#ukedchat Archive
Join teachers and educationalists for #ukedchat each Thursday between 8-9 pm GMT for Edu chat. Education news, resources, and @UKEdSch website with @UKEdMag
Thursday July 28, 2016
Tonight’s with & I is a chance to reflect. We’ll start with what has been the biggest challenge last year?
Please join in, whatever subject or stage you teach or whatever your role in education. But remember the hashtag
Q1) What has been your biggest challenge this year?
We're in reflective mood tonight at Thinking about last year & looking forward to next. Please join in & don't forget the hashtag.
Getting to grips with 'life without levels' and a new 1-9 KS4 syllabus, and a change in the KS5 spec
A1 First DHT post - 2 form entry primary on a journey. Facing many diff challenges daily!
For me, the big challenge last year was juggling old & new GCSE & A Level specs
Well I moved schools part way through the year due to a complete clash of ideology -
Dealing with so many changes all happening at once.
A1: navigating the Y6 SATs with our parents. Explaining the scores whilst reporting on the WHOLE child.
Yes! All at once. https://t.co/yWgvMTOwLQ
Getting to grips with 'life without levels' and a new 1-9 KS4 syllabus, and a change in the KS5 spec
that sounds like a simple year - ahem.
Mid-year moves the hardest? https://t.co/JbvM2Gx7U6
Well I moved schools part way through the year due to a complete clash of ideology -
Which changes are challenges, and which changes are welcome?
Q1. What has been your biggest challenge this year?
2 new liner A Levels, new GCSE gradings (1-9), introduction of new compulsory content in PSHE.
Very much so, although has set me up well to hit the ground running next year.
Full mixed-ability teaching in Mathematics - not for me
and how did you deal with that?
A1 My biggest challenge: Year 2 SATs prep compounded by the premature birth of my 2nd child.
Q1. What impact have this year’s challenges had on your teaching, your students, your well-being?
The government just doesn't want us getting bored lol
did this have an impact on achievement?
Not just an FE problem? Or more so? https://t.co/K01GaQOZGO
as an FE lecturer I'm still getting to grips with finding the best way to engage learners of all levels/motivation
A1 Challenges this year have developed my confidence in own skill - feel like I've found my place.Thrive on the unknown of the day
I seem to remember a certain article about the freedom of designing a new curriculum. Complete?
gosh. How on earth did you juggle that?
Anything the DfE has thrown our way. Keeping it steady, and not losing sight of what you truly believe is right.
From my short time there, it was nigh-on impossible to teach effectively
Q1. How have you overcome challenges this year? Any tips for being resilient?
why does it always happen that way! Every year!
Lots of challenges every year, makes the job enjoyable :)
A1 Overcome by focusing on the kids. Whatever we do must have impact on them.
Loving this positivity! So easy to focus on negative aspects of a challenge. https://t.co/qUGEdbho6E
A1 Challenges this year have developed my confidence in own skill - feel like I've found my place.Thrive on the unknown of the day
Q2) What has been out biggest success?
How do you keep this focus? https://t.co/XxEKdpCZSe
Anything the DfE has thrown our way. Keeping it steady, and not losing sight of what you truly believe is right.
Keep focused on staying on the side of justice - which is the staff, young people and learning https://t.co/8eA1ZAMKsd
Q1. How have you overcome challenges this year? Any tips for being resilient?
But let’s also think of successes too. Q2. What has been your biggest success this year?
LOL that was a pre-GCSE course so I set exam. With external exams its hard to know what they are looknig for
Q2. Here's a chance to celebrate things that have gone well. Share with us your successes from this year.
A2 Same as the challenge!New role,moving forward with school,positive working relationships, positive f'back from Ofsted, HMI etc
I think my biggest success this year has just been going to work - a year of personal loss & difficulty. Thankful for colleagues!
not always easy, but as a head the job is to make sure your teachers keep doing their job. Be crap umbrella!
Q2. Introducing at my school: 2visitor speakers, specialised lessons+whole school donations now with refugees:)
Congratulations ! What has been the most important out of all of those? https://t.co/s5IxBc6gsF
A2 Same as the challenge!New role,moving forward with school,positive working relationships, positive f'back from Ofsted, HMI etc
How do you celebrate and share success in your school? Is this custom & practice?
A1&2 Teaching a deaf student was a real challenge, especially the Speaking Listening & Communication assessment but she passed 👍
Without the +ive working relationships we couldn't have achieved everything else
Great colleagues make all the difference. A supportive team is always a major success. https://t.co/7x12gjqo5m
I think my biggest success this year has just been going to work - a year of personal loss & difficulty. Thankful for colleagues!
Don’t forget to include the hashtag if you are taking part in the discussion tonight.
Not possible to teach the same thing in parallel?
. taking part in creative writing competitions at school
Brilliant! https://t.co/bdllvcE5jK
A1&2 Teaching a deaf student was a real challenge, especially the Speaking Listening & Communication assessment but she passed 👍
How does that make you feel? Being part of such a long time of their life and their future? https://t.co/EL0wIWRFCW
I know it’s the holidays, but and I are happy to be hosting tonight’s . Let’s reflect and look forward!
How does that make you feel? Being the crap umbrella! https://t.co/O0EzKkqI8m
not always easy, but as a head the job is to make sure your teachers keep doing their job. Be crap umbrella!
That's an accomplishment indeed! How did you organise that? DO share. https://t.co/qqWyRhHD40
Q2. Introducing at my school: 2visitor speakers, specialised lessons+whole school donations now with refugees:)
for a while we did learning walks and took it in turns to share practice in Staff Meetings, but it fizzled out
Thanks ☺️ although getting through first year of teaching counts as a success as well I think
Don't forget the hashtag if you want your contributions to be picked up by followers of the discussion tonight.
A2 seeing team pull together. Getting there together, not compromising on values and still getting the dividends. Good Ofsted!
A1. Two injuries that saw me on crutches of year. A2. Learning to accept help when needed as been major learning curve and help!
I have taught deaf students before and they have been the most memorable and enthusiastic learners ever! https://t.co/I9jconQyY5
A1&2 Teaching a deaf student was a real challenge, especially the Speaking Listening & Communication assessment but she passed 👍
Helping several high needs students to achieve their qualification has definitely been one of the many highlights of my year
Q3) What has had the most impaction your wellbeing? (both positive and negative)
Would love to hear more about
Agree with you 100%.Without positive relationships/friendship at work it would be difficult. https://t.co/GTnjfmORJo
Without the +ive working relationships we couldn't have achieved everything else
Biggest success this year was presenting at & then being allowed to implement PBH with yr7 in september
Q3. What has had the most impact on your wellbeing this year? (both positive and negative)
sometimes it's very stressful, and often lonely, managing that is tricky. Keep a balance. Sometimes you just wanna say!
It was certainly a challenge but very rewarding. English and maths both passed so I'm very happy with that
Nothing like a reward is there Ben! We like to reassured of our special talents from time to time too! https://t.co/AaaZK2E0cs
. Wow. Major year for you! Id forgotten Ofsted. Major ordeal but has improved confidence doing well in it.
A3 +ive impact on wellbeing - finding the role that suits me. Much longer hours but so much happier.
I definitely agree! I've just finished my second year, but still feel new to the profession https://t.co/QslaOwBlaC
Thanks ☺️ although getting through first year of teaching counts as a success as well I think
Congrats! Any other NQTs around tonight? Congrats to you too https://t.co/7ry0yvkFlG
Thanks ☺️ although getting through first year of teaching counts as a success as well I think
A1 it's starting this so many challenges & doubts but we wanted to motivate & inspire students!
Does your Head/SLT place an emphasis on staff well-being? What do they do well? Or what needs doing?
What was your presentation about? https://t.co/uNaxCUVxbO
Biggest success this year was presenting at & then being allowed to implement PBH with yr7 in september
Getting on twitter, and seeing that everyone seems to be experiencing the same problems
all the changes had a negative impact for me as I felt very unsure of what I was doing which hiked up anxiety
Please remember to use the hashtag rather than messaging so your contribution can be followed by all.
Another success - being part of organising group for Primary Rocks Live - seems a long time ago!
Having tea provided in all the kitchens has mad a big difference
A3 +ve Impact definitely joining Twitter. Easy to get sucked in by fun-sponges but lots of positivity and optimism on here!
It's finding that balance I find is the hardest part of the job. How do you deal with it? https://t.co/nrHIVA4bpy
sometimes it's very stressful, and often lonely, managing that is tricky. Keep a balance. Sometimes you just wanna say!
A3 made a real difference, got me and my team up and running. Just the start.
How has that changed you as an educator? https://t.co/W394CgZDdB
It was certainly a challenge but very rewarding. English and maths both passed so I'm very happy with that
Question 3 again. https://t.co/gsbZRMfCUb
Q3. What has had the most impact on your wellbeing this year? (both positive and negative)
how's the 2017 vintage going?
Definitely not the only one. Think this year has been one of constant anxiety. https://t.co/WdISya3DhO
all the changes had a negative impact for me as I felt very unsure of what I was doing which hiked up anxiety
A3 My Coping with Stress page https://t.co/23le1F9bMN Really important to learn how to deal with the stresses placed on educators
Cross curricular project based homework in KS3 to develop independence and resilience
Heres a link https://t.co/AxLc15LYA3
Wellbeing is in the school development plan, but individuals have a big part to play also. I run and surround self with top people
Returning after a year off and getting my head around all the changes & new ways of working. Couldn't have done it without
sharing our assessment journey, realising it was the schools journey in the last two years and how far we had come!
Sometimes it's the simplest things! https://t.co/d64XWknzmo
Having tea provided in all the kitchens has mad a big difference
A supportive personal learning network is sometimes better than a therapy group. What do you look for? https://t.co/TSQdue33hj
Getting on twitter, and seeing that everyone seems to be experiencing the same problems
shaped me more than changed me as first year. Good for confidence to jump in at the deep end and face challenges head on
Have to remember that my job is to drive learning and sometimes that makes me unpopular. Advice?Get over it in a leader not a mate
:
Wellbeing is in the school development plan, but individuals have a big part to play also.
https://t.co/T7xBeP0vqv
Any more details? Loving hearing how folks are tackling life after levels! https://t.co/H8WaJeCgEJ
sharing our assessment journey, realising it was the schools journey in the last two years and how far we had come!
I'd also recommend for managing wellbeing ;)
It's nice that I get a cup of tea as soon as I walk in as the first room I pass is a kitchen
Date set - coming along nicely!
A3 + Twitter! etc! - Anything related to DfE who care little for our wellbeing
ah never been. Has that helped you in becoming a better educator or a better rounded individual ?
agreed as long as there is a good face to face network also-mainly to stop talking shop :)
it would be impossible to do the job we do without a cohesive team.
Anything really where there are people chatting
https://t.co/3pYsUYYQG6
Content changes were ok but lack of clarity on assessment in both A Level & GCSE made it really stressful
our staff regularly receive thank you cards and praise for what we do. It really makes a difference to morale
https://t.co/RoBpESPiL6
In partnership with our staff and parents. Shared language of learning and progress is key.
Both I think-being so involved in twitter helped with being better educator,being with great people helps the individual
https://t.co/eIS4EmulRx
I've exceeded my own expectations w/ course management & have taken on a more challenging group for 16/17
sounds good! Will try to make it again this year
Q4) What are you looking forward to for the next academic year?
It's fab to see people from all stages, subjects etc involved in tonight's chat. Educators rock!
Best thing for well-being: having friends out of the profession so you aren't allowed to dwell and talk 'shop' allllll the time.
Thnks.1.Listened2students on what they wanted to do 2.Found staff allies 3.Pestered SLT-a lot 4.Pushed when people were skeptical
https://t.co/kggxONi292
negative:working when unwell positive:the poetry of Rumi: 'Every object,every being is a jar full of delight'
So, what are you most looking forward to about the next academic year?
When do we ever stop talking shop! Look what we are doing in the holidays! https://t.co/JKQcfKvJwO
agreed as long as there is a good face to face network also-mainly to stop talking shop :)
5.Resources 6.Publicity lady onboard 7.Tried2always remember y we were doing +hrs!:)
A4 Continuing to develop our school,building the team, widening our impact in the community, allowing staff to use their strenghts
Loving today's definitely been a challenge but we've launched our new site & want to work with you all https://t.co/gr2awg7L7m
Let's think now about next year. What are you excited about? What are you looking forward to getting stuck into?
A4 I'm looking forward to being able to start a new academic year with a new group without it being my first time
A3. Ofsted, good and bad. support from colleagues in a v.difficult year with injury, new spec, study
Trying new ways of teaching big concepts, ways to make homework more efficient an teaching A2 Biology for the first time in years
How are you allowing staff to play to their strengths? https://t.co/1eJJUvF9lK
A4 Continuing to develop our school,building the team, widening our impact in the community, allowing staff to use their strenghts
. allowing input to consultation, great. But colleagues not bothering to read final version, boo hiss.
my new course group. Bring on Level 2 management... and the fun and games that follow
And is this working? https://t.co/JvSkLffoln
A4 Continuing to develop our school,building the team, widening our impact in the community, allowing staff to use their strenghts
this is my first it's much better than I expected.
Makes such a difference. But you never stop learning & growing as a teacher. One of best bits of job! https://t.co/LumJvOHRDE
A4 I'm looking forward to being able to start a new academic year with a new group without it being my first time
A4 I want to get involved in organising CPD as well, maybe a teach meet or at least be involved in one. Would be a good challenge
How will that be different from your first year? https://t.co/zYbH8EFklG
A4 I'm looking forward to being able to start a new academic year with a new group without it being my first time
And it's my first one in ages - so happy to hear you're enjoying. Great community! Thanks for particpating https://t.co/sHE0hjA4v8
this is my first it's much better than I expected.
Starting to - early days. Had Ofsted,HMI,moderation etc this year-next year we can focus on building US
Are you excited about the changes to assessment, curriculum, exams etc? Do you have new topics, texts, key stages to teach?
definitely agree with that. I think the day you stop trying to improve is the day to 'cash in your chips'
Me too! https://t.co/CnXkpk3jX0
A4 I'm looking forward to being able to start a new academic year with a new group without it being my first time
Asked staff what year group they wanted, what subject they wanted to lead, what CPD they need etc
1:1 meetings with the new head for every member of staff showed respect for whole school community
Headteacher recognising how our approach to staff wellbeing is powerful for the individual & the school. https://t.co/gKVwXa74ej
Who's done their back-to-school stationery shop yet? (Or is it only me that gets excited about all things planner, paper & pens?!)
Glad you are enjoying it! Hope to see you here every Thursday!
a1 by reminding myself that I DO know what I am doing! its alot to do with self belief.
Confidence mainly. Focus more on them & settling their nerves than mine! Realising Ive got time to ease them in to the year
Love your enthusiasm Freddy. Nothing like sharing good practice.Do you always set a challenge for yourself? https://t.co/6dNMgIgnKH
A4 I want to get involved in organising CPD as well, maybe a teach meet or at least be involved in one. Would be a good challenge
Remember the hashtag if you want your tweets to feature in this week’s discussion. Thanks.
a2 helping to manage my school around massive building plans- school now a building site!
Indeed - we do obs and perf man with every staff member - makes them feel valued
I started that today - I get way too excited when I'm in the stationery department
Blimey full on! So what entails in 'building us' ? https://t.co/2qSdCXumbZ
Starting to - early days. Had Ofsted,HMI,moderation etc this year-next year we can focus on building US
a3 having positive working relationships, taking time out for myself, refusing to get bogged down with beaucracy
Q5) What changes are you going to make? (curriculum, assessment etc?)
hmm, how do you overcome a sense of "it's too complicated?" By encouraging, talking, and nagging …?
I've got new team members joining my department & I'm super excited for them to work with our fab students & staff
Now im just teaching Tudor bit of alevel really looking forward to revamping, and taking action research on it further
Yeah absolutely. I've taken on hosting duties for as well to try & help trainees so that'll be a good opportunity
https://t.co/vl2l35rcv0
more opportunities for both teaching and CPD. And being part of an academy on its way back up ☺
How did staff respond to the 1:1 attention from senior management? https://t.co/jyhCgsgLlJ
1:1 meetings with the new head for every member of staff showed respect for whole school community
- yes. A recognition that if we are happy we work harder. So there's a real feeling of care&compassion
More differentiation. At least one different activity or teaching/learning tool for every lesson
What does your school do to promote well-being? Would you champion this approach? https://t.co/89l336kekW
Headteacher recognising how our approach to staff wellbeing is powerful for the individual & the school. https://t.co/gKVwXa74ej
Q5. What changes are you going to make this year? (curriculum, assessment etc?)
oh yea! Guilty pleasure. https://t.co/121tYzEKPt
Who's done their back-to-school stationery shop yet? (Or is it only me that gets excited about all things planner, paper & pens?!)
Just continuing to develop the new KS4 curriculum now the exam boards are a bit more on top of it
What a great forum to reflect on the good and bad from the last academic year
V positive. Everyone who discussed it felt listened to, respected the time & felt mgmt change
Building the team, developing T'ing by using in house strenghts, coaching etc, staff well-being v important this year
by listening to their ideas and providing time for collaboration to plan effective execution.
what did they do to invigorate that in students? OR was it staff?
Are you following the discussion tonight? Be great to hear from some north west folk!
I remember my first year. It was a huge learning curve! https://t.co/vh3mg5bxM8
Confidence mainly. Focus more on them & settling their nerves than mine! Realising Ive got time to ease them in to the year
Hoping for lots more examples of student work being shared to see if we're marking okay! https://t.co/2MDoQSllZl
Just continuing to develop the new KS4 curriculum now the exam boards are a bit more on top of it
totally agree. Beings back some normality to the job
A5 my courses use continuous assessment but I felt I end loaded the year too much so I'm going to [try to!] balance it more
Reading! How do we make reading central to what we do? How do we create reading for pleasure?
It comes out of the schools budget, I'm not sure exactly which one
both. Just a more human approach. A being able teach to learn and enjoy, not just to pass
Project management skills too - and how did that fit in your job description! https://t.co/as2Ncfc3vn
a2 helping to manage my school around massive building plans- school now a building site!
everything-love the start of a new year- just get better and better! Hope it's always like that!
more regular low stake tests like timelines testing recall alongside normal exam style essays
This year I want to stress less about the paperwork & get much much more into my teaching. The balance of being a HoD!
we have a wellbeing society
lead from the front. Some schools make sure there is reading time for all, including staff.
A5 Building a new school library as we speak so we aim to make reading central to our sch ethos next year
A school I visited showcased the different books teachers were reading to encourage reading in students https://t.co/O0JYZJqjko
Reading! How do we make reading central to what we do? How do we create reading for pleasure?
I also want to do a lot more to help our students develop their memory skills & knowledge recall. Linear exams!
We have written a well-being policy this year
this happens at the college where I work too. Definitely something I aim to balance out with the modules I teach
Love this. So important. https://t.co/JAHqPfUKUP
A5 Building a new school library as we speak so we aim to make reading central to our sch ethos next year
our surveys always spark change. I'd have left by now if they'd have ignored our pleas
Negative - political events, positive - Only doing work I find interesting
Effective AFL throughout to improve achievement is definitely one of my targets too! https://t.co/LjU6Qula7C
more regular low stake tests like timelines testing recall alongside normal exam style essays
they organise staff socials, we have doughnut days. This year we've had two bereavements and they supported
Q6) What has had the biggest impact on YOU this year?
sounds a really good positive addition to the school.
Same for me https://t.co/CNJaLJ8G9S
Effective AFL throughout to improve achievement is definitely one of my targets too! https://t.co/LjU6Qula7C
more regular low stake tests like timelines testing recall alongside normal exam style essays
hoping our assessment without levels ladders can work; but if not, then time for reflection and refining
definitely. She always stands up for us and tries her hardest to make sure we have a good work life balance
V much - I'm DHT and am lead for staff well-being. Provide tea+coffee, massages for inset, lunches etc
do you have any specific plans fir doing that? Think its something need to focus on. New a level has so much content.
thanks Nick we have just created a staff library.I'm book obsessed, developing that in others and staff expertise key.
leading with integrity-staying true to who I am-keeping chn at centre of everything-with God in charge!
Smile a bit more. Simple things! https://t.co/3162SOSAtu
curriculum rewrite for new GCSE course. And smile a bit more. Well, maybe! 😄
I feel back in love with teaching. Finding faith again that w/ gd management we can make change
Great point! Reading is so underrated with the impact of technology. I aim to incorporate more reading https://t.co/Jz5mGNus8g
A5 Building a new school library as we speak so we aim to make reading central to our sch ethos next year
we have a staff library too.
I'm also hoping to get a renewed focus on learning outside the classroom - more extra curricular stuff!
Peter and Jane mate! That's how I leant and my dad has kept them for me to use with my son!
sounds even more special.
how much the student's personal problems impact their learning. Big eye-opener
To sum it all up then, what’s your biggest take away from the academic year we’ve just finished?
a4 the completion of our school and its facilities. Space!
https://t.co/sKUMONqXZW
the 'buzz' of learning with chn and staff-team, new challenges and working towards a vision together!
A1 Biggest challenge has been leading a large team.
changing schools half way through the academic year.
reading Drive by and Embedded Formative Assessment by
that's getting there with some, most actively seek me out for book advice now. Takes time!
get parents on board, create lovely reading spaces, do book swaps, reading days, reading competitions.
If you had to sum up the last academic year in three words, what would they be?
A2 Biggest success is HT telling me what a good job I'm doing and having a happy class of keen learners.
I'd second this! Dealt with far more safeguarding issues than I thought I would have. Huge part of the job https://t.co/fZOvSg1kty
how much the student's personal problems impact their learning. Big eye-opener
Challenging, rewarding, tiring!
Focus more on teaching and learn to direct the students to relevant support so I carry less of their stress
In case you are not aware Thursday 8-9pm is and not the best time for such tweets. Thanks! 👍
We want to be appreciated! https://t.co/MCg85nerD7
A2 Biggest success is HT telling me what a good job I'm doing and having a happy class of keen learners.
A3Being able to talk to HT about issues, being encouraged to work less due to +ve changes in sch
My husband is a brilliant teacher, and has built my confidence no end
different, exciting, fun.
invite authors, create class books/blogs, have a 'drop everything and read' bell, (I love reading!)
me too. Probably my biggest downfall this year. Worrying too much about their personal issues than teaching them
Be facilitators not dictators! https://t.co/y5XP6YIQfV
Focus more on teaching and learn to direct the students to relevant support so I carry less of their stress
fun of experimenting with new teaching ideas. Also regaining confidence as a bad manger (now gone) almost destroyed it
A4 A new class,more opportunities for outdoor learning, lots of trips/experiences and working with parents.
My three words to sum up last academic year would be: challenging, exhausting & inspiring.
it really is worth the sleepless nights and tears. We can make change and impact lives for the best
Tonight's has been fantastic. It's great to have an opportunity such as this to reflect
