The role of specialist schools

in learning communities

The role of specialist schools in learning communities

Context setting Must be in context of TRUSTMust be focused Must be practical:Data analysisMentoring CommunityStudent Council

Benefits and Challenges Key Benefits

Professional Development

Results

Community Integration

Mutual Benefit

Key Challenges

Attitudes

Resources

Examples & meeting the 4 targets

The Examples

Raising Standards

Sharing Learning

Tackling Barriers

Listening to the student voice

Data management

Mentoring

Community Base

Student Council

The Learning Partnership

Key Features of the St Mary’s specialism

Personalised Learning -Mentoring

Structure

13 Staff with timetable allowance

Year 11/13 pupils 2 sessions per year

Year 12/14 - Underachievers identified and targeted

Peer Mentoring

Results

Jan 08 - 60% pupils gained 90% or better in January module

90% of pupils

‘My revision technique has improved’

‘I know how to maximize my examination score’

Use of Data in St Mary’s Pupil Ranking compared between:

Yellis

Key Stage 3 results

Internal assessments.(English, Mathematics and Science-Assessment Manager)

Pupils involved in target-setting/action planning process.

Yellis predicted grades used with residuals to monitor progress

Key Features of the Rainey’s specialism

Using the Data Structure

3 Staff with timetable allowance

All staff reduced by 50mins/week

Year 8/11 pupils 3 sessions per year

Year 8 gifted & talented identified

Year 12/14 - Underachievers identified and targetted

Peer Mentoring

Results

Year 8 MidYIS

Tried Year 11

Using NICCY

Positive Feedback

Using the Data

Year 8 Pupils assessed using MidYIS•On-going assessment recorded in SIMS•Use of Traffic Light system continually sets feedback and targets derived•On-going dialogue with primary schools

Community Links

to remove barriers

Removing Barriers Forces and

Energy/Biodiversity-370 primary pupils

Thematic units for The World around Us and Weather

Spanish classes for 120 primary pupils

ICT development for staff

Post-Primary Links

Staff development:

Revised Specification (AS Biology)

Supporting the introduction of new subjects in partner schools

Sharing good practice

ICT –use of ‘Open Mind’

PE seminars/Revision Courses

Measuring the Impact

‘It is clearly evident that we have benefited from our involvement with St Mary’s and the specialist school initiative. The experience, expertise and funding have been invaluable in developing our children’s knowledge and understanding, improving the ICT skills of staff and helping us to achieve the silver Eco-schools award’ New Row P.S

Post-Primary Links Additional Subjects

Chemistry

Further Mathematics

GCSE Additional Mathematics

Using Technology

GCSE Law & Irish

Video-conferencing

Maths 4

Student Voice Encouraged the use of

school council

Give pupils a voice

Biggest issues

Toilets

Hairstyles

Recycling

School scarves

The Future Continued need for focus

Flexible

Open & Honest

Confidential

Challenge and support

Practice of close working relationships