tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54399838932692235392012-02-16T19:10:46.168ZA resource and forum for staff at Campion SchoolPeter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.comBlogger941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-74619391343852656032009-02-24T16:06:00.004Z2009-02-24T16:11:39.506Z

Ofsted have just published a report that showcases twelve schools in challenging circumstances that have been rated as 'outstanding' in at least two inspections and examines the elements that have created this success. To find out more go here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-36325141083792170402009-02-24T08:09:00.004Z2009-02-24T08:21:11.780Z

Teachers TV has a new programme that examines how one school in London supports its Gifted and Talented pupils across a range of subjects. Their strategies could be used and adapted in your own lessons. Watch the programme here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-71538667111054836552009-02-17T11:00:00.003Z2009-02-17T11:07:38.022Z

If you are finding your job particularly stressful you may like to know that help is at hand from the Teacher Support Network which describes itself as: "a group of independent charities and a social enterprise that provide practical and emotional support to staff in the education sector and their families"If you go to their website, here, you can access information, and personalised guidance

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-74418799961897280152009-02-07T12:00:00.003Z2009-02-07T12:10:39.337Z

Ewan McIntosh is a Scottish educator who who produces a blog on Education, ICT and other related matters. He has recently written in response to a new book by Sir Ken Robinson on Creativity in Education which raises some challenging ideas about the role of the teacher and schools in promoting creativity. To read more go here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-51025345475457652572009-01-28T12:30:00.004Z2009-02-24T16:13:41.717Z

Teachers TV have produced a series of programmes that are designed as case studies of how to improve the quality of teaching and learning. They cover a range of subject areas and Key stages. Check them out here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-65200267650922449012009-01-15T12:58:00.002Z2009-01-15T13:16:43.483Z

The DSCF have gathered all the National Strategies for schools on to one site. As they say:The National Strategies have brought together all their web materials to one place to make it easier to access resources, particularly through improved search capabilities. The new area of the Standards Site has been developed taking account of user feedback and now provides a consistent experience, no

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-9238529754773003532008-12-15T17:01:00.004Z2008-12-15T17:12:50.286Z

The BBC has been providing educational resources via radio, TV and, latterly, the internet for years. They now have a website that allows you to search for video clips linked to different key stages and subjects.Check it out here.Thanks to Sarah Golley for the link.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-66930366657488274672008-12-02T08:06:00.004Z2008-12-02T08:26:31.573Z

Teachers TV has a new programme available online which addresses the topic of preparing for inspection. They describe it thus:Former HMI Inspector Roy Blatchford speaks to three secondary headteachers who have recently been visited by Ofsted, and offers his tips on the inspection process.You can watch the programme here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-59784991608934925952008-11-24T09:40:00.003Z2008-11-24T10:37:09.210Z

I have mentioned the work of Doug Belshaw in previous entries. A History teacher in Yorkshire, Doug has been pioneering the use of web based applications to enhance learning with his students. He was recently given responsibility for e-learning at his school and has produced a blog to highlight useful applications. Check it out here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-64799539477579839542008-10-22T15:43:00.006+01:002008-10-22T17:02:27.754+01:00

The Teaching Expertise website allows you to sign up to regular e-bulletins on a variety of topics. One of the latest ones is Learning and Thinking Skills (linked to PLTS). To sign up go here. Below is a section from the latest bulletin:Welcome to the new Learning and Thinking Skills e-bulletin. Every fortnight we will provide you with strategies and guidance for effective learning and thinking

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-53374209172364257582008-10-13T08:56:00.002+01:002008-10-13T09:00:11.330+01:00

There's another blog on the theme of Teaching and Learning here. It's produced by Tony Cassidy, Leader of Teaching and Learning at Kirk Hallam Community Technology College in Derbyshire, as a resource for staff to share their views and experiences of teaching and learning.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-54737549017955211672008-10-13T08:18:00.007+01:002009-02-24T16:14:06.062Z

Teachers TV has produced a programme with the above title. They describe it thus:Sydney Russell School has rated secondary English teacher David Pollicutt's lessons as 'good'. His challenge is to gain an 'outstanding' rating in just three weeks, using the help of a range of experts.School inspector Clare Gillies assesses one of David's Year 8 lessons on characterisation within Great Expectations,

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-90952271181404457662008-09-16T16:39:00.004+01:002009-02-24T16:14:25.076Z

Scottish Educators have been exploring Assessment for Learning for some while, as mentioned on an earlier entry. They have recently updated their AfL Self-Assessment Toolkit which provides some documents to assess how well schools are using AfL. Check it out here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-789842318645936332008-07-02T08:11:00.006+01:002008-07-02T08:24:18.115+01:00

The Scottish Educator Euan Macintosh reports on the work of a school in the US where pupils are pushing the boundaries of learning - they're taking part in a project to create a new type of biodiesel which would be more efficient than existing methods. The class applied for two patents this year, and two communities in Guatemala are developing the product to provide fuel for real.Planning is

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-19344640250200161192008-07-01T08:04:00.004+01:002008-07-01T08:26:12.953+01:00

For anyone who has started to glaze over during a Powerpoint presentation, there is some extremely helpful advice here about how to make them more effective.There are links to practical tips here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-74812779490440657752008-06-30T16:49:00.004+01:002008-06-30T16:53:35.692+01:00

This site may be old news to some but it's worth checking out as a place to share and borrow ideas and resources with teachers across the country.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-13915203658708074322008-06-25T08:50:00.002+01:002008-06-25T08:53:16.444+01:00

There is an interesting account here of how a Scottish teacher of MFL is using new media to successfuly support Peer Assessment.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-73385873614476532802008-06-06T09:01:00.003+01:002008-06-06T09:05:17.833+01:00

The Teaching Expertise website produces a regular bulletin that focuses on Behaviour Management. A recent issue looked at how offering pupils a limited choice can help to improve behaviour in the classroom. Check out the article here.Thanks to Claire Fleming for the link.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-81693692177198297762008-05-20T08:17:00.003+01:002008-05-20T08:22:02.027+01:00

There are a lot of resources for using Blooms' Taxonomy in the classroom as a tool to develop pupils thinking skills at this website here.Thanks to Zoe Newbery for the link.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-57497818691865508442008-05-19T16:24:00.004+01:002008-05-19T16:33:37.567+01:00

Futurelab have produced an online resource that they describe below: Exploratree is a free web resource where you can download, use and make your own interactive thinking guides. Thinking guides can support independent and group research projects with frameworks for thinking, planning and enquiry. We’ve provided a set of ready-made guides which you can print out or use online. All of the guides

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-20642633781863086952008-05-13T10:48:00.005+01:002008-05-13T10:59:04.281+01:00

Professor David Hargreaves has been writing perceptively about education for many years and has recently been focused on the changes linked to the new curriculum and personalised learning. For him one of the key factors is sharing the responsibility for innovation amongst as many people as possible. Below is one example of his common sense approach:Those who pioneer radical innovations need to

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-72504762432557609282008-05-08T15:24:00.005+01:002008-05-08T15:37:50.059+01:00

The DSCF has provided a new website to support teachers planning the new curriculum. You need to register to use it but it is worth it.It has some useful resources including videos and a curriculum planning wizard which offers support with planning.Check it out here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-65016427763348325122008-05-08T09:00:00.004+01:002008-05-08T15:24:17.166+01:00

The Teaching Expertise website produces a monthly newsheet called Learning and Teaching Update. The April issue has some useful articles onCreativity and the new cuuriculum Teachers views on pupil achievementDownload a copy here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-82223641585192981362008-05-06T15:04:00.004+01:002008-05-06T15:29:02.362+01:00

Futurelab is an organisation that aims to develop innovative resources and practices that support new approaches to learning for the 21st century. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) commissioned Futurelab to carry out a review and consultation project which aimed to: draw together a review of current projects and initiatives which provide insights into different approaches to

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-80772297346333737602008-04-30T11:30:00.003+01:002008-05-06T15:30:03.117+01:00

Professor Guy Claxton has written a stimulating article on the subject of personalised learning and has outlined what he considers to be the eight character strengths and virtues for the learning age that we should be encouraging in schools. Read it here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-80591406747983612092008-04-25T16:12:00.004+01:002008-04-25T16:25:09.287+01:00

The YG&T website, produced by the DSCF, provides information and resources to help support gifted learners, their parents/carers, educators, governors and local authorities. The site aims to inspire, encourage and motivate learners and staff with stimulating programmes and activities, as well as provide information, resources and new ways of learning.Check out the resources for staff here.To take

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-88614452992552912412008-04-23T07:00:00.002+01:002008-04-23T07:04:08.908+01:00

There's another article in the Guardian which questions the value of testing in motivating pupils or stimulating learning. Read it here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-45282085533739554092008-04-23T06:57:00.002+01:002008-04-25T16:26:53.425+01:00

There's an interesting article on the changes in provision for 'Gifted and Talented' pupils in the Guardian this week. Read it here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-44139337746976327082008-04-02T16:38:00.002+01:002008-04-02T16:40:55.894+01:00

This thought provoking presentation provides some of the reasons why the curriculum needs to change: | View | Upload your own

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-9691557782014970862008-04-02T09:30:00.004+01:002008-04-02T09:39:47.245+01:00

There are some subject based resources for Gifted and Talented pupils here and here.Thanks to Uta Thomas for the links.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-6896410496352572132008-03-31T10:59:00.003+01:002008-04-01T10:56:58.512+01:00

There are a couple more stimulating programmes over at Teacher's TV on the subject of Formative Assessment.There is a useful 15 minute introduction to the subject here.There is a 30 minute programme here on how John Cabot Academy in Bristol is using Formative Assessment with ICT to promote Personalised Learning.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-1274555181124468032008-03-31T10:22:00.006+01:002008-03-31T10:30:58.871+01:00

I've posted earlier about Bloom's taxonomy. I've recently discovered this version below which offers a variety of ways of interpreting the different stages.To see a more legible version click on the image. To read more about it and to discover a next stage in the taxonomy go here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-88573764608963080382008-03-26T14:41:00.004Z2008-03-26T17:14:59.570Z

Teacher's TV has produced a half hour programme that looks at how some different schools have redesigned their curriculum and pastoral systems to help deliver more personalised learning. You can view the video online here.If you're not familiar with how to view the programme online, just click where it says Windows Media to the right of the main image.There are some more resources on the subject

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-20545592641916434812008-03-25T10:35:00.002Z2008-03-25T10:38:20.160Z

Whether you are a co-ordinator, a teacher or a parent, Teacher Tools provides a range of resources and advice on all aspects of gifted and talented education.Check it out here.Thanks to Uta Thomas for the link.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-50291887353623348742008-03-24T18:34:00.003Z2008-03-24T18:45:59.224Z

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation, in partnership with The Innovation Unit, are promoting an exciting project that aims to look at Next Practices in curricular or cross-curricular models of learning and pedagogy.They have published a booklet that sets out the reasons why innovation in pedagogy is needed in order to inspire young people, and enable all of them confidently to meet the challenges of the

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-56613805300981423922008-03-14T09:34:00.005Z2008-03-14T09:50:16.575Z

There is an interesting article here on how pupils respond to different approaches to marking.One of the main conclusions is this:I think that teachers sometimes forget that the first thing most pupils are looking for is reassurance that they are doing the right thing, and/or that we respect their efforts. Without that initial support, the formative comment can seem negative to the pupil. They

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-60078299679337254132008-03-13T16:11:00.006Z2009-02-24T16:15:03.602Z

There is a great deal of discussion at present about what makes an outstanding school so it may help to know that there are examples out there.Ofsted has rated Outwood Grange College in Wakefield as Outstanding in all areas.Read more about them at their website here.They are currently adopting a two year KS3 and a three year KS4. To read more about their curriculum structure go here.They are also

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-39896814668753294142008-03-07T08:13:00.003Z2008-03-07T08:17:34.182Z

There are some useful tips on this topic at this site along with lots of other ideas on how to make your working life run more smoothly

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-81152387285786163252008-03-05T12:34:00.004Z2008-03-07T08:13:37.260Z

With new Diploma courses coming along it's good to know that there is some online support for staff (thinking of) teaching them.Check out this site.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-86337792823180580882008-03-03T17:28:00.003Z2008-03-07T13:07:25.718Z

Suffolk is another LEA that is supporting it's schools by providing guidance and resources for Assessment online.Check them out here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-85889992151566024902008-03-02T08:46:00.008Z2008-03-05T12:01:04.982Z

We are all familiar with Google as a means to search the internet. What you may not know is that Google offers a far wider range of applications and resources, many of which are designed to be used in schools.You can find an introduction to what they offer here.You will find lesson plans, tutorials, tips on using Google Earth in class and the chance to share information with other teachers. The

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-86391823839423559002008-03-01T18:39:00.008Z2008-03-01T20:09:04.610Z

I discovered this initiative in the SST Arts Newsletter:Two teachers in Victoria, Australia have tapped into the popularity of sites such as YouTube and MySpace and developed a website that allows schools and students to upload digital audio visual content in a safe and secure environment. Teachers start by registering the school and their details. Once these are approved by the administrator,

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-18070898551278170922008-03-01T12:40:00.003Z2008-03-01T12:47:58.535Z

Creative Learning And Specialist Subjects (CLASS) is an initiative from the Specialist Schools Trust that aims to support and celebrate creative approaches to teaching and learning. As they write at their website:In the creative classroom, children find their own pathways through the world of learning. In these pages you will find examples of how our creative learning lead practitioners have made

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-40689205696757896352008-02-29T16:29:00.005Z2008-02-29T16:44:57.224Z

With the new emphasis on Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning it's as good a time as any to relect on effective strategies for managing pupils' behaviour. There are a great number of resources at the Teaching Expertise site, here.There are more links and resources at this site which is produced by the University of Northampton. Thanks to Peter Leaver for the link.I haven't had a chance to

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-25490977550195437322008-02-25T16:12:00.003Z2008-02-25T16:22:18.974Z

Essex is another county that has created a website for their schools to allow them to share good practice rather than letting individual teachers or schools try and go it alone.There are subject specific resources as well as materials that address more general issues.Check it out here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-9543638511701817932008-02-25T16:07:00.002Z2008-02-25T16:10:06.232Z

If you want a 'one stop shop' for your links to education websites, general and subject specific, then try TeacherXpress.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-30816517958765272542008-02-25T15:59:00.002Z2008-02-25T16:02:53.298Z

There are some online resources available on the Teachernet website to help teachers develop their use of ICT in their subject areas. Find out more here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-11296558239564466662008-02-17T07:39:00.003Z2008-02-17T07:48:08.824Z

An insightful speaker raised a massive cheer from the audience at an education conference this week.Professor Richard Pring urged everyone to stop talking about "delivery" in education and to return to talking about "teaching". His point was that education has been taken over by an "Orwellian language" which has started to control the way we think and act.You can read more about this call for

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-70740844281954491942008-02-13T11:39:00.006Z2008-02-13T11:51:44.879Z

There is a report today on the BBC news website of the latest Government initiative: to promote pupils' access to "at least five hours of high-quality culture per week". This could mean rich and exciting times ahead for those of us who teach Arts subjects - however the devil is in the detail. To find out what other teachers are saying about this try here - or share your own opinions in the

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-86656954084451167622008-02-11T16:59:00.001Z2008-02-13T11:50:05.145Z

Scotland is leading the way again in the use of Progress Files to help pupils monitor and advance their own progress. Details here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-78758133584448989562008-02-11T15:55:00.000Z2008-02-11T16:08:56.339Z

There has been a focus in discussion on the use of Bloom's taxonomy to structure questioning and other activities in the classroom. There are some guidelines here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-24764097819896262872008-02-09T11:27:00.000Z2008-02-09T21:10:33.294Z

There are opportunities for staff to network with colleagues from other schools in the county over the year ahead, with a focus on Assessment for Learning. Details here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-35029195167596126292008-02-05T09:08:00.001Z2008-02-05T09:12:04.471Z

The General Teaching Council offers support and guidance for teachers' CPD in a number of forms including a relatively new initiative, the Teacher Learning Academy. Details can be found here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-72283820445301687612008-02-05T08:14:00.000Z2008-02-05T08:19:54.525Z

Many teachers, myself included, have benefitted greatly from being observed informally by their peers. There are some guidelines and case studies on peer observation here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-62430822427491794822008-02-02T11:22:00.000Z2008-02-02T11:34:44.836Z

Teachers have always contributed to Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL), often, but not always, in a positive way.We are now required to address these issues more consciously.There is guidance to be found on this topic here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-1139973826063546312008-01-31T17:43:00.000Z2008-02-01T08:10:37.517Z

A warm welcome to staff who are visiting this blog for the first time.The blogs contains resources that offer support in a number of areas.You can search by topic using the Labels on the bottom right of the page to select the relevant posts.My hope is that other staff will post items here, as one of the key qualities of blogs is their use for networking. It involves little more than typing.You

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-62742853465818901932008-01-30T16:54:00.000Z2008-01-30T17:16:29.827Z

The Assessment for Learning: 8 schools project was an action research project (July 2005– October 2006) initiated by the Education Department which sought to identify what helps pupils develop as motivated and effective learners and how AfL can be successfully developed whole school (through professional dialogue and collaborative working with teachers, school leaders and LAs). The project

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-2766540518105944322008-01-30T13:19:00.000Z2008-01-30T17:28:27.489Z

Guidance and resources on Personalised learning, including AfL here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-36107999435485277112008-01-30T12:57:00.000Z2008-01-30T13:12:02.698Z

There's another example of a blog here - which allows students to contribute and discuss a variety of topics.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-40357702419164309202008-01-30T10:55:00.000Z2008-01-30T12:35:42.979Z

Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS)are an integral part of the new KS3 curriculum.A wide range of resources including more video clips on how to develop and support the development of these skills can be found at the same site where the videos in the post below come from. Check them out here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-7952495116779526382008-01-30T08:32:00.000Z2008-01-30T12:15:17.248Z

Another link to a Scottish site here where you can find video clips of Professor Dylan Wiliam talking about the potential of AfL.The video clips take a while to download. I used right click on the download option at the bottom of the small screen to watch it in a new screen or you can click on the small arrow and wait.If I can I'll aim to put these on the blog at a later date.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-54486009710571248592008-01-28T10:22:00.000Z2008-01-28T10:33:31.466Z

Ashdown Technology College has the a page that allows you to download the original Education department training resources on AfL for each Curriculum Area, plus more besides here.You can also download a powerpoint presentation here which explains the virtues and principles of AfL. Thanks to Zoe Newbery for the links.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-20635403947113219522008-01-27T21:02:00.000Z2008-01-27T21:09:55.724Z

One last post for today - and that is a link that allows you to download the report pictured left from the Assessment Report Group which is a summary of a systematic review of research on the impact of summative assessment and testing on pupils' motivation for learning and its implications for assessment policy and practice.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-5055325119132402722008-01-27T19:19:00.000Z2008-01-27T19:27:06.252Z

This is the title of another article on how and why to use assessment for learning in the classroom.A quote:What we need is a shift from quality control in learning to quality assurance. Traditional approaches to instruction and assessment involve teaching some given material, and then, at the end of teaching, working out who has and hasn't learned it—akin to a quality control approach in

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-19430135704347185452008-01-27T14:10:00.000Z2008-01-27T16:47:05.684Z

The Guardian published this article on Peer Assessment three years ago. It shows the potential of Peer Assessment and other strategies to improve learning and raise achievement.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-61045037112201730802008-01-27T13:03:00.000Z2008-01-27T13:51:01.840Z

I posted last month about how Scotland has been leading the way in developing new curriculum models. They are also setting standards in the use of Assessment for Learning. Check out this website for resources, guidance and case studies in the use of assessment.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-36647891657820697272008-01-27T10:51:00.000Z2008-01-27T16:39:37.024Z

There are some excellent insights in this talk by Professor Dylan Wiliam, one of the original authors of 'Inside the Black Box', on the need for the effective use of assessment to support and encourage learning. Wiliam argues:If we are to design assessment systems that help rather than hinder learning, we must go beyond looking at the assessments themselves and look at deeper issues about how the

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-14375382029383071282008-01-26T20:30:00.000Z2008-01-27T19:40:18.494Z

I'm reading 'Dombey and Son' by Charles Dickens at the moment and as a big fan of his work I'm enjoying it immensely. As is often the case, his observations on society then seem strangely relevant still . Paul Dombey (the son of the novel) gets sent to school at the age of six, where he is expected to be force fed the requisite skills and knowledge for a future Captain of Industry. Dickens

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-28130233256700389122008-01-26T08:59:00.001Z2009-02-24T16:16:05.316Z

Some of the best minds in the field of British education have been thinking this over and have recently presented their findings. Professor Patricia Broadfoot, a former Professor of Education and now vice-chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire, argued that the evidence from international studies showed that "the highest quality teaching and learning comes when we have the greatest

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-85235892557422117702008-01-22T13:01:00.000Z2008-01-22T13:04:46.824Z

How can you use blogs to support your teaching? Read this.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-24166266356055185962008-01-21T16:28:00.000Z2008-01-21T16:36:36.024Z

Lead Practitioners at Campion are part of a wider community of colleagues in other schools. To find out what they are up to and maybe to consider sharing (y)our own practice go to this site.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-47484419593621514002008-01-20T15:45:00.000Z2008-01-20T15:56:30.316Z

Check out this example of a blog featuring podcasts by pupils explaining French grammar.This site is produced by Joe Dale on the Isle of Wight. He has a blog that offers practical tips and advice on using ICT to enhance the teaching of modern foreign languages.Consider this as a model for our students to produce work (in written form if audio seems too daunting) that not only provides evidence of

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-66744145480417662302008-01-20T11:40:00.000Z2008-01-20T16:16:18.988Z

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) commissioned a report last year to investigate why some countries' school systems are more successful than others. The report confirmed that the three main factors were:1: Getting the right people to become teachers2: Developing them into effective instructors3: Ensuring that the system is able to deliver the best possible

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-12553404692414722462008-01-17T09:01:00.000Z2008-01-17T09:10:38.011Z

As a specialist Language school Campion has past experience of collaborating with schools from other countries.The British Council has introduced the eTwinning scheme to encourage collaboration using the internet. Pupils can work on joint projects and share their results on the web.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-51035196277943440222008-01-14T10:31:00.000Z2008-01-14T12:46:47.298Z

This was the title of the talk given by Dan Sutch from Futurelab and Doug Belshaw (mentioned in a previous entry) at the BETT 2008 show at Olympia on Saturday 12th January. It was a stimulating presentation that raised all kinds of possibilities - such as students using blogs to present and organise their coursework.The content for Dan's talk can be found here and Doug's talk can be found here.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-25065495148121525672008-01-02T20:40:00.000Z2008-01-04T10:23:06.916Z

It's encouraging to see that the debate about what a new competency based curriculum might look like is an international one, as this site from Queensland in Australia indicates. They have been trialling a new approach since 2003 and have some guidelines that could be a useful model for developing practice in the UK.As far as I can tell this initiative has links to the Learning by Design project

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-24086782035804740262007-12-28T14:00:00.000Z2007-12-28T14:42:12.037Z

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

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-89355984787102336002007-12-28T09:08:00.000Z2007-12-28T14:00:08.209Z

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

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-7188821089222120932007-12-27T09:01:00.000Z2007-12-27T09:19:23.433Z

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.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-19984172617859755292007-12-18T17:20:00.000Z2007-12-18T17:32:12.137Z

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

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-41109821214839767702007-12-10T13:07:00.000Z2007-12-10T13:21:56.538Z

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

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-18892355420688562532007-12-06T10:06:00.000Z2007-12-06T10:11:33.421Z

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

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-91455014066502962792007-12-05T11:25:00.000Z2007-12-06T07:04:14.219Z

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.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-32763773167570501612007-12-03T17:40:00.000Z2007-12-03T17:48:26.785Z

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.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-48427033459063372932007-12-03T10:41:00.000Z2007-12-03T11:10:05.212Z

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.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-23899686773728453412007-12-02T19:43:00.000Z2007-12-03T10:15:07.190Z

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

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-16597385017039297802007-12-02T08:26:00.000Z2007-12-02T08:55:45.208Z

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.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-16240898205916774412007-12-01T19:23:00.000Z2007-12-01T19:36:26.321Z

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

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-41130289412661402982007-11-30T15:53:00.000Z2007-12-01T19:22:56.833Z

Zoe Newbery has produced this presentation for the Humanities faculty on Assessment for Learning:Click on the 'View in Full Screen' icon on the bottom right of the screen above if you want to enlarge the presentation.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-4900007229648034552007-11-30T08:10:00.000Z2007-11-30T16:10:59.431Z

Carole Lewis has highlighted the following resources to inform your use of questioning in lessons:Answering and answering questions Effective techniques of questioning Questioning questions Socratic questions Types of questions

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-6202882057520625442007-11-28T14:50:00.000Z2007-11-30T16:11:45.232Z

This very short video from Teachers TV gives a brief introduction to Assessment for Learning by the late, great Ted Wragg.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-78675584896900058892007-11-28T12:53:00.000Z2007-11-30T16:12:07.596Z

Another, longer, Teachers TV video here which uses Afl as a tool to increase pupil motivation.Controversially the teacher uses class league tables to measure progress and achievement.Crucially marks are value added and linked to their prior assessment and target grades so that weaker pupils can come out on top.

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-6772674566302852092007-11-28T11:59:00.000Z2007-11-28T17:26:37.525Z

One place to start if you want to keep up with new ideas, projects and debates is the Innovation Unit.They describe their work like this:The Innovation Unit promotes innovation to improve education and children's services. It acts as a catalyst for change and draws on expertise from both the public and private sectors, combining practitioner expertise with the ambition of policy makers.You can

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439983893269223539.post-56594084327237062562007-11-27T18:03:00.000Z2007-11-28T07:17:39.790Z

As Lead Practitioners at Campion School, near Northampton, UK we aim to keep up to date with current changes in Education and to take a lead ourselves in shaping the future of schools and schooling.There is so much information and research going on in the world of education right now that it is hard to keep track of it all. You can stumble across a resource on the internet and think "I must get

Peter Slackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968023160180994399noreply@blogger.com0