Teachers at Gloucester House plan sequences of lessons to cover the key skills and concepts required across the National Curriculum. Topics focus around a half termly theme considering balance and breadth across core and foundation subjects were taught using a topic based approach ensuring a range over a 2/3 year cycle. We also included pupil voice and areas of interest into this planning and SOWs were often adapted, taking this into account.
From our evaluation of progress in foundation subjects (not including PHSCE), and our learning through periods of different ways of learning in the pandemic, we have linked with our Camden SIP and adapted our approach.
We are still teaching topic lessons, but these are generally discrete. Whilst individual progress in the subject area is still made, these sessions are also the vehicle for other aspects of learning such as:
- Building confidence and ability in core skills
- Developing research skills
- Developing pupils’ self-concepts as learners
- Developing pupil interest in lifelong learning
Subjects covered in topic are History, Geography, Art, Drama and Music, RE and ICT.
Specific subject skills and concepts, which are transferable to whatever topic that is being studied, will equip pupils for future learning.
Implementation
Pupils are part of group and/or individual topic sessions. These are negotiated between pupils and staff but ensure a range is taught over the school year. Teachers make use of resources and SOWs from Hamilton to support the teaching of topic.
There is a long-term topic plan which we use to keep track of what is being taught over the years to avoid repetition and ensure breadth.
Teachers ensure that all relevant curriculum links are being made in their planning and pupils have the opportunities to experience the topic in the form of interesting activities and visits.
Teachers monitor and review pupil progress across topic subjects by completing assessments on our Solar assessment tracker. Pupils have a record of their learning in books or folders as an evidence base. Evidence can also be in the form of pictures, post it notes and models.
The progress of the pupils is reviewed, and appropriate targets are set in reports and ICPs.
Impact
- Pupils building confidence and ability in core skills
- Pupils develop research skills
- Pupils develop their self-concepts as learners
- Pupils develop skills, knowledge and interest in particular subjects/topics that develop their interests in lifelong learning and prepare them for the next stage in education/life.