What Works

1090 students, from over 50 nationalities A non-selective all-through school: Foundation, Primary, Secondary and Post 16 British Curriculum: Foundation - Early Years Foundation Stage Primary – National Curriculum Secondary – NC + GCSE Post 16 – A level Dubai British School - Context

An introduction to Wow! Learning Wow!

“Human brain increases capacity by making connections (synapses) not merely by amassing information” (Unknown, 2006)

An introduction to Wow! Learning

How English Looks Writing, spoken language and reading integrated into WOW sessions 2 x 1 hour guided reading sessions Phonics / spelling (daily in KS1)

An introduction to Wow! Learning Cooperative Cooperative Courageous Courageous Communicator Communicator Critical Thinker Critical Thinker Creative Creative Caring Caring

How our Teaching Assistants support us

Marina – a teaching assistant at DBS My key duties include: work with small groups of children work one to one with individuals follow the curriculum and work towards set targets feedback to the teacher be involved in the planning of the lessons with the teachers.

Key roles in literacy Phonics time – lower ability group who needs extra support. Use different learning activities and games which encourage children, to participate and develop their learning in writing and reading. Encouraged to attend professional development on phonics - “Phonics in the primary School”. This helped me to understand and apply phonics in the classroom with confidence.

QUEST PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES So what is the role of a TA, what should your TAs be doing? As we have already seen, its so much more than cutting, sticking, washing up paint pots, putting up displays and standing next to a photocopier

QUEST PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES DBS fully understand that in order to support children’s learning effectively, they need TAs that understand their role fully and have knowledge and skills that allow them to do this. In this way their TAs: support the participation of pupils in both the academic and social processes of the school enable pupils to become more independent learners ultimately help to raise standards of learning for pupils

QUEST PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES The teachers and TAs work closely together Teachers ensure that their TAs have an opportunity to understand: the reasons behind each lesson the learning objectives of the lesson what they, the teacher expects them to do how to support pupils during activities that they have not done before.

QUEST PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Professional Relationships are valued Regular, good communication. Respect for each other. Faith in each other’s abilities. A sense of humour!

QUEST PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES So where do we come in? Quest Primary Years Services

QUEST PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Quest Primary Services Professional working relationship with DBS for 6 years. works with educational professionals to promote high quality learning experiences throughout the UAE. Dedicated team of Primary Specialists and Consultants provide a range of high quality professional development and qualifications. Help teaching assistants develop their knowledge and understanding, in order to support children’s learning more effectively within the Primary School.

QUEST PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Why train your TAS at all? Builds self esteem Builds confidence Enhances knowledge and understanding of job role Allows faith in abilities Leads to better classroom management Means better and more effective support for pupils Leads to a better outcome for the school Can you think of any more reasons?

QUEST PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Quest provides: A variety of Level 2 and 3 CACHE and City and Guilds qualifications for Teaching Assistants in Supporting Teaching and Learning Continued Professional Development – a range of practical short courses and workshops aimed at TAs to provide effective strategies for enhancing children’s learning. Every Child Counts in partnership with Edge Hill University, UK – specialist training to enable Teaching Assistants to deliver high quality mathematics intervention to small groups of children in order to raise standards and attainment across the school. Do you provide professional development for all your staff?

QUEST PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES If you want an outstanding school, then every member of staff needs to be outstanding. Do you provide professional development for all your staff?

QUEST PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Any questions?