How Widgit Symbols are helping to shape a more inclusive curriculum

Christopher Hatton Primary School, Camden

Christopher Hatton Hallway Signage
Christopher Hatton Classroom Display
Christopher Hatton Classroom Display 2
Christopher Hatton Nouns Display

Christopher Hatton Primary School in Camden, London serves a diverse community with approximately 70% of students using English as an Additional Language (EAL). The school's curriculum is designed to allow every child to feel informed and empowered, regardless of their language background or ability.

In partnership with London Grid for Learning (LGfL), an organisation dedicated to providing digital services and resources for schools in London and beyond, the school has integrated Widgit Symbols across the curriculum.

Using Widgit Symbols, the school has seen a significant impact on various aspects of student learning and engagement...

Examples of Widgit Symbols used at Christopher Hatton School
Examples of Widgit Symbols used at Christopher Hatton School, Camden

Promoting positive behaviour

Headteacher Clare McBride noted that Widgit Symbols have been instrumental in supporting positive behaviour choices among students, particularly younger learners. Visual reminders using symbols as prompts for classroom expectations have often proven more effective than verbal instructions, resulting in high standards of behaviour and more engaged pupils in classes.

Boosting literacy skills

The school identifies key topic-related keywords and supports them with Widgit Symbols, integrating this approach across all classrooms.

“We use symbols so that children know what they are learning and they understand the word better because it's been explicitly taught, and because there's a picture that shows its meaning.”

Rebecca Ryan, Year 5 Teacher, English and Oracy Lead - Christopher Hatton Primary School

The school has used Widgit Symbols to help students grasp and remember different sentence structures. Examples displayed alongside symbols on classroom walls reinforce these concepts, enabling students to apply them confidently in their writing.

“We want children to feel like they can articulate, and we use Widgit Symbols to help teach vocabulary specifically and support group talk. We also want them to feel empowered and able to participate in all the lessons without feeling marginalised or that their needs can't be met. Widgit helps us to support that aim.”

Clare McBride, Headteacher - Christopher Hatton Primary School

Developing conceptual understanding

The school has found that the use of symbols extends beyond literacy to support conceptual understanding across subjects. By visualising abstract concepts like timelines or scientific processes through symbols, students can grasp complex ideas more effectively. This approach reduces cognitive load and enhances engagement, ensuring that all class members can access and retain key learning concepts.

“For those teachers considering the use of Widgit Symbols in their practice, I would avoid just dipping in and out and picking a word here and there to use; I would go full throttle and try to embed the symbols everywhere - not only in literacy or English teaching, but across the entire curriculum.”

Clare McBride, Headteacher - Christopher Hatton Primary School

Christopher Hatton Case StudyInclusion Case Study
See what the staff at Christopher Hatton have to say about Widgit Symbols in their school.

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