Senior Press Blog

Contributor: Matthew Welbourn
In this session, Matthew will address the changes affecting 2009 to higher education as well as outline the developments that might affect applicants in the near future. In particular, Matthew will:
• offer the response from UCAS regarding the way AS / A2 Levels are changing to differentiate the most able
• examine changes to the UCAS process to incorporate unit grade information
• outline the extent Advanced Extension Awards are used to make offers
• explore the role of admissions tests in selecting applicants
• explore how UCAS proposes to process applications from those with Specialist Diplomas
• outline the current national picture of Advanced Level up-take of BTEC Nationals, OCR Nationals, Applied courses and the International Baccalaureate Diploma
• provide details about the up-take of Foundation degrees and
• appraise heads of sixth about some of the key changes and developments that affect UCAS applicants in 2009 onwards

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Contributor: Michael Senior
In this intensive session, Michael will provide a range of practical strategies and resources to raise standards of teaching and learning at KS5. In particular, Michael will address:
• strategies to help all sixth form teachers deliver a range of ‘learning conversations’ with their teaching groups to encourage positive and constructive feedback about improving learning
• effective and efficient strategies to monitor the quality of teaching at KS5 to improve provision as well as help meet post 16 OFSTED requirements
• ways of helping post 16 staff gather good practice to help broaden their teaching repertoire Michael will provide a range of photocopiable resources and offer practical strategies throughout the session for delegates to use in their own centres.

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Contributor: Mike Harrison
With an increasing need on Heads of Sixth to know about the quality of teaching at KS5, Mike will draw on his breadth of experience as an Accredited OSFTED Inspector and Schools Improvement Partner to help delegates become more secure post 16 lesson observers.
In particular, Mike will:
• consider OFSTED’s lesson criteria as well as alternative ways of observing lessons
• steer delegates away from searching for teaching formulas as evidence of good practice and focus them on looking for genuine ‘learning’ in the classroom
• provide advice about post observation feedback that helps Heads of Sixth move teaching and learning forward
Mike adopts a style of lesson observations that acknowledges the real challenges faced in the classroom and that draws on a sympathetic approach which is supportive and open, yet challenging. This session should help delegates be far more confident, focused and supportive in improving the effectiveness of lesson observations at KS5.

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Contributor: Pat McNeill
In this session, Pat will outline recent developments in the reform of the secondary curriculum, with particular emphasis on the ‘skills agenda’.

In particular, Pat will:
• select key issues for future planning of the post 16 curriculum from 2008
• explore the increasing emphasis on vocational education at post 16
• consider the potential impact on future vocational provision in the sixth form
Participants will be invited to share information and experience, comment on and discuss the issues, and consider the implications.

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