PGCE Lesson Planning and Schemes of Work

Question 1

What is a 'scheme of work' (SoW) in the context of teacher planning?

Accepted Answer

A medium-term plan that sequences lessons across a unit, mapping content, skills, and assessment across several weeks

Answer

A scheme of work is a medium-term planning document that maps out the sequence of lessons in a unit, including objectives, content, assessment, and differentiation over several weeks.

Question 2

What is the difference between a learning objective and a learning outcome?

Accepted Answer

A learning objective states what the lesson aims to teach; a learning outcome describes what pupils should be able to do by the end

Answer

Learning objectives state the teacher's intent; learning outcomes specify the measurable evidence of what pupils can do or know by the end of the lesson.

Question 3

What does 'backward design' (Wiggins and McTighe) involve in lesson planning?

Accepted Answer

Starting with the desired learning outcomes and designing backwards to determine evidence and then activities

Answer

Backward design begins with clearly defined outcomes, then identifies how to assess whether outcomes have been met, and finally designs activities that lead pupils to those outcomes.

Question 4

Why is it important to include differentiation in lesson planning?

Accepted Answer

To ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, EAL, or high ability, can access and make progress in the lesson

Answer

Differentiation ensures all pupils can access learning at an appropriate level of challenge — without it, some pupils may be excluded from making progress or fail to reach their potential.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a 'starter activity' or 'hook' at the beginning of a lesson?

Accepted Answer

To engage pupils' interest, activate prior knowledge, and prepare their thinking for new learning

Answer

An effective starter engages pupils, activates relevant prior knowledge, and creates cognitive readiness for the new learning — it transitions pupils from their previous activity into focused thinking.

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Lesson Planning and Schemes of Work