TEACHER STANDARDS

Teaching That Connects: Making Learning Relevant Through Culturally Responsive Practice

What if every child saw themselves reflected in the learning they do? This course empowers UK primary teachers to create meaningful, inclusive classrooms through culturally responsive teaching. Drawing on current research and real-world practice, it explores how children's lives, languages, identities and experiences shape how they learn – and how teachers can plan, teach and assess in ways that honour that richness. From understanding the theory behind cultural responsiveness to implementing practical strategies that connect curriculum with pupils’ lived realities, this course offers a thoughtful, actionable framework for making education more relevant, equitable and engaging for every child. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll find clear guidance, creative ideas and reflective prompts that support lasting change.
Write your awesome label here.

Yiotina Achilleos-Dania, Fiona Roberts &
Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course


By completing this course, you will:

understand how children’s lives, cultures, backgrounds and experiences outside school can influence their learning, both as assets and potential barriers, and consider how to build positive relationships that support this understanding;
explore how a relevant, responsive curriculum – tailored to children’s lived experiences, perspectives and backgrounds – can positively affect engagement and outcomes, supported by research and evidence;
consider how formative assessment can inform curriculum planning beyond academic achievement, helping to anticipate pupils’ interests, prior experiences and learning needs;

examine how to adapt curriculum strategies for inclusivity, ensuring meaningful access and participation for pupils with SEND, EAL or those who are disadvantaged;

reflect on your own classroom context and starting point, identifying how to strengthen parental partnerships and apply these approaches effectively with your pupils.

Course Lessons

Written by Yiotina Achilleos-Dania

Empty space, drag to resize
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, while working across key stage 1 and 2 (mainly based in Year 2 and 6) — because why settle for just one challenge? Armed with degrees in Marketing Communications, Business Analysis and Primary 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 teachers, leaders and learners —just this time, it’s done from behind the scenes!

In collaboration with Carly Watkins

Empty space, drag to resize
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.