Shine Structures at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School
At St John Fisher Catholic Primary School we believe that children learn best when they learn together. That’s why we use Shine Structures – our way of embedding collaborative learning into every classroom.
What are Shine Structures?
Shine Structures are practical, engaging learning routines that help children work together, share ideas, and build understanding. Inspired by Cooperative Learning, these structures give every child a chance to take part, contribute, and feel valued in the classroom.
Examples of Shine Structures include:
- Think-Pair-Share – children think individually, discuss with a partner, then share with the class.
- Round Robin – children take turns to share ideas in a small group.
- Quiz-Quiz-Trade – children quiz each other with questions before swapping cards and moving on to a new partner.
Why do we use Shine Structures?
We use Shine Structures because they:
- Promote active participation – every child has a voice, not just the confident few.
- Encourage teamwork – children learn to listen, support, and build on each other’s ideas.
- Boost confidence – structured turn-taking helps children feel safe to share.
- Deepen understanding – explaining ideas to others strengthens learning.
- Develop social skills – children practise communication, empathy, and respect.
The Impact on Children’s Learning
When children learn with Shine Structures, we see:
- Improved engagement – lessons are lively, interactive, and inclusive.
- Greater independence – children take responsibility for their own and each other’s learning.
- Stronger outcomes – working together helps children master new skills and concepts more effectively.
- Positive relationships – collaboration builds a supportive, respectful classroom community.
Why Shine Structures Benefit Learning
By embedding collaborative learning into our daily practice, Shine Structures help every child:
- Feel valued and included.
- Develop critical thinking by hearing different viewpoints.
- Gain real-world skills like problem-solving, cooperation, and communication.
- Experience success together – because learning is not just about individual achievement, but about shining as a team.
At St John Fisher Shine Structures are at the heart of how we teach and learn. They help our children shine brightly, together.
Pupil Voice
A&B Partner Talk – Luka, Year 2
“A’s go first and B’s listen and then ask questions. Then B’s do exactly the same. It helps us to listen and be respectful to others. It’s a good way to learn because we all get a chance to speak.”
Quiz Quiz Trade – Belle, Year 1
“We have to find a partner, put our hand up, and then switch. It is very fun because we get to move around the classroom and talk to a partner.”
Hand Up, Stand Up, Pair Up – Millie, Year 3
“I like doing this because it helps me get information from my partner. I also like walking around and finding a partner. They listen to me with respect because we both have a certain time to speak and a time to listen.”
Leaf Leaf Trade – Tayla, Year 6
“I think it is a fun way to learn. I like to actively learn. Mr Bates changed Quiz Quiz Trade to Leaf Leaf Trade, and we had to quiz each other on the types of leaves we had in a science lesson. It was a challenge, but we all enjoyed it.”
Shine Structures – Patrick, Year 6
“I think using Shine structures is a better way of learning. We all get a chance to talk and discuss our ideas. A’s talk first and B’s listen respectfully without interrupting, then we switch. At SJF we listen with our ears, our eyes, and our hearts. We are respectful learners.”