Start Strong: Your Ultimate Guide to a Successful School Term
Welcome Back!
A new school term is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. Whether you're setting up your classroom for the first time or you're a veteran teacher looking to refine your space, this guide will help you start strong. We cover practical classroom setup tips, the latest updates to the UK curriculum and ways to build a connected and positive classroom culture. Plus, we've included some essential resources and rewards from Superstickers.com to ease your transition into the new term.
1. Classroom Setup that Works
Your environment sets the tone for your teaching and your students' learning. Here are some key tips to get your classroom organised and inspiring:
- Create Learning Zones: Define clear spaces for reading, group work, tech use and quiet reflection.
- Declutter & Organise: Use labelled trays, bookshelves and drawer units to reduce chaos. Our Storage & Organisation range is ideal for this.
- Inspiring Displays: Rotate display boards based on your current topics. Try using our Display Borders & Classroom Décor to keep things fresh.
- Atmosphere Matters: Use soft lighting, plants and calming colour schemes to make your room feel welcoming and safe.
- Customised Items: Add a personal touch to your classroom with personalised name stickers — for example, “Miss KS1 Teacher says: Great first day!” A simple keepsake like this helps students remember you and their positive start to the year.
Tip: Simple adjustments in layout and lighting can significantly impact classroom behaviour and focus.
2. What’s New in the UK Curriculum (2024–25 Updates)
This year brings several important changes to the curriculum in England:
- Sustainability Education: Expect new learning outcomes focused on environmental awareness in KS2 and KS3.
- Digital Literacy Expansion: Coding and online safety are now introduced earlier and revisited more frequently.
- Enhanced Oracy Goals: There's an increased emphasis on spoken communication and public speaking skills. We love this reel by teaching English with Cambridge watch it here.
- Phonics Adjustments: Minor updates have been made to the early reading framework to support diverse learners.
Our Curriculum-Aligned Teacher Resources are updated to match teacher feedback on these new requirements, saving you hours of prep time.
3. First Week Activities That Build Connection
The first week should focus on building relationships and setting expectations. Try these:
- All About Me" Projects: Encourage students to personalise and share using editable worksheets. We recommend free and reputable template collections like Teach Starter’s All About Me resources — printable and digital, easily editable to suit any classroom context.
- Collaborative Classroom Agreements: Involve students in co-writing rules and values.
- Icebreaker Games: Movement-based games or quizzes to help students (and you) learn names and interests.
- Growth Mindset Introductions: Use motivational posters and reward stickers to reinforce a positive learning mindset.
- Reward and Motivate Early: Set the tone from day one with engaging sticker rewards, motivational certificates and fun stampers. Preparing certificates in advance ensures every child gets recognised early on, helping to nurture positive behaviours and a love of learning right from the start.
4. Teacher Wellbeing Reminder
Starting strong also means looking after yourself. Remember:
- Don’t try to do it all in the first week.
- Keep a planner to stay ahead but be flexible. Something you get excited to use
- See our blog on Teacher wellbeing for more tips.
Resources are here to Help You Start Strong
Whether you’re preparing your classroom, planning lessons or setting up behaviour routines, we’ve got the tools to help you succeed this term:
- Stickers & Stampers – A fun and effective way to encourage effort, achievement and good behaviour.
- Certificates – Celebrate milestones and accomplishments with customisable printable or pre-made designs.
- Class Packs – Pre-bundled supplies including pencils, rulers, erasers and more — perfect for new classrooms or restocking.
- Customised Products – Add your name, class or school logo to a wide range of items, from labels to motivational stampers.
Explore the full range at Superstickers.com
