklresources.bsky.social @miss-agd.bsky.social @ocrexams.bsky.social Apple: tinyurl.com/57tnunb6 Spotify: tinyurl.com/3s2rsvyk

Assessment in the News: solving the maths resit problem (with special guests Sarah Gotting and Amy Jones from OCR)

Podcast Episode · Obsessed with Assessment · 28/04/2025 · 20m

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

New podcast out today! James Beadle of @cambridge.org argues that assessment literacy is important for EVERYONE - educators, pupils and parents. Apple: tinyurl.com/4twu8jnw Spotify: tinyurl.com/53ch9587 Amazon: tinyurl.com/msajrtet @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

We should ALL become assessment literate (with special guest James Beadle)

Podcast Episode · Obsessed with Assessment · 21/04/2025 · 21m

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

New podcast out today! James Beadle of @cambridge.org argues that assessment literacy is important for everyone - educators, pupils and parents. Find out more on the links below: Apple: tinyurl.com/4twu8jnw Spotify: tinyurl.com/53ch9587 @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social

We should ALL become assessment literate (with special guest James Beadle)

Podcast Episode · Obsessed with Assessment · 21/04/2025 · 21m

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

Last week on the podcast, I was joined by James Beadle of @cambridge.org to talk about why we should have different approaches to formative and summative assessment. Terrific chat! @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social Apple: tinyurl.com/mpr4be7r Spotify: tinyurl.com/3dhtn8ks

Why we should treat formative and summative differently (with special guest James Beadle)

Podcast Episode · Obsessed with Assessment · 14/04/2025 · 19m

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

This week's podcast: is your assessment valid? An important question. We explore what needs to be considered before delivering any sort of test - in low or high stakes settings. @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social Apple: tinyurl.com/tpvnfvxj Spotify: tinyurl.com/2nt3x6xf

Are your assessments valid?

Podcast Episode · Obsessed with Assessment · 07/04/2025 · 14m

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Great to hear the Sec of State speak on literacy at @literacy-trust.bsky.social 📚 🔹 9/10 employers say youth literacy must improve 🔹 Govt aims to spark reading for pleasure early 🔹 Schools & homes must unite—literacy is a shared responsibility @twinklresources.bsky.social backs #VisionForLiteracy!

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

In today's episode I talk to edu trailblazer @daisychristo.bsky.social about comparative judgement - is this marking form more efficient and more accurate than traditional methods? @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social Apple: tinyurl.com/3j25wbd4 Spotify: tinyurl.com/ydtnkvcf

How comparative judgement is a game-changer (with special guest Daisy Christodoulou)

Podcast Episode · Obsessed with Assessment · 31/03/2025 · 19m

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

We grilled peer assessment last week on the podcast. This time, it's self assessment's turn to get a thorough interrogation! Emma and I dig into the research and bring the insights. @twinklresources.bsky.social Apple: tinyurl.com/5ymustn6 Spotify: tinyurl.com/4d3y5n83 Amazon: tinyurl.com/yhewcp6v

Getting the most out of self assessment

Podcast Episode · Obsessed with Assessment · 24/03/2025 · 16m

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

It's another 2 podcast week this week! In this episode I chat with 3 STEM specialists about the alarming gender gap data in the TIMSS report, and what we can do about it. @twinklresources.bsky.social #edusky Apple: tinyurl.com/4656khef Spotify: tinyurl.com/bd8mep3k Amazon: tinyurl.com/3bzwx5ds

Assessment in the News: addressing the STEM gender gap

Podcast Episode · Obsessed with Assessment · 20/03/2025 · 21m

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

This week on the podcast: peer assessment- a staple of the 21st century classroom. But is it actually that effective? And how can we make the most of it? @twinklresources.bsky.social @twinklbeyond.bsky.social Apple: tinyurl.com/34mxzxak Spotify: tinyurl.com/yckm36c2 YouTube: youtu.be/Oz2lBgf3UiY

Getting the most out of peer assessment

Podcast Episode · Obsessed with Assessment · 17/03/2025 · 15m

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

This week's podcast is essential listening for any educator, and important for any human being imo. Academic, Dr Lewis Doyle, talks us through our unconscious biases, how we can come to terms with them, and ways for moving forwards. Spotify: tinyurl.com/4jyyxusw @twinklresources.bsky.social

Dealing with our unconscious biases (with special guest Dr Lewis Doyle)

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

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We're talking about sharing best practice and reframing teacher judgement in our conversation with Dr Mick Walker this episode, the last of four episodes chatting with Mick. Go back and listen if you've missed any! @twinklresources.bsky.social #edusky Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/2krx...

Becoming a better teacher (with special guest Dr Mick Walker)

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

The penultimate episode in our Dr Mick Walker sequence of podcasts is about ensuring we're asking students the right questions. Very important insights. @twinklresources.bsky.social Spotify: tinyurl.com/a7uxwcau Apple: tinyurl.com/ehcp2t33 Amazon: tinyurl.com/2xmnderk YouTube: youtu.be/gomB4Tqz_qE

Ensuring we're asking pupils the right questions (with special guest Dr Mick Walker)

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

Another chat with Dr Mick Walker on the pod. As a former curriculum designer himself, Mick has some fascinating insights into the latest curriculum and assessment review. #curriculumandassessment #edusky Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7phJ...

Assessment in the News: Curriculum & Assessment Review - views of a former curriculum designer (with Dr Mick Walker)

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

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Here's an exciting, bonus midweek podcast release! Emma and I get to work on reviewing Ofsted's report card proposals. Where does our judgement come down😉? #edusky Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/79fsI8m...

Podcast · Twinkl Assessment · Join educational assessment detectives Sam Denno and Emma McHale as they take a deep dive into the intricacies of classroom assessment. Each episode, they sift through re...

Obsessed with Assessment

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Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

A great privilege to be joined on the pod by assessment royalty, Dr Mick Walker. Mick's insights into the England educational assessment system at the highest levels are invaluable, as is his guidance for teachers and school leaders. #edusky Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/3o5V...

Rebuilding curriculum and assessment - what teachers need to know (with special guest Dr Mick Walker, President of the CIEA)

Sam Denno @samdenno-twinkl.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Are you familiar with the National Reference Test? It's a Y11 test that is mandatory for schools and yet very few people know about it - eh? Emma and I take a good look in this podcast episode... Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1glF... Amazon: tinyurl.com/d4fpvwxr Apple: tinyurl.com/yx45x835

The National Reference Test - the mandatory Y11 test that nobody knows about!