Methodist College Belfast Self-Evaluation Presentation December 2012

Departmental Self-Evaluation Each year departments choose a focus from their Departmental Development Plans. They select the sources of evidence from pupil voice, data, pupil work or observation outside PRSD. Today’s presentation focus = peer observation. Fewer departments selecting it. However, excellent for sharing good practice and improving learning.

Problems 1. Time 2. Resistance Solutions Research Lesson Study Reduced Paperwork Reducing the expectation of the length of the observation Not part of PRSD Not imposed Not led by senior management but by HOD

Strategies Employed Pupil Pursuit – KS3 Working Party - Focus on Assessment for Learning. Lots of good feedback, teachers involved enjoyed the experience But - quite expensive, too intrusive, not sustainable. RLS – GTCNI Pilot with funding attached. Structured, money available, led by teachers, they select the topic. Working in teams, subject based, built in evaluation, excellent staff development. But - what happens when the funding runs out? Departmental use of peer observation in the way that suits them best. – Buddy system, paperwork light, length of observation can be 10 mins or a whole period, linked to the DDP, so all teachers in the department involved. Outcome so far - reduced resistance, real focus on learning improvement.

Next Steps Continue to grow the culture of peer observation. Two HODs have already shared their approach to peer observation this year with other HODs. This has stimulated interest in other departments Use of RLS teams is being developed and the number of teams has grown in the year Could provide an option for HODs to structure their self- evaluation.