Making Learning Irresistible

Through our emphasis on 'Making Learning Irresistible' Sage is seeking to make learning fun and embed creativity into children’s everyday lessons. Fourteen schools are now actively involved in this Making Learning Irresistible Programme. Below are some of Sage's initiatives:

► Irresistible Reading

At Sage we have recently extended our commitment to Irresistible Learning to include an exciting new project of Irresistible Reading. Schools were invited to participate in the Sage Irresistible Reading Challenge.

► Philosophy for Children

Research suggests that learning philosophy can improve children’s levels of emotional intelligence and thinking skills. It also seems to have a long-term impact on relationship skills, making youngsters more aware of their own feelings and the feelings of others, while modifying their classroom behaviour. For more information see Times article from March 2007, http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/body_and_soul/article1558023.ece

Sage has now arranged six-day in-school INSETs under its philosophy programme in eight schools, run by Alison Hall. She is also liaising with a number of other schools, to develop tailor-made individual programmes. For more information about Alison visit http://sapere.org.uk/2005/08/02/alison-hall/.

►Philosophy Network Meeting

A network of all the teachers who have undertaken Philosophy training in schools has now been set up, with the aim of meeting up and sharing lesson plans, resources and ideas. Those meeting have agreed to share resources and copies of a plan they have used with their class, so that all attendees can leave the meeting with at least 12 shared plans. Download PDFs of resources they have created:

► Making the Curriculum Irresistible Creative Learning Journey

► Sage Facilitator to support Irresistible Curriculum Co-ordinators

A Sage facilitator is available to support all schools for up to half a day per half term. A third round of visits has now taken place.

► Irresistible Learning Co-ordinators

Irresistible Learning Curriculum Coordinators have met to share good practice and cross-curriculum planning.

► Directory of Cultural Visits/ Visitors for schools

Sage has created a directory of possible visits and visitors for schools to make their learning irresistible. For a PDF (183KB) of this click here.

We have also compiled a list of events and activities for families in London and the surrounding area, with loads of ideas for fun days out, including many that are free. Click here.

► Accelerated Learning INSET

As part of our on-going commitment to Accelerated Learning, Sage booked Bruce Potts from Alite to run an Accelerated Learning session on 29 June 2009. Twenty staff attended the Workshop, which focused on ‘The Learning Classroom’. This was specifically aimed at new or relatively new teachers and anyone who hadn't attended an Accelerated Learning Training Course.

Bruce Potts had previously conducted an Accelerated Learning INSET day organised by Sage in June 2007 and it was the very positive feedback that was received after that session that led Sage to organise a second session in 2009.

► Using the Arts in the Curriculum

Dance
Write Dance
Art

► Behaviour Management Emma Ramsden

Emma Ramsden (right) is facilitating behaviour management sessions for school staff, including NQTs, more experienced staff, Midday Meals Supervisors and Learning Mentors.

Click here for more information on previous Behaviour Management work.

► Cultural Entitlement

This is a concept that was first developed by Creative Partnerships (CP), as part of a government-funded national initiative to develop children's potential, ambition, creativity and imagination. Sage is using the model developed by CP and funding a consultant to work with a nominated person in each school involved.

The process starts with re-mapping the curriculum and writing in cultural entitlements for each age group. These then become fundamental parts of the children's education, rather than being seen as additional treats or added extras. Most Sage schools are embracing this idea and many new projects have been developed to promote it.

► Using ICT to enhance the curriculum

Rosemary Hunt has been working in schools on digital movie-making training and equipment has been purchased. Previously Rosemary has also developed extensive ICT resources for Sage, including lesson plans and resources for use with Interactive Whiteboards and to support some of the ICT QCA units of work.

► Irresistible Writing

Chi Chung

Chi Chung has been working in Sage schools, supporting class teachers from Year 2 to Year 5 in raising achievement in Writing. The work encourages a creative approach, making writing more fun, enjoyable and accessible for children. For Chi, what lies at the heart of the process is choosing a good quality story that will lend itself to repeated readings. Most schools have a cross-curricular approach, using Writing in the context of other subjects, eg linking it with Science or History topics.

As part of this Irresistible Writing Programme, sessions were held for teachers who have taken part to come together and share good practice and resources.

► Motivational INSET

Sir John James is booked to deliver a Motivational Education INSET for Sage schools in September. He will look at how to enhance the enjoyment of learning in schools and thereby improve performance. His work focuses on building a community of ‘learners and enthusers’ and fulfilling an ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda. See also www.alite.co.uk/training/TheHFactor.htm.

► Personalised Learning

This involves a commitment from schools to address the learning requirements of individual pupils and ensure that teaching methods include each child.

It is about tailoring education to ensure that every child achieves and reaches the highest standard possible. It also involves personalising school experience to allow children to focus on their learning, it is an integral part of Irresistible Learning.

► School Self Evaluation

This is a programme of training and development designed to improve schools' self review, leadership and management. It includes advisor time, peer coaching and mentoring, peer 'buddies' and leading teachers.

► Classroom Assistants' Training

All teaching assistants in Sage schools have been given the opportunity to take part in various training programmes. These have included sessions on literacy, numeracy, ICT, the use of Interactive Whiteboards, Special Needs, and dealing with pupils for whom English is a second language.

► Sharing Good Practice

Sage recognises the importance of sharing good practice throughout the London Borough of Lewisham and beyond. Through its website, showcases, newsletters and good practice publications Sage is committed to passing on the lessons learnt and good practice established through its various programmes run within Sage schools.

► Transition

Sage has been providing a transition programme at Foundation/Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 1/ Key Stage 2. This has developed earlier transition research and includes curriculum studies across key years, cross-phase support, improved use of data and ensuring targeted pupils achieve their individual pupil targets.

More information about Transition

► Values Education

This involves each school drawing up a list of positive value words, one of which is focused upon each month. The 'Word of the Month' is discussed in circle time, lessons, assemblies and during one-to-one talks. It is thoroughly explored, so that children, staff and parents develop a shared language that can be used to reflect on situations and learn from them.

Many Sage schools are involved in this initiative and Sage is providing training for teachers around Values Education. Some schools were also provided with funding to buy resources, such as books that address the particular values they want to highlight.

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