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School input into the launch meeting programme
October 2007
Lead Teacher and Lead School
Helen Weatherspoon, Saddleworth School, Oldham
Main objectives of the network
- to build on the work of primary schools and the KS2 Framework to create a smooth transition form KS2-3 and to raise standards across both key stages
- to improve KS3 learners’ speaking and listening skills
- to improve KS3 learners’ reading and writing skills
- to explore the use of Asset Languages as a means of motivating learners
How many schools are involved in the network?
Five.
Description of how the network was launched:
It was decided that Saddleworth School, a Language College, would host the day long launch meeting on Friday 28th September 2007. The LA Lead Professional (Kit Thorne) organised the programme in conjunction with the Lead Teacher and the Language College Director (Steph Bateman). Alison Edwards (SNS) was invited to lead some of the sessions.
All schools were asked what they would like to include in the programme and were asked to bring along their Request for Information forms and an outline of where they think their strengths and areas for development lie within their own departments. This was with a view to sharing good practice.
Please download the programme for the day (rtf, 7KB).
Any advice you may give to others looking to set up a network:
Keep the network small enough to be manageable. The limited amount of money means that it is important to be realistic about what can be achieved.
Briefly, what are the future plans of the network?
These were the ideas stated in the action plan and following the day’s launch, it was decided that the second meeting will be held in a different school and that the focus will be on the use of Asset Languages (a speaker from Asset has been invited to attend) and on transfer and transition from KS2-3. Colleagues were given some materials to use in order to research the SNS 'Transfer and Transition' online nugget and will bring their findings to the next session.
- We will hold a series of 7 network meetings. The first and last will be whole day sessions and the 5 in-between will be held in twilight sessions. These will be run jointly by the LA Lead Professional and/or the Lead Teacher from our Lead School, with support from the Regional Trainer and from schools in the network.
- We will use the online KS3 materials to focus the discussion in meetings.
- We have already established an email discussion group.
- The LA Lead Professional will put together materials related to coaching for network members.
- Network members will visit each other’s schools during the project to undertake action research, peer observation and joint planning (“learning walks”).
