Maximising Expertise: The Big Teach Model at King’s Bolton

At King’s Leadership Academy Bolton, innovation in teaching is embedded into everyday practice. The “Big Teach” model is a group teaching approach that allows subject specialists to take charge of lesson delivery to maximise impact for students and support staff development.

Rather than each teacher independently delivering the same content, Big Teach brings together classes to be taught by the most knowledgeable or experienced teacher in that area. This allows students to access the highest quality of instruction, while teachers observing the lesson gain valuable insight into expert delivery.

Science teacher Sarah Ibberson explained that the method also helps to manage teacher workload. “Provided you have the support of additional members of staff, delivering these Big Teach sessions is not actually any more taxing than solo teaching to a class of 30,” With multiple science teachers timetabled together, each can focus on their area of expertise while rotating between leading and support roles.

Big Teach can even enhance outcomes across year groups. Sarah explained how she merged a high attaining Year 11 biology class with the highest attaining Year 10 biology class, and how beneficial this exercise was: “The Year 11s set an incredible example in terms of work ethic, and the Year 10s pushed themselves further just by being in the same room.” Addressing class size, she added, “The ratio of students to teachers isn’t necessarily being diminished. Research shows that, at secondary level, teacher quality and classroom practice have a much greater effect on pupil outcomes than class size.”

English Lead Practitioner Libby Dulhanty also praised the model: “Especially so close to the exams, Big Teach lets us address the whole year group with key skills. For English Language, where timing and technique are essential, this is incredibly valuable. It also helps us correct misconceptions on the spot.”

Big Teach at King’s Bolton proves that collaboration, expertise and careful planning can improve learning outcomes and reduce workload, benefiting students and staff alike