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The A* Toolkit: A step-by-step programme to maximise exam success
£199.00
Phase:
Secondary
ISBN:
978-1-907927-05-8
Published:
Oct 2012
Overview
Raise achievement by developing the academic skills, self-confidence and aspirations of potential high achievers
Too many pupils fail to achieve their potential, not through lack of ability, but because they lack the motivation, drive and ambition to succeed in school and fail to make the link between their day to day learning and their future lives.
The A-Star Toolkit is designed to help you increase the numbers of students achieving A* grades at Key Stage 4, and prepare them for study at Key Stage 5 and beyond, by developing academic study skills, increasing students’ self-awareness and self-regulation, improving their aspirations and helping them link learning now to their future adult life.
Sample material
Benefits
This training resource offers a complete intervention programme that enables schools to challenge low student aspirations and help students develop the skills and attributes required for academic success.
This unique resource will:
- Raise academic achievement of target groups by developing higher level study and thinking skills
- Help students prepare for their future by teaching them to link school learning to the world of work and university study
- Improve whole school performance by embedding practice that has had the greatest impact on target students to support everyone
- Raise the level of challenge in all lessons by applying the skills and strategies developed in the intervention to classroom and curriculum planning
- Overcome barriers to getting crucial support from parents by showing teachers how to engage, inform and support parents to encourage their child’s learning
- Give staff the key to A/A* success with CPD units that develop staff skills, knowledge and understanding of important aspects of their students’ learning.
Why buy an Optimus Education DIY Training resource?
The A* Toolkit: A step-by-step programme to maximise exam success is part of the Optimus Education D-I-Y (deliver it yourself) training portfolio. Our D-I-Y training packages provide:
- value for money – training sessions can be delivered multiple times to different groups of staff
- comprehensive training materials – detailed training plans, presentations, handouts and a variety of practical activities to engage participants are all provided in the package
- flexibility – training sessions can be customised with case studies, questions or exercises which are specific to your school’s needs
- excellent quality – the training materials have been written by experienced trainers with expertise in the topic area; you benefit from their knowledge and guidance
- measurable outcomes – each package includes ways to monitor effectiveness and learning outcomes.
Summary of contents
The A-Star Toolkit includes 3 workshops and 3 enquiries that cover four linked pathways for schools to use with students, their teachers and their parents.
- The Student Pathway is at the heart of the toolkit and comprises weekly sessions designed to build student skills and aspirations
- The Teaching & Learning Pathway provides development opportunities for staff to link the skills learnt on the student pathway to the curriculum
- The Strategic Leadership Pathway shows you how to use learning from the intervention for whole school improvement
- The Parent Pathway helps to engage parents in their child’s learning
Session Breakdown
Workshop 1 - Why am I on this programme?
- Students reflect on characteristics as learners and how they can develop
- Teachers develop their understanding of potential high achievers
Workshop 2 - What is an A/A* student like?
- Students learn about key qualities and attributes for academic success
- Teachers are provided with materials to make the link to the classroom
- Parents are provided with discussion points to make the link at home
Workshop 3 – Develop the skills of a high achiever
- Students learn specific study skills and tools to improve their thinking
- Students learn to work independently to produce relevant outcomes
- Teachers develop subject study guides for A/A*
- Parents are provided with tasks and resources to help them give support
Enquiry 1 - The benefits and rewards of academic success – a look at the world of work and careers
- Students use the Thinking Wheel to think about opportunities in the world of work and careers and how are they linked to school
- Teachers make links between their subject and the world of work
- Parents learn how to share their experiences of the world of work
Enquiry 2 - The benefits and rewards of academic success – a look at HE
- Students use the Thinking Wheel to investigate the world of university
- Teachers plan how to incorporate links to HE in lessons
- Parents are provided with discussion points and activities linked to HE
Enquiry 3 - So what can I do now to prepare?
- Students build their e-portfolio, draft a CV and write a personal statement to pitch for a work experience placement or course
- Teachers and Parents provide opportunities to develop personal achievements for their portfolios
About the expert
Graham Watts is a consultant, teacher and writer. He has taught in a diverse range of schools, from the league table topping school in New Zealand to one of the most improved schools in the UK. Graham has developed a wealth of experience leading Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills programmes. This experience shows in his clear vision and in his 'nuts and bolts' approach to classroom practice. His ideas are tried, trusted and practical.
Stefani Shedden is an experienced teacher, leader and consultant with a particular interest in G&T and realising the potential of disadvantaged learners.
Delivery
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