As primary educators across Scotland prepare for the term ahead, finding the right hook to inspire learners while balancing Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL) can feel like a tall order. That is precisely what the latest Summer Special episode of Let’s Chat: Leading Learning with Twinkl Scotland aims to solve.
Hosted by Gillian Steven, Twinkl Scotland’s Primary Segment Manager and an experienced primary educator – the Let’s Chat podcast was created to give Scottish teachers, support staff and school leaders a practical, reflective space to explore current educational topics aligned with Curriculum for Excellence (CfE).
In this episode, Gillian is joined by award-winning Scottish author and drama teacher Barbara Henderson for a whistle-stop tour through the centuries, demonstrating how high-quality historical fiction can completely transform literacy and IDL blocks.
Barbara, widely recognized for her captivating children’s books rooted in rich Scottish context, shares how her narratives bring major historical milestones to life for upper primary classes. From Viking raids and walrus-tusk chess pieces in ‘The Chessmen Thief’ to uncovering the forgotten history of Andrew de Moray alongside William Wallace in ‘To War with Wallace’, Barbara’s work offers pupils authentic, multi-perspective entry points into their heritage.
The episode goes beyond standard literacy lessons, exploring how class novels can naturally bridge subjects. The pair discuss:
● STEM & Engineering: Using ‘The Forth Bridge’ to explore cantilever principles, Victorian industrial history and structural design.
● Reframing National Icons: Looking at Robert Burns as a high-stakes smuggling action hero in ‘Black Water’ to engage reluctant readers.
● Gender & Diversity: Highlighting female resilience during the Highland Clearances in ‘Fir for Luck’, dismantling traditional historical stereotypes.
● Transition & Outdoor Learning: Utilising residential and wilderness adventure themes like ‘I Don’t Do Mountains’ for P7 transition prep.
Whether you are looking for fresh ideas for your next novel study, searching for meaningful cross-curricular links, or simply wanting to map out your literacy blocks with zero stress, this episode offers an abundance of practical ideas and professional reflection.
Where to Listen
Episode 28 of Let’s Chat: Leading Learning is available to stream now:
● Watch on YouTube: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/1lbjr6
● Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/527LtRy5Kn0RyCHK43VLvi?si=R9wMYkbiRsC5Moy2gRhDog
● Teacher Resources: Access Twinkl Scotland’s full suite
● https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/186oen
● Learn more about Barbara Henderson – https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/10w9uh
