27 November 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians,
One of our Teaching & Learning Key Drivers for this Academic year is to focus on the active participation of students during lessons. Various studies have been conducted on this topic, and research has found that active participation in lessons has multiple benefits to students, which include:
- Improves Understanding
- Boosts Retention
- Develops Critical Thinking Skills
- Increases Confidence
- Enhances Communication Skills
- Fosters Teamwork
- Boosts Active Learning
- Increases Engagement
- Provides Feedback
- Better Grades
To support this, during assemblies this week all students have been introduced to our new initiative: Everybody Expected to Participate (EEP)
What this means is that unless it is an assessment lesson, we would expect to see at least one of the following core formative assessment strategies used at the appropriate time in every lesson:
- Cold Call
- Turn and Talk
- Mini Whiteboards
The reason these specific strategies have been chosen is linked to the research conducted showing a positive impact on learning: Embedding Formative Assessment | EEF (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk). These are also strategies that both staff and students are familiar with, as they have been gradually implemented following training sessions.
Using this consistent approach across the Academy to support our students will: lead to increased active participation in lessons; challenge students to think harder; and ultimately provide the highest quality learning to ensure excellent outcomes and personal achievements.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
Simone Mabbett
Assistant Principal
