Instructions have been given to me in order to conduct my lessons following health and safety and ethical policies. For example, I must inform my students of their target levels and ensure that my lessons are planned inclusive of every student and their indidivual learning needs, in order to give them the greatest opportunities to continually improve their own working at grades.
"We aim to work in an environment in which every Learner:
- has access to timely, meaningful Assessment information;
- knows their targets and current assessments;
- knows how to improve: - as member of the Hundred of Hoo team,
- in their personal Academic performance,
- their contribution to society through fair play,
- in their effort,
- as a leader;
- regularly reviews and improves their own learning and achievements;
- acts on advice;
- has success rewarded. "
I must also ensure a safe and positive learning environment. I now recognise how this relates to policies within my organisation, such as the "Every Child Matters" government policy of 2002 in which all students must be kept safe.
"It is the central goal of Every Child Matters to ensure every pupil is given the chance to be able to work towards the goals referenced within it. Most of the legislation passed and guidance applies to England and Wales and all maintained schools have implemented the policy; it has also been influential in the rest of the UK and in some independent schools." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Every_Child_Matters)
My organisation follow the SMSC policy for children to feel socially, morally and emotionally safe. As a member of staff I have been directed to follow these policies as outlined in the "Staff Handbook". The School belief is that there is No celing to indidivual achievement. Encouraging students and staff to continue to develop and excel. Which has been reflected in their Assessment for Learning policy (AFL).
"Assessment for Learning is internationally recognised as having a positive impact on learning outcomes. As its heart is the philosophy that "no child is left behind" which links exceptionally closely to the "Every Child Matters" policy.
At Hundred of Hoo School we make the link between these two major initiatives and "Every Parent Matters" to ensure that the School, Learners and Families are equal Partners in ensuring that Learners achieve academically, as team members, in fair play, effort and leadership.
We recognise:
- the crucial role that timely, meaningful Assessment can make to the learning of Learners and the improvement in Teaching and Learning;
- that Parents, the Hoo Staff and Learners are equal partners in the use of assessment to improve Teaching, Learning and Achievement;
- that assessment informs teaching and learning and that it is an integral part of this process;
- that the learning takes place when the planned teaching is appropriate to the needs of the Learner;
- assessment informs planning;
- effective assessment provides feedback to Staff, Learners and Parents about progress and achievement, and helps to ensure continuity and progress across Hundred of Hoo School. (http://www.hooschool.co.uk/pupilprogress)
This year our annual staff appriasals also reflect pupil progress. Our individual appraisals came with an Action plan negoiated by our line manager. For example I am to attend teacher training courses, observe other colleauges good practise and achieve outstanding in my own formal lesson observations (which I have achieved twice this term :)
These appraisals are pay related and I beleive that this new format will promote the Continual Professioanl development (CPD) of all staff within my organisation. This will then ensure that good teaching practise is maintained throughout the school, in line with the codes of practise and ethic values of our professional community. By committing to the good quality of teaching, my organisation are striving to continue to develop the well-being, learning and progress of every of its pupils.
My place of work also created a new Behaviour For Learning Policy (BFL) giving clear instructions on how to deal with students who are un-willing to co-operate. By following the BFL policy I am ensuring the welfare of every student as well safe-gaurding myself the school's reputation. This policy favours a positive approach to behaviour issues, outlining methods to use for praise and rewards, having introduced a new system this term for awarding house points for students good work.
"Term 1 has seen major changes to the house system at the Hundred of Hoo Academy with the introduction of 4 Heads of Houses. Our vision is that every student within the academy will have the opportunity to become involved in activities where they compete against other houses. It is our belief that an effective house system will encourage competition, increase student engagement and attendance and allow students to have a voice in a system that will lead to whole school improvement. I hope that your son/daughter will participate fully in all activities available and will enter into the house spirit that we aim to foster within the academy."
(http://www.hooschool.co.uk/Mainfolder/Newsletter-Autumn-2012.pdf page 5)
