Target:
Heads, Deputies and Key Stage Managers who are building continuity and progression into the curriculum from primary to secondary

The Course:
This course led by Chris Haines will offer 'leading edge' strategies for teachers to improve the conditions for learning at Key Stage 3 (KS3).  Key strategies such as transition, assessment for learning and "learning to learn" programmes will be explored in detail.

Case study material and research evidence will be used to provide a more co-ordinated coherent approach.  This is a practical training day for Senior Leadership Teams, KS3 Strategy Managers and Leaders of years 7, 8 and 9 who are facing changes to their roles and responsibilities.

The day will clearly explain the implications of the 'revised' curriculum at Key Stage 3.  It will demonstrate how to plan and design the KS3 curriculum to maximise attainment and achievement.  It will highlight KS3 systems necessary to monitor student progress, develop learning skills, minimise the impact on staff whilst satisfying OFSTED, QCA and DfEE requirements.  The event will emphasise the changing roles and responsibilities of tutors, middle and senior managers at KS3.

The course will offer realistic strategies for staff to improve the conditions for learning at Key Stage 3 in their school.  It will highlight the importance of continuity and progression from primary to secondary.  The implications for Key Stage 3 will be highlighted in terms of systems for monitoring student progress, motivating students, maximising attainment, developing common assessment procedures and emphasising learning skills such as thinking.  Key strategies such as tracking students, raising self-esteem and developing learning skills at KS3 will be explored.  Case study material, research evidence and the Key Stage 3 pilots will be used to provide a coherent and co-ordinated approach to develop the conditions for learning.

This course will explain:

• Issues around transition and transfer
  
• Students' perceptions of learning in the early years of secondary schools (KS3)
  
• The key features of effective learning and assessment
  
• The changing roles, responsibilities and core functions of staff
  
• Curriculum models that support progression, continuity and skills development
  
• The importance of common assessment procedures to track student attainment and achievement
  

• Activities for staff on the process of learning
  
• Guidelines on how to develop a more coherent approach to learning at KS3
  
• Information on practical strategies to improve learning
  
• Case study materials of successful developments in the areas of learning skills, tutoring, self-esteem and monitoring
  

9.30 Arrival and registration

10.00  Current issues around transfer from primary to secondary

• Examining the issues around the curriculum and learning
  
• The emphasis on attainment and monitoring student progress highlighted
  
• Students' perceptions of secondary school examined
  
• Developing the successful features of transition
  

• How to plan the curriculum to increase individuality and flexibility
  
• Examples of curriculum models discussed
  
• Developing 'learning to learn' programmes
  
• Balancing the development of knowledge with thinking and learning skills
  

• How teachers and students learn best
  
• Understanding the learning process
  
• Key factors needed to motivate students, maximise attainment and avoid the 'dip'
  
• Implications of formative assessment developments
  

• The key achievement issues in schools examined
  
• Management structures to support the changing curriculum
  
• Key leadership roles explored for year leaders, subject leaders, strategy managers
  
• Judging standards, evaluating teaching and learning, leading sustainable
         improvement
  
• Building on data received from primary schools
  
• Common assessment procedures essential across the school
  
• How to use data simply with parents and students
  
• The importance of feedback and assessment for learning
  

The Effective Teaching and Learning Network
37 Wycke Lane, Tollesbury,  Essex CM9 8ST  Tel/Fax 01621 860674
www.etln.org.uk       Email     Mobile 07710 480169