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1. Are the SNS e-learning nuggets (epids) related to the original MFL Framework
of Objectives?
2. How many nuggets (epids) are there? updated Mar '08
3. How can I get the SNS DVD ROM Coaching in secondary schools? updated July '08
4. Where else can I find out about coaching?
5. How can I find out about Strategic Learning Networks in my area?
6. How can I contact my local authority Lead Professionals?
7. What are the qualities of a lead school?
8. Is it too late for my school to join a network?
9. What is the role of the Regional Trainer?
10. How do Lead Teachers access the network funding?
11. As a Lead Teacher, can my work for the Programme be accredited?
12. What are the KS3 national attainment results for languages?
13. How is this Programme linked to the new secondary curriculum? new Feb '08
14. Are there any recent publications relevant to this Programme?
1. Are the SNS e-learning nuggets related to the original MFL Framework of Objectives?
Yes, they bring together the principles of the MFL Framework of Objectives, the core and optional training materials, as well as the overarching principles of the Secondary National Strategy.
2. How many nuggets are there?
16 nuggets are accessible on the National Strategies website. They are
Planning using the MFL Framework
• Using the MFL Framework
• Planning lessons
MFL-specific pedagogy
• Practice
• Target language
• Creativity
Generic pedagogy issues
• Questioning
• Starters
• Plenaries
• Assessment for learning
• Modelling
Whole school issues
• Thinking skills
• Literacy and learning
• ICT
• Transfer and transition
• Coaching
• Motivation and participation new Mar '08
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3. How can I get the SNS DVD ROM Coaching in secondary schools?
The DVD ROM was sent to secondary schools in England. It is also available from DCSF publications department. Ref. 0115-2006DVD-EN. Contact DCSF publications by phone: 0845 60 222 60, or email dcsf@prolog.uk.com. There is also a newly developed MFL-specific coaching online resource, which is available from the National Strategies website.
4. Where else can I find out about coaching?
Many schools are already using models of coaching and co-coaching to support the continued professional development of their staff.
The Secondary National Strategy has produced in dec 2007 an online coaching module, to develop over time teachers’ skills and strategies in coaching and other forms of collaborative professional learning, such as mentoring, class visits, joint planning, informal peer discussion, and small group sessions and meetings.
It has been designed with maximum flexibility so that users can select a specific aspect, feature or skill and work to improve it. Though the module can be used by individuals, for the purpose of applying the knowledge and skills covered, it works best when used by pairs, trios or groups of teachers from within languages and across subjects.
The DCSF produced a pack in 2003 called ‘Sustaining improvement: A suite of modules on Coaching, Running networks and Building capacity’. Ref: DCSF 0565-2003 G. Contact DCSF publications by phone: 0845 60 222 60, or email dcsf@prolog.uk.com
Further information can be found on the following websites:
• The Mentoring and Coaching National Framework and links to resources are available from The Centre for the Use of Research and Evidence in Education (CUREE);
• The NCSL publication 'Leading Coaching in Schools' is a practical guide to the Mentoring and Coaching National Framework - National College for School Leadership (NCSL);
• Case studies and good practice on TeacherNet;
• Information on CPD, including an explanation of your local school workforce adviser from The Teaching and Development Agency (TDA);
• Reflections on the NCSL publication by the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE)
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5. How can I find out about Strategic Learning Networks in my area?
You can either contact your local authority MFL adviser or National Strategies adviser or you could also contact the Regional Trainer in your Comenius region. See the SLN page for a list of Lead Schools organised by local authority.
6. How can I contact my local authority Lead Professionals?
Contact your local authority’s Secondary Strategy Manager, who should be able to tell you.
7. What are the qualities of a lead school?
• Strong leadership
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Stable staffing
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A record of improvement work in teaching and learning
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Familiarity with and successful use of the Key Stage 3 MFL Framework
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Capacity for self-evaluation
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Capacity to contribute to whole-school improvement work in teaching and
learning
8. Is it too late for my school to join a network?
No. Find out about the networks near you by checking the SLN page and contact either your local authority MFL adviser or SNS adviser or you could also contact the Regional Trainer in your Comenius region.
9. What is the role of the Regional Trainer?
The Regional Trainer is responsible to the Comenius Regional Manager and works closely with the National Strategies' Regional Manager. He/ she works directly with the Lead Teachers within the region’s Strategic Learning Networks, to run seminars or work individually with Lead Teachers on co-teaching and co-coaching in their networks and classrooms, where appropriate.
10. How do Lead Teachers access the network funding?
Each network receives £3180 for the period September '08 - March '09. The Lead Teacher should claim the money from their local authority. The LA Strategy Manager has been sent a list of the Lead School(s) for the network(s) in their LA by the DCSF. If you have any further questions please contact your local authority’s Secondary Strategy Manager.
11. As a Lead Teacher, can my work for the Programme be accredited?
A number of colleagues have made reference to or asked questions about the GTC Learning Academy and how this can support and recognize professional development and expertise. For further information please read the Stage Two Booklet on the GTC website.
We are of course waiting to hear more news about the National Teacher Research Scholarships that are mentioned in the Dearing review:
'The launch of a National Teacher Research Scholarship (NTRS) scheme for languages, enabling teachers to work together and with universities, advisers and other national agencies to develop their pedagogy and find solutions to the challenges of secondary language learning. This could be a development of the current National Secondary training programme for languages which involves face to face meetings, distance learning and coaching and is based on local networks of teachers.'
We will let you have more details about this as soon as they are available.
12. What are the KS3 national attainment results for languages?
To find the answers to this question visit Question 5 on the CILT secondary statistics page. Also on the page is information about language exam trends and the current University of Cambridge research project, entitled 'Language Learning At Key Stage 3: The Impact Of Curriculum Changes On Provision And Practice'.
13. How is this Programme linked to the new secondary curriculum?
The new secondary curriculum comes into force in Year 7 from September 2008. ALL is working with CfBT to provide support for language teachers, including a website with support materials and examples of good practice and Regional Subject Advisers (RSAs) who will provide follow-up support for schools. Several of CILT's Regional Trainers have taken on the RSA role.
The KS3 Framework, online nuggets (epids), the revised Key Stage 3 Programme of Study for languages and the new secondary curriculum as a whole all reflect the same shared understanding of good practice in teaching and learning.
14. Are there any recent publications relevant to this Programme?
If you are working on KS3 objectives, you may wish to check the CILT secondary publications. Other resources related to specific objectives have been mentioned on the SLN support documents, made up of Lead Professionals' collated comments. You may also be interested in a QCA report entitled 'Pupils' views on language learning' (Aug 2006).
The DCSF has produced a briefing pack called 'Languages in Key Stage 4 – 10 Questions and Answers for school leaders', to help make a reality of the new languages entitlement. It includes a DVD and can be ordered from DCSF publications by phone: 0845 60 222 60, or email dcsf@prolog.uk.com, ref: DCSF 00669-2007 with ref.no. 00669-2007CDO-EN (for the disk). You can read the 10 questions and answers online (doc, 53KB).
