An infusion of teaching and learning strategies - Sacred Heart RC Primary School, Grangemouth, Falkirk

This workshop gave a brief indication of how we are infusing the above strategies throughout the curriculum.  We had previously used this approach in problem solving and writing and this session we have moved on to reading.  This approach is part of the way that we are beginning to address the four capacities of A Curriculum for Excellence.

The Conference

Voting tools were used to gather views from delegates on how their establishment approached the teaching of these strategies.

The workshop was originally designed to allow delegates time to work with a ‘talking partner’ and try out some of the strategies, unfortunately, due to larger than anticipated numbers and lack of time, this was not practical.  The responses from delegates were very positive and most felt that they had had gained some new ideas which could be used in their establishment.

In School

Our staff have reported that the strategies are working very well in classrooms.  Children enjoy the variety and their skills in effective questioning, collaborative group work and self and peer assessment are steadily improving.  The children’s ability to talk knowledgably about these strategies was remarked on by a recent HMIE District Inspector.

Teachers have felt that they have benefited from having ‘teaching talking partners’.  Observing and discussion of each other’s lessons has given teachers time to reflect on their own style and how they can learn, just as the children do, from each other.  They have also begun to use a ‘learning journal’ to record thoughts and reflections.

There was a very positive response from delegates and a few have since contacted me for copies of the presentation or for additional information.

I am happy to accommodate any further requests.

You can find out more about this project at Sacred Heart RC Primary School from Cathy Quinn, Headteacher.

Email – catherine.quinn@falkirk.gov.uk

Telephone – 01324 508730