During term 1 we have spent time looking at the start and the end of lessons, to engage the students at the start of the lessons and to reinforce the learning at the end of the lessons. We have looked at research, various techniques and shared different ways in which this could be achieved.
During term 1, every teacher had 3 other teachers visit their classroom to observe the start and the end of the lessons. During these peer observations, teachers shared practice and developed how we can create good routines to benefit the learning of the students. All observations have been documented and after this first term, below are the findings. Strategies used to start a lesson (Engage students):
Strategies used to finish a lesson (consolidate and reinforce learning):
Fundamental to managing pupil behaviour during starters and plenaries are rigorous planning and the appropriate use of a range of interactive teaching strategies. I believe every minute in the classroom is important and a well-planned lesson helps the next teacher when the students arrive to their lesson. Successful interactive starters (Start of lesson) and plenaries (End of lesson) During successful interactive starters and plenaries:
We look forward to developing this further and then sharing with you our focus for Term 2 in the classroom.
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This year at Austin Heights, we have encouraged student to get involved in leading Assemblies at school. Students talk about international events, celebrations and areas of interest to the rest of the school in assemblies. This helps build valuable presentation skills, public speaking skills and also develops their use of English vocabulary. One of the main positives in student-led assemblies is seeing their confidence and self-esteem improve as they take the responsibility of articulating their thoughts over a range of subjects. Bringing the community together to listen to each other builds respect, their character and a friendly togetherness.
Its a great way to start the week. So far we have covered:
Our teachers have done a great job so far in coaching and encouraging the students when they present. The role of the teacher to help support the students when presenting, guides them through any questions they might have and also enables them to have ownership over their own learning: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-centered-learning-environments-paul-bogdan Having implemented this in previous schools, I am always interested to see how the students sitting, watch the presentations closely and learn about what they will do differently or the same when they have a chance to speak. Everyone is involved in our student-led assemblies to help create the best learning opportunities possible. On Monday morning, we had a special assembly with both the Primary and Secondary school students in attendance. We celebrated the success of the IGCSE students in the summer, and welcomed our new prefects and student council for this academic year.
We are very proud of the achievements of our Year 11 students and this was a wonderful occasion to acknowledge their successes of the summer exams. As you can see, we invited the parents of the families to join in during this event and also showed our appreciation for the support from the Year 11 teachers. The prefects entered together in front of the entire school in an impressive entrance and then took the new oath, showing their commitment to be role models for our school. Our Student council also took an oath, demonstrating their willingness to listen and support all students in our community. This was a great way to start the school week and give fantastic leadership opportunities to our students. We hope this event, inspires others in their academic studies and to get involved in the student council and prefect teams in the future. Our staff and Students have a fantastic on Saturday at the 'Leadership and Motivational Camp'. This was held at Golf Resort and our students enjoyed the wonderful facilities to work together and developed their collaboration, leadership and problem-solving skills.
With many activities organised by the teachers, this was a fun-packed day with the students enthusiastic and excited about working together and also in competition in various events. We left at the end of the day with a clearer idea of what good leadership entails and also how leadership can be about listening to others as well as having the confidence to get involved. I look forward to seeing how our students use these leadership skills over this year at school. We are very proud of our Student Council and Prefects and believe they play a very important role in the school community. This was a great way to support their leadership development, understanding and respect when working with others. Congratulations to everyone involved and a big thank you to all staff who arranged this experience for our students. |
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