Creating Outstanding Classrooms in the Special School

It is the Coalition’s Government’s stated aim, that all children and young people with SEN or disabilities reach their full potential in school. They should also be supported to make a successful transition into adulthood, whether into employment, further or higher education or training. For this aim to become a reality, the importance of creating outstanding classrooms cannot be understated.

Outstanding classrooms in the special school can be created when dedicated professional teams place children at the centre of their vocation and ensure that every child matters. By doing this they can reduce the achievement gap between children from different backgrounds. There are a number of factors that are key contributors, namely; appointing staff of the highest quality and investing in and developing them; treating children as individuals, supporting them well and expecting them to achieve well; having staff who are passionate about finding ways of doing things better, with an unremitting focus on learning, development and progress; and demonstrating high-quality leadership to promote, support and sustain the drive to perfect teaching and maximise learning.

A clear common factor across the successful special school is having high expectations. These expectations come from strong values and they are set in a way that leaves everyone – pupils, parents, staff and governors – clear about what they are. It is then important that those high expectations are applied consistently and never relaxed.

In special schools a key driver is centred on putting children first and faith in what children can achieve and teachers can do. Transformational school leaders with a belief that all pupils can achieve high standards, given sufficient time and high-quality support, is an important background to the creation of an outstanding classroom in the special school.

Objectives

This course is focused on creating outstanding teaching and learning in special schools. A copy on the specially devised leaflet 'Sparkling Classrooms' will be available to course participants.

Rooted in Simon Knights extensive work at Frank Wise School, Banbury and special schools nationally, he will share practical ideas and approaches, including best practice use of ICT in the classrooms. Bring a portable device if you have one! 

Attendance at this course will provide you with a knowledge and skills set that you will be able to take back to your classroom to the benefit of your school and institution, including:

• The journey to the classroom
• The fun and fundamentals of learning
• Values and expectations
• Knowing your subject
• Knowing your students
• Smart Classrooms
• Interventions and digressions
• To teach is to learn
• Reflection and evaluation
• What have I learned as a teacher

21/06/2013 09:30 - 15:30