From Efficient to Truly Effective
PPA (Planning, Preparation, and Assessment) time isn’t just another block on your timetable—it’s your secret weapon for staying ahead, protecting your well-being, and elevating your teaching. But maximising this golden slot takes more than just a plan; it takes strategy. Here’s how to make your PPA time work for you, not the other way
around.
Prioritise What Matters Most
- Identify and Focus on Core Tasks
What’s your mission for the week? Start there. Prioritise the tasks that keep your classroom running smoothly, such as lesson planning and prepping essential
resources. Nail these down before even glancing at those intriguing but nonessential activities. It’s time to put curiosity on hold and productivity in the driver’s
seat.
Pro tip: Keep a “Must-Do” and “Nice-to-Do” list. Only move to the second list if you have time left over. Simple, right? But it’s game-changing
- Rank and Ruthlessly Triage
Assess your tasks based on two metrics: how long they’ll take and their impact on teaching and learning. This helps you pinpoint which admin jobs are better streamlined or ignored. The goal? Free up brain space for what truly matters—your teaching.
- Say No to Time Thieves
Be honest: How often does your PPA time get hijacked by non-critical tasks? If you’re perfecting PowerPoints or browsing endlessly for new resources, it’s time for a reality check. Stay laser-focused on tasks that matter now, not someday.
Plan Smart, Not Just Hard
- Plot Your Week Like a Pro
A scattergun approach won’t cut it. Use a digital calendar to map your week, allocate time slots for specific subjects, and set reminders to prepare resources. Visuals like Google Calendar help keep you on track—and motivated. Automate reminders for recurring tasks, so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Time Block, and Stick to It
Commit to a structured timeline: 60 minutes for lesson prep, 30 for marking, etc. This stops you from getting lost in any one task and ensures you’re ticking off highpriority items. It’s your time; own it.
- Refresh and Reuse
Why reinvent when you can refine? Adjust previous lesson plans to suit your current class rather than building new ones from scratch. Not only will this save precious minutes, but it’ll also perfect what’s already proven to work.
- Chop Big Tasks Into Bite-Sized Wins
Got a project that feels mountainous? Break it down. Small, digestible tasks make progress manageable and less overwhelming. Think small steps, big gains.
Collaborate for More, Stress Less
- Harness Team Power
PPA time isn’t just for flying solo. Use it to sync with colleagues—share resources, bounce around ideas, and save each other hours of individual planning. Not only does it lighten your load, but it also enriches your lessons.
- Talk It Out
Take time to discuss current challenges and share solutions with your peers. A quick chat can spark fresh strategies or clear that mental block faster than you think.
Make Resources Work for You
- Lean Into Existing Material
Tap into existing schemes and shared resources. You’ll slash planning time and can focus on tailoring lessons rather than building them from scratch.
Guard Your Time Fiercely
- Create a Focus Fortress
Find or set up a space that screams, “No interruptions.” If a quiet PPA room isn’t an option, try noise-cancelling headphones or friendly but firm “Do Not Disturb” boundaries. Advocate for a dedicated PPA area if needed—teachers deserve it.
Know and Defend Your Rights
PPA time is protected by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD). It’s your legally sanctioned time for planning and assessment, not covering lessons or sitting through avoidable meetings. Feel like your time’s being encroached upon? Speak up. Your teaching and mental health depend on it.
Optimal Scheduling
If possible, position your PPA time at less disruptive times of the day. A mid-morning slot, for instance, often means fewer distractions and higher energy levels.
Final Thoughts: Your Time, Your Rules
- Prioritise what keeps your teaching on track.
- Plan with structure and stick to it.
- Share the load and collaborate with colleagues.
- Defend your PPA time like your career depends on it—because it does.
PPA time is your professional recharge. Use it well, and it won’t just be your lessons that improve; it’ll be your balance, your sanity, and your love for teaching.
Found this guide helpful? Pass it on to your fellow educators. Let’s help more teachers reclaim their time and keep the 60% who work unpaid overtime from becoming the norm. When we master our PPA, we raise the bar for everyone