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Self Evaluation Forms: who do they help?

Libby Reid — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:01:02 +0000

Following our incredibly long governors meeting last week, I have set about looking through the SEF. Ideally, I should have done this beforehand, but I'd only had time for a skim through it. It was rather evident that most (all non-teaching, probably) governors had not spent a great deal of time reading it. So, when there was discussion of which governors would be available to meet any Ofsted inspectors when they come later in the year, I offered to go through the SEF and summarise the key points for all governors.

Training new SENCos

The Fielder — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:58:11 +0000

I spent the afternoon delivering a session on the 21st Century SENCo to colleagues in my Local Authority undertaking the SENCo Certificate course. Our LA has run this course for the past few years, and with the advent of a mandatory qualification I am sure other LAs are considering developing training that supports the new qualification (if they don’t offer something already).

Keeping it positive!

Libby Reid — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:04:17 +0000

Last week, someone told me that children hear at least ten negatives to one positive. "Rubbish," I thought. Then I thought about some of the people I hear dealing with their children in the supermarket or in other public places and I thought "Ok, maybe some, but not my kids." I know something about the power of language and I try to be as positive as I can when talking to and about my children (I did the same when I was teaching). I also know that I don't get it right all the time. But I thought that it wouldn't hurt to double my efforts.

Parent Voice

Mrs OC — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:04:28 +0000

My busy but positive week continued with a Parents Forum on Tuesday evening.

This wasn’t my project so all I had to do was turn up and help respond to parents questions.

The school gave updates on various projects, fed back on progress since the last project and then invited parents to discuss ‘whatever they wanted’ in small groups before feeding back.

Keeping pupils motivated

Mrs OC — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:50:35 +0000

Following my earlier post about my "G1" borderline cohort I've been giving some thought to some of the other Year 11 students.

How was it for you? Children in Need Day, that is.

Libby Reid — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:46:03 +0000

Like many schools across the land, ours had a non-uniform day to raise funds for Children in Need. Actually, I think that the Year 2s chose a local children's charity to give the money they raised to. In the initial letter that came out to parents, it was to be dressing up as either famous sports stars or famous pop stars.

The rise of educational neuroscience

The Fielder — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:32:51 +0000

As I read a fascinating article on teachingexpertise, discussing the narrowing gap between ‘brain-sciences’ and education, I thought about my own personal interest in the subject – firstly as a teacher and now as a SENCo.

Coasting schools

Libby Reid — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:13:07 +0000

Too many schools are coasting according to Ed Balls, and they will be added to those in the National Challenge that are not getting good enough results. Luckily, it seems that this time they will not be named and shamed, so that demotivating aspect appears to have been removed. But secondary schools that have been labelled 'satisfactory' and whose results lie in the middle of the average national results for GCSE grades A*-C are those that will be targeted. They will get support in improving standards and financial support as well.

Getting staff's goodwill

Mrs OC — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:14:18 +0000

Today’s Think Positive staff briefing will again include music.

It’s Feel Good inc by Gorrilaz as we will be having our second Feel Good Friday tomorrow.

Borderline pupils

Mrs OC — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:03:26 +0000

I am having a very positive week.

Last week I re-launched the intervention group for Year 11 pupils who are ‘borderline’ i.e. at risk of not getting 5 A*-C grades or equivalent at GCSE.

We will support and monitor them closely until the mock exams to get realistic grades and also get to know precisely what support they will need to be successful in their qualifications.