Recommended Reading

General supports examples 

Mathematics_PBL  Spotlight Physical Ed_PBL Spotlight PBL Spotlights: PBL in Science | MyPBLWorks PBL Spotlights: PBL in English Language Arts | MyPBLWorks PBL Spotlights: PBL in History/Social Studies | MyPBLWorks

7 Projects Teachers Stand By | Edutopia

Using the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) Framework in the Classroom | Edutopia

Project-Based Learning (PBL) | Edutopia

Daydream Believers – Daydream Believers

Projects | MyPBLWorks

All Resources | MyPBLWorks

Planning tools 

Project Design Rubric – 2022

Essential Project Design Elements Checklist

PBLWorks_Project_Based_Teaching_Rubric_v2019.pdf

Community Partner Outreach Planner | MyPBLWorks

Working with Outside Experts_PBLWorks.pdf

Template for Letter to Parents | MyPBLWorks

Project Team Contract | MyPBLWorks

Project Based Teaching Practices: Scaffold Student Learning | MyPBLWorks

Project Work Report: Team | MyPBLWorks

Project Work Report: Individual | MyPBLWorks

Presentation Plan | MyPBLWorks

Product ideas 

PBLWorks Product Toolkit: Public Service Announcement

Product Toolkit: Policy Proposal | MyPBLWorks

Product Toolkit: Social Media Campaign | MyPBLWorks

Product Toolkit: Physical Model or Prototype | MyPBLWorks

Product Toolkit: Podcast | MyPBLWorks

Examples of effective Project Based Learning

Alford Academy numeracy project based learning

DayDream Believers Digital security project

  1. Faculties are encouraged to engage with examples of best practice in PBL. The following resources can serve as a starting point. I have also attached collated resources for support. 
  • Excelerate Arbroath Academy – PBL  Excelerate Arbroath Academy – PBL
  • PBLWorks – Projects
  • Most Likely to Succeed (Amazon Prime) – This documentary on High Tech High in San Diego explores the rationale behind rethinking curriculum design. High Tech High, along with XP, School 21, Studio Schools, and others, has been a key inspiration for us.

CLPL

The 21st Century Learning Design (21CLD) course from Microsoft Learn provides educators with practical strategies to develop classroom tasks that build essential future-ready skills. Grounded in global research, this professional learning focuses on designing lessons that embed critical thinking, collaboration, real-world problem-solving, creativity, and the effective use of technology.

Through interactive, flexible modules, staff will explore how to:

✔ Design meaningful learning activities that develop 21st-century competencies, including communication, self-regulation, collaboration, and ICT use.
✔ Reflect on existing teaching approaches and enhance tasks to promote deeper learning.
✔ Align lesson design with key areas such as knowledge constructionproblem-solving, and real-world relevance.
✔ Develop confidence in creating learning environments that empower pupils to succeed in an increasingly digital and connected world.

The course is designed to be accessible and self-paced, making it ideal for busy educators. It also complements core digital expectations and local initiatives such as Inspire Learning, supporting our shared aim of embedding high-quality, digitally rich teaching and learning across all subjects.

Staff engaging with 21CLD will:

  • Build practical, research-informed strategies for lesson design
  • Enhance their digital pedagogy in line with SBC Inspire Learning goals
  • Work towards recognised Microsoft Educator credentials

This is an excellent starting point for teachers at any stage of their digital journey, whether enhancing existing practice or building confidence with new approaches.