Big, bright and data
We have taken a very simple English and Maths spreadsheet and blown it in our staff room for all our staff to see. On the Y axis, Maths working at grade, on the X axis, English working at grade. Each ID …
What % of outstanding schools have below average ability intake?
What percentage of outstanding schools have below average ability intake? It is a good question, isn’t it. What percentage of Outstanding schools have below average ability intake? Without the limitation of 140 characters “What percentage of Ofsted Outstanding rated schools …
Leaving the flight deck
Having a strategy, having a destination, is not enough. You need to have a timeline that shows when each of these steps will take place, and when each prototype will become more solid, should they prove successful. These tools enable …
Better inspection for all
I think most educators remember that “really” moment, when they were learnt that feedback with grades is pretty pointless. It confirmed what we have seen over and over again in our classrooms. Back in 2010 I wrote “Grade Less. Assess More.” It was …
Learning observations – ironing out the creases
In late 2018, instructional coaching was being heavily promoted. As far as I can see, it is very similar to the proposed model of professional development explored below.* (notes added 08.01.19) With Hattie on side – we started designing the new …
Learning observation – change the lens
Few are mourning the loss of graded lesson observations. Following the grading storm, the clouds are clearing, with approximately a quarter half of schools having moved away from grading lesson observations, unofficially that is. High up on an inaccessible shelf, in SLT offices across the country, …
The custard campaign
This is my second year Championing the “Cover it in Custard” campaign. We delivered the session to all Year 11 pupils (yes, all of them) Friday Period 5 & 6. It was set up as a mix of team building, thinking tasks and CUSTARD …
Helping parents, help students, helps you
In previous years we have held parents and carer workshops on “How to help your child revise.” This year, with Y11 parents evening our Principal asked if we could put some resources together to help them, help their child revise. With …