Well that was a really heavy week. If ever a bank-holiday was needed…
The main focus this week has been refinement of application. Take maths for example. Early on in the week, we did a test or two leaving us with the overriding sense that there was a disconnect between the maths in class and the maths in the tests. Although everyone could ‘do’ the maths and easily identify different techniques that could be used, during the test, these techniques just weren’t being applied. This formed the basis of the rest of the week. Throughout Year 6 we have stressed that problems are not all discreetly different and as such have worked to find common approaches. The trick of course, is unpacking a problem in enough detail to realise what sort of technique is required. The recent tests have brought a galvanising sense to the class with lots of, ‘Oh, I get it.’ moments. Today showed the fruits of that work. In the test today, some worked independently while others worked with a little more monitoring; all were focused on committing their techniques to paper. Every child showed that their results had significantly improved, even though they had actually completed less of the test paper due to the extra time being taken.
This homework reflects this week. I have sent home another paper with the express intention of rehearsing the use and evidence of technique being recorded rather than the most rapid hunt for an answer. The children have made notes in their homework books about the most common things to look out for with an example here and there. My intention is to use this homework as part of next week’s preparations, so I’m hoping that as many as possible try to complete it over the weekend.
I hope that I have got the balance right between preparation for the SAT’s and their relative importance. The SAT’s really are something for the children to do, but for me to worry about. I hope that they go into SAT’s week on the 14th May prepared and confident but not stressed by the need to out-perform what they are used to.
I hope I have it right. I feel I have it right.
