Work undertaken in relation to the central Forecasts
of Work.
1.0 The weekly evaluation sheets were analysed to
see to what extent the key questions of the forecasts were covered
in the period September to December 1993.
1.1 Within year 5 there were no major omissions,
with key questions in all areas addressed. A slight change of
emphasis was noted within one class, however this had no significant
effect on any outcomes.
Observations
Some work in year 5 does appear to be repeated in
other year groups. This might well be at a higher level, but when
the forecasts are reviewed in the light of new National Curriculum
documentation curriculum co-ordinators should ensure continuity
and progression in their areas.
*No evaluation sheets were completed by the bonus
teacher for classroom input within themes.
1.2 In year 6 the emphasis on areas within the forecast
have shifted. Research was more difficult here because only two
classes keep evaluation records. Certainly the changes within
'Food and Farming' showed that this forecast is due for discussion
before it is repeated next year, the minimum requirement should
be that there is a shared agreement on the core Key questions.
1.3 Work in Year 7 appears to be in line with the
key elements of the forecast in all areas. There appears to be
a 'sameness' of activity throughout the year group that reflects
sound planning.
1.4 The basic coverage of the forecast in year 8 is satisfactory (in the correct sense). Dawn's and Louise's evaluations were some of the best in school - informative and concise. (Presuming an evaluation is for showing the coverage of work, with an element of evaluation to help future teams in their planning!)
There were some changes of emphasis within 'The Romans',
because of the Roman Day and Roman Kitchen. It is obvious that
the literature within the topic needs to be changed. Perhaps a
provisional revision could be carried out by the present team.
1.5 Overall the general level of commitment to the
central forecasts was satisfactory, although in one year group
I would question this.
In year groups where the forecasts are followed quite
closely there does appear to be a greater uniformity of work and
closer collaboration between team members.
Weekly evaluation sheets should be completed by all
staff members.
All activities in the forecasts should be numbered
and have key questions in the relevant areas.
Team co-ordinators should complete the progress summary sheets.
These should be returned to the Deputy Head at the
end of the theme.
Evaluation sheets should be readily available for
curriculum co-ordinators to view.
There needs to be a general understanding of how
much of the forecast material is open to personal interpretation.
Perhaps core elements should be identified within
each theme.
There needs to be an understanding of what needs
to be on the evaluation sheet; its immediate function/purpose,
and its archive interest.
Once the revised National Curriculum is published
we need to look at the forecasts systematically with the team
co-ordinators working together:
agreeing core content and possible fringe content
for the theme.
looking at continuity and progression
building on continuity and removing 'repeats'.