Comenius Report - Bowes School - 29th November 2010

Comenius Report 29-11-10

After spending a very interesting and informative time in Wales, it was good to get back into Class One and try out some of the learning strategies seen in the Alderman Davis School, Neath, Wales.
First and foremost was their idea of having a ‘Poem a Week’. Class One quickly took to it and after two to three weeks we have learnt not one, but nearly three poems! What was noticed was how children (who would not normally engage or participate) soon got into the flow of the poems. The use of repetition and rhythm carried out on a daily basis has definitely enhanced their confidence.
Our second initiative seen at Alderman Davis was to use ‘The Bumper Book of Storytelling into Writing- Key Stage 1’ by Pie Corbett. Class one decided upon ‘The Little Red Hen’ as a starter, as we have got some real hens called Doris and Lottie at the school. The children were and still are, very keen to apply hand actions to the story, draw up story maps and use their story cards. Over three weeks children have written short repetitive sentences, changed characters, as well as altering the beginning of the story. Older children (Years One and Two) have written a letter to ‘The Little Red Hen’ as part of their end of Autumn Term assessments. What has been noticed visibly is the increase in the quantity and quality of sentences written. There is also greater confidence across the whole classroom and those who struggled previously have managed a sentence –or two. We have now started another of Pie Corbetts’ stories ‘How the world was made’ and hopefully this will carry on into the New Year.
Children have given positive feedback on both these strategies and the use of the flip-cam has enabled children to see themselves, their reactions and responses instantly. A really powerful tool! In Class One we also set aside a day to dress up in Traditional Welsh Costume and we made Welsh Cakes. The children loved them. They have also looked inside the contents of the Alderman Davis’ Goody Bag and right across the school , from Reception (4-5years) to Year 6 (10-11 years), the children instantly recognised and greeted magazines, music and sweets with the same common enthusiasm as their friends in Neath, Wales. Perhaps this was to be expected…
The children have since written their thoughts and responses to the contents of the Goody Bag, which they hope to post on the Children’s Corner very soon. So watch this or that space!
In school, we are currently setting up the use of Vimeo, Blog, and skype. This will greatly enhance the children’s opportunity to communicate on a regular basis and it will also benefit the staff in terms of learning new ICT skills! !
Overall, we are watching closely to see the benefits and effects the teaching strategies seen in Wales will have on our children’s learning. For now, certainly where writing is concerned there has been a definite shift in attitude (a positive one), especially with those children who are more reluctant or who genuinely find it a struggle. Let’s watch and see!! Thank- you Wales.

Sue Scaife
Key Stage One Teacher
Bowes Hutchinson’s CofE Aided Primary School.
29-11-10

1. All of our teams arrived on Tuesday 19th and were accommodated  comfortably in Blue Bell Hotel. Our first meal together was at La Mancha restaurant. Our lovely hosts welcomed us and handed in very busy  schedules .

2. On Wednesday morning we went to Alderman Davies Church Primary School. First  we visited a new place of education POD – Place of Discovery. We saw how the cross curricular, key skills approach to learning is developed.  There was a lot of new equipment for learning with computers and digital technology.  We watched video about  new methods of helping pupils to learn (new approach of teaching).

3. After that we walked around the school being guided by the teachers and we observed learning-                teaching process. We had an opportunity to watch pupils in their daily routines and activities.  

4 IN the afternoon we were  introduced  to Welsh culture.

After lunch we went  to an old Victorian School situated in Museum of Welsh. We  watched  a lesson held by cruel Ms Black (Sandra – the Music teacher). The pupils were very polite and they couldn`t  answer without   the teacher`s permission.

After that we had free time in Cardiff to try shopping or sightseeing . At 7 pm we went to Welsh Assembly Government Hall. Our lovely host told us about  the  political and social system of management in Wales.

We spent a very nice evening having meal at  Custom House restaurant. We really enjoyed our delicious meals.

On the 21^st October we entered the school at 9.00. We visited classes continuing the  focus on aspects of learning. At 12.30  the leaders met  for planning further actions. Other teachers had free time.

From 5.00 to 7.00 pm the pupils had an Ugly Bug Disco. We were invited for having fun with children

At 7.30 started the Big Top party. It was held in a tent situated in Caryl`s Garden. We saw a circus performance which was done by a clown. He juggled with rings and torches. We had a lot of fun until 11.00 pm.

On the last day of our visit we met at school church for whole school  worship and our farewells. After assembling  we had a cup of coffee and we said “See you soon” (in Iceland probably).

Thank you Caryl and The Best Welsh Team !