DC Snippets
Snippets of useful T&L stuff from our school #LoveLearningDC
Welcome to the first edition of 'DC Snippets' - a short and snappy fortnightly publication that shares some of the practice from our classrooms and corridors. We will focus on sharing resources, tips, hints and ideas linked to teaching and learning, and building positive relationships with our learners. Stay tuned!
Loving the love for Rubrics in PE
Colourful, attractive, succinct and accessible. PE have overhauled their use of Rubrics for every topic at KS4. They have adopted the headings of 'New Starter', 'Developing', 'Semi-Professional', and 'Professional'. They are also linked to GCSE grades. Check out the Google Drive link or speak to Alice Wilkinson to explore further.
'Proud of my Selfie'
Don't forget to send learners to KD's office for special achievements regarding effort, progress or learning dispositions. Check out the link on the blog here
'Accountability Talk'
Great to see the use of oracy stems in Rachel Sharples' History classroom to develop the sophistication of source analysis. Easily adaptable for any subject. Click here
'Door notice board'
Potentially 'low energy, high impact' stuff! Notice board on the classroom door for Nick Slack's tutor group and class homework. Love it!
Flexible Grouping
It was great to see Daniel Sacre's use of flexible grouping in his Y10 lesson. He brought a group of the higher achieving learners into the middle of the classroom to develop a concept in Physics.
Connect activities
Check out this resource of different Connect phase activities from the recent breakfast CPD session. Thank you to WCPS for the compilation. Click here for access
Supportive display
We love how the washing line in Jenny Sherrif's classroom is used to promote quotes from Romeo and Juliet. How can our classroom environments *actively* support the intended learning outcomes and standards?
Circles
Mark Finnis mentioned the benefits of using 'circles' in lessons for discussions and equal air time. Good to see Ann Jones using the approach to engage her Y11s in Romeo and Juliet this week.
Thinklink iPad App
ThingLink is a great app for the Activate phase. This example highlights a differentiated approach via colour coded groups from Kirsty Vickers. Fantastic idea KV!
Learning Journies
Its been great to see staff engaging with the CPD opportunities on offer at DC. Check out Kerry Greville's example from the Peer Critique T&L session. How are you recording your own learning journey at DC?
Science blog post - Conserving the Earth's resources.
When you watch the video below, I think you will agree with James about the importance of conserving the Earth's resources. See the original blog post here. Lovely work Lucy Owen!
Y8 Earth's Resources
Learning environment highlight: Amie Hudson's Art Classroom
Amie's classroom blends supportive pedagogical approaches with an exhibition of the work that is produced in there. The photos don't capture the culture or ethos, so feel free to pop into the Creative wing to talk about the approaches that are used on a daily basis.
Other snippets of useful T&L stuff
Classtools Timer
Never under-estimate the power of a countdown clock in your lessons. Consider using this during periods of productivity and when insisting on focused work time.
Music for productivity
As modelled in SDM meetings, calm and peaceful music can support periods of productivity. Music is increasingly being used across DC to signal focused independent work. Check this out for examples that may help.
#LoveLearningDC
Twitter can be really useful for finding and sharing useful ideas about teaching and learning. Whether you are actively contributing or simply 'lurking' in the background, please use #LoveLearningDC
SPOTLIGHT: Professional Development Day 05.09.16
Check out the brief video overview from the PDD on Monday 5th Sept. Kate explored some of the key themes for the new year which revolved around building genuine and authentic relationships with our learners, ensuring that we are insistent regarding teacher instructions in class, and the need to have precision in everything that we do.
Darton College PDD - 05.09.16
In the following SDM Jamie dissected Kate's session from the PDD and highlighted how she had modelled some of the key teaching processes that we need to develop across our school: flexible grouping, 'no opt out' strategies, productivity, challenge, precision, insistency and the importance of discerning teachers. Feel free to arrange a discussion with Jamie or Kate about the approaches that were used, or pop into their offices for an impromptu chat.
Induction Website
Have you seen our Induction website? It contains useful information for all of the new staff and School Direct trainees. It focuses on key messages that are important for our school culture, and important details on T&L, behaviour, assessment and the recent induction event. Watch the brief video from the site below on Kate talking about the qualities of great teachers.
DC Induction 2016 - Kate Davies on qualities of a Great Teacher
About Us
Email: jportman@dartoncollege.co.uk
Website: http://dartoncollege.co.uk/
Location: Darton College, Ballfield Lane, Darton, Barnsley, United Kingdom
Phone: 01226 382568
Twitter: @Darton_College