DOCSLIB.ORG

Newsletter 13:11: 15

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Newsletter 13:11: 15 ACADEMY NEWS 13th November 2015 E X P L O R E Horace plays the Last Post QR to view on the web BE YOUR BEST Principal’s Report This is the last week of the Autumn Semester and many of us have been enjoying our “life less ordinary” during this project week. The week’s newsletter is another vibrant mix of everything we have been up to and is packed with stories ranging from dog walking to sporting success. Once again I have been impressed by the way our students have thrown themselves into the week and the final results displayed today have been amazing. This week has also seen us remember everyone who has fought on our behalf to defend the freedoms we all take for granted every day. Our annual Armistice Day ceremony has always been very important at Mounts Bay Academy and every student and staff member, joined this year by war veterans Jack Tarr and Mack Holding and Steve Francis, Secretary of the Ludgvan Royal British Legion, halted their normal daily activity to remember those who lost their lives and gave their service. Year 11 History students who visited the WW1 battlefields and war graves at Ypres earlier in the semester shared their experiences before the two minutes silence. These were very individual, emotional and poignant. Ananda Lee said, “For me, personally, it was quite hard- hitting because I have relatives who were buried there and I was the first person from my family to go and visit. It was quite emotional for me.” Darcy Blewett said, “When I went to see all the war graves at the Somme, the Menin Gate and Thiepval I realised the vast number of people who actually made sacrifices. For me it made such a big impact on my History because now I can relate to what actually happened instead of just reading it out of text books.” Year 10 student, Horace Halling, bravely stepped up this year to play the Last Post and then you could have heard a pin drop during our two minute silence, no mean feat on such an emotionally charged day. He then played the Reveille to end our ceremony. Our Armistice Day Ceremony on 11th November was featured on both BBC Radio Cornwall and BBC Spotlight this year. BBC Radio Cornwall broadcast a news package and we featured on their breakfast show while Spotlight broadcast a film of the ceremony and interviews with staff and students on both their lunchtime and evening news programme. This captured the poignancy of the ceremony and I was extremely proud of every one of you. Next week sees the start of our Winter Semester and, whilst it looks like we will be battling a few more autumn winds before then, I hope you enjoy your weekend. Best wishes Sara Davey Academy Principal BE RESPECTFUL Remembrance Day text On Remembrance Sunday two groups of Mounts Bay students attended remembrance services at both Madron and Ludgvan churches. At Ludgvan Pema Bradley Peer and Josh Boase both did a reading for the congregation. Matthew Lawry, Arielle Firkin, Callum Williams, Ananda Lee, Cerys Poynter, Megan Baumbach, Alice Thacker, Lauren Jenkin and Chris Baumbach attended the service at Madron. At both churches they attended the remembrance service and observed the two minutes silence before attending the church service. The congregation at both churches commented on how lovely it was to see our young people attending. It was also great to see former Mounts Bay student, Kyle Poynter, who is now a member of the Royal Marines. Report by Mr Blackabey and Mr Payne BE INSPIRED Visit to Pengarth Day Centre On 5th November seven Year 11 students went to Pengarth Day Centre for an afternoon. The visit was organised by Jade Tottle so that she and her peers could complete a major component of their controlled assessment. This ensured that they had enough information to finish their case study in Health and Social Care. Students interviewed day centre users about the enrichment that Pengarth provides in their life. Each student had written several questions and interviewed the over 65s asking them about this and the process of referral to Pengarth. The day centre users sat in comfortable chairs and chatted to their friends. Whilst we were there, there was a man playing the piano and they were served scones and cups of tea. All of the users we spoke to were really positive and enthusiastic about their time and experiences there. Report by Tia Mathews and Cameron Heaver BE INSPIRED Rome Trip On Saturday 24th October we left Penzance bright and breezy headed for Bristol airport. The weather was pretty miserable in Penzance and we were all hoping to leave the bad weather behind as we stepped onto the plane bound for Rome. When we arrived in Rome we could immediately feel the difference in temperature. It was dry and approximately 20ºc at 6pm! Our accommodation was a very comfortable apartment which was very central and ideal for walking to all of the main sights, which was lucky as we had a great deal of sightseeing to do over the next three days! The group comprised four students from years 9 and 10 and most study Italian- although this was not a prerequisite for the trip. The idea of visiting Rome was to experience first hand life in an Italian city but also to explore the vast history that Rome has. Ms Bennett has just started teaching Latin in the school and had spent the summer learning more about Roman civilisation so, together with Mr Blackabey, they had a good amount of knowledge to be shared with the students. During our stay we visited so many famous monuments and different viewpoints. We walked a huge amount and visited the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill, the Forum, the Ghetto, Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese, Vatican City, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and so much more. Ms Bennett led everybody around the city, pointing out places of interest and taking us to the best food stops- including a Gelateria and a Pizza and Taglio shop. BE INSPIRED Mr Blackabey was a very useful member of staff to have with us as he had prepared a whole pack of information to share with us when we visited the different places around Rome. What is very interesting about Rome is how closely the past exists alongside the present. You can be walking along when suddenly you enter a square and the Pantheon is right in front of you. We also saw the remains of the Theatre of Pompey where Julius Caesar was assassinated which is now a cat sanctuary. The students were put to the test on a regular basis in terms of ordering food and drink and making sense of adverts and road signs. They also got to experience the various modes of transport in Rome- including the underground. Italy is of course known for its fantastic food and pupils tried lots of the specialties; pizza sold by the slice and weight, supplì- a rice and mozzarella snack, gelato and of course pasta dishes. Having walked approximately ten miles each day, we had no problem finding room for such delicious food! At the end of the visit we were all absolutely exhausted but content that we had covered much of what Rome has to offer. Despite not having thrown a coin in the Trevi Fountain (it was being renovated) many of the group are hopeful to return next year. The trip was a great success and we will be looking to run the same trip next October half term. For more information, please see Ms Bennett. Report by Miss Bennett BE CURIOUS Year 7 Stay Healthy Miss Osborne and Mr Bromfield have been very impressed this week by Year 7s commitment and demonstration of first class healthy cooking and dramatics which illustrated strong mindedness and the emotions felt whilst put under pressure by peers. Fantastic effort Year 7!! Year 7 - Healthy Activities Boxercise Trampolining BE ADVENTUROUS Year 7 - Dog Walking The Year 7s have been enjoying the company of the canine kind during Project Week. The idea behind the dog walking activity is to help identify some of the positive influences pets, in particular dogs, can have on us. Evidence suggests there can be significant health benefits, both physical and mental, where there is the opportunity to socialise with dogs. The Year 7s had the opportunity to question a dog psychologist, brush, walk, play with and handle the dogs. Much fun was had by all involved, the dogs especially, and the Year 7s were an absolute pleasure to work with. A huge thank you to Bruno, Izzy and Cookie (the dogs) and also Miss McKenzie and Mrs Cyster for supporting with the activity. Report by Mrs Trevail BE CURIOUS Year 9 Project Week - Human Rights To start the week all Year 9 students went to the Savoy cinema for a private screening of the film Suffragette. Despite knowing the history of the suffragette movement, we were still shocked by the graphic depictions of police brutality, the scenes of force feeding in prison and Emily Davison’s death under the King’s horse. “We have being studying human rights. The first day we went to the cinema and watched ‘Suffragette’, this is about women's right to vote. It was a very strong movie because the things the women chose to do to get rights was incredible. - Pierre Dormeuil Back in the classroom we discussed our reactions to the film, which prompted many questions from students on the issue of global universal suffrage and issues of inequality faced by women in the world today.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • ITE Inspection Report Template
    Cornwall SCITT ITE Partnership Initial teacher education inspection report Inspection dates Stage 1: 9 June 2015 Stage 2: 7 December 2015 This inspection was carried out by two of Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) in accordance with the ‘Initial teacher education inspection handbook’. This handbook sets out the statutory basis and framework for initial teacher education (ITE) inspections in England from September 2015. The inspection draws on evidence from within the ITE partnership to make judgements against all parts of the evaluation schedule. Inspectors focused on the overall effectiveness of the ITE partnership in securing high-quality outcomes for trainees. Inspection judgements Key to judgements: Grade 1 is outstanding; grade 2 is good; grade 3 is requires improvement; grade 4 is inadequate Secondary QTS Overall effectiveness 1 How well does the partnership secure consistently high-quality outcomes for trainees? The outcomes for trainees 1 The quality of training across the 1 partnership The quality of leadership and 1 management across the partnership Information about this secondary partnership Cornwall Secondary School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) is a well-established partnership which provides a route to teaching in the outermost corner of the South West. The partnership consists of 23 secondary schools, a special school, alternative provision units and a tertiary college. It offers training for the 11 to 16 age range with post-16 enhancements. The partnership also offers training for the 14 to 19 age range with additional Key Stage 3 experience for selected subjects. Subject routes offered include English; mathematics; science, including biology, chemistry and physics; history; geography; modern foreign languages; art and design; design and technology; music; and physical education.
    [Show full text]
  • Cognition and Learning Schools List
    Cognition and Learning Service - Adviser Support The following table indicates the Cognition and Learning Adviser allocated to each school. Please make all enquiries and referrals (naming the allocated Cognition and Learning Adviser if possible) via our email address: [email protected] Primary Schools A-E School Name Named Adviser Jo Davidson Altarnun Primary School Sandra Page Alverton Community Primary School Jo Davidson Antony CE VA School Sandra Page Archbishop Benson CE Primary School Sandra Page Berrycoombe School Jo Davidson Biscovey Academy Jo Davidson Biscovey Nursery and Infant Community School Jo Davidson Bishop Bronescombe CE Primary School Jo Davidson Bishop Cornish CE VA Primary School Jo Davidson Blackwater Community Primary School Jo Davidson Blisland Community Primary School Sandra Page Bodriggy Academy Jo Davidson Boscastle Community Primary School Sandra Page Boskenwyn Community Primary School Sandra Page Bosvigo School Boyton Community Primary School Jo Davidson Jo Davidson Braddock CE Primary School Sandra Page Breage CE School School Name Named Adviser Jo Davidson Brunel Primary and Nursery Academy Jo Davidson Bude Infant School Jo Davidson Bude Junior School Jo Davidson Bugle School Jo Davidson Burraton Community Primary School Jo Davidson Callington Primary School Jo Davidson Calstock Community Primary School Jo Davidson Camelford Primary School Jo Davidson Carbeile Junior School Jo Davidson Carclaze Community Primary School Sandra Page Cardinham School Sandra Page Chacewater Community Primary
    [Show full text]
  • Truro & Penwith College
    Truro & Penwith College Annual Report 2015 | 2016 Another outstanding year of success Truro & Penwith College Another outstanding year of success 02 The first tertiary or further education college in the country to be awarded ‘Outstanding’ status by Ofsted Truro & in the new Penwith framework College Annual For a large percentage of the young people in Cornwall, Report Truro and Penwith College is their first choice. We are also Truro College was established confidently expanding the range as a tertiary college in 1992 and of skills training and support was officially opened in 1993. Following our recognition as a opportunities we offer to local The growth and success of the Beacon College, the College businesses and employers. We College have been remarkable. was the first tertiary college are determined that this growing In 2008 Truro College merged in the country to be awarded area of work will show the same with Penwith College. This ‘Designated Outstanding’ outstanding quality that has merger built upon Truro status by Ofsted. That status been identified in respect of College’s successful foundations was confirmed in 2016 our work with younger students and provides high quality further when Ofsted made it the in full time academic and and higher education that makes first college nationally to be vocational learning. a major contribution to the graded “Outstanding” under economy and social life in the the new inspection framework. National policy continues to community. The College now These eternal judgments are generate a range of reforms recruits from across the whole of based on the success of our in Further Education.
    [Show full text]
  • Richard Lander School Bulletin
    RICHARD LANDER SCHOOL BULLETIN 12th October 2018 Message from the Headteacher Dear Parents The first half term has been characterised by lots of success on the sporting front. Perhaps the finest moment this term has been the crowning of our Greenpower team as international Greenpower champions for the second year. This is the result of a years’ worth of racing, involving over 600 cars nationally and internationally. Local and regional heats determined the starting line-up of the finals and we were delighted to be starting the final races in pole position, with our car performing most consistently over the season. After two races in quite trying conditions, our team emerged victorious and we held on to the title which we won last year. Well done to all students who took part and to the staff who have given up so much time to support this: Mr Lloyd-King (lead member of staff), Mr Merrick and Ms Whitfield. A couple of further points: We have had a few inclement days recently and are aware that some students do not wear a waterproof jacket to school. Some students wear a regular hoodie over their school uniform, but this is not sufficient if it is raining. Please can parents ensure their children always come to school wearing a waterproof jacket Some parents have enquired recently as to what homework their children are being issued. Can I refer parents to my bulletin message at the start of term, which can be found on the school website. Parents can access all homework for their children on the Show My Homework website.
    [Show full text]
  • Cornwall Virtual School Games 2020 - Secondary School Challenge Winners
    Information Classification: CONTROLLED # Cornwall Virtual School Games 2020 - Secondary School Challenge Winners Year Gold Silver Bronze Gold Silver Bronze Gold Silver Bronze Liskeard School & Liskeard School & Mounts Bay Liskeard School & Humphry Davy Mounts Bay Redruth School Community Redruth School Community Penryn College 7 Academy Community College School Academy College College Mounts Bay Redruth School Poltair School Penrice Academy Poltair School Redruth School Penryn College Penryn College Penrice Academy 8 Academy Bowls & Dance & Athletics Boccia Gym Humphry Davy Sir James Smith's Redruth School Penryn College Penryn College Poltair School Redruth School Penryn College Poltair School 9 School Community School Liskeard School & Wadebridge Wadebridge Wadebridge Mounts Bay Mullion School Community Poltair School Redruth School Poltair School 10 School School School Academy College Year Gold Silver Bronze Gold Silver Bronze Gold Silver Bronze Liskeard School & Mounts Bay Wadebridge Helston Community Mounts Bay Mounts Bay Redruth School Redruth School Community Redruth School 7 Academy School College Academy Academy College Liskeard School & Helston Community Mounts Bay Penryn College Redruth School Poltair School Redruth School Poltair School Community Poltair School 8 College Academy Making Up College Volleyball Tennis The Miles Helston Sir James Smith's Penryn College Poltair School Redruth School Poltair School Community Poltair School Penryn College Redruth School 9 Community School College Wadebridge Wadebridge Redruth School Poltair School Penair School Redruth School Falmouth School Poltair School Redruth School 10 School School Overall Secondary Winners Gold Redruth School Silver Wadebridge School Liskeard School & Bronze Community College.
    [Show full text]
  • Launceston College Comes out on Top in Cornwall GCSE League Table by Cgmikes | Posted: October 27, 2015
    6 The Post & Weekly News, Thursday, December 31 2015 Initiative encouraging teamwork and eLAUNCxESTONcCollegeehas seeln conltinueed succness with icts perfoermance acasdemiese. es continued success The initiative from the college is designed to encourage teamwork and excellence among its performers. Highlights of the year included the introduction of climbing club, a popular netball academy and ‘terrific’ attendance at the badminton performance academy, as well as overwhelming interest for the Ten Tors. The college has provided the Post with its round-up. Players full of ambition on and off field THE Year 8 rugby team has won the East Cornwall followed by a slog up the hill Shilling, Tom Vickery, Ollie grown from strength to school’s rugby tournament at but the boys dug in and scored Rowland and Archie Dinnis. strength this term and have Liskeard School. a last minute try to progress to The other players were Jake produced some good rugby Despite being a team for the final. Hayes, Leon Tinknell, Keiran throughout. only a few weeks the boys As Newquay Tretherras Sillifant, Nick Pooley and The term started with a trip supported each other overcame rivals Treviglas in Matt Heal. to Exeter University for a fantastically in both defence the other semi it was a replay The boys were also well taster session on what it is like and attack in order to get of the earlier group game in supported and coached by being a student but also through a difficult group stage the final. Year 10 Hepworth Sports playing for Exeter Chiefs. and then triumph against some Despite drawing 0-0 earlier Captain George Bearns.
    [Show full text]
  • CMST SUMMER NEWSLETTER 21 JULY 2017 Way, Well Done to Gareth for Being Awarded the Biennial Trelawny Plate – to Be Presented to Him at Pelynt on 13 Th July
    CORNWALL MUSIC SERVICE TRUST 21 JULY 2017 Summer Newsletter It’s been a busy term for CMST and we hope you enjoy reading all about it! Cornwall Music Service Trust Truro School Trennick Lane Truro TR1 1TH Flying the flag for Music in Cornwall Our Chair of Trustees, David Fryer, gives his thoughts and David Fryer thanks. Chair of Trustees for Cornwall Music It gives me great pleasure to report that Cornwall Music Service Trust Service Trust and (CMST) continues to grow stronger and has travelled a long way since its supporter of the establishment in January 2015. The Trust (which is both a Charity and a Arts. Limited Company) now employs over 110 people and has a turnover approaching £1.4 million per annum. This position is due to the hard and dedicated work of our music and administrative staff, very ably led by Gareth Churcher – thanks and congratulations to all of them from Trustees. By the 1 2 3 Gareth Churcher Head of Service for 115 STAFF 10,000 LEARNERS 34,000 HOURS Cornwall Music High quality, Our teachers are All of this equates to Service Trust experienced teachers providing to 34,000 hours of music recently awarded and performers. approximately 10,000 education annually to the Trelwany Plate. musicians. 238 schools. 1 CMST SUMMER NEWSLETTER 21 JULY 2017 way, well done to Gareth for being awarded the biennial Trelawny Plate – to be presented to him at Pelynt on 13 th July. This is well deserved and truly prestigious for Gareth and CMST. It is important that the Trust does not stand still and that it remains innovative whilst nurturing its core activities.
    [Show full text]
  • School Children Only Routes
    Information Classification: CONTROLLED RETURN TO SCHOOL Children return to school in September 2020; Cornwall Council has worked with bus companies on the arrangements for travel. Consideration has been given to social distancing requirements and this has necessitated some changes to bus services to ensure that adequate seating capacity is provided. In meeting these requirements the Council has determined that 84 of its 1400 supported bus journeys need to exclude travel by the general public and be made Student Travel Only. Dedicated closed school contracts will be running as normal. The table below identifies those peak-time journeys within the Council’s supported bus service network. The table offers information and alternative means of travel. Further details about service changes may be obtained direct from bus companies or at [email protected] tel: 0300 1234 222. This document will be updated on a regular basis. All arrangements will be monitored and subject to change as necessary. Vers 1.0 21 Aug 2020 Information Classification: CONTROLLED Local Bus Service These journeys are designated School Journeys only Reason for journeys to be withdrawn and alternative provision where available A1 1455 Mounts Bay/Humphry Davy School – Sennen These are specific school journeys provided to enable non-entitled fare- M6 0755/1455 Mousehole – Mounts Bay/Humphry Davy School paying pupils to be conveyed. Non-school passengers able to access services operated by First Kernow. U4 0740/1455 Rosudgeon – Humphry Davy School 10 0737/1515 Canworthy Water – Launceston College School journeys provided in addition to regular service frequency. 0715 Wadebridge Bus Station – Sir James Smith School 0740 Arthurian Centre, Tintagel – Sir James Smith School 0745 Delabole – Sir James Smith School Specific school journey provided.
    [Show full text]
  • FOI-101003604666 Response Provided Under
    Reference Number: FOI-101003604666 Response provided under: Freedom of Information Act 2000 Request and Response: 1 A list of all secondary, middle and upper schools in Cornwall and whether they were oversubscribed or not-oversubscribed st on national offer day 2018 (1 March). Please include each school’s Unique Reference Number (URN), DFE code, or address/postcode to allow us to identify each relevant school without ambiguity. We define a school to be oversubscribed if, and only if, at least one on-time applicant was refused a place and the applicant did not receive an offer from any higher preference school. If there were no refusals to on-time applicants - even if the school was unable to accept one or more late applications, or admitted over its published admission number - then we do not consider this school to be oversubscribed. If you use a different definition of oversubscription, then please make this clear in the response. 2 The total number of places offered at each school. Questions 3-5 apply to oversubscribed schools only: Table answers both questions 1 & 2 above Oversubscribed/Not Places Oversubscribed offered DfE School Name (based on your definition) 4154 Bodmin College NOT 239 4155 Brannel School NOT 146 4150 Budehaven Community School OVERSUBSCRIBED 210 4151 Callington Community College NOT 181 4158 Camborne Science & International Academy NOT 301 4169 Cape Cornwall School NOT 38 4152 Falmouth School NOT 151 4001 Fowey River Academy NOT 104 4171 Hayle Community School NOT 115 4146 Helston Community College NOT 211 4173
    [Show full text]
  • Callywith College Bus Guide
    From 1st September 2018 The Service 11A runs to Bodmin and Padstow from bus stop A ever hour and to Liskeard and Plymouth from bus stop B every hour. Holsworthy The bus stop and local facilities are shown on this map. Budehaven For full 11/11A timetable, please visit plymouthbus.co.uk School Bude Red Post d R h it w ly al Callywith C ld Callywith College are continuing their Clawton O Bridgerule C 18 0 o partnership with Plymouth Citybus for o 177 k s l a d n R 2018/19 to provide your college bus d A 11 A L n n 3 o 0 t Wainhouse Corner Whitstone s - College services. All buses will be Wi-Fi enabled e Chapmans B c o n d Well u a m to support your study whilst you travel. L i n B y p The Callywith College bus pass provides access to a s FARMFOODS s Bus Guide our dedicated college services as well as year round Boscastle Tresparrett Posts access on all Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall services. B&M Tintagel TABLE Details of services, route maps and prices are included in Yeolmbridge Dutson C Hallworthy TABLE o o k s this leaflet. For more information on buses please l Launceston a Treknow 181 n KFC d visit plymouthbus.co.uk or callywith.ac.uk Stourscombe Pipers pool R d ASDA Tregadillett Delabole Camelford B Westdowns Valley Truckle Lo Treburley ve To Bodmin & Padstow Port Isaac St Teath Ln A 177 Polzeath St Kew 178 Highway To Plymouth 11 A 182 Rock 184 18 0 Ba Bolventor Kelly Bray rn P ark Padstow Ln Washaway BODMIN MOOR 11 A Dunmere 179 Gunnislake St Issey Elgloshayle Darite Pensilva Bursary and subsidised bus pass Wadebridge Sladesbridge
    [Show full text]
  • Investigation Into Leadership Skills, Opportunities and Progression Routes for Young People Involved in Music Activities in Cornwall
    Young People, Music and Leadership Mapping and Recommendations Commissioned by Tanya Moore. Written by Emma Mansfield October 2014. Investigation into leadership skills, opportunities and progression routes for young people involved in music activities in Cornwall 1 Young People, Music and Leadership Mapping and Recommendations Commissioned by Tanya Moore. Written by Emma Mansfield October 2014. Music Hub Report: This piece of work was commissioned during the summer of 2014 to explore and develop the following? What leadership opportunities are young people accessing through music in Cornwall including formal and informal education, as part of the vocal programme, ensemble groups and outside of music education in youth groups? What young leadership programmes exist outside of Cornwall and via other music hubs that we could learn from? What leadership award schemes and programmes exist outside of music education and how could these provide a framework for an accredited Cornwall- wide Young Music Leaders Award. From the findings, how can the Cornwall Music Hub develop a formal Young Music Leaders Award? What might that look like? What skills, resources, training and finances are required? How might we programme, brand and communicate this award and take it forward in 2015. 2 Young People, Music and Leadership Mapping and Recommendations Commissioned by Tanya Moore. Written by Emma Mansfield October 2014. 3 Young People, Music and Leadership Mapping and Recommendations Commissioned by Tanya Moore. Written by Emma Mansfield October 2014. “Supporting progression, including musical progression, is often complex and complicated, with many different people needing to be involved and individual journeys needing to be at the centre...
    [Show full text]
  • AQA Workshop Truro 2016
    AQA GCSE INSET 2: Dynamics and force Venue: Richard Lander School Workshop Leader: Ben Lloyd-King (Richard Lander School) Following on from the successful launch at Truro School, the Cornwall Physics Education Partnership, supported by The Ogden Trust, held its second teacher workshop on 5 December at Richard Lander School, Truro. Delegates from five local schools attended – Camborne Science and International Academy, Falmouth School, Richard Lander School, Truro School and Wadebridge School. Led by Ben Lloyd-King (Physics teacher and greenpower car coordinator at Richard Lander) teachers tackled the required dynamics practical work from the new GCSE specifications. We have found it best to pair teachers from different schools to help provoke further discussion and sharing of ideas when testing out the practicals. It also helps to start attempting the practical with just a brief introduction from the workshop leader-- too much explanation beforehand can stifle the opportunity for the teachers to collaborate. The practicals on acceleration of trolleys, stretching of springs and measuring of density seemed simple enough, but the experience of trying to set them up showed the important thinking skills required. It was a challenging and enriching experience evaluating the practical arrangements and discussing how to improve the quality of data and create alternative arrangements. Replicating such discussions with pupils would be a very good way of ensuring pupils cover the whole range of Bloom’s taxonomy. The new GCSE theory papers will cover questions on the standard practicals, including methods of analysing results and ways of improving reliability, precision and accuracy of the recorded data. The workshop teachers began to troubleshoot the types of questions that might be asked.
    [Show full text]