Developing and accrediting personal competencies

FutureLab is an agency that describes itself as
'passionate about transforming the way people learn. Tapping into the huge potential offered by digital and other technologies, we develop innovative resources and practices that support new approaches to learning for the 21st century.'

They have a wide range of resources available at their site, including this report on developing and accrediting personal competencies within a new curriculum.

They also produce newsletters that you can sign up for, including Vision which is published every six months and which is available to download.

new curriculum scotland

There is a lot of curriculum innovation going on North of the border. Check out Extreme Learning and a Curriculum for Excellence

Personalised learning USA

While the debate over what exactly personalised learning means continues, here is a description of one approach used by the MET schools in the USA.

Resources and support materials

Teachers in Buckinghamshire are ably supported by the Buckinghamshire Grid for Learning which offers a wide range of resources and support for a wide range of different areas including Subject specific materials as well as Whole School issues such as Assessment.

I have personally found some of the Art and Technology materials very helpful and hopefully you will will find something there that is of use to you.

When downloading some materials I have found that my computer initially blocks them. A message at the top of the screen (just below the address bar) warns you but if you click on the message you can choose to override this and download or open files.

Self assessment strategies

Zoe Newbery has found this resource which includes useful strategies on using self assessment with your pupils

AfL - Where it all began

The report 'Inside the Black box' is often cited as having kicked off the current focus on assessment for learning. Read it here.

Assessment resources

There are some more resources on AfL from the AAIA here:
'10 principles for Assessment for Learning' presents the underlying principles in a visual form.

'Self assessment' is a booklet produced by teachers from the North-East to help teachers develop this skill among their pupils.

Curriculum 2008 subject training

The Educational Trust CfBT are running regional training events in Leicester for Subject leaders on Curriculum 2008. Register your interest here. Better hurry as events start in January.

Leading Learning

One way that Campion School has been leading learning in the last few years has been the Opening Minds scheme which has been piloted at the school under the leadership of Helen Boyle.
The scheme uses a competency based curriculum in KS3 and is already being used by schools elsewhere.

blog potential

Missed your favourite programme on the TV or radio or want to experience it again?
No worries - you can find it on the web.
We are no longer tied to schedules and listings - we can find information when it suits us - so could it be the same for our lessons?
A blog has the potential to share information with students at a time to suit them (and you) and allows them to respond with questions and observations.
Check out this blog by Doug Belshaw,a History teacher based in Yorkshire, as an example of what can be done.
He also has another blog aimed at teachers which addresses some of the issues and potential in and around the use of new technologies in schools - although he is currently taking a break from frequent posts there.

Achievement and Improvement through Assessment

The Association for Achievement and Improvement through Assessment (AAIA) links teachers, advisers and other education professionals across the UK who are exploring ways to use AfL to support teaching and learning.
They have a wide range of resources available including this guide to Self evaluation and development in the use of AfL.

There are more resources available for members.

Gifted and Talented arts pupils

The Creative Generation website has a great many resources on supporting Gifted and Talented pupils in all aspects of the arts.