Sarah LowdenSLE Specialism: English and Literacy

Sarah is a Deputy Headteacher, with experience of teaching across both Key stage 1 and 2. She currently leads English and is a Schools Direct and NQT mentor in her current school. She has experience coaching middle leaders and students in her mentor role. Being a KS1 phase leader and member of the SLT has given Sarah ample experience and opportunities to assess and moderate children’s learning at the end of both KS1 and KS2 and she has designed and delivered CPD across a range of schools.

Sarah has introduced a new writing programme within her current school that focuses on the use of quality texts to produce contextual learning opportunities and identifies writing outcomes that are purposeful and meaningful, linked to the curriculum and that embeds writing skills to be used across the curriculum.

She has ensured that all staff have received the relevant and tailored training through INSET, modelled lessons and coaching sessions. She is trained to deliver SfA training and has led Primary Advantage federation INSETs on the importance of spelling, using assessment systems in English and exciting Literacy games and activities that support teaching sequences and grammar skills. She has also been working on a whole class reading model that allows all learners to make progress in reading and supports the SfA model.

Sarah has been involved with the development of the Fundamentals Assessment tool, whilst also working closely with other colleagues to produce leaflets and workshops to engage parents. She is passionate about ensuring that the whole school community reads for pleasure and purpose and that all children and adults feel confident to write.