Tideway School, Southdown Road, Newhaven, East Sussex, BN9 9JL
Case Studies
Case Study 7: English
The Learning Platform was used very successfully in English in 2006 to support GCSE students in completing coursework and providing revision materials for the summer exam. Data from the system showed a large percentage of students accessing materials that had beeen uploaded by the Head of Subject. Whilst 10% of students made a direct input into the exam discussion forums, a far higher percentage 'lurked', that is they read postings without actually contributing themselves.
Making sure that the school Learning Platform does not remain the preserve of those in ICT is critical to its success in school.
At Tideway staff 'learning sets' take place after-school on Wednesday's. Staff can opt into a learning set that they are interested in or one that best suits the needs of their subject area (as identified in their SEF). The current Learning Platform learning set is being organised by our Head of English. This sends out a powerful message across the school.
In the Autumn term of 2007 a number of training sessions took place with small groups of staff from across subject areas (4 staff at a time - followed by an evening meal!).
'We are convinced of and have proved the huge value that new technologies can offer in motivating under-achievers.' (Imison & Taylor)
