I enjoyed being able to sit in on a G9 Art class. Students were given a research project that had clear connections to their personal interests (teacher guidance), but gave them autonomy to take it into a specific creative area of their choice. There were links to other curriculum areas, as well as prior learning. It was wonderful :)
No-one came into my classes, but I was able to visit a G10 Mandarin class. It was interesting to see them transfer between a super quiet activity to one where they were sharing ideas. The difference was almost palpable as they went from finding knowledge to sharing and comparing it with what others had found and thought important .
Our two days of "Future Reading Learning" allowed colleagues to learn from their peers. It was wonderful to see the skills available on site, and gratifying to have my own workshop attended by staff I work with. Preparation for this involved 8 hours of workshops with Claire Peet from PD Academia.
My workshop was retooled somewhat due to the numbers involved, and feedback from attendees stated that it was a valuable opportunity to discuss pre-existing conceptions of neurodivergence. One area for improvement was that I let it become too informal, due to the number of attendees, and that the established plan with structured feedback systems would have been preferred by some.
A discussion about responding to extraordinary circumstances and the processes required to ensure optimal outcomes. While scheduled prior to the US/Iran conflict, it took place a week or so after it started, and so there were people 'on the ground' providing immediate solutions.
An online seminar with a number of sessions that look at how AI is being used, or is anticipated to be being used in schools, and the common concerns and pitfalls attached. The discussions centred around policy, but the examples were more about practice.
An online module looking at ensuring students are noticed and responded to appropriately, should any protection concerns arise.
The 'whole school' peer observation days are wonderful opportunities to see how staff in other areas of the school are connecting with students.
Due to timetabling (and being on the 5th floor) I have not yet had visitors on these days, but many on others.
Between 4-6 hours per fortnight of meetings to understand and discuss system requirements for reporting and planning, individual and cohort student needs particular to the moment, and department and section plans for the future.
Additionally: Personal reading and discussions with helpful staff (thanks Chelsea!) about CAS requirements and procedures.
An online seminar that discussed the various ways in which Media Literacy is an integral component of student well-being and critical thinking. Directly relevant to the challenges being faced by staff currently as to how to best ensure authentic learning and assessment practises for students who see grades as more important than personal development.