@Counsell_C
Pinned post
Concepts like 'belonging' have always been important in high quality school experiences. But it's also important to remember that belonging is a goal we obtain by multiple methods that are often overlooked: safe, predictable, public spaces; well-known routines; clear boundaries for all; professional admin and data systems; clear expectations tied to high standards; the awareness that both you, and everyone else, matters. Without these foundations, no one feels like they belong anywhere.View quoted post on X
In this light, perceived belonging- or identifying with the school community- is a marker of school success, not a strategy itself. It is not a weary procession of boxes ticked: 'we had an assembly on belonging'; 'we have posters saying how much we care'; 'we have belonging champions in every year group.' Feeling like you belong is a hard journey for some kids who never have, anywhere. Getting them there takes a lot of time, systems, and revisiting.
I mention this because I often see, in the rush to meet a new abstract like inclusion, or high standards, or equity, schools tripping over themselves trying to meet the target and forgetting that the target isn't the strategy.
@hkateaching Not English teacher, but I'm involved in curr reform in NI & we are seeking to apply pedagogical principles in a strong subject sensitive manner.View quoted post on X
English should not be subjected to a one-size-fits-all appraoch to lesson planning.
MWB retrieval should not be the default starter.
@daisychristo I think a lot of people genuinely have no idea what the standard at grade 4 looks like. And where they do know, I think they believe it’s impossible for some kids who are entering Y10, which may be true, and not thinking ‘what is reasonable after 11 years of schooling’.View quoted post on X
Today our founding cohort received their GCSE results.
90% of students achieved grades 9-4 in English and Maths
75% achieved grades 9-5 in English and Maths
54% of all grades awarded were a 7 or above
75% of students achieved the EBacc
We are so proud of them all.View quoted post on X
