ASC in 2021
Proposed changes to day structure in 2021
As we approach the move to our new campus, much consideration has been given to both operational and pedagogical matters – the two go hand in hand!
Our flexible learning spaces at the new site provides us with wonderful opportunities to review the way in which we support learning and teaching within the school. We know the more ‘traditional’ teaching methods associated with single classrooms will not always be fit for purpose in a more collaborative learning environment.
We've also learnt many lessons from the changes enforced upon us by the Covid-19 lockdown. It is important to embrace this knowledge as continue to develop ASC as a centre of excellence. Despite any challenges that were faced, we discovered many students actually benefitted from opportunities to work independently, deepen their literacy skills, and have increased flexibility when meeting schoolwork demands. Both parent and student groups commented on this issue in our post-lockdown survey. Changes in day structure to incorporate an Exploration session will allow us to teach our students the skills associated with self-directed learning.
Earlier in the week we issued an email that contained a YouTube clip summarising the proposed day structure for 2021. We also held a Zoom session where parents were invited to participate in a Q&A about to the proposed changes. I appreciate that many parents and carers were not able to contribute to the discussion, and encourage further questions or feedback via this link.
Additionally, a summary of the Monday's Zoom Q&A session is included below to offer some clarification about the changes to the day structure in 2021.
Zoom Session Q&A: 24 August 2020
1. Will Years 7 and 8 be mature enough to handle much Exploration?
Students will need support to manage this style of learning, and there will be sufficient numbers of staff rostered to ensure such support is provided. This will need to be heavily scaffolded initially, and teachers will be taking ownership of the students being active learners in these times.
2. Will students be accountable for their work during Exploration and how will this be followed up?
Yes. This will be followed up via the usual channels i.e., classroom teacher and Head Teacher. Learning journals and exit slips will be used to track student work.
3. Can we run “low literacy” support and other programs during Exploration for students who may struggle?
This is an ideal time for additional support, particularly learning support.
4. Where does practical learning occur in the new structure? Can it be done during EXPLORATION?
Electives will largely be during Extended Learning time. There may be scope for students to access practical areas in Exploration, if not already timetabled.
5. Will students still meet the syllabus time-frame of meeting outcomes with this new structure?
YES. Students will still cover the indicative hour requirements of the curriculum.
6. Student access to technology – will we have BYOD?
There will certainly be an increased emphasis on Bring Your Own Device within the school, coupled with the school's existing resources. A revised BYOD policy will be released to families very shortly.
7. How will we measure the success of the new day structure?
Feedback from student, staff, parent surveys will be shared across the entire ASC community.
8. What strategies will be in place to carry/capture those students who find it harder to adjust to this type of teaching and learning?
Learning support teams, application of small group/high support groups, etc. This model allows ASC to streamline its learning support processes and personnel. There is scope for ‘high-support’ and ‘high-structure’ to be incorporated into the model.
9. Can we have classes focused on classroom skills, self-directed learning, etc?
Yes, because many students do not have these skills yet! We are wanting to support students to learn and apply the skills associated with becoming a self-directed learner eg. research skills, self-management skills, social skills and communication skills.
10. How can we ensure students get the most out of it and don’t get left behind?
Effective monitoring, assessment and reporting practices are critical to the success of the structure.
11. What are the classrooms like for this to happen?
The new build with its learning ‘neighbourhoods’ are flexible learning spaces that lend themselves to this approach of collaborative learning. There will be far less student movement between lessons. Outside of practical courses, students will remain in their neighbourhoods.
Carolyn Lasker
Principal