So what is the point of the Norfolk Learning Communities blog?

I have been asked today to present my ideas about NLC blogging to a handpicked selection of Literacy coordinators from around Norfolk! (YOU) So here goes...

I have been using the blog now since April 2007 and make entries every month or 2 or 3... In a way that is the point, I only have to write when I have something to say that I think might be useful to other teachers in the forum.

I use my Blog at Norfolk Learning Community to: make comments about various projects I am involved in; upload resources I think might benefit others; as a forum for following up presentations etc.

It provides a web space for my work related projects, as I do not have a website. It is useful for people to track my work as I can direct colleagues in link schools overseas, or teachers I am working with in my AST outreach, to log on for various resources, without clogging up their email. It is easy to use and I don't have the problem of managing it! I think it is a great way for busy teachers to share resources and ideas. Although the space for uploading resources is limited, through the blog ‘comments’, readers can contact me and ask for further details or comment on my work.

Our students often fail to make the link between the skills they learn in English and the extended writing they are asked to do in other subjects. To assist teachers and students I have created a Literacy X Folder and placed it on my school's Teachers' Common Area. You might find it useful to construct something similar at your school.

 In the main Literacy X folder I have created a number of sub folders: analytical writing, diary, evaluation, explanation, leaflets, letters, magazine articles, newspapers, speech, advice, persuasive and so on. The idea is that every time a teacher in any subject gives students a writing task, they have some tools with which to remind students what they have learned about the layout, style, vocab etc in English. By quickly referring to the framework, key techniques and vocabulary during the task, students will write using the correct form and style.

If you think this might be useful in your school, please feel free to contact me for the materials. Click here to see a sample from the Letters file .Formal and Informal letters Sample point of view letter Y10 work experience letter

All English NQTs!

Thanks for a great session this morning and your feedback. I have attempted to upload the powerpoint slideshows I used this morning, but unfortunately they are too big for my allocated space!!! I have handed all the documents on to Sue and John, so would suggest that you access them on the NQT webshare that Sue is setting up!

Here is the checklist!

http://elgg.learnblog.net/kiekopf/files/129/349/Jean%27s+Organisation+checklist.doc

Have a great start to next term and I'll see you once you are settled into your new schools!

I am very excited about this ICT/English project. As we are venturing further into the detailed planning of the scheme of work, more and more possibilities are coming up for other cross curricular links. The drama department and PSHE director have decided to devote some lessons with Year 7 to exploring aspects of Cyber-bullying in the first term of the new academic Year. This means that students will be able to transfer knowledge and skills learned in 4 curriculum areas. We will also use forum theatre drama videos/scripts and raps (produced by year 9 and 10 at Framingham Earl High School with drama AST Joc Mack) as a main stimulus for the Year 7s.

The opportunity has also arisen for us to include our link school, Morula school in Botswana, in our plans. This allows us the opportunity for a real audience, global awareness and for the students to realise the extent of internet access and impact. Students will post their Cyber-bullying podcasts and moving digital image posters onto the net and their peers in Botswana will be able to access them and respond via a blog. They will be able to use the blog to ask each other for feedback on how to improve their work or for technical advice. This allows international peer Assessment for Learning and adds real excitement for the students involved.

We have had our link with Botswana since 2003 and have struggled with setting up chat rooms and working in 'real time' with students in both countries. Through podcasts the students will be able to share ideas and project work whilst working to achieve their best.

The planning is in its early stages, but the whole process looks as if it will Innovate, Challenge and Transform learning for all those involved!

Over Easter I had the amazing opportunity to go to Chongqing and celebrate our link school's 250th Anniversary with them! Just think of what 250 years in China's history looks like and you will have some notion of the bizarre and surreal nature of such an event: 10,000 people, including 4000+ immaculately turned out students ; red banners and inflatable dragons everywhere; confetti fireworks; dancing and singing from students, staff, retired staff and ex pupils! It has certainly set a challenge to Framingham Earl high school for our 50^th Anniversary in 2009!!!

I was one of the lucky members of FEHS staff to go because of our successful peer education links with Botswana, which I set up in 2003. We now hope to develop our Dreams and Teams sports link with Chongqing No.7 school, to have more impact on the whole school curriculum. We also intend to establish a more active, student led China club – Zhong Gua – Middle Kingdom club – through which we can explore the Mandarin language, calligraphy, kite-making, art, martial arts, paper making and book binding, Chinese culture, history and religion, China’s place in the global business arena and of course the 2008 Beijing Olympics!

We also hope to include some video footage of the Chinese students recounting their traditional stories in our Talking Traditions project. We have been working on the DVD and Resource book to explore traditions of storytelling in Norfolk and Botswana for 18 months and it will hopefully be completed for use in Norfolk schools next term once we have completed the editing process at Anglia TV. This project follows on from our Weaving Words project completed this year. (See Blog entry below)

I would love to hear from other schools that have successful links with China and to obtain information on local experts in the above fields whom we can tap into for workshops and guidance.

I have been busy creating resources to provide guidance for year 11 students in writing their ICT DIDA reviews. Often, the students who show a aptitude for ICT do not have the literacy skills to express themselves clearly in their final review of their work.

To help me identify the problems they face, I went to the assessors' report and highlighted the areas of weakness that are due to poor literacy skills. Attached are a couple of lesson ideas to help students overcome these problems and focus their reviews on the areas that the course requires. Assessors' comments Proofreading DIDA review

 ICT teachers can feel free to use these and tailor them to suit your needs. I would love some feedback as I am happy to do more work on the resources to improve them further.

Weaving Words and Talking Traditions.

Now that the Weaving Words project is completed and 'out there' in Norfolk schools, we are working on the Talking Traditions storytelling DVD and written resource. If you would like to have a look at the 11 minute DVD about these 2 projects is is available on line at ITV local; http://www.itvlocal.com/anglia/shortfilms/?player=ANG_ShortFilms_26&void=120602

Just click on the link and give it a minute to load. Video will appear in the screen.

Enjoy...

This scheme consists of 6 lessons to be used once the students have read, studied, annotated and discussed the two SATs extracts.

Hooray!

The resource booklet and DVD are now ready to be disseminated around Norfolk schools.

The DVDs and copies of the booklet will be given to English Subject Leaders on the 21st November 2007 at their meeting at the PDC.