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Language Across the Curriculum
The Language Across the Curriculum policy has been in existence since 1992. Recognizing that language is at the heart of the learning process in all subjects,the college has promoted the four key language skills of reading,writing, speaking and listening across the curriculum. The implementation of the policy has encompassed a variety of whole schoo linitiatives including subject-specific dictionaries, key word displays,purposeful talk, active listening, note-making, mind mapping andwriting frames. Each development has been spearheaded by a particular department whose members led whole-school staff development initiatives. throughout the 1990s. This has been one of the most successful factors in the implementation of the policy and indeed this policy has established a firm foundation for more recent developments.
Term Ahead Models
At Key Stages 3 and 4 all pupils receive a Year Ahead and a Term Ahead Model in every subject. At Post 16 level students receive a detailed Year Ahead Model. The models not only outline subject content, skills, key vocabulary and subject specific targets but also the nature and frequency of assessment. They help pupils monitor their own learning and progress in tests and homeworks. There is also an opportunity for the pupils to identify individual targets on their Term Ahead Models.
Brain freindly Learning
The College’s Teaching and Learning Policy promotes brain friendly learning and positive behaviour in the context of our mission statement. Pupils are introduced to a variety of important developments based on recent brain research. These include looking after your brain, understanding how your brain works, multiple intelligences, learning styles and emotional intelligence. In all these lessons accelerated learning techniques are used which not only appeal to the pupils but also enhance their understanding. As a learning community we are all very excited and enthusiastic about this brain-friendly initiative. It is also excellent preparation for the new CCEA Curriculum which is being introduced in September 2005.
Thinking Maths
This project, also entitled Cognitive Acceleration in Mathematics Education (CAME), was introduced in 2000-2001, having successfully attracted funding under the auspices of the School Improvement Programme: Development and Dissemination of Good Practice and Innovation in Schools. All Year 8and 9 classes engage in lessons which develop thinking skills and accelerate their learning in Mathematics. The outcome of any lesson is the thinking process and the sharing of ideas rather than specific knowledge and skills in a classroom culture characterized by inquiry,collaborative learning and the sharing of ideas. The most rewarding aspect of this project is the feedback from pupils who not only enjoy the lessons but also report that their understanding has improved. The Mathematics team, who are also most enthusiastic about the project shared their learning with the entire staff as part of our whole-schoolcommitment to the creation of ‘thinking classrooms’ in every department. Interesting and worthwhile links are now being made between Thinking Maths and the Teaching and Learning Policy and our brain friendly initiative to ensure high quality teaching and learning at whole-school level.
Citizenship
Citizenship Education commenced formally in St Louise's in September 1999 with the Northern Ireland pilot programme Social, Civic and Political Education for Key Stage 3 pupils. The programme has a distinct Northern Ireland focus, with modules such as Diversity and Inclusion, Social Justice andActive Participation. While these issues clearly affect the Northern Ireland situation, the programme is designed to facilitate local,national and global features which allows staff to deliver and approach controversial issues from a global context and then focus on Northern Ireland.
E-Learning
St Louise’s has always been alive to the potential of ICT as a learning tool, and has invested heavily over the years in ICT hardware. Currently we have two computer networks in operation with a total ofover 670 computers and 70 network printers. In addition we have a considerable number of stand alone computers, and almost 100 laptops are in daily use by teaching staff. A five-year ICT Development Plan was drawn up in mid-2003 and is currently being implemented. It addresses the issue of ICT under four headings: Curriculum, Resources, Documentation and Staff Development and has identified eleven key development priorities. It is our aim to develop the concept of E-Learning by integrating the use of ICT into our Teaching and Learning Policy and our departmental programmes and thus placing it at the core of the everyday learning experiences of our pupils.
Specialist School Status
St Louise's has been awarded Specialist School status for Performing Arts (Drama, Dance and Media Studies) with effect from September 2006. We believe that achieving specialist status will enable us to raise attainment for all students in both the specialist subjects and across the curriculum by strengthening and developing the quality of teaching and learning strategies in the specialist subjects and using them to raise standards throughout the school. We also hope that it will extend opportunities for vocational learning and enrichment activities as well as helping us to implement the revised Northern Ireland curriculum more effectively.
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