Masterclasses

A series of six full day CPD sessions delivered by creative literacy experts at the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education

Booking for 2026/27 Masterclasses open Wednesday 9 September

Each CPD session offers a stand-alone day of teacher development designed to support participants to explore and develop creative teaching approaches to a range of priorities around reader development.

The Masterclasses are designed so that each CPD session provides a comprehensive exploration of its topic and does not require participants to have attended any other sessions.

At each session you will:

  • hear from an expert advisory teacher from CLPE in partnership with a high-profile children's author/illustrator,
  • work with peers to explore and develop creative approaches to literacy and reader development,
  • receive at least one high-quality book to take away,
  • take away teaching plans and resources to use in the classroom,
  • be invited to an exclusive twilight session following the Masterclass, giving you the opportunity to explore the CLPE library and connect with peers, with drinks and snacks provided.

Access & Inclusion

The Masterclasses will take an inclusive approach and are suitable for teachers working in primary mainstream and SEND settings.

The CLPE venue is accessible, with step-free access, accessible toilets, and parking. An access budget is available to support participant engagement, for example for transport, BSL interpretation or other costs.

Eligibility

Primary Arts Masterclasses are aimed at qualified teachers currently working at any level in state primary mainstream and special schools in London. It is designed to support teachers working with pupils in all year groups from Reception to Year 6.

Your school must be in a London borough to be eligible for the programme.

Schools can book up to four Masterclass sessions per year. Places are limited to two participants per school for any given session. If sessions are oversubscribed, priority will be given to schools that have not taken part in previous Masterclasses (between 2023 and summer 2026).

What's on offer?

  • Masterclass: Transforming Literacy through Drama with Kate Hopewell - Thursday 9 July 2026

    Booking for this Masterclass session is now live.

    Suitable for: Class teachers (EYFS-KS2), English Subject Leads, Senior Leadership.

    Relevant areas of the National Curriculum: Language and vocabulary, oracy, reading, writing personal, social, emotional development.

    Date and Time: Thursday 9 July 2026, 9am to 3.30pm plus optional twilight networking to 5pm.

    Venue: Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, 44 Webber Street, London SE1 8QW (map).

    Venue accessibility: Step free access, accessible toilets, and accessible parking.

    Description of session

    Full day teacher CPD.

    Enhance your knowledge and understanding of a wide range of classroom drama approaches which are proven to build children’s confidence and self-esteem, provoke creativity and language development, enhancing engagement and attainment in reading comprehension and a range of written outcomes.

    Detail of activity

    This Masterclass will be delivered by an expert advisory teacher from CLPE in partnership with drama and oracy creative learning specialist, Kate Hopewell. It will provide teachers and school leaders with a wide range of drama and oracy activities that can be used and applied across all areas of literacy and the wider curriculum.

    We will explore:

    • How to develop and draw upon an extended unit of work inspired by a high-quality text that will support improved attainment in literacy and support thinking skills and creativity across the curriculum.
    • Why, when and how to use drama to engage with any area of learning.
    • How to ensure behaviour for learning and personalise learning through drama.
    • Approaches that develop communication, creative thinking, collaborative working, and social cohesion within a classroom.
    • How to unlock a narrative and bring a quality text to life using approaches that develop reading engagement, comprehension skills, fluency and stamina.
    • Explore learning approaches which are proven to inspire and enhance attainment for all, and especially for groups of pupils who might be perceived as reluctant to engage or hard to reach.
    • Practices that empower children with confidence and ownership
      and lead to curious, engaged and motivated writers who work collaboratively, individually and independently.
    • Activities that enhance language and vocabulary acquisition, engagement with the world and the development of imaginative ideas.

    Key areas of focus

    • Why, when and how to use drama to engage with any area of learning.
    • How to ensure behaviour for learning and personalise learning through drama.
    • Approaches that develop communication, creative thinking, collaborative working, and social cohesion within a classroom.
    • How to unlock a narrative and bring a quality text to life using approaches that develop reading engagement, comprehension skills, fluency and stamina.
    • Explore learning approaches which are proven to inspire and enhance attainment for all, and especially for groups of pupils who might be perceived as reluctant to engage or hard to reach.
    • Practices that empower children with a confidence and ownership and lead to curious, engaged and motivated writers who work collaboratively, individually and independently.
    • Activities that ensure enhanced language and vocabulary acquisition,
      engagement with the world and the development of imaginative ideas.

    Takeaway

    Participants will receive a high-quality children’s book for each primary phase (EYFS, KS1, KS2), as well as associated teaching sequences of detailed planning to support the implementation of the ideas from the day, to inspire creative and meaningful practice in their own classrooms and schools.

    Booking opens Wed 10 Sep

How to Book

There are 30 places available at each Masterclass. You are welcome to book to attend more than one Masterclass but each must be booked separately. Schools can book up to four Masterclass sessions this academic year. If colleagues from your school are already booked to attend other sessions, this may limit what you can book.

You must book your own place. Places cannot be booked on behalf of colleagues.

Booking opens Wed 9 Sep on a first come first basis

Please note that while these Masterclasses are free of charge, we may charge your school a fee of £150 per participant for no-shows or cancellations with less than three weeks’ notice (excluding school holidays). For more information about our cancellation policy please see our cancellation page.

If you have any questions about the Primary Arts Masterclasses, please email schools@anewdirection.org.uk using ‘Primary Arts Masterclasses’ in the subject line.

Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE)

The CLPE is a UK-based charity. We support schools to teach literacy creatively and effectively, enabling children to read and write for purpose and for pleasure. We provide professional development and resources and conduct research into all areas of literacy, using findings to inform practice and contribute to national and international perspectives.

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Book your space for our Masterclass sessions:

Transforming Literacy Through Classroom Drama with Kate Hopwell - Thurs 9 July 2026

Explore how classroom drama approaches can enhance literacy development across the primary phase.