- Data Talks
- What is Statistics?
- Statistical Investigations
- Lies, Lies and Statistics - Statistical Literacy
- Census at School
- Take a Chance - Probability
Kent Somerville - Inquiry into Teaching
Thursday, 7 November 2024
MPI - Day 7: Statistics and Probability
Wednesday, 23 October 2024
Literature Review: Strengthen Collaborative Leadership
The review highlights the critical role middle leaders play in bridging the gap between classroom teaching and whole-school leadership, as well as their unique position in improving teaching and learning practices. Reflecting on the insights from the Middle Leadership Review, I recognise that there are FOUR key areas of growth I would like to focus on. Here are the leadership changes I will consider based on the findings:
Strengthen Collaborative Leadership
The review emphasises the importance of middle leaders leading collaboratively and influencing across various levels in the school structure. As a senior leader, I need to foster a culture where middle leaders feel empowered to lead initiatives and collaborate with both their peers and us as SMT. This could involve creating more opportunities for middle leaders to take ownership of key projects, facilitating regular cross-team collaboration, and encouraging shared decision-making.
Focus on Professional Development in Leadership Skills
The research shows that middle leaders require a combination of management and leadership skills, many of which are learned on the job. I would like to prioritise providing targeted professional development that not only focuses on pedagogical improvement but also on leadership and management skills. This could include training on data-driven decision-making, team management, and handling school-wide initiatives. Encouraging middle leaders to engage in reflective practices and leadership courses that align with their specific roles could also be beneficial...now to find some options!
Create Structures for Data-Driven Improvement
Middle leaders play a pivotal role in using data to inform pedagogical practices. I will continue to enable middle leaders have access to the necessary data as easily as possible, which I think I have been doing well for a while now. However, in our meetings I need to facilitate regular data discussions and create a culture where data is used consistently to drive teaching improvements. This should then have a flow on effect to help student outcomes and enable middle leaders to lead with greater impact.
Foster Innovation and Improvement
Middle leaders are well-positioned to lead innovation and change within schools. My leadership approach needs to encourage a forward-thinking mindset by providing the freedom and resources for middle leaders to experiment with new teaching methods, technologies, and programs. Supporting a culture of continuous improvement will inspire middle leaders to drive positive change within their teams.
Effective middle leadership is dependant on strong support from senior leadership. As an associate principal, my role is to provide the necessary scaffolding, mentorship, and professional development to ensure middle leaders thrive. By refining my leadership approach in these areas, I hope to help middle leaders become more successful in their leadership and in turn create greater impact in the life of our school and the impact that we can have on learner outcomes.
Thursday, 17 October 2024
MPI - Day 7: Geometric Thinking
- Quick Images (Subitising)
- What is Geometry?
- 2D Shapes and Angles
- 3D Shapes
- Transformation and Symmetry
- Pathways: Position and Orientation
Thursday, 19 September 2024
MPI - Day 6: Number through Measurement
- Beginning multiplicative thinking
- Multiplicative Thinking: Fractions and Decimals
- Exploring length, perimeter and area
- Measurement: Volume and Capacity
- Measurement: Triangles and Angles
Thursday, 29 August 2024
MPI - Day 5: Algebraic Thinking
- Early algebraic thinking
- Symbols and Expressions
- Number Properties
- Equations, Patterns and Relationships
- Variables and Linear relationships
This got me thinking about how important it is to use a scaffolded approach - where learners progress through stages and can deepen their understanding of patterns and relationships. This gradual progression is crucial in helping learners transition from concrete to abstract mathematical thinking, just like in other maths domains, but in my opinion it's even more important. This is because algebra can be so much more scary for learners who aren't used to the vocab or used to the notation of algebra.
Once again, the integration of real-life applications and visual aids are needed (even more so than basic number examples) to help enhance comprehension and making abstract ideas more tangible for learners.
I have also been reflecting during this afternoon on teaching variables to kids here at PES. It got me thinking on the struggle they may have with the shift from arithmetic to algebraic thinking, so patience and continuous reinforcement will be key here. Especially breaking down the idea that a variable is just a symbol that can represent different values and why we might need this or find it helpful.
Tuesday, 27 August 2024
2024 Professional Growth Cycle Goal
- in their role
- to facilitate team meetings focussed on strategic goals
- to create long term integrated plans
- in analysis of student achievement data
- to know if teachers are making a difference to student progress and achievement
- to support teachers to reflect on their practice and improve practice
- ensuring that knowledge to improve learning is built and shared
- ensuring that problems impeding learning and wellbeing in the area are identified and resolved
An essential part of my leadership this year is fostering collaboration, encouraging collective responsibility for achieving our shared goals. Additionally, focusing on mental health/wellbeing and improving attendance will be key to addressing barriers to student learning.
As I continue to mentor and coach team leaders, I aim to develop their capacity to interpret data, lead discussions on student progress, and support their teams in making a tangible difference in student achievement. Moving forward, I will reflect on my own leadership practices to ensure that I provide the support needed for team leaders to accelerate student progress and maintain healthy, productive relationships within their teams.
Thursday, 8 August 2024
MPI - Day 4: Number
Today's focus was on knowing and understanding our learners as Mathematicians. We looked at the following areas:
- Maths Talks
- Understanding Place Value
- Fractions as a Number
- Fractions as Operators
- Decimals and Percentages
- Integers - Positive and Negative Numbers