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
Planning tools
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
- 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 construction, problem-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.


