A learning environment where curiosity, creativity and collaboration flourish

The school context

William Ford Church of England Junior School serves a diverse community in East London where many families face significant socio-economic challenges. A large proportion of pupils live in poverty, and a significant number have additional educational needs.  

The school’s vision is to support pupils to be successful, healthy, fulfilled and empowered to make a difference, strengthened by the hope and example of God. Central to achieving this vision is a curriculum designed not only to raise attainment but also to raise aspirations and give pupils a sense of purpose in their learning. 

About Mantle of the Expert lessons

Student teachers from the UCL Institute of Education regularly observe and participate in Mantle of the Expert lessons during their placements at William Ford Church of England Junior School.

Everyone loves a story. Whether it is watching a film, reading a book, going to the theatre or simply sharing stories with family and friends, people naturally engage with narrative and imagination. Mantle of the Expert builds on this instinct by placing pupils into fictional yet believable professional roles where they work collaboratively to solve problems and complete meaningful tasks. In these imagined worlds, pupils may work as journalists, engineers, environmental scientists or entrepreneurs, tackling authentic challenges within realistic contexts. 

This approach helps pupils connect new learning to their existing schema while also creating new schema that broaden their understanding of possible futures. Learning becomes purposeful and relevant. 

Engagement increases, behaviour improves and pupils begin to see education as something that can open doors rather than simply something they must complete. 

Alongside this, the school regularly welcomes visitors from a wide range of professions who share their career journeys with pupils. Many speak openly about the barriers they have faced, including neurodiversity, special educational needs, poverty, moving between countries or experiences of bullying. These stories help pupils recognise that challenges do not define their future and that success can take many different pathways. 

Impact and benefits 

For pupils, Mantle of the Expert creates a learning environment where curiosity, creativity and collaboration flourish. Pupils develop confidence in expressing ideas, working as part of a team and taking responsibility for solving problems. Engagement in lessons increases and pupils begin to recognise the value and relevance of their education. 

For student teachers, observing and teaching through Mantle of the Expert provides a powerful model of curriculum design. They learn that when pupils understand why learning matters, motivation and engagement increase significantly. 

Through this partnership, student teachers see how curriculum design can shape engagement, motivation and progress. They observe how narrative, role and purpose can transform the learning experience, helping pupils see the relevance of academic subjects within meaningful professional contexts. 

Student teachers are supported by experienced mentors who explain the thinking behind the approach. 

They see how Mantle of the Expert combines strong subject knowledge with imaginative contexts and structured questioning to create coherent learning experiences rather than isolated lessons. 

Importantly, student teachers also see how such approaches can be particularly powerful in communities where pupils may not always see clear pathways to future careers. By embedding learning within professional contexts, pupils begin to imagine themselves within those worlds. 

Through this partnership, William Ford continues to support the development of future teachers while helping pupils see beyond the barriers that may exist within their immediate environment, raising aspirations and nurturing hope for the future. 

David Huntingford
Headteacher at William Ford Church of England Junior School in Dagenham