Summary of Learning Team Meetings

This summary was sent out to all the Year 8 and 9 teacher to prepare them for the next meeting:

8 LT1 – Last Meeting: Tricia shared her unit on comparing two civilisations. Included ideas of student choice (e.g. essay topic), variety of presentations, gender balance, scaffolding, feedback sheets; Helen shared her “faith in action” review of charitable organisations unit in RE. Included random groups (sometimes a good option for short term activities) and “lucky dips” for the charity i.e. little choice. Students had to champion their charity. They were assessed on cooperative skills and their presentation.

It was suggest that two others shared a success in their teaching, using the “success” protocol.

8LT2 – Craig shared his “Revision/Test/Revision/Test” methodology to help develop revision skills. This helped give students feedback on their revision techniques. Jason shared the cross – curriculum “Pedal Prix” unit developed with Tricia. We furthered discussed test preparation techniques such as: Look, Cover, Write, Check, Flash cards, asking questions of a partner (sometimes called “See Saw”), active reading, students creating almost daily revision sheets. We decided that we would trial test preparation and get data to compare how students went. So bring samples folks.

9LT1 – Discussion of what “X” factor in student work makes for an “A” standard. Jess shared her work on developing “sophisticated” poetry. Sophisticated skills included: appropriate technique and terms, abstract language, complex vocabulary. Use of metaphor, simile, alliteration, onomatopoeia and ? (There was a fifth technique). Reading is important in helping develop sophistication. Suggested that “every Year 8 and 9 carry a novel with them to all lessons” [where possible]. Also, keep sophisticated work to show other students. Students need to do the unpredictable/original/unique to improve their standard of responses.

[On Reflection: This only needs a little bit of work to become a useful document for all teachers to help improve the sophistication of student answers].

It was suggest that two others shared a success in their teaching, using the “success” protocol.

9LT2 – Looked at the use of Rubrics for assessment. Paula presented one’s she had used for practicals and tests. The test rubric had been used twice and was useful to see if students had improved in their skills. Lengthy discussion of individual assessment during group tasks. Use of the ePortfolio. We will work further on the Rubrics (Test/Research – Gerald, Orals –Paula, Practicals – Emily, Clint – Movies. Aim was to trial a Rubric and bring back feedback to the next meeting.