On Monday 16 June 2019, our (new) Year 10 pupils gathered in the hall for their annual Learning Conference. This year the conference focused on the start of the pupils' GCSE journey  and took a look at the key skills and knowledge required to make the best possible progress in the core subjects. In interactive sessions with Mrs Pennington, Head of Maths, and Mrs Davies, Head of English, pupils explored the nuances of the GCSEs and were able to work collaboratively to solve  Maths problems and investigate writing techniques respectively.

The pupils also had a session of preparation for their first GCSE examination. Miss Hope (Head of RP, GC and PSHEe) reflected on the Year 10 GCSE RP Short Course exam scheduled for May 2019 and worked through some useful revision exercises with our young people.

To encourage the development of pupils' understanding of  “metacognition” (i.e. the process of thinking about thinking) in line with the latest research from the Sutton Trust, Miss Lillington, Associate Assistant Head, hosted an innovative Learning Power board game. Pupils were able to reflect on how they learn, and how best to use their learning skills to make progress.

Mr Johnson, Head of School, commented “This opportunity for the year group to come together to reflect on their learning is invaluable. The pupils have benefited from expert-led lessons in English, Maths and RP, as well as having the opportunity to engage in some group learning through our new Learning Power Approach board game. The pupils once again made the challenge of this session the opportunity to develop as learners. They have done well!”