Geography @ Priory development plan.

It’s a new school year, which means revisiting the development plan. The last one finished in July. The term development plan strikes fear and loathing in many people, but I feel it’s important to have shared aims and objectives.

My personal aims and philosophy are shared with the team, however, I can’t ask them to subscribe to them!

Therefore, shared and agreed (hopefully) goals are important. The timing of this post coincides with the establishment of reflective blogs by the team. I’ve, erm, ‘encouraged’ this.

Check out Jo Debens and Sam Atkins blogs. Both are at different stages of teaching, and I;m very much looking forward to reading about their adventures.

Now, about that development plan. A few details have been omitted, and the detail i am sure will be added. Geography @ Priory aims to be:

Leading Learning

WHAT should be taught?
A KS3 that prepares pupils for success at GCSE and beyond.
Student Curriculum Leaders that co-construct the curriculum and Digital Leaders that drive forward innovation.
Learning as professionals - peer observation and coaching
Taking control of own CPD through reflective weblogs and collaboration with others.

Leading Improvement

Ensuring that marking supports pupils’ learning and achievement
Assessment tasks that provide a full range of results across the whole ability range and prepares students for later challenges.
Use of simple techniques like Banned Words.
Results improvement.

Leading Innovation

HOW we teach and learn.
Not necessarily ICT and technology, but using creativity and innovation.
Using a Range of teaching and learning approaches
Being the lead department in adopting the whole school R³ journey.
Teachers providing KS4 blogs to support learning and provide information to parents.
The use of social media to improve communication and share success.

Leading Enrichment

Out of classroom learning, both within and beyond the school site.
Educational visits to places that create awe and wonder and provide opportunities for the development of geographical skills.
Geography will lead the provision of DofE opportunities.
Projects - geocaching / BBC School Report and beyond
Staff social time
Continue to secure external funding.

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David Rogers

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