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A Chance To Glimpse the Way Ahead May 26, 2008

Posted by Dave Cain in : Uncategorized , 2comments

I have just gone through my first HMI inspection and I have to admit it was a very worthwhile experience. Admittedly the weeks prior to the visit were somewhat tense as I had no previous experience of visits to draw on.  However the inspectors were quick to try and put people at their ease.  I had both a language and maths lesson observed but it was the feedback to these lessons and professional dialogue when I was out of class that was the most worthwhile. We talked about the CfE, assessment, feedback and stretching able pupils.  It was interesting to see the way that these influential individuals approached these topics and allowed me to perhaps get a glimpse on the way Scottish Education may be going in the future.

Numeracy Outcomes March 11, 2008

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Spent an enjoyable morning with some of my cluster colleagues, looking at the numeracy outcomes and seeing what opportunities there might be in tackling some of these outside of the traditional maths lesson.  It was a very productive morning with current practice and “off-the-wall” ideas being readily shared. We went our separate ways at lunch but have been tasked with building possible activities / outcomes into our plans for post Easter and actually trying to realise some of the opportunities in the classroom after the holiday.  We will be meeting again towards the end of the session to share our experiences and discuss what went well and what didn’t. We will be aiming to give some balanced feedback to our head teachers about what support will be needed to move this forward, what CPD might be needed and what barriers will need to be crossed.  It promises to be an eventful summer term! 

Comic Life & Maths Day March 9, 2008

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Used an excellent bit of software in the class to allow children to create their own photo-strips. Comic Life  http://plasq.com/comiclife/) is easy enough for children to use and gives a nice professional finish giving a positive boost to their self-esteem.  It certainly encouraged my group to write their own script, organise their props and costumes and actually choreograph their own photographic efforts. World maths day has now been and gone. In the run up to the actual day when connections were fast, this was a brilliant way to tap into children’s xbox live mentality and they absolutely loved playing against children from around the world. One of my girls said this was absolutely the best thing she had ever done in school! Certainly a glowing recommendation.  Sadly, the day itself proved frustrating - high user levels coupled with slow school connection speeds combining to make accessing the site and navigating through to the playing section an excruciatingly slow experience for all concerned.

Computer Crash & World Maths Day February 27, 2008

Posted by Dave Cain in : Uncategorized , 3comments

Computers are wonderful things when they work but when yours dies it certainly impacts adversely on all aspects of your life. Your children can’t get on MSN or download music, and you can’t saerch the net for resources or blog about your frustrations.

We compounded  the issue by simultaneously trying to change our broadband provider - that’s no simple task either. Anyway to cut a long story short after 4 weeks in the IT wilderness we are now back in business (although the girls have a months backlog of music downloads to catch up on!)

Just a plug for World Maths day - I have registered my class for the event and they are really fired up for Wednesday coming. They have even taken to doing extra maths in preparation for the event. That can’t be bad !

School Blogging January 21, 2008

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The staff have had a meeting regarding how we want to proceed with the school blog. This centred round some lively small and larger group discussions on what the desired direction of the blog should follow.  Some of the decisions taken were to ensure everyone contributed (minimum one post per month) and no-one took over (maximum one post per week). Teachers to try and produce coverage across the curriculum and not concentrate on specific topics. It was also felt that children’s work should be in a publishable format prior to posting.

I was keen to try and set up a class blog but it was felt we should try and build up some consistency, confidence and expertise across the school before we try and extend the blog further. It is refreshing to see the blog being a prime focus for the school and hopefully the changes we have identified will help parents and carers find the blog a more interesting and varied source of information.

Useful Site for ASfL resources January 9, 2008

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I know it’s been sometime since my last post but a new job (in mid term) and a Christmas show to organise certainly eats into available time. I think I`ve caught up now though!

The website www.asl.scot.nhs.uk  is clearly designed for children who would benefit from ASfL. However I have found that some of the resources, with only minor customisation, are a useful tool to use with children of poorer attainment. It’s worth giving the site the once over.

MGS Duke of Edinburgh Awards November 7, 2007

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I’m just back from Musselburgh Grammar School where S4 pupils were presented with their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards. The pupils ran the presentation, all doing their own part, explaining to the audience what the award involved and some of the activities they had undertaken.  I was really impressed with the confidence they all possessed.  I’m grateful there seem to be many opportunities for extra-curricular activities at MGS so that pupils are given the opportunity to develop important life skills as well as academic ones. These awards in particular cover a range of valuable skills.  Well done everyone!

Variety is the spice of life! September 25, 2007

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One of the benefits of having 4 students on placement is that it frees you up to do other things.  This afternoon I was doing some training on blog-writing and then had the opportunity to cover one of the infant classes. While it is strange for me to be in a classroom and not know the children’s names or routines (this must be what supply is like) I thoroughly enjoyed the variety. I just wish I had more time to get to grips with the interactive whiteboard.  I believe one is coming to nursery later this year - it can’t come soon enough for me!

That Was the Year That Was June 29, 2007

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And what a quick year it has been. Looking back, while it has been a steep learning curve, thanks to my mentor and all the support from the staff at Pencaitland, I feel I’m much better equipped than this time last year. Even although I completed the PGDE and so ’learnt’ the theory a full years classroom experience has given me the practical side to go with it. 

I’ll be sorry to leave Pencaitland, as everyone has been great, but I’m looking forward to next year’s adventure at Prestonpans. Working in the nursery will be a different challenge, with even more to learn, and hopefully I’ll adapt to the different learning environment.  I was there on Thursday meeting the staff and they all made me feel very welcome.  Roll on August, no doubt I’ll let you know how it goes.

Camp - The Aftermath June 26, 2007

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Have just discovered the downside of being at camp in the second last week of term.  I have only a week to tidy my cupboards, strip the classroom, and corridor, of all the displays and children’s work, and make sure that everything which hasn’t to be kept for next year goes home with the children. It seems to take longer to take all the stuff down than it did to put up, and that was long enough! It’s possibly worse for probationers (and those teachers moving schools) because they can’t put anything off until the in-service days next year! 

In a perverse sort of way it’s only as I strip back the classroom to the bare walls that I fully appreciate just what a difference a colourful, engaging and interesting classroom can make. The closest analogy is like your living room after the Christmas decorations are packed away! The room seems bare and lifeless.

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