PGCE Lesson Planning and Schemes of Work 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'scheme of work' (SoW) in the context of teacher planning?
- A medium-term plan that sequences lessons across a unit, mapping content, skills, and assessment across several weeks (Correct answer)
- A single lesson plan
- A list of resources for one topic
- A termly timetable of subjects
Correct answer: A medium-term plan that sequences lessons across a unit, mapping content, skills, and assessment across several weeks
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?
- A learning objective states what the lesson aims to teach; a learning outcome describes what pupils should be able to do by the end (Correct answer)
- They are identical planning terms
- Objectives are for teachers; outcomes are only for pupils with SEND
- Outcomes are only used in higher education
Correct 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
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?
- Starting with the desired learning outcomes and designing backwards to determine evidence and then activities (Correct answer)
- Planning activities first and then deciding what will be learned
- Only using planning approaches from the past
- Designing assessments after teaching has taken place
Correct answer: Starting with the desired learning outcomes and designing backwards to determine evidence and then activities
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?
- To ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, EAL, or high ability, can access and make progress in the lesson (Correct answer)
- To reduce teacher workload
- To satisfy Ofsted requirements only
- To create separate lessons for different ability groups
Correct answer: To ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, EAL, or high ability, can access and make progress in the lesson
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?
- To engage pupils' interest, activate prior knowledge, and prepare their thinking for new learning (Correct answer)
- To fill time while the register is taken
- To deliver the main content of the lesson
- To assess pupils' final attainment
Correct answer: To engage pupils' interest, activate prior knowledge, and prepare their thinking for new learning
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.
Question 6: What is 'plenery' (plenary) and what is its purpose in lesson structure?
- A session at the end of a lesson that consolidates learning, allows assessment, and prepares pupils for next steps (Correct answer)
- A type of starter activity
- A homework-setting session
- A disciplinary procedure
Correct answer: A session at the end of a lesson that consolidates learning, allows assessment, and prepares pupils for next steps
The plenary consolidates and reviews learning, allows the teacher to assess understanding, address misconceptions, and signal what comes next — it is a crucial reflection and assessment point.
PGCE Lesson Planning and Schemes of Work 1
What is a 'scheme of work' (SoW) in the context of teacher planning?