Pilots and Trials

Key Stage 3 Regional Pilot

Dromore High School

The following information is a transcript of an interview conducted with the pilot school at the end of the first year of the pilot.

 

It is important to note that the interviewee stated if the planning could have been done at an earlier stage the school would have but due to the priority of maintenance of the curriculum and timetabling the planning did not start until October/November 2005.

 

The approach to planning taken by the school was described as general but in response to staff and pupil needs. The curriculum team initially produced a questionnaire to evaluate the understanding of the staff on Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities and to pinpoint any existing practice in each subject area.

 

A curriculum audit was conducted on a departmental level via the heads of departments. Each subject area mapped the revised curriculum to existing teaching. Results of the audit identified "pockets of good practice", for example effective feedback, questioning and links to learning intentions and success criteria. The school used CCEA and ELB officers as an advice tool. Current schemes of work were in the process of adaptation on a departmental level to include the three cornerstones and their related areas.

 

Training needs were identified for the staff; these included guidance on Assessment for Learning, Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities and the formally assessed skills of Maths, ICT and Communication.

 

Delivery of Learning for Life & Work will be infused throughout Key Stage 3. Personal Development will be delivered by the pupil's form tutor and Home Economics already had allocated time. This is currently under review.