|
WELCOME! Welcome to the first edition of our new 'Partners in Learning' newsletter. Published termly, 'Partners in Learning' will be in addition to our regular newsletters and, as the name suggests, will focus on topics that bear relevance to children's learning both in and out of school. We hope that this will help to further develop the partnership between parents and school. The numerous parents that I have spoken to recently think that such a newsletter would be of interest - we hope so! Please let us know your views, either about the newsletter in general or on the specific contents by speaking to me on my morning rounds, sending a note via your child or emailing me on office@weatheralls.cambs.sch.uk. Many thanks! Trevor Parsons, Headteacher. LIFELONG LEARNING The teaching of lifelong learning skills is now established as a vital part of the curriculum at The Weatheralls. We call these skills and qualities the 5R's. These are responsibility, Resourcefulness, Resilience, Reflectivity and Reasoning. So far we have worked on developing the first three. Each 'R' is given a particular focus in assemblies and classrooms and is often the subject of special awards like 'Pupil of the Week' and 'Star Tie'. Also each 'R' has an age-appropriate definition drawn up by the children following discussion in their class. For instance, a 'Resilient' learner might say: "I only ask an adult for help if I have tried hard by myself for a while." "I like a challenge and to try new activities." "I don't get upset when things don't go right - I have another go." "I can admit my mistakes and don't blame other people or things". "I join in group activities even when I'm finding them difficult". On 28th November we had a very special guest in school who has shown great resilience in his life. His name is Danny Crates, recently crowned the 2004 Paralympic 800m T46 Champion. In his 31 years he has had more experiences than most of us manage in a lifetime. Facing a promising rugby career he lost his right arm in an accident. Since then his amazing resilience has resulted in many great sporting and other achievements. The children will tell you more! At school, we want our learners to have confidence, competence and high self-esteem so that they can become better learners both in and out of school. The '5R's' gives children the language to talk about why they are successful learners - try asking them how they have been 'Responsible' or 'Resourceful' at school then discuss how they might organise their home-learning or tidy their bedroom! We will soon be looking at how we can best recognise and reward the children as their competence in the '5R's' develops. 'The Weatheralls Wings' for lifelong learning skills seems an interesting idea. What do you think? FOOD FOR THOUGHT: "I am always doing what I cannot yet do in order to learn how to do it." Vincent Van Gogh "Defeat is not important. It is how you come back from defeat that is important." Sir Alex Ferguson "We are all failures - at least the best of us are." J M Barrie
|
