A week of contrasts

Last week was one of those weeks that summed up all that is good about being in a secondary school.

On Monday, our sixth form pupils returned from their study leave/ examination period to become our new year 13 pupils. It is an interesting time for them as they wait for the results of their AS examinations but we feel it is important for them to begin their A2 work now. I’m sure our outgoing year 13 pupils will agree that time flies in the coming year – every lesson counts…..

It has been a week of contrasts, with one of the highlights being the ‘proms’. Firstly, we had the year 11 prom which was, once again, an incredibly special evening enjoyed by all.

Not to be outdone, the year 13 prom was held the following evening. Being with these pupils for 7 years has been an absolute privilege. It was strange to think that many of these pupils will be moving away in the next few months to continue their education – good luckto them all and please don’t forget us.

The morning after saying farewell to our oldest pupils, we had the pleasure of welcoming our youngest andnewest pupils as our new year 7 pupils spent a day with us. This is the largest year group we have had at Bishop Gore for many years and it was an absolute pleasure to meet so many bright and enthusiastic pupils – it is easy to imagine them preparing to go to university in 7 years time!

The coming week is yet another busy one. Our annual Sports Day will be held on Tuesday – it is always an exciting event (fingers crossed for good weather).

On Thursday, our year 7,8 and 10 pupils and their parents and carers will be joining us for Review Day. For the year 7/8 pupils, the focus will be numeracy where we will be discussing with parents and carers strategies to address the areas for development which were highlighted in the recent numeracy test. What is exciting about this is that the diagnostic tool which we use to analyse the tests has allowed us to clearly identify links to the online MyMaths package. It is hoped that, by the end of the day on Thursday, pupils, parents and carers will leave us with a clear programme of individualsupport in terms of numeracy. Once again, we see the hugely positive impact digital learning can have.

Best wishes

Ryan Davies

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Digital exams?

It is the middle of exam season and I’ve just read an incredibly interesting article by Abbie Wightwick writing the in the Western Mail (Saturday 1st June 2014). Here she argues the case for pupils being able to use digital technology in exams instead of being asked to handwrite everything.

Here is an extract from the article:

Exam boards seem not to have noticed but children and teenagers tap rather than write.

From primary school they are encouraged to become computer literate and it’s a rare 16-year-old who isn’t more digitally savvy than most adults they know. Hand them a laptop and they can whizz off an essay, but for exams they must return to the dark ages of biros and paper. Just when they are under intense stress and pressure, exam candidates are required to use materials they’re not used to. By the time they get into that exam hall they have spent years using a keyboard and mouse to trawl the internet for learning.

They may be on Facebook some of the time but they’re also asked to hand in essays and course work neatly printed out and why not? Why return to the dark ages of teachers having to squint over barely-decipherable handwriting when we have computers?

Thanks to those exam candidates of yesteryear doing good things with their equations, we’re now in the digital, electronic world of learning.

Back in the 1970s and ’80s we were at a huge advantage. Our hand muscles had been training for years by the time we sat exams – a marathon in hand exercise. Writing legibly at speed is an art that has to be learned over years, you can’t suddenly mug up two weeks before D-Day. Sadly the exam system hasn’t kept up. While the rest of the world has moved on, it’s still asking students to write at length in hand, something they won’t be asked to do ever again except in future exams.

Surely the time has come to devise a system where students can use computers to tap out their answers?

There is a school of thought that suggests we should be training pupils to produce neat handwriting and developing this skill is important. What we mustrecognise is that using a keyboard/screen/track pad/mouse and so on is a skill which most pupils have developed over a number of years. It is the way in which they choose to communicate in much the same way as was a pen in years gone by. Perhaps there is something to be said for making examinations digital………

 

 

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1:1 - the only way

So, we finally become a wireless school. Pupils and staff can access our wireless network from anywhere in the school (well nearly). This is a major development andone which we have been waiting for a long time for.

The time is right now to discuss the next stage of our mobile development. There is no doubt that to truly be able to utilise digital technology, we need to move to a situation where every single pupil has access to the technology on a 1:1 basis. Sharing is not an option. Long gone are the days when to access technology, you have to book an IT suite two weeks in advance. The days where pupils were told that they had to use technology when it was available and not when it was needed in their learning have also long gone. Or have they………

To move to a 1:1 situation in a secondary school is quite a mammoth undertaking with the key drawback being lack of funding. It is hard to imagine a time when there will be enough funding available to be able to do this and so we have to look at alternative methods. There are a number of schemes that will enable us to do this but we have to ensure that the funding and support in the longer term will be available.

There are so many unanswered questions at the moment. What is certain is that the impact that digital technology can make on the learning process is immense, it has the power to help to narrow the deprivation gap and ensure that all pupils are offered a truly personalised learning experience. We simply have to find a way to achieve this.

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GCSE English grades

As you are aware, the modular GCSE results were distributed yesterday. The results for pupils who sat the WJEC English Unit One examination were extremely disappointing with grades, in many cases, being well below those predicted. This is a situation which is replicated across Wales and not just Bishop Gore. It is recognised that this is a deeply upsetting situation for our pupils and their families to be in.

On receiving the results, we have taken the following action:

The English department have undertaken an in-depth analysis of grades and question-by-question marks, comparing this to predicted grades.

A formal complaint has been sent to the WJEC on behalf of the pupils, parents, staff and governors of Bishop Gore.

A formal complaint has been sent to the WJEC from The Head of English (Ms E Hewitt).

Mr Arwyn Thomas (Swansea LEA Chief Education Officer) has asked for a report from all schools. We have provided him with this.

Liaised with other Swansea schools to formulate a co-ordinated response to the WJEC/Welsh Government.

Our opinion is that there has been a serious error in the way in which these grades were arrived at. This error should be corrected by the WJEC and our approaches all request this. Our prime concern is to ensure our pupils receive the grades which they deserve and we will do everything in our power to ensure that this is done. In the future, there must be a discussion about the validity and quality of the process that is overseen by the WJEC.

We saw today how upsetting such negative news was for our pupils and really do empathise with them. It is not a situation we expect them to be placed in after they have all worked so hard. We will continue to contact all those who have a role in the process and contact you again to give you updates. Whilst we all believe that these results should be changed, this is unlikely to happen in the next few days. We know how deeply frustrating this is and will ensure that you have any new information as soon as it is available.

The most important thing for our pupils to do now is to focus on their GCSEs/BTECs and allow us to challenge the grades on their behalf. They are fantastic pupils who are being taught by dedicated and talented teachers - they do not deserve to be treated in such an unfair manner but they must not allow anything to get in the way of what they are truly capable of.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss the above.

Thank you for your support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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iPads and writing

 

There is often a great deal of concern about the use of digital technology and on pupils’ writing skills. It is true that, if not managed properly, then too much emphasis on the use of digital technology will have a negative impact on writing.

On the other hand, if the use of digital technology is managed effectively as part of the learning process, together with other learning strategies, it can significantly aid the writing process.

 

We have found that one of the best approaches is to ask pupils to draft their work first before attempting to use their iPad. Some use the traditional methods of paper and pen, others use a note taking application (such as Notability in our case). One of the major benefits of using any digital technology is the ease in which the presentation can be improved to look quite professional relatively quickly. This seems to encourage our pupils to work harder at the drafting stage and in many case we have seen that the use of iPads in the classroom has actually helped pupils with their writing.

 

 

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It's nearly revision season!

Revision season is almost here and some of our pupils will be looking for ways to use digital technology as they plough through their notes. There are plenty of subject specific revision apps out there but some of the more generic apps allow pupils to plan their study time, make their own notes and resources and so on. Here are some of the best generic apps:

1. Revision App - App Giant Ltd, iPhone/iPad

Perhaps the most appropriately named App, the 'Revision App' supports students with revison on the move with over 1 million revision notes, flash cards and quizes covering everything from GCSE, A-Level and University subjects. The app allows students to create their own flash revision cards with video, text or audio which can be saved for future revision sessions and sent to friends to support group studies.
The app accommodates different types of learner to help the student learn faster, whether they're a visual learner or they process information acoustically.
Price: Basic app is free. Add 69p for revision notes, flash cards and information on each subject.

2. Remember the Milk - Remember the Milk, iPhone/iPad.

Not only does this app have a great name, it's one of the best organisational apps out there. The app has an attractive and easy to use user interface, and lets the student organise and prioritise lists, revision sessions, reminders and tasks the way they want.
Another great feature is the ability to view, change and bookmark tasks from mobile to the web to apps including Outlook, iCal, Gmail, Google Calendar, Twitter
Price: Absolutely free.

3. iMindMap - ThinkBuzan, iPhone/iPad

One for visual thinkers and learners, iMindMap is a brilliant mind mapping application that turns an iPad or iPhone into a personal brainstorming and thought-structuring device.
The app is great for dyslexic students, who often find visual learning a helpful revision tactic. It's a unique workspace for brainstorming; revising, note taking and planning that will automatically cross-platform sync across iPhones and iPads.
Price: Absolutely free.

4. Oxford A-Z of Grammar and Punctuation - Mobile Systems, all Android phones.

This has 250 grammar themed questions, along with a lot of basic information about grammar and punctuation of the English language.
Not just for English students, this app will provide help across all subject areas and give students a boost to their grammatical skills.
Price: Absolutely free.

5. Exam Countdown - Richard Knights, iPhone/iPad

Counting down the days, hours and minutes until the next exam is high on the agenda of pupils. Being able to visualise the order of exams helps it helps to effectlively prioritise revision sessions for each subject and effectively prepare for their exams.
As the name suggests, this app is a countdown clock letting students input and know exactly how long they have before their exam dates. It's simple, but effective and allows students to fully prepare for all upcoming examinations.
Price: Absolutely free.

6. Notability, iPhone/iPad

Notability is one of the most popular handwriting apps on the market. The app gives pupilss the natural experience of writing on paper, with the added ability to take notes, keep sketches and share content through social media and E-Mail.
Notability is easy to use, and will quickly become one of the core productivity apps for students over the Easter revision period. Great for revision notes on the go, creating your own flash cards and keeping everything in one place.
Price: £1.99

7. Grammar Up - Eknath Kadam, iPhone/iPad

A fun way to brush up on spelling and grammar before the exams, Grammar Up is a multiple choice quiz system with over 1800 fun questions across 20 grammar categories. Grammar Up can help pupils improve their grammar, spelling, vocabulary and sentence structuring.
Price: £2.99 for the complete app.

Happy revising!

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Twits!

One of the most significant developments of the digital age has been the growth of social networking. At the start, the development of social networking arose as a result of the need for people to keep in touch with each other on a very informal basis. More recently, this has developed into an important communication tool and increasingly this is being used as the key deliverer of information in many organisations.

At Bishop Gore, we have seen a huge growth in the way in which we use Twitter. A key stage in this development was during the 2013 summer examinations where we posted the following day’s exam timetable on a daily basis. This meant that pupils, parents and carers had access to the most relevant and up-to-date information. On one of the days, we simply forgot to post the relevant section of the exam timetable. This caused quite a storm with a large number of Twitter messages letting us know that we had let pupils, parents and carers down in no uncertain terms! This proved how important this was as a means of communication.

Today, we use Twitter in a number of ways. It is a quick and easy way for us to share examples of learning across the school. Parent and carers have commented how they have appreciated having the insight into the daily workings of the school. Of course, we use Twitter to ensure that important messages are passed on to the whole of the school community.

it is amazing to see that something which started as a means of keeping in touch with friends and family is now an important part of our learning process. If you don’t follow us on Twitter at the moment (and 900 people already do) then please do so - you won’t regret it!

@bishopgore

 

 

 

 

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Happy New Year

I hope you have all had a restful break as our thoughts turn to the new year in school. This year promises so much after having had such a positive start last term.

In Years 7, 8 and 9, we continue to develop our new curriculum model. The structure of learning and development blocks appears to be making a real impact on the way in which pupils are accessing and developing learning opportunities. We are also investigating strategies to ensure that all pupils have the literacy and numeracy skills that will give them the ‘life chances’ we often hear about.

Whilst Curriculum 2012 is primarily focussed on Key Stage 3, the fact that it offers a personalised learning experience for all pupils will mean that pupils completing Key Stage 3 will be accessing the next phase of their learning in a different way. The key is to ensure that pupils are able to progress in the way that best suits their learning needs. The implication of this in the near future will be that pupils will be learning with pupils from other year groups and completing their KS4 studies as and when they are ready to do so.

Finally, our sixth form provision is also being reviewed. A great deal if time has been spent ensuring that all of our pupils (and also those outside the school) are fully aware of the learning opportunities that exist in our sixth form. We are now entering the period where all of our pupils will be interviewed in order to identify accurately the most appropriate course of study for them. It really is an important period for all involved.

As can be seen, there is a great deal to look forward to in the new year and we certainly are not going to waste any time in ensuring that we move the school on still further. It really is an exciting time at Bishop Gore!

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

 

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The future of digital learning at Bishop Gore

As this is the last blog post of the year, it is quite timely to review our progress in terms of digital technology. A summary of the developments so far are as follows:

Year 13 pupils all have access to their own iPad, with plans being discussed to extend this provision to our year 12 pupils as well.

Over 200 iPads are available for use by years 7 and 8 pupils.

Plans are being drawn up for other year groups to have access to iPads, with the aim of us being a 1:1 school with all pupils having their own device for use at home and at school.

A new Mac Music and Art studio has been set up containing a number of iMacs, music keyboards and so on.

We have started to replace interactive whiteboards with LCD televisions.

All of the initiatives above are very exciting and x their introduction into the classroom environment has created a very positive feeling BUT the key issue now is to ensure that the new technology has an impact on learning. To do this we must ensure that:

Pupils and staff have the skills required to identify when accessing digital technology will impact positively on learning, in much the same way as carrying a pencil case and deciding when to use it and what to use.

Following on from the last point, pupils and staff need access to the technology when they need it and not have to queue/book.

Pupils and staff need to be aware of the apps that are available that will impact on learning. Often these are ‘generic’ and not subject specific in that they can be used across most disciplines.

The digital technology needs to be used as a bridge between school and home. Parents and carers need to be involved in learning and this provides us with an excellent opportunity to do so.

Learning and teaching has to change in order to exploit the best elements of digital technology. Pupils, parents and carers can now access learning in a way we never imagined to be possible and the way in which we, as teachers, plan learning activities has to change fundamentally in order to facilitate this.

Finally, to be successful, digital technology needs to be combined with the other teaching and learning strategies that have been developed over the years.

We are at a crucial stage of our development in terms of the use of digital technology. The future is extremely exciting and we must ensure that Bishop Gore is not left behind.

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Another busy week

This has been one of those weeks that has been both exhausting and incredibly exciting.

On Tuesday, we had a wonderful training session led by Sarah Reece from Casllwchwr Primary School. The theme of the session was the impact of iPad technology on literacy and numeracy. Sarah showed us a range of apps that she uses in her school, all of which have real links to the development of literacy and numeracy skills. It was obvious that these are making a huge impact in Casllwchwr and it our challenge to implement these strategies in Bishop Gore.

On Thursday, we held our Sixth Form Open Evening. This was an undoubted success with a huge turnout from pupils, parents and carers from our school and other institutions. It really is important that we continue to develop our sixth form provision as we all believe that the 11-18 learning environment is so important for our pupils to experience. This evening proved that there is very strong support for our sixth form and bodes well for the future.

 

 

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Digital parents and carers

As we progress through the term, the important role that digital technology plays in learning is becoming ever more evident.

Pupils and staff are developing an increasing range of digital skills with an iPad often being as important as a pen or pencil in an increasing number of lessons.

The next stage for us is to ensure that parents and carers feel able to play a role in digital learning.

The graphic above highlights how digital learning that takes place in school can also involve parents and carers. As can be seen, pupils and teachers are using a range of apps to help with their learning and now, as these resources are digital, it should be easy for us to involve parents. This is our next challenge.

 

 

 

 

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Autumn video newsletter........

Autumn Newsletter from Bishop Gore on Vimeo.

 

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End of a digital half term

It only does seem like yesterday when we we returned to school after the summer break and it's half term already!

Over the last few weeks, we have seen some major developments in the way in which we use digital technology in learning.

• Our year 13 pupils now all have iPads which they can use at school and at home
• Year 7 and 8 pupils now have access to iPads on a 1:1 basis for their development block and other work
• Our pupils for whom English is an additional language, now have access to iPads throughout all lessons
• A number of staff now have access to ipads

As you may have read in previous posts, the intention is to move towards a sitaution where every pupil has access to an ipad in the near future.

We look forward to seeing all pupils when we return on Monday 4th November and to sharing with you the next stage of our digital journey.

 

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1:1

We are beginning to see how access to iPads is having a positive impact on learning outcomes as pupils access those that are available in school. We have seen some highly creative use of iPads by our pupils, with the best use being when they are able to have access to the device when it is needed for their learning. Having to book a device or a room is simply not good enough any more as pupils require access to digital technology when they feel they need it most.

The solution is to ensure that all pupils have access to iPads, at any time, without having to share. To be able to achieve this, we are currently working with the eLearning Foundation to develop a programme which would allow all pupils to have access to an ipad at home and at school. This would be funded by a system of donations from those parents and carers who are able and wish to participate in the scheme.

Here is a short video explaining how the programme works. Our governors have discussed this briefly and will be meeting again in November to look at the programme in more detail.

 

An introduction to the elearning foundation initiative. from Bishop Gore on Vimeo.

If you have any questions about this exciting initiative, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

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Developing learning

It is amazing how time flies. It is just over a year since we launched Curriculum 2012. This is our new skills based approach to learning in Key Stage Three. The model offers pupils the opportunity to learn in two main formats:

Learning Blocks - skills and knowledge delivered in subject areas

Development Blocks - skills-based thematic projects drawing on the work completed in learning blocks

As the model has now been in operation for just over a year, it will now involve years seven and eight pupils.

The development block challenges (which have been designed by our staff) offer pupils incredibly exciting opportunities to extend their knowledge, skills and understanding. What is different this year is that, as pupils are working through their challenges, they will all have access to an ipad (whereas last year they had to share). We feel that the impact that this level of access to digital technology will have is bound to have a huge impact on the outcomes from this already very successful curriculum model.

If you would like to know more about the way in which we are developing learning and teaching at Bishop Gore please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

 

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Music for all

At Bishop Gore, we recognise how important music is. The benefits of performing are well known. However, the wider impact on learning in other subjects is also something that taking part in such an activity brings.

Recently, our amazingly talented peripatetic music staff, together with some of our pupils and staff, performed a taster concert for our new year 7 pupils.

 

Music Showcase At Bishop Gore from Ryan Davies on Vimeo.

No charge is made for music tuition at Bishop Gore; all we ask for in return is a commitment to participating in the numerous performing arts activities which take place throughout the year. This is a small 'price' to pay for first class tuition, access to fun and enjoyable activities and also the 'spin off' in terms of the impact it makes on other subjects and learning.

The importance of music should not be under-estimated!

 

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i-Assembly

Today we held the first of out i-assemblies with our sixth form pupils. Our year 13 pupils have all been issued with their own ipad which they are expected to use to help with their learning at school and at home.

The i-assemblies give our pupils the opportunity to have a say in how the use of iPads is developed in school. The assembly is led by the pupils, who present their suggestions to be considered by a panel of staff.

Here is a short video of today's assembly-

Year 13 I-assembly from Ryan Davies on Vimeo.

Some of the ideas put forward today include having the YouTube app installed, allowing music to be downloaded and allowing pupils to download apps themselves through their own iTunes account. There is certainly a lot to think about. It is so good to see our pupils taking control of their learning.

 

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New year and a new start.....

It is great to see so many pupils returning to our sixth form. All sixth form pupils have been faced with quite a few changes on their return....

Last year, after meeting with our senior prefects, it was decided to do something that would get the sixth from noticed around the school and in the wider community. One simple idea was to relaunch the school sixth form uniform. The sixth form tie (which was worn a number of years ago) has been resurrected, with all pupils now wearing black trousers/skirts and a white shirt. It is amazing how you can plan many complicated initiatives in order to make some kind of impact in a school but it is often the simple things that make the biggest difference - the sixth form uniform is a good example of this.

Another major change to our sixth form provision has been providing all of our year 13 pupils with an iPad. The intention is that they use this in all aspects of their studies as they build up to their final examinations in June. On Monday 23rd September we shall be holding our first of our regular monthly i-assemblies with our sixth form pupils. This will give our pupils the chance to present their throughts on the apps they are using at the moment and the apps they would like to use. If their argument is convincing enough, the changes they propose will be made. This is their opportunity to influence how digital technology can impact on their learning.

Exciting times!

 

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Happy New Year!

At the start of another academic year, there is so much for us to look forward to. We are very pleased with the results which were published in August and are now working hard to ensure we improve on these still further this year.

Over the past few months we have invested heavily in ensuring that our pupils and staff have access to the technology that will enable us to provide the outstanding learning opportunities which we aspire to. We are all really excited about the fact that pupils and staff will now have access to iPads and a whole school wireless network and know this will make a real impact on learning.

What is important is the fact that we recognise that these developments will only make the desired impact if they are used as a tool alongside the many other learning and teaching strategies which we have in place. Used effectively, they will make a huge impact - but not on their own.

Our year 13 pupils will be the first year group to have 1:1 access to iPads throughout the school day. It will be very interesting to see the impact this will make on their learning and how they will quite quickly become 'digital leaders' for the rest of the school.

This year promises so much already!

 

 

 

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What a year!

Here is a short video which was used in our last assembly. The images are taken from our Twitter feed.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

End Of Term Video from Ryan Davies on Vimeo.

 

 

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