Fun at Fernhill.
I have now officially been up for 12 hours (it’s 4.45pm!) and could do with a snooze, but I can’t because a) I might sleep past by stop, b)my contact lenses will stick to my eyes and c) my mind is buzzing!
My session was entitled Keeping it compelling (more of that later!)
The day consisted of sessions led by Steph in the morning about the new Secondary Curriculum, the SLNs and then a session on phonics rhythm and song, followed by workshops in the afternoon
CLIL led by Louise Wornell from Ringwood
Podcasting with Steph
Blogging and wikis with Alex Blagona from
Keeping it compelling with me.
Once more, I would’ve liked to attend all the other sessions, and am hopeful that I’ll be able to catch some of them – sure Joe Dale had all his iRivers in action ;o)
Steph’s sessions were really interesting for me. As an ex-Secondary MFL teacher it was good to see how the curriculum has changed in the few years since I taught it, moving towards a more creative approach and less proscriptive content. Almost made me miss it – I did say nearly! I’m sure it would be very different. We considered how MFL can contribute to the whole curriculum dimensions of the Big Picture such as
It was also good to see how things have changed from the point of view of informing what happens at KS2. It makes sense to me that KS2 practitioners need to have an understanding of what is happening at KS3 just as KS3 need to be aware of the KS2 Framework for their work to make sense. It’s all about being ‘joined up’ or ‘pulling together the threads’ of language learning.
There were some very interesting snapshots offered from various members of the SLNs represented at the event. They have chosen to focus on boys’ attainment and use of TL, and I really enjoyed hearing about the creative ways in which schools were addressing these aspects. One group of lads at Fernhill have been split into two teams competing in a Bundesliga to win points for their team – Bayern Munchen or Werder Bremen – with points awarded for use of TL and against for poor teamwork such as calling out. Another school were using the pupils’ interests as the focus for work on healthy lifestyles, having a lesson lead by a group of pupils on an aspect of the topic such as sport, diet etc. And
Steph’s session on Phonics, Rhythm and Song deserves a post of its own – so it shall get one!
Hello Lisa,
It sounds like it was a great day.
Teaching MFL is changing at lightning speed, what with all the new technology and the changes to MFL assessment.
Love to hear some more!
Anonymous said... 25 February 2008 at 20:09
Glad you enjoyed the post. It was a good day - I can see I'd enjoy teaching secondary a bit more with the new curriculum ideas. I used you as an example of using technology in MFL - BoxofTricks and AsiSeHace should get a few hits on the back of it :o)
lisibo said... 25 February 2008 at 20:41
Hi Cat Woman !!
They let you out for the day to enjoy yourself !! Sounds as if it was a great day...
Anonymous said... 26 February 2008 at 15:04
Indeed! Now I am Spiderwoman or maybe Flowerpot gal though :o)
lisibo said... 26 February 2008 at 18:27
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