Festival of Learning (22nd June – 6th July 2009)

The Festival of Learning was a two-week event which took place across the Black Country; its aim was to enhance the quality of learning, teaching and assessment for children and young people. Ultimately, the Festival provided a celebration of diverse approaches to learning across the Black Country. Head teachers and staff from Black Country secondary schools were invited to a variety of workshops and seminars which took place as part of the event during the summer term of 2009.

The following activities were held:

Aldersley High School (Technology) hosted the Learning Zone aimed at Year 7, which was theme based technology and science linked to ‘my competencies’.

Barr Beacon Language College delivered a series of workshops to show how media technology can be incorporated in to lessons, which included the use of green screen technology, apple mac, computers, podcasts and video cameras. Participants were asked to create a short film about a given topic area which aims to generate meaning and educate its audience.

Himley Hall put on a showcase of achievements of Key Stage 4 pupils, those who are potentially at risk of exclusion. These pupils had been supported by local employers to experience the world of work first hand.

Wednesfield High Specialist Engineering ran workshops around assessment for learning, covering four different subject areas.

Earls High School delivered a session regarding the Teaching School programme, which is a project aimed at Senior Leadership.

Wolverhampton Girls’ High School hosted a workshop for Key Stage 3 Geography teachers and a workshop for A’level Chemistry teachers. Activities were carried out which aimed to engage and challenge pupils.

Parkfield High Specialist Language College ran a seminar on promoting community cohesion. The seminar demonstrated how work was being carried out to enhance local police capacity through language teaching. Participants were also asked to join the British Sign Language class with police and staff.

Highfields Science Specialist School delivered a drop-in workshop on redesigning room space to facilitate innovative teaching and learning in maths.

Hillcrest School and Community College put on a workshop on motivating students across the curriculum using visual, auditory and kinaesthetic approaches.

Heath Park Business and Enterprise College hosted a creative and media diploma showcase on learning approaches across a range of subjects including art, media, dance and drama. The session involved partners the school has worked with as well as students talking about their experiences.

Tividale Community Arts College provided a session on creativity across the curriculum, with an opportunity to speak to staff and students about the art status and creative approaches to teaching and learning. Delegates who attended the session also had the opportunity to see lessons and performances from students too.

Moreton Community School hosted a seminar on using assemblies to inspire pupils, raise motivation and aspiration.

Deansfield High School delivered the ’Z factor’ showcase, which was a collaborative event that exhibited the work from zone creativity week.

‘Switched on to English’ - Workshop for teachers with Roz Goddard, a Creative Agent, writer and poet. Roz looked at new and creative ways of engaging pupils in English.