NPQH Project at Howe Dell Primary School

NPQH Project at Howe Dell Primary School Hazel Millard Spring 2010

What has been learnt? • Project • Tool for provision mapping • Leadership development

1. Project • Howe Dell has a diverse mix of pupils who speak English as an Additional Language • What does Howe Dell do to promote progress of these children? • What are the triggers behind their success?

Identification of pupils • Use of AM7 data to analyse data of 12 identified pupils • Cross section of the school – boys, girls, Y2-Y6 • Analysis of progress

Analysis • All 12 pupils’ data for reading, writing and maths were analysed • 11 out of the 12 pupils made at least 2 points of progress in one term (one sub-level) • On average, reading was the subject in which most progress was made (3.5 points per child)

Analysis cont.. • On average the pupils made 2 points progress in Maths • Writing was the subject in which least progress was made (this is to be expected as it is the last element in language acquisition)

Pupil Interviews • Organised small group interviews to ask children what they have enjoyed, found difficult and how home/school have worked in partnership • Played games and asked questions

Findings • Overwhelmingly, all children said they enjoyed coming to school • One pupil in Y2 explained that he liked coming to school because, “You learn stuff and can be cleverer when you are bigger.”

Findings • Even split between pupils who prefer literacy and maths • Some pupils said they found it hard to make friends when they joined the school

Quotes “ I like it when the teacher doesn’t help us, when he leaves us to be independent,” Year 6 “ I like working with the teacher as this helps me,” Year 3

Findings • None of the pupils felt that they were any different to any of the other children in their class • Slotted in between languages at home and school

Parent Consultation • Parents felt that Howe Dell recognises achievements which raises self-esteem • Parents cited the friendly culture of the school as one of the key things that they like about the school

Parent Consultation cont… • Parents said that the ethos of the school contributed to the positive experience they have had at Howe Dell • They also cited the superb teachers as another significant factor in the success of their child

Teacher Questionnaire • In general, teachers said that they made a point of celebrating cultural diversity in the classroom (eg register in different language, festivals, show & tell etc) • Social/behaviour issues were common with EAL children

Conclusion Overwhelmingly, the single factor that contributed most to pupil progress was the ethosof the school. All children stated that they enjoyed coming to school and felt equal in class.

Conclusion cont….. • I was hoping to find the one strategy or technique that all teachers at Howe Dell used but there wasn’t one specific ‘thing’! It became clear that it is largely down to the climate and ethos which has been established at the school.

2. Tool • Provision Mapping for EAL • Pyramid of provision • Consultation with Inclusion Manager

Leadership Development Vision • Establishing ethos • Pupil voice • Celebrating Success • Sustainability

Thank you to Howe Dell for being a Leadership Development School.

NPQH Project at Howe Dell Primary School