Ysgol Mynydd Isa

Prior to our first visit in September the school sent us their PASS data, a survey which measures pupils’ attitudes to themselves as learners and their attitude to the school. This data allows schools to identify barriers to learning across the whole school as well as the impact of current curriculum provision and interventions for specific groups. We analysed the data and were able to identify a number of 4 purposes statements as priorities for development, particularly learner resilience, independence and the willingness to set themselves challenging targets. We also surveyed staff prior to our initial visit on their understanding, confidence and use of key Curriculum for Wales elements. These two data sets created a starting point for the curriculum redesign process.

Visits one and two involved meeting with the extended leadership team to share our analysis of pupil and staff needs and look in detail at creating a research-informed model of curriculum redesign. Action one was to use knowledge organisers across all year groups to analyse the cross-phase progression the current curriculum provision afforded.

Action two was for SLT to consider how staffing structures might need to change to enable AoLE collaboration, professional learning and curriculum development. Action three was to look at the pedagogical approach adopted across the school and introduce staff to the science of learning and the most effective learning strategies supported by cognitive science. Our final visit planned for January 2020 will be an INSET day for all staff to look critically at their curriculum redevelopment process so far and consider how to use the most effective learning strategies supported by cognitive science.

As well as the three school visits, we have supported the SLT in their actions via four, hour long remote sessions on Skype, which enables them to discuss with us questions, concerns and successes in an instructional coaching format.