Term Two Planning

The Calendar Ahead

Here is a copy of the events and trips for Waihi College for next term.  It looks to be another very busy time here at school.  At eleven weeks this is the largest of the terms this year.  We've scheduled our time to have something of a mid term break - we've put a teacher only day on the Friday before the long weekend of  Queens Birthday.  The other "day zero's" are Anzac day (which is significant this year as this is the centenary of the Battle for Gallipoli) and our Parent Teacher Interview day).  

Of course we have our focus here in Waihi on Matariki in week nine.  The focus of the big questions for this term are...

• Year 7 & 8 - Why do we have stories?
• Year 9 - How has technology changed youth culture?
• Year 10 - What does it take to make a healthy community?

There are several major cultural events happening this term.  The junior school production in week seven, spirit days in week ten and the rugnet tour in week eleven.  

The SLT are aware that staff were feeling the pressure on learning last term with the amount of 'EOTC' happening.  Hopefully this information can better inform your planning.  




This post is just for your information and planning.  

Internal Review

End Of Term One Review

As a part of processing through our planning for this and next year we thought that it would be a good idea to gauge from staff their thoughts/views/insights over the first term.  

Here is a copy of the questionnaire that we handed out today...

 The hope here is to better streamline our systems here at the college.  All staff, of course, are warmly invited to bring ideas or issues to any of the SLT (we value your feedback and initiatives).

This post relates to RTC #1. "Establish and maintain effective professional relationships focused on the learning and well-being of ākonga."  And RTC #6. "Conceptualise, plan and implement an appropriate learning programme." 

Hours For Senior Courses

Planning an NCEA Course.

It is really great to see that Kamar has an accurate record of all the entered credits for our senior academic students in NCEA.  I can see that all of our year 11 students (bar Alt Education and Memphis students) have over 100 credits that they're eligible for this year.

I thought that it would be a timely thing to look globally at our calendar of learning for the entire senior school.  Here is my analysis of the amount of time each subject/line has for the entire year.

Going from these numbers and the atypical credit count for courses.  I can see that courses that offer 20 credits (which is the modal number of credits at level one) have approximately five lessons for every credit.  So if you have a four credit standard that you're teaching then you should be allocating twenty lessons of time (this equates with our timetable to be thirty school days or six weeks of learning).

NZQA has some information on the guidelines around time and credit value (click here for the link)...

"Credits allocated to unit standards reflect the notional learning time expected for learners to meet the outcomes in those unit standards.  (Actual learning time will, of course, vary from learner to learner.)  Notional learning time includes time spent in structured tuition and self paced learning and practice; time taken to gather and provide evidence for assessment purposes; and time taken to be assessed in all the outcomes and contexts.   One credit represents a notional 10 hours of learning, practice, and assessment time."

I think that it is very important that all teachers are cognitive of the pressures of time for NCEA qualifications.  This needs to be thought of when considering the strengths of the cohort, the amount of credits you hope to cover in any course, the pressures of the time of the year (not much point in having internal assessments around the school exam week).FYI we are going to change the name of the school exam week to "compassionate consideration exam" to highlight the importance of getting the best possible grade.

All of this inherently links to study and homework.  That time where students can consolidate their learning from class.  With the above "10 hours" (which is very generous) there is a clear need for staff to plan on students learning at home.

Further to the idea of study is the increasingly common practice of posting learning online.  This can be achieved through a classroom blog or website.  Similarly the trend into 'flipped' classrooms will also add to the readiness of students to learn at home.

This post is related to RTC#  6. "Conceptualise, plan and implement an appropriate learning programme." and RTC# 7. "Promote a collaborative, inclusive and supportive learning environment. i. demonstrate effective management of the learning setting which incorporates successful strategies to engage and motivate ākonga." 

New Entrant Parents Want

Enrollment Interviews

One of the most enjoyable parts of my role last year was meeting the year six students and families as they came to the College for their enrollment interviews.  It is amazing how positive and excited the students (and parents) are about starting their time here at Waihi College.  

I have a series of questions that I work through with the families about what makes them tick.  One of the best questions is to ask the parents what it is that they really want for their child over the next seven years.  

Here are a collection of their responses.  The key thing that really stands out for me is how precious their children are to them and how high their hopes are for quality meaningful education.   






This post relates to RTC #1. establish and maintain effective professional relationships focused on the learning and well-being of ākonga.  And RTC #7. promote a collaborative, inclusive and supportive learning environment

NCEA Information Evening

NCEA 101 For Parents

Last night we had a successful evening for parents of students in year 11 - 13.  It was the first NCEA information evening in a while and there was a good turn out.

Here is a copy of the PowerPoint information that we went through with the parents.




There were plenty of questions about the ins and outs of the system.  However the primary message of the night was for parents to be actively involved in the academic progress of their children.  There was an overwhelming interest in knowing how their children are going.

Thanks to Brendan, Leon, Jo for all presenting.  And a special mention for Amy Fry who had her first outing in her role as 'Academic Leader' here at Waihi College.

This post is related to RTC #1. establish and maintain effective professional relationships focused on the learning and well-being of ākonga. 

Merry Christmas

Thanks For 2014 
Well this post makes the end of the 2014 academic year here at Waihi College.  This year has been a terrific learning experience for me as my first year in the role of Learning Leader here at the school.  I have tremendously enjoyed the experience.

I'd like to express my gratitude to the senior leadership team here at the College.  To Alistair for his open approachable leadership and encouragement in my work.  To Heather and Brendan for their support and encouragement over these three terms.

Here is the global years plan (as at mid December 2014) for next year.


I hope you all have a fantastic break, a festive Christmas with loved ones and we all return 2015 renewed and enthused for a great year ahead.

Cheers Justin.

D.E.E.P. Staff Feedback Information

Jumping in the Deep End - Update
Thanks to all those staff who wrote up some feedback on the proposed D.E.E.P. programme for 2015. 

The consensus decision among the senior leadership team is that we will not roll out the programme for 2015 in entirety.  Rather we have taken on board the concern that we should endeavour to have greater detail and buy in from staff first.  

We are anticipating that we will trial the D.E.E.P. programme (in some format) for a term next year - but to use the time between now and then to better plan for it.  

Here is a copy of all the feedback from staff.  I've not edited these in anyway.  Most were anonymous.  


    

This post relates to RTC #6. conceptualise, plan and implement an appropriate learning programme 

Senior Subject Selection Evening

Option Evening
The importance of our learners making their best choices for future learning cannot be underestimated.  It is vital that at this stage of the year we provide clear information so that the student (and their whanau) can set up their programme of study 2015. 

"When students find something they enjoy and can excel in, they do better in education."

Sir Ken Robinson Out of Our Minds

This year our option evening will be on Tuesday 21st October from 7pm to 8:30pm in the school hall.  It will be an opportunity for students to find out more information on the programmes of work available 2015 and how these will contribute to an NCEA qualification. 

The hall will be set up in an expo/display style (a la term three's careers evening).  Curriculum areas will have a section of the hall each and can provide some displays of the work/content/materials that are associated with their courses.  [Set up can be done from period four]

There will be letters home to all parents of students from year 10 to 12 to let them know of the events of the evening.  The Pouako's for those year levels will be expected to also contact (phone call or email please) home to let parents/caregivers know. 

The official subject selection booklet (which will be electronic this year) will be up on our school website - there will be a few printed copies but these are $6 each from photocopier so limited. 

The straw poll has now been completed so we have an appreciation of the relative size of classes for 2015.  The next step will be to form the lines around the actual subject selections of the students and arrange the timetable around their options (as best BCA can). 

At this stage students will be picking a time

• Year 11 Students - Six Subjects (compulsory Maths and English)
• Year 12 Students - Six Subjects
• Year 13 Students - Six Subjects

From the straw poll it looks like we will have more students accessing Trade Academy through Wintec which we'll need to plan through.  Thursday 23rd there is an open evening starting at 4pm Wintec Kopu Road Thames (we will be putting on minivan for this).  

This post is related to RTC # 6. conceptualise, plan and implement an appropriate learning programme.

DEEP Learning Programme

Discover, Enrichment, Essential, Passion
One of the areas of discussion on our senior planning retreat was the notion of using our Learning Advisory time in an alternative fashion. One of the more intriguing ideas from the Hauraki DP cluster trips to Auckland was the Mission Height Junior College's DEEP programme.

When I first heard of the DEEP programme I immediately thought of the 'elective' programme many schools currently use.  However as I understood more of the DEEP programme the more I could see that it had significant differences to electives.

Primarily the programme was presented as the "main reason students are passionate about their day at school".  That the combination of autonomy of learning, concentrated remedial learning, individualised attention and shared passions/interests were attainable without adversely impacting upon traditional curriculum coverage.

Here is the presentation I gave for morning PD this week.




This post relates to RTC #5. "show leadership that contributes to effective teaching and learning." 

Senior Leadership Planning Days

2015 Plans and Initiatives
This week the Senior Leadership team (and Learning Leaders on Friday) retreated into offices in town to focus upon the direction of the school for 2015.  It was an excellent chance to review the current year, the recent ERO review and look to enhance our practice.  


There were several key areas which we dedicated our time to.  Several of these will be the subject of much professional development over the next few terms.  Primarily for your information these are some of the core focus points...

1. Priority Learners - this was a core point emphasised by ERO.  They were particularly interested in how we were identifying these students, what expectations we as senior leaders have and what strategies are being utilised by teachers in the classrooms. 
2. Learning Advisories - we undertook a detailed analysis of the current set up of Learning Advisory.  From the time of day, regularity of advisory time, role of the Pouako, purpose/intent of the advisory, horizontal/vertical forms, to the a similar system observed on a recent DP trip to Auckland.  
3. The House System - what ways can we enhance this competition.  Creating leadership opportunities for our year 13 students.
4. Global Curriculum View - how can we consciously map the entire learning experience for our students.  Across all learning areas, over the seven years of Waihi College what ways are we reaching our learners.  This also encompassed much discussion on assessment data.  
5. Calendar of Events for 2015 - this will be a separate post.  But primarily scheduling in the core events of the Waihi College community.  Interesting things of note; Spirit days move to end of term two, and the senior prize giving moved to after NCEA external exams.   
6. Staff Meetings - at length discussion on the number of meetings, times and days of the week.  Looking at 2015 dropping the Tuesday 8am meeting - rather looking at having more regular after school Monday meetings.  The plan is to look at Monday pm meetings being on a three week rotation following the rotation of (week 1 - Senior Leadership meetings, week 2 - Learning Leaders meetings, week three - TIC/Subject specific meetings).  Thursday morning meetings will move into 'Ako Meetings' where teams focus on full cohort of students (more information to follow on this).
7. Quality Assurance - looking at the goal from ERO to make the exceptional practice the common practice here at Waihi College.  What will this look like for staff and learners in their lessons?  

The retreat was a great time for the senior leadership team (and the Learning Leaders - on Friday) to get a chance to think of the big picture.  Being my first retreat I really enjoyed the experience as we 'nutted out' the pro's and con's of each new idea.  It was very much the case that we had a constant thread of thinking "how will this idea be implemented in the classroom".  I trust that we've come up with some workable ideas (most require 'work' though).  

Naturally we are expecting that there are yet uptapped good ideas amongst the staff.  I would hope that you are able to come and present some new ideas or feedback.  Please do take the time to consider your ideas and come to speak with one of the senior leadership team.  

This post relates to RTC #5. show leadership that contributes to effective teaching and learning and RTC #   6. conceptualise, plan and implement an appropriate learning programme

Open Plan Collaborative Learning Environment

Learning Commons
It was my pleasure to spend a day up in Auckland visiting schools that have started down the collaborative learning environment pathway.  I was part of a delegation of 15 DP's from the Hauraki Cluster that travelled north. 

There were several goals for us in our journey...

1. We wanted to see the possible set up of Waihi Colleges new classroom block (scheduled to replace the prefab classrooms P1 to P10).
2. To investigate the idea of 'discovery learning' (autodidactic) - where the student undertakes self directed learning in areas that they are most passionate about - with the teacher linking the curriculum into that learning. 
3. To investigate how staff team teach in a share learning common environment. 
4. To pick up on any innovative, positive, alternative ideas.

The first stop off was at Mission Heights Junior High School.  MHJHS is a new school that has risen from farm land in the east of Auckland.  Predominantly their learners are from immigrant families (around 10% Pakeha or Maori).  The campus was build all in one go.  It may be fair to compare part of their main buildings with what we here at Waihi College will build next year (maybe 2016). 

Here are some of the exciting things that I took away from MHJHS...

Here is a learning common.  It is a larger open space (with ranchslider glass separators).  This one has four classrooms all feeding off the main central location.  In this picture you can see technology is centrally located - staff mingle their way through all rooms and work with all students. 







Here is the front of a typical classroom - there are no teacher desks or chairs - the drawers and cupboards under the whiteboard are the teacher desk.  There are glass doors connecting into the next door classrooms and (from where I took the photo) a large wall of glass into the common area. 
Note the chairs all have wheels and swivel - deliberate as "boys need movement". 







Here is a picture of a science lab - you can see that this too is another open space.














Each of the areas of the school had their own 'cafe' - there was no canteen rather students had access to water, microwave, tea/coffee.  It was all in the open so those that made mess couldn't just slip away.  There was also office space next door - in each of the common area there was office space for a DP - there was no "top corridor" rather the leadership team were located in the commons with the students. 

The computers were all run on these moveable stations - all the data is recorded on the students independent memory card.  These were a very cheap system ($175 each) - there was one computer for every two students.  This meant that MHJHS didn't have intention to go down the BYOD pathway.  To me it seemed that the students just quietly worked in books/pairs or were onto the computers. 





One of the most interesting decisions that MHJHS decided to do was to have a line in the timetable where students get four hours where they can choose their study (with guidance).  Teachers are able to offer 'interest' subjects - we saw lots of specialist sports, competition tuition, Afrikaans language classes, dance classes, skateboard tutor teaching tricks etc.  Every staff member offers their time to do their interest (plus one or two catch up classes).  The *catch up* classes were compulsory (2 out of the 4 periods) for students that are behind in a curriculum.  That way if a student is identified as being "below the level" they're expected to come to some curriculum classes instead of dance/music etc.
  


This post relates to RTC # 7. promote a collaborative, inclusive and supportive learning environment.  And RTC # 8. demonstrate in practice their knowledge and understanding of how ākonga learn part iii. encourage ākonga to take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour.

2015 Term Dates

Official Term Dates
We have finalised the plan for next year.  Here are the main dates that you can book in for...

Term One 10 Weeks (from Tuesday 27 Jan to Thursday 2 April)

• 26 Jan Auckland Anniversary
• 27 Jan Teacher Only Day
• 28 Jan Teacher Only Day
• 29 Jan Year 7 Only
• 30 Jan Years 7 - 10 Only
• 2 Feb Full School
• 6 Feb Waitangi Day
• 2 April Last Day of Term

Term Two 11 Weeks (from Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July)

• 27 April Anzac Day (observed)
• 29 May Teacher Only Day
• 1 June Queens Birthday
• 3 July Last Day of Term.

Term Three 10 Weeks (from Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September)

• 31 August to 4 September (Week Seven) Winter Tournament Week
• 31 August Teacher Only Day
• 25 September Last Day of Term

Term Four 9 Weeks (from Monday 12 October to Friday 11 December)

• 26 October Labour Day (observed)
• 9 November NCEA External Examinations Start
• 11 December Last Day of Term/Year

Here is the calendar in a graphical format...

You can find this saved as an Excel spreadsheet on the s drive at S:\Administration\Waihi College 2015 Calendar.xlsx