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Recommendations for Year 9 Classes 2009
Teacher Only Day – 14/10/09
The Proposal:
Integration of subjects be changed from the current English/S.Studies foci to a programme of work written around the Science, Maths and Tecnology curriculum.
English and Social Studies will obviously still be taught but will be adapted to the new units. There may be a need for the odd unit such as Algebra, a novel study or an important aspect of Social Studies to be covered in isolation, but these would be grouped together in a block of work in a traditional management structure. This period of time could be seen also as a
Art, Drama and Music would be a three period/week option line for a third of the year.
The two languages Maori and Spanish would be a 2 period/week option line for half the year.
Phys. Ed/Health – 4 periods/week. Given this period of rapid physical growth and the changes that occur with puberty, we feel exercise is an important consideration for this age group.
Key Consideration:
Staffing. Enthusiasm for the concept is a prerequisite. There may be some staff capable of teaching several of the traditional subjects with one class. Another option would be a specialist such as a Maths teacher who teaches the whole year group. It would be desirable for staff numbers to be smaller so that a team focus can be achieved both for unit development and pastoral care.
Space. A homeroom for classes is essential with staff traveling to that homeroom rather than the current room allocation to a staff member.
Timetabling. Blocks of time rather than a period by period timetable.
2 Comments so far
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Please can we also consider having a form teacher/HR teacher for each Y9 class- this person would oversea the running/integration and planning/behaviour issues/expectations from teachers….I do not see this as being a Deans job but someone responsible for the smooth running and relationship building for each class.
Comment by jane wt October 22, 2009 @ 9:27 amSounding good so far. I understand the linking focus will be plants for year 9 so for languages I am thinking food and environments???
Comment by Sandra Aitchison October 27, 2009 @ 9:11 am