TEACHER STANDARDS

Active Learning: Independent Strategies for Knowledge Retention in KS1

How can you, as a primary school practitioner, help young children not only remember what they’ve learned, but apply it confidently on their own? This practical course explores how carefully designed active learning can transform pupil independence, strengthen memory and build essential thinking skills in KS1. You’ll discover how to move beyond worksheets with hands-on strategies that encourage children to think, talk and do – while developing simple, sustainable routines that fit seamlessly into everyday teaching. With clear guidance on scaffolding, retrieval practice, gradual release and SEND adaptations, you’ll leave with a toolkit of ready-to-use activities and approaches that empower every learner to succeed independently.
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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania,
Carly Watkins & Jess Hursit

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

understand the importance of independent activities in helping young children build confidence, deepen understanding and remember key learning;
explore a range of engaging, age-appropriate, independent strategies that go beyond worksheets, helping children to think, talk and do things independently;
build a practical idea bank of activities suitable for individual, paired and small group work that support core learning across the KS1 curriculum;
feel confident designing and embedding simple routines and structures that support young learners to work independently, manage their time and revisit learning in a meaningful way; 
consider how pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may require adaptations to support their working memory and access to independent activities. 

Course Lessons

Written by:
Yiotina Achilleos-Dania

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Yiotina has spent over a decade immersed in the world of primary education. Most of her teaching career, she juggled the roles of Science and Maths subject leader. Armed with degrees in Marketing Communications, Business Analysis and Education (plus a National Qualification of Middle Leadership), she’s been at the forefront of introducing new initiatives, reshaping curricula and championing practical, hands-on learning to ensure every pupil thrives.

From training staff to supporting long-term skill progression, Yiotina has always been passionate about helping both pupils and teachers grow. Now, as a CPD Content Writer and Editor, she’s swapped the classroom for the creative space of professional development, using her expertise to craft engaging, impactful resources that continue to support educators and learners.

In collaboration with:
Carly Watkins

Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.

Presented by:
Jess Hursit

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Jess Hursit is an experienced teacher with a strong background in maths education. As a former maths lead, she worked closely with Maths Hubs and supported the development of her school’s maths curriculum. Jess has worked in a leading training school, where her teaching was regularly observed by visiting educators, and she served as a mentor to trainee teachers and early career teachers.