What are the barriers to success?

We can’t create intelligence but we can:  Develop existing potential  Improve our recruitment of able students

We can’t change personality or background but we can:  Encourage  Facilitate  Inspire

We may need to argue for:  Adequate curriculum time  Labs which are suitable, comfortable & pleasant  Sensible group sizes

 “Quality of teaching is a crucial factor in promoting effective learning in schools”  Good teachers make a difference….  A level teaching isn’t easy

 Direct, causal relationships between teaching & attainment are hard to find  But research shows clear links between attainment & certain characteristics of teaching & learning

Some ideas

Produce a termly timetable for students detailing: Topics & dates Homework assignments & deadlines All timetabled practicals Reading list (Y12) Important events e.g. fieldtrip, mock exam

 Know your stuff!  Plan lessons & produce resources  Stick to the syllabus  Set & mark 3/4 hours work per week  Vary the work set e.g. notes, past paper Qs, tests, essays, practical write-ups

Feedback should be:  Personal – mark students’ work your-self & add comments  Prompt – next lesson if possible  Precise – use a standardised mark scheme & explain errors  Persistent – chase students until they meet deadlines

 What is “positive group ethos”?  How can we help it to develop?

 Invite comment & feedback  Be caring, available & approachable  Be enthusiastic  Work hard for your students  Look for solutions not problems  Take an interest  Raise their self-esteem

 Why haven’t I mentioned it yet?

1. What could you change easily & immediately? 2. What could you work on in the medium term?