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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