TEACHERs' STANDARDS

Teaching That Connects: Making Learning Relevant Through Culturally Responsive Practice

What if every child saw themselves reflected in their learning? Designed for UK primary teachers, this course provides a practical framework to build an inclusive, equitable classroom through culturally responsive teaching. Explore how pupils’ identities, languages, and experiences shape their learning, and gain actionable strategies to connect the curriculum to their lived realities. Whether refining your practice or starting fresh, you'll gain creative ideas and reflective tools to drive lasting change.
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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 learners with SEND, EAL learners 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 learners.

Course Lessons

Written by: Yiotina Achilleos-Dania

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Yiotina has spent over a decade immersed in the world of primary education. For 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 years 2 and 6). 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 Twinkl CPD content writer and editor, she uses her expertise to craft engaging, impactful resources that continue to support educators and learners.

Presented by: Fiona Roberts 

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Fiona Roberts is a video content creator for the Twinkl CPD team. She has over ten years' experience as a primary school teacher and private tutor. Before completing her PGDE, Fiona also achieved an MA (Hons) in Film and Television Studies. She has previously supported the development of her school’s English curriculum and is particularly passionate about this subject. Fiona has also thoroughly enjoyed acting as a mentor to trainee teachers and early career teachers during her time in the classroom.

In Collaboration with: Carly Watkins 

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Carly Watkins has over 20 years of experience as a primary school teacher, including several years as an assistant headteacher, with responsibility for whole-school curriculum development and overseeing pupil progress and attainment. She also holds a master’s degree in Education Practice and a NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. 
Carly has been a mentor for both student and Early Career Teachers and currently facilitates the Early Career Framework for ECTs and their mentors, delivering training at conferences and via online seminars. At Twinkl PD, Carly heads up pedagogical professional development – a role which means she can support educators to develop their personal practice and pedagogy, something she is passionate about on a national scale.