Acklam Grange School held its second love learning project at the end of this summers term. Both teaching and non-teaching staff were tasked with having to learn a new skill. The only stipulation being that it couldn’t be anything to do with teaching. It’s important to remember what it was like to be a child and learn a challenging new skill. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.
In light of this coming weeks AGSInspire, I thought I would write my own views on stretching the challenge for all students. It is a common belief as soon as the words challenge are heard this is just for the gifted and talented and most able of students. However I'm of the opinion all students should have the opportunity to make rapid relative progress and be stretched and challenged to achieve their upmost best.
I was asked at short notice to present at NAMA 2015 conference on the 7th March on the importance of social media and blogging. With just over a week to turn the presentation around, it was ironic that I turned to some of my key twitter followers to ask for advice. After speaking with @ICTEvangelist in depth and @TeamTait I felt confident on how to start, thank you for your help and support gentlemen.
As many of my followers are aware, I said goodbye to my old school at the start of the Holidays. I am moving to join @TeamTait amongst others at Acklam Grange School as Maths Lead Practitioner. I have to say this is a big opportunity I am really excited about, (Literally I’ve been chomping at the bit to get started, 3 days to go *jumps up and down excitedly*). I’d kept my eyes open for a while for the next step in my career, though making the decision to move schools was not undertaken lightly. It feels like going off to university all over again, but maybe part of my attachment issue is because the school I've just left was the school I went to as child.
Every child does matter not just every grade.
Pupil Premium, bridging the gap, closing the gap, whatever you want to call it, is a matter at the heart of most primary and secondary schools across England. Everyone is looking for the ‘magic cure’, if you do x, y and z the gap will close and your results will increase tenfold. Unfortunately there is no such thing out there and it is not a one size fits all solution in terms of schools and students who are classed under the pupil premium category. So, it then makes sense that there isn't a blanket ‘cure’ to close the gap.
“Miss B is always coming up with great new ideas. I have been delighted to work with her on linking numeracy and literacy”
Simon Blower
@simonpobble
Co Founder of pobble.com
“Makes Maths interesting, relevant and accessible.”
Mark Anderson
@ICTEvangelist
Author of ‘Perfect ICT Every Lesson’ and international speaker.
www.EducationEvangelist.Com
“Maths teachers looking for inspiration and quality resources? Look no further than @MissBsResources.”
Jon Tait
@Teamtait
Olympic torch bearer, deputy head teacher and international speaker.
www.edutait.co.uk