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LONGBENTON HIGH SCHOOLMinutes of the Curriculum Sub-Committee Meetingheld on Wednesday 24 May 2017Present: S Palmerley, G Milligan, L Aird, H Crisp, V Glass, P Quinn, S Callender, K Holbrook, Apologies: C Dosdale, A Batey, B Brown, A Tinnion, J SandersDepartment ReviewsA copy of each department review had been circulated prior to the meeting.EnglishA Westgarth, Curriculum Leader, was introduced to the group.S Palmerley (SP) asked: was the report a true reflection of the department and whether outcomes were as expected? A Westgarth (AWS) agreed with the outcomes and explained that the strengths of the department at present were increased stability in terms of staffing (and the appointment of two new assistant curriculum leaders) but that there were still challenges being faced: new specifications at GCSE and A Level - which has meant in effect 6 new courses - the new 9-1 grading system, and how to improve lesson delivery in KS3 (e.g. making the course more thematic).SP asked about the impact of Accelerated Reader. AWS explained that it had definitely improved independent reading skills and student choices about what to read. V Glass (VG) asked whether there was much student choice about the books read or studied. AWS explained that there was definitely choice at KS5 but they were undecided about whether to offer more student choice at KS4.G Milligan (GM) asked about the comments in the report about student voice. AWS explained that she was disappointed by these and that it didn’t really reflect the conversations she had with students; it was not a picture that she recognised but she was keen to address this if it is how students feel. She is planning to liaise with Eddie Hunter (CL Maths) to carry out some more student voice in the summer term. AWS explained the extensive extra-curricular opportunities that have been offered this year to engage students in the subject, e.g. theatre trips.SP asked about early predictions for summer results this year. AWS explained that she was concerned about the poetry paper; that it was hard to be exact due to the changes to grading but she was quietly confident.VG asked about the SPAG focus at KS2 and whether the effects of this were being seen yet. AWS explained that this had not filtered through yet from Year 6 but that the new ‘assessment without levels’ system would help with demonstrating progress in KS3.ICT/BusinessA Teale (AT), Curriculum Leader, was introduced to the group.SP asked whether AT would have judged the department as RI (requires improvement)? AT replied that she could see why this was the outcome, but she was disappointed. She explained some of the context/reasons for this: staffing disruption last year; and the first year with the new Computer Studies course. She explained that the department were going through a learning curve but were working hard. Going forward there is still a lot of change to embed, including exam technique.GM asked about the delivery of lessons which had been highlighted in the report, e.g. the lack of group/paired work. AT replied that as subjects include a lot of independent work, it is sometimes hard to do this. GM offered to work with AT to look at how to incorporate group work into teaching and to come into school to observe some lessons.GM asked about the practical/theoretical split in lessons taught. AT explained that it was hard to put an exact percentage on it; some had more than others e.g. the programming element in Computer Science. Perform (Music/Drama)Mary Houlton (MH), Curriculum Leader, was introduced to the group.SP congratulated MH on the report. MH talked about the context of the report and the changes that are underway, e.g. the impact on curriculum time that will come out of changes to the school day. She explained that it was difficult to secure numbers in KS5 but that with good numbers in Year 9 coming through this will hopefully change.GM asked whether students view the subject as an extra-curricular / non-academic option. MH explained that there is a huge amount of theory/stretch in GCSE music so it is definitely not ‘non-academic’ but that some students are simply drawn more to the performance side of music/drama and don’t really want to study the theory. The new drama specification has gone back to a written exam component so is definitely challenging/academic. There is some misconception that drama and theatre studies are not facilitating subjects for university at KS5 which sometimes affects those opting for the subject.SP asked whether MH was confident about results this year? MH explained that data was looking good now that controlled assessment was completed in music; this shows a strong starting point. There has been an extensive intervention programme in place, so the department have done everything to facilitate good outcomes.GM asked how MH could account for the progress made since the last department review. MH replied that strong relationships between staff, resourcing and the new build had all helped; she was also only a few months into her leadership of the department when the last review was carried out.SP asked whether she would have judged outcomes to be the same. MH said that she finds it hard to see the department as outstanding as there are always things to improve.Minutes of the last meeting held on 8 February 2017Agreed as accurate. Actions from previous meetingKelly Holbrook shared growth report data from Accelerated Reader and explained that a fuller picture would be available by the middle of the next half term. Early indications show it is definitely having impact and students have engaged well with the programme.Timing of the school dayPaul Quinn (PQ) explained the background to the existing timing of the school day and the rationale for change. The main issue with changes is the impact on practical subjects (e.g. food and technology). He explained that we will need to avoid double lessons if possible but that we will get more learning from the students and help those who struggle to concentrate with the new school timings.H Crisp (HC) asked about potential lunch issues. PQ explained that it may create issues but we will find solutions, e.g. sittings for year groups and more students using the pre-ordering system.The committee agreed to approve the changes to the school day.Staffing allocationsPQ explained the staff teaching load proposal. GM asked how staff might react. Sarah Callender (SC) explained that staff will see classes more regularly and will be happy to have more/shorter lessons so will be favourable to changes. Staff are still protected by ‘rarely cover’ arrangements and will still have PPA+1 time.The committee approved this to take forward.Curriculum allocationPQ explained the proposal to increase the proportion of English time/increase EBacc time as this is a data/outcomes weak spot. SP asked about literacy and numeracy intervention. PQ replied that this will come from MFL time. PQ explained the context of PE allocation: that this has been maintained in terms of statutory requirements in KS3 even though time has been cut in KS4.GM asked about the rationale behind English/science having more time than maths. SC explained that there are two courses in English and the demands of English have changed; science accounts for two GCSE grades and science in KS3 has not had the same increase so this is to compensate as well.The committee approved this to take forward.Options groupsPQ explained the current numbers proposed for classes in 2017/18 and the context e.g. keeping class sizes down but also staffing costs low where possible. Year 9 into 10 is more difficult because there are some smaller/larger groups in subjects like food, business and computer studies, but dropping a class would create groups in other subjects that are too large.SP asked whether it is usual to offer ICT, business and computer studies courses in the same school. PQ explained the rise of computer studies in recent years and that this was common. GM explained that it is probable that ICT will disappear in a few years and be replaced with a media-related alternative. PQ explained the post-16 offer and the courses that will not be running next year due to low uptake. He explained that viability is usually 8 students and that some subjects have space left e.g. science, as students usually do better in this at GCSE than expected so there may be higher uptake post-results day.GM asked whether students understood that they need certain subjects in order to progress in some fields/careers. PQ explained the guidance processes in place.PQ explained that we are still trying to expand the offer of post-16 subjects for B/C grade students not interested in sciences/maths, hence subjects like politics being offered for the first time.Staff/student absencePQ shared absence data and explained that a new admin post was being created specifically to deal with attendance. He explained that the school is also looking at changing communication with parents e.g. sending text messages.SP asked about the amount of support received from the LA to deal with attendance. PQ replied that support was limited: there are two members of staff at the LA (Rob Moffatt and Angie Horncastle) who are both desk-based.SP asked about the kind of absence the school is dealing with. PQ replied that this is mixed. SP offered to share an attendance toolkit from Durham LA.PQ shared staff sickness/absence data for Spring 2017. SP asked about what it would look like if long-term absences were taken out of the figures.PQ explained that our sickness management policy works well and all systems are in place under Anna Peach. HC asked about the difference between formal and informal actions plans. PQ explained that a formal plan is a step up and shows the failure of the former.Update on data predictionsSC shared the latest Year 11 data and explained that English and maths were likely to be at least one grade out due to the difficulty in accurate grade boundary judgements. She explained that the school has probably been over-cautious, particularly with top grades (A*/grade 8) which is why the Progress 8 figure may look low. SC explained that there are only two students who will not get the EBacc qualification (in MFL) and that the ECDL qualification will raise Progress 8 by 0.1. Exams seen to be going well so far.PoliciesPQ explained that the review cycle for all school policies has been set up by Anna Peach.Changes and amendments were suggested by the committee (including suggestions sent by email by governors unable to attend) and recorded by PQ.The Assessment, Homework, Physical Activity and Non-smoking policies were approved by the committee.Changes will be added to the Sex and Relationships and Spiritual Development policies and re-circulated by email.The Monitoring of Learning policy will be reviewed at the next meeting.It was noted that review dates need to be added to the front pages of policy documents.AOBGM raised the issue of inconsistencies in policy documents in terms of how students are addressed (student/pupil/young people).It was agreed that all governors should be involved in reviewing the Equality and Diversity policy as it is so important.A request was made to copy governors into any emails for arrangements for the forthcoming parents’ evening.GM explained that she was at some PSHCE training for governors recently where the school was praised as a model of best practice; she asked that this be passed on to the Curriculum Leader (Lisa Lowery). ................
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