Teach-Primary-Issue-19.8

Calling all history teachers! Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), the charity that looks after Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Tower of London and many more, has launched its first ever Inspiring History Teaching Awards. Teachers across primary, secondary, FE and special schools are invited to enter, and do not need to be history specialists to be eligible. The national judging panel will be led by BAFTA award-winning presenter and best-selling author, LucyWorsley. She was the chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces for 21 years and is now an ambassador for the charity. Ten regional and national winners, will receive a £500 cash prize for themselves and £500 for their school. One overall winner will receive an additional £500 for themselves and £500 for their school, plus a lifetime HRPmembership. Entries close on Sunday 25 January 2026 at 23:59. Find out more, and nominate your chosen teacher (or yourself!), at hrp.org.uk/teachingawards www.teachwire.net | 9 I N EVERY I SSUE Look ahead | Book ahead Q & A Follow the signs Signature (the UK’s leading awarding body for deaf communication and language qualifications), has released a school programme to help primary pupils learn sign language for free. The programme, called School of Signs, includes 20 online lessons delivered by deaf BSL teachers; comprehensive learning resources, including lesson plans, printouts, homework, and a dictionary of signs; and teacher CPD. The online platform allows schools to track progress and set homework, and combines the online lessons with Codebreakers – a spy-themed video series that brings signing to life in the classroom. Codebreakers follows two spies, Max and Evie, who go undercover in a school to solve mysteries, with BSL seamlessly woven into each storyline. Each episode links directly to topics in the School of Signs study programme, giving pupils a fun and engaging way to practise their skills. To learn more and try out the resources for yourself, visit theschoolofsigns.org.uk Andy Day Presenter and author 1.What was primary school like for you? I have very fond memories of primary school. I enjoyed sport and was long jump champion for the school. We had great teachers, too; in fact, I’m still in touch with my old head teacher, Mr. Morris, who is a lovely man and ended up staying on at the school for 35-plus years, which is full merit to his character and teaching skills. 2.Where did the idea forDylan come from? I love dinosaurs – and Christmas – so Dylan is an absolute anchor for that: a boy who can turn into any dinosaur he likes when he sneezes, then one day gets a horrible cold and becomes the largest dinosaur he has ever been and knocks Father Christmas off his sleigh. He then has to help him deliver the presents and save Christmas... 3.Howwould you like teachers to use your book in the classroom? A great question. I’d like them to use it as a fun, interactive tool for learning about different dinosaurs and how to pronounce their names. I’ve also added a character called Paleo Pip who you can spot in the book (a bit like Where’s Wally ) and count howmany times you see him. I want children and teachers to have lots of fun with the story and for the teachers to encourage the kids to sneeze along (with their mouths covered of course) with Dylan and get right into the Christmas spirit. Dylan the Dino Boy Saves Christmas , by Andy Day, illustrated by Alex Patrick (£7.99, Puffin) is out now. *TeacherTapp of teachers report that they have caught one or more colds this term.* 80% TELL ME A STORY Curl up with your favourite tome and celebrate National Storytelling Week! From 31 Jan-8 Feb, the National Literacy Trust is curating an exciting lineup of resources. Visit tinyurl.com/tp-NSTW26 READY FOR BETT The world’s largest edtech show is back, running from 21-23 Jan 2026 at the Excel, London. Tickets are free for educators – check out the speaker list and register at uk.bettshow.com ©Natasha Merchant