Ed Offer

Exam feedback

Tue, 16 May 2006 11:39:40GMT

The S4 History exams were sat yesterday. Afterwards, the students seemed to think that the Credit paper was easier than previous papers. Was this because of the questions, or the fact that one was about a poster I had coincidentally shown them only 2 weeks before!!

I also thought the credit paper was a good one what did other History teachers think?

Support for Learning Transcription

Tue, 16 May 2006 11:33:17GMT

Spent a rewarding few hours yesterday helping the Support For Learning team transcribe a pupils General and Credit History paper. Id recommend everyone to have a go at helping out as I really got a feel for how the student went about their responses.

I also got to see first-hand how the excellent Support for Learning team here deal so admirably with students special arrangements at exam time.

ICT Tutorials

Tue, 16 May 2006 11:28:06GMT

This looks like a really good resource for anyone looking to start or brush up on using Word or Power-point.

The on-line tutorials seem concise and easy to try out. http://www.reviseict.co.uk/lessons/index.shtml

Learners entitlements

Tue, 16 May 2006 11:22:26GMT

The aforementioned session also introduced to the group what could potentially become a very valuable set of learner entitlements. These aimed to set out key things we should be doing as teachers and things we too can expect as learners. It got us thinking about our own teaching and practice, and the fact that we are constantly learning and changing.

Coincidentally I was asked as an NQT to observe a lesson as part of an internal review of a departments practice and these learner entitlements formed the basis of the observation criteria. The form itself was too small and did not allow for detailed comments but the idea was great and really got me thinking as well. The lesson by the way was really good and I saw pupils who I teach take on a totally different attitude to the tasks..mental note: must do many more observations next year!

Teaching and Learning Review

Tue, 16 May 2006 11:16:14GMT

Spent the morning at Musselburgh discussion Teaching and Learning with fellow Primary and Secondary probationers in East Lothian. As Don has mentioned in his Blog of the session, the small group discussion was really interesting but was cut short to make time for the whole group-discussion.

Our group came up with some really good issues, particularly facing P7 to S1 transistion.

We agreed that teachers at S1 needed better knowledge of what topics and what type of activities Primary pupils had been doing prior to the August start-date. This has to be carefully collated so as not to damage the level of autonomy over lessons rightly enjoyed by Primary teachers, but it would enable secondary teachers to stretch students at S1.

A case in point: Ive just got back course evaluation forms from our current S1 cohort and many of them have stated that they found certain bits boring because they had already covered them at Primary. The problem for us is that only some of our feeder primaries have covered these topics so they have to get taught at S1.

Don put forward the idea that Secondary should become more like Primary school. The initial reaction of most secondary teachers on Thursday was what about my subject? I myself feel that my subject could come under threat if a primary approach is taken. Not enough History is taught in schools as it is, and there is a danger that the subject is consumed by more topic-led projects.

Nevertheless, the challenge for secondary teachers is to understand Primary teaching and take best practice from it. The emphasis on individuals having responsibility for their own learning pace and level is certainly something which can be forgotten in secondary, as there the emphasis is on covering the curriculum in hour lesson chunks.

Will look forward to reading the feedback from the session.

Lots to think about anyone got any other comments/ideas?

BELA

Tue, 16 May 2006 11:13:12GMT

Have a cracking sun burnt face today having been on the hills as part of East Lothian Councils BELA course. This weekend was the course assessment and Im chuffed to report that everyone in the group passed.

The course has been a big commitment with a lot of hours, including two entire weekends away. However, it has been incredibly rewarding and Ive now got the confidence and qualification to take groups out on expeditions.

The 13 strong group consisted of teachers and council workers and became a superb team everyone got on like a house on fire and worked to each others strengths and weaknesses. Cheers and well-done to all involved, especially Liz Brookes who ran it admirably. I really recommend it to anyone who is interested in outdoor activities, no matter what your previous experience.

We had a real mix of abilities from complete novices to experienced Munro-baggers and have all reached the required level whilst having a great time.

Ill post some pics of our sun-kissed weekend on Arran when I get them, but maybe not the one of my face at the moment I got the worst cramp in my life climbing North Goatfell!!

If you are in East Lothian here is the link for next years brochure:

Television.the drug of the nation?

Tue, 16 May 2006 11:01:16GMT

Further to my previous blog, Ive been watching adverts for Big Brother with despair how can they put on another dross series just when my Higher students ought to be revising?!! The fate of the nation in the hands of Endemol and it is not looking good!

Oops, got to go.Lost is on.

EXAM UPDATE

Tue, 16 May 2006 10:55:15GMT

All quiet on the blogging front from me for a while. Im finding it difficult to sit down and reflect on a very busy few weeks. Now that the S4 and Higher students are away on exam leave, Ive got more time on my hands.

Getting the students prepared to sit their exams with confidence was certainly a difficult time. Some students failed to realise the speed at which time can pass and were quite happy to leave things to the last minute.

Although we can all be accused of having left things late in the past, could it be that one of the most important skills of exam-time is organisation? Many students do not seem to prioritise their revision above the myriad of social events vying for a sixteen year-olds time.

End of Term

Fri, 31 Mar 2006 08:08:51GMT

Everyone is looking towards the Easter break with frazzled brains and low batteries. Ive found this term particularly fraut as I am, in-part, responsible for the imminent exam responses of two Standard Grade classes and one Higher class. Getting students motivated and focused on the exams is really stressful. Weve upped the homework quota and have got time to focus on skills revision after the Easter-break. Students themselves are looking down, and this is not helped by the amount of work Ive given them over the break!! Nevertheless, they have to do the work and I cant hold their hand, no matter how responsible I feel.

I certainly remember exam time well all those years ago! I thought four weeks was an age and I had plenty of time, only to let time slip and rush everything at the last minute. I hope I can influence them to get organised asap if they have not already done so.

Rugby Final

Fri, 31 Mar 2006 08:03:50GMT

Attended theAttended the Scottish Rugby Schools Bowl Final at Murrayfield last night where Dunbar 1st XV succeeded in winning a superb game. Along with many other teachers, parents and pupils, my voice is hoarse this morning from shouting and cheering.

The team battled heroically to win, after being under great pressure for much of the second-half. It was a great game to watch and the whole school is celebrating proudly today. Well done lads!!

Learn4real

Fri, 31 Mar 2006 07:58:29GMT

Found this new YHA site which is tailored to helping teachers and Youth Leaders plan trips to Youth Hostel locations in England and Wales.

Colleagues down south might find the site useful. Anyone know of anything similar in Scotland?

Ive stayed a few YHAs over the years (there is a lovely one in Coniston!) and can recommend their facilities and price. You even get a free night prior to your stay to reccy the area!!

Interview thoughts

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 14:44:31GMT

Id like to offer some thoughts about my interview experience - hope this is helpful and not patronsing for those awaiting interview.

It is well worth investing the time preparing hard understand all the current issues surrounding your subject, as well as government initiatives such as Curriculum for Excellence, Assessment for Learning, National Priorities and others.

Moreover, try to explore where you or your subject fit in with these initiatives and give examples of your own good practice for each question.

The DGS NQTs got together and had a discussion about interviews and concluded that being yourself; enthusiastic, smiley, and being openly passionate about teaching is really important.

Here is a top 10 dos for interviews I gleaned from colleagues:

1. Be you passionate and enthusiastic

2. Smile!

3. Be confident

4. Seek to engage the interviewers - maintain eye contact

5. Answer the Question posed, not the theme of the Question

6. Use your experience to back up theoretical points

7. Be specific dont give vague examples

8. Tell the panel why you want this job, not just a job.

9. Research the school you are (hopefully) going to be working in.

10. Talk about your personal values

Really hope this helps people get the next job and future jobs!!

The future

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 14:41:59GMT

These past few weeks Ive been focused on getting a job at the end of my probationary year (* there is always an excuse for not keeping up to date on the blog!). Im really chuffed to say that after the interview process I was offered a job at Dunbar Grammar!

Thanks go to all friends and colleagues who offered excellent tips and concrete advice for the whole application / interview process, as well as for their support and encouragement.

BELA course

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 14:34:57GMT

Have had the first two sessions of the BELA course run by East Lothian Outdoor Education Dept. It has been good fun so far, with a really enthusiastic mixed group of East Lothian Council staff. Apart from satisfying the my urge to get out among the hills now and then, it should also allow me to get involved in D of E at Dunbar as well as gain the organisational, leadership skills and confidence needed to take my subject classes out on field trips e.g. Hadrians wall.

Friday was spent orienteering around Bonally country park, and yes I did get lost but then making mistakes is all part of learning right?! Also realised I am not as physically fit as my mind thinks I am must get to the gym some time this week!!

As mentioned before, Im a huge believer in learning from experience ( see here for more theoretical info ) and this course opens up possibilities of experiential teaching in my career.

Cashless catering

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 14:31:47GMT

Never having cash in my pockets and running on empty all day should now be a thing of the past! DGS is piloting on-line cashless bistro payment to let us hungry teachers top-up our ID cards with credit.

Ive tried it and it worked well, although it does take a days turnaround for the info onto get to the bistro staff books so think ahead!

S1-S3 Debating club

Tue, 28 Feb 2006 19:26:54GMT

Had a really successful innaugral meeting of the S1-S3 debating club on Monday lunchtime. There are 3 teachers involved ( EFell, MRobertson and myself). We were a bit worried in case only a couple of pupils turned up as there is plenty of healthy competition at DGS for extra-curricular activities. However, it was a great turn-out - over 18 pupils with more being shoe-horned in for future debates.

We discussed the formal debate process, showed them some initial debate topics and had a secret ballot. The first debate next week is 'This house believes T.V. is a waste of time' and almost all of the folk at the meeting put their hands up to be the first teams to go head to head - superb! I'll let you know the result !- although the audience are to vote on the team making the best case and competently answering questions, rather than what they themselves believe.

Both EF and myself are meeting the proposition / opposition group on Thursday to give them minimal guidance, but they seem to be keen to get going which is excellent news. If anyone is interested in setting a club up let me know and I can offer advice/ a starter pack. Also have a look at the Debatabase for topics as well as excellent resources for Modern studies (thanks for this link Gill).

Cheers go to GClark for handing over the activity and helping us out. Moreover, his efforts to take debating to Dunbar Primary has really paid off for us, as lots of the S1 pupils had taken part in a debate before.

Higher Prelims

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 11:52:31GMT

Higher students are currently sitting their prelims and its a nervous time for the pupils and me. Thoughts vary greatly from: they should be able to answer that type of question to should I have told them about Chamberlains diary entry where he stated ! In other words it has been challenging to encourage them to be individual learners without spoon-feeding them the course and the answers.

Their History prelim is next week good luck folks!!

Experiential Learning #2

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 11:50:25GMT

Very useful internal CPD course this week run by the ubiquitous Mr. Bray. Yes there are numerous forms to fill in for varying types of trips. However, the admin is essential, and the act of filling in risk-assessments, EEPs, EEN1s, PC1s and AA1s does get you to think through all potential issues with the trip.

To my mind, learning from reflected experience is an enjoyable and crucial part of education. We remember things we have done much more than things we have said, and far more than words we have written. Teachers should not be put off from taking kids out and giving them opportunities to learn from their experience just because of the latest newspaper scare-story about litigious parents.

Sixties Mania!!

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 11:47:55GMT

Really chuffed this week as have started teaching the S2 Sixties course that I have been developing for the past few months. Its been a great exercise for me as Ive liaised with the Support for Learning Dept. (Cheers DP!) and learnt a great deal about differentiation, which is crucial when designing a unit.

The S2s seem really up for it and I even dragged in DGS primary source on the Beatles A Hepburn (she went to George Harrisons house for tea dont you know!!).

School ethos

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 11:46:38GMT

Continually impressed that all DGS staff remain positive even when there are increased issues at school. There was a quick response by SMT and other staff to resolve problems and at the same time make staff-room feel confident, appreciated and part of a team. Feels that there is always a good vibe in the staff-room and no sense of division between colleagues in all areas.