SSAT Journal 10 – Winter 2017

The Winter 2017 edition of the SSAT Journal, starts with a warm welcome from Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of SSAT, reflecting on the Teaching Awards ceremony and the value of celebrating the achievements of educators.

Graham Moore from humanutopia contributes an article titled “Illuminating learning: 19 questions we should ask ourselves,” emphasising the importance of understanding students’ perceptions of school and the need for creativity and innovative thinking in classrooms.

Katie Scott shares her journey as a principal at Portslade Aldridge Community Academy in “15 steps to Transformation.” She describes the challenges she faced upon joining the school, the decisive actions taken, and the focus on improvement to achieve positive outcomes for students.

In “Strong professional relationships boosted by clear values, routines and rituals,” Wesley Davis of Dixons McMillan Academy shares insights on the influence of charter schools in the US on his vision and beliefs.

Clare Hill at Twynham School explains the rationale and benefits of eschewing measurement as a force in the curriculum in “Life without levels – not ‘measuring progress’, but evaluating learning.”

In “Comprehensive use of pupil premium pays dividends” Sarah Bonar of Sacred Heart Catholic School explains how an imaginative, and deep, application of Pupil Premium funds is reaping its rewards

Articles also discuss strategies for promoting student leadership, providing effective SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provisions targets, and the benefits of physical activity on student well-being and performance.

The SSAT Journal is a benefit available to all staff members located in SSAT member schools.