Signature Project Holy Cross Boys’ Primary school Gerard Wallace

Outline of the Session  Holy Cross Boys’ P.S context  Quality indicators – How HCB made it work  What I learnt about interventions  Resources ideas.

Holy Cross Boys’ P.S Context Holy Cross Boys’ P.S Context All boys primary school Situated in Ardoyne, north Belfast. Among most socio-economically deprived in NI ( top 3%) 37% SEN 78% FSM 11 th /840+ primary school FSM 74% L4+ in KS2 in Maths and Literacy ( ) 80% % Grammar (A/B1 Grades) Inspection Report Nov Outstanding in every area. Level 4+ End of KS2 (Numeracy/Literacy) 2012/13: 68% 2013/14: 74% 2014/15: 80% 2015/16: 80% (Target)

7 Quality Indicators Effective Signature Intervention Pupils Teachers LeadershipPlanning Monitorin g & Evaluating Collaboration & Communication Parents

Pupils All boys were identified using a range of data (PiE/PiM/NINA/NILA and Christmas assessments) Underachievers – Extremely important to choose the correct children. (L3 to L4) Meetings held with classroom teacher, SENCo and VP to discuss pupils Lessons were pupil directed and pupil focused as they set their own targets.

Teachers Recruited centrally Plan appropriately Use a variety of strategies (ICT, practical and written) to promote high quality learning Lessons always suits the needs of the pupils and used their interest to explore related topics Tracked pupil progress.

Leadership Extremely supportive of the aims of Signature Set a clear direction I was always included in meetings or plans for signature with VP or Principal Extremely supportive as mentors Promoted the Signature model – Signature teacher continued

Planning Very flexible, suit the needs of pupils Planned alongside teachers’ planning ( 6 weekly and weekly notes) Used variety of tools to develop planning ( ALTA/ Maths and Literacy Challenges) Timetable was suitable but flexible Monitored through weekly evaluations and week 7 evaluations Ongoing assessment throughout.

Planning

Monitoring and Evaluation Weekly evaluations Classroom teacher discussion Literacy and Numeracy Challenges Pupils setting targets and evaluating whether they have reached them.

Collaboration & Communication Excellent communication between class teacher and myself A need for good communication skills with staff in school, SENCo, Literacy and Maths Co-ordinators Other Signature Teachers (training days) Cluster Groups - sharing strategies, resources and ideas.

Parents Parents were informed at the beginning and they were kept up-to-date with their son’s progress Parent’s iPad class 10-4-Lad.

7 Quality Indicators Effective Signature Intervention Pupils Teachers LeadershipPlanning Monitorin g & Evaluating Collaboration & Communication Parents

Classroom Practice Effective planning: breadth, progression & pace Differentiation Varying Strategies & Practical Resources Value of Diagnostic analysis to inform teaching/ learning Tracking and monitoring progress Understanding Low Attainment and Underachievement Knowing your pupils Knowing what can be achieved The value of effectively confronting the obstacles to learning Reflective Practitioners Self-evaluation culture Collaborative opportunities to share best practice Strategic interventions from leadership can work Lessons from Signature

What I Learnt about Interventions Crucial to choose the correct children – Underachievers To be accountable Make it enjoyable for the children Work closely with other staff within the school Don’t stress! Student

Useful Ideas English Use of ICT – always got boys engaged. QR code/Green ScreenGreen Screen Games – contraction snap/ white board punctuation/ Kung Fu punctuation High quality worksheets Use the same text for comprehension and word work.

Useful Ideas Maths Use of ICT – iPad apps Practical Maths/ Environmental Maths/ Functional Maths and Using and Applying Maths High quality worksheets Mental maths.

Innovative Reading/ Literacy Initiatives Simple objective: cultivate a love for reading, for language and provide the opportunity to think critically & articulate thoughts.  10-4-LAD Reading Initiative: Promoting boys’ reading with male role models  C’ville FC Buy-in: promotion, active support, incentives  Recitation Week  Accelerated Reader  Buddy Readers (peers)  Reading Rooms  Latin/ Greek derivatives programme and classes  Dickens/ Shakespeare & Non- Fiction text investment  Classical Art/Music Scheme  De Bono Thinking Hats  Philosophy

Resources Maths/English Use the NISPLAN website – great resources for Maths and English Education city/ TES/ Primary Resources/ Super Teacher.

Questions?