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We had a fantastic first year taking part in ChallengeME, with 30 students across Year 5 & Year 6 making the finals! We attended the event on Sunday 15th February and our students represented WIS incredibly well!

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We welcomed colleagues from GEMS First Point School to come and visit lessons, see our curriculum maps, discuss our assessment strategy and how we demonstrate that we are outstanding. This was a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of WIS and to showcase our outstanding practices.

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GEMS FP Visit - Journey to Outstanding Attainment - 14th May 2025

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Our annual celebration for international maths day! A day full of fun activities completed in maths lessons to celebrate everything mathematics!

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Update for year groups on how maths is looking at how maths is shaping up after term 1.1.

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Presented again at the annual CenturyTech GEMS conference. This was a brilliant opporutnity to showcase how we implement Century at WIS an to also learn from our colleagues in other schools.

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Century Conference - Strategy & Impact at WIS

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Developed and introduced 2 members of teaching staff who are keen for professional development to aspect of leadership within primary maths

Organised for these colleagues to attend an external PD to develop their teaching practise and introduce this within our school

I have personally worked within a company-wide capacity developing a curriculum to be used for all British curriculum schools for GEMS, involving external meetings and collaborations with colleagues from other GEMS schools and head office.

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Goal 3: Contribution to School Priorities

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Goal 3: Contribution to School Priorities

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Maintained exemplary levels of punctuality and attendance both for my self and for the students in my class.

Ensured outstanding outcomes are maintained for Years 4, 5 & 6 maths through deliberate and intentional curriculum design.

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Implemented TLAG strategies consistently across Years 4–6 maths lessons, ensuring a shared approach to high-quality teaching and learning across year groups.

Strengthened parent engagement through regular parental workshops, curriculum information sessions and social media updates celebrating learning and achievement in maths.

Encouraged wider participation in mathematics by inviting families to attend and support external maths enrichment events, including ChallengeME competitions and activities.

Celebrated pupil success and excellence in maths through assemblies and whole-school recognition, helping to raise the profile of mathematics across the school community.

Maintained open and proactive communication with parents regarding maths class placements and changes, ensuring decisions were clearly explained and focused on providing the best support for each child’s progress and confidence.

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Goal 1: Curriculum Intent, Implementation & Impact

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Goal 1: Curriculum Intent, Implementation & Impact

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Review curriculum objectives for Y4, Y5 & Y6 so that coverage is adequate and fits into our school calendar and assessment schedule.

Enrich the curriculum with extra-curricular activities such as external competitions and in-house events

Regularly review assessments with teams to ensure we are happy with the data collected for students at each data capture

Gradually implement TLAG effectively in lessons while holding on to what makes our curriculum planning and delivery outstanding

Ensure we maintain outstanding outcomes for EOY assessments.

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Appointment as GEMS Subject Excellence Fellow

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Appointment as GEMS Subject Excellence Fellow

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I was apponinted for the attached position within the company for academic year 2025/2026, conutuing into the coming years. I received the following email form David Irish, SVP for Academic Excellence:

Dear Josh,

I am delighted to inform you that you have been selected as a Subject Excellence Fellow. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! You will receive a confirmation letter from HR on this appointment in the coming weeks.

This is a fantastic opportunity to support the development of the curriculum not only your school and brand but also the wider GEMS network. As an Excellence Fellow, you will play a key role in developing and implementing an innovative and enriching curriculum that will deliver educational excellence across our schools.

More information about the structure, strategy, and expectations of the Subject Excellence Fellow model will be shared at the start of AY 2025-26.

Kind regards

David

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JD - Excellence Fellow – Subject or Curriculum  (school based)

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Dimension 3: Maximising Opportunity to Learn

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Dimension 3: Maximising Opportunity to Learn

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TTRS Crazy Hair Day - 23rd January 2024!

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TTRS Crazy Hair Day - 23rd January 2024!

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Throughout years 2-6, our students and teachers have taken part in a dress-up theme day for TT rockstars. The aim of this is to create a buzz for the launch of the UAE Rocks competition, with the overall objective of boosting student engagement and interaction with their times tables practise on the platform.

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GEMS Wellington Cluster Hardworking Award

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GEMS Wellington Cluster Hardworking Award

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On 4th July 2023, I was presented with the Hardworking Award at the annual Wellington Cluster awards ceremony for teachers and leaders working within the GEMS Wellington Cluster of Schools

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GEMS WIS Staff Run the Dubai 2024 Marathon!

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GEMS WIS Staff Run the Dubai 2024 Marathon!

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I was part of the team of staff members who grouped together and represented GEMS Wellington International School at the Dubai 2024 Marathon!

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After promoting the event to our student and families within the school community, we were fantastically represented by 14 students in this years National KenKen competition. the participants were celebrated in year group assemblies and on Social Media!

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UAE Top Schools Award for Best Primary School Teacher of the Year 2023-2024

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UAE Top Schools Award for Best Primary School Teacher of the Year 2023-2024

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Notification of nomination from Maryssa O’Connor -

CEO/Principal & Senior Vice President - Education

Dear Josh

Congratulations on making the top 5 of the final decision for the award of Primary School Teacher of the Year!  This is a real testament to your incredible impact at WIS this year and thoroughly well-deserved.  We will be keeping our fingers crossed for you when the winner is announced next academic year and I’m really proud to have you represent us for the award.  Good Luck!

Best wishes

Maryssa and the WIS Executive Team

Maryssa O’Connor

CEO/Principal & Senior Vice President - Education

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UAE Which Best Schools - Primary Teacher of the Year Award Shortlist

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UAE Which Best Schools - Primary Teacher of the Year Award Shortlist

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This year, I was nominated and one of 5 shortlisted candidates for the award of Best Teacher - Primary in the UAE.

Dear Josh

Many apologies, but this letter will be brief. You can have no possible idea of the complexity of the SchoolsCompared.com Top Schools Awards! But all that matters is… you.

I am delighted, beyond delighted, after quite the most complicated exercise in my lifetime, to write to you now formally to confirm the amazing news that you are a Finalist in the Top Schools Awards 2023-24 and attach related materials recognising your achievement.

You will find your artwork and certificate attached to this email.

As advised in my last email, you can read our article announcing our Finalists here:

https://schoolscompared.com/top-schools-awards/uaes-best-schools-announced-top-schools-awards-2023-finalists-revealed-sport-music-academics-steam-innovation-happiness-and-much-more/

Yours is an amazing achievement.

This is probably the loveliest part of my job – bringing good news. I hope it brings some happiness and hope to your day and week ahead.

All our best wishes

For The SchoolsCompared.com Top Schools Awards 2023 – 2024

https://whichschooladvisor.com/uae/school-news/top-school-awards-2023-24-finalists-announced

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Top School Awards 2023-24 Finalists Announced

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The finalists for the SchoolsCompared.com Top School Awards 2023-24 have been revealed, including the ‘Best School in the UAE’ and ‘Happiest School in the UAE’.

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Presenter at Wellington Custer HPL Teach Meet 20.6.23

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Presenter at Wellington Custer HPL Teach Meet 20.6.23

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Today I was amongst 15 other other colleagues within the GEMS Wellington Cluster presenting to approximately 100 members off staff over an online teach meet. My presentation outlined how Realising is linked to our everyday classroom practice, specifically when conducting AFL and regrouping our students in lessons.

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What an incredible year Josh has had as our Maths Curriculum Leader for Year 4 – 6. He has demonstrated the ability to lead and inspire three teams of teachers, as well as the wider school community. I have been particularly impressed with Josh’ delivery of PD for staff, whether that has been departmental, as part of a skills share or even on a wider scale as part of our Cluster.  Josh has remained calm under pressure, and negotiated his way through the DSIB inspection with confidence and ease. I am pleased to see how his handling of data and assessment has improved over the course of the year, and how he has been able to use data analysis to drive decision making for the Maths curriculum. The end of year results for Maths are Outstanding, both internally and externally and in some cases we have seen a significant increase in the number of students exceeding the curriculum standard – Year 6 PTM! Josh has committed a considerable amount of time to our Emirati students and his hard work and dedication has paid off, with 100% of our Emirati students in 4, 5 and 6 working at or above the curriculum standard in Maths and the large majority (61%) working above. Josh has been an incredible role model and an exemplary example of an a truly Outstanding class teacher. It has been really pleasing to see this be recognised through various nominations and awards that Josh has received this year; the highlight being that he was shortlisted as one of the Top 5 Primary School Teachers of the Year. This is an incredible reflection on the impact Josh has had in both the classroom and as a Middle Leader. A huge well done and I very much look forward to seeing how he continues to drive and shape our Maths Curriculum next academic year.

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GEMS Wellington Cluster Award Nomination 4.7.23 

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GEMS Wellington Cluster Award Nomination 4.7.23 

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This Year, 9 teachers from GEMS WIS, including myself, were nominated for an award by Senior & Executive Leadership, with the awards night taking place at GEMS Wellington Silicon Oasis.

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Taking part in the annual GEMS Wellington Saturday sports morning for Parents vs Staff sports event!

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Application for AHT - Teaching & Learning Y1-6 - April 23'

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Application for AHT - Teaching & Learning Y1-6 - April 23'

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I applied and interviewed for AHT - Teaching & Learning role at WIS. Although unsuccessful, following the interview, I was provided with detailed feedback from Joanne Standring concerning the strengths of my application and the areas which I should continue to develop in order to strengthen my application in future. Key points were:

Ensure my covering letter is more impact driven, as opposed to a list of what I have done so far.

Be more driven towards leading leaders within the school, rathe than just leading teachers (currently expected of my current role.

Look to attain greater experience within the MER processes within the school.

Set personal targets how I can drive the standards of Teaching & Learning at WIS and how I might measure the impact of my drive in this area.

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Support of Maths Curriculum Planning & Delivery at RDS 27.4.23

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Support of Maths Curriculum Planning & Delivery at RDS 27.4.23

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Today I attended GEMS Royal Dubai School to engage with the planning and delivery of their maths curriculum, to offer guidance and support in how they can improve their practice.
The day consisted of observing numerous lessons across years 1-6 and feeding back to the executive leadership of the school areas of growth and development.

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GEMS Wellington & Qatar Leadership Conference 

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GEMS Wellington & Qatar Leadership Conference 

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Attended the Wellington Leadership conference, obtaining valuable insight and ideas from the event while creating new professional links across the cluster. Specifically visiting workshops around stretching high-attainers through curriculum drive & measuring outstanding progress in lessons.

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In February, I was asked to represent WIS and present at a conference for CenturyTech, sitting amongst a myriad of senior leaders from a large network of schools. This was a fantastic experience and I made some meaningful professional connections at this event

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Century Conference - Year 6 Strategy at WIS

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Lesson Observation - 17.3.23 Claire Smith & Adam Edwards

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Lesson Observation - 17.3.23 Claire Smith & Adam Edwards

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Lesson Grading - Outstanding
Adam and Claire observed a maths lesson today and offered some very positive feedback along with areas for improvement moving forward - detailed in attached document

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Tom Edmonds
"It has been great working with Josh, he provided me with clear feedback and areas to develop from my first lesson. Josh invited me and a colleague to come and observe excellent practice in the classroom to show clear guidance on the expectations when regrouping after AFL.

After my second observation, Josh provided positive feedback, clearly highlighting areas I had improved and explaining clearly which areas would then take my lesson to the next level to leave me with some things to still think about to help me improve my practice.

It was great to be given the time to be able to work with Josh and I feel I have really benefited from this brief coaching period."

Robbie Hesketh
"Josh has been incredibly supportive to my new role as a Teacher at WIS and as a math specialist. Before I moved to WIS I worked with SEND students for the entirety of my professional career and required support to understand and develop my own practice. In the first few months of my new position I sought advice and support and Josh was incredible in supporting me to observe outstanding teachers and focus on my development points to make my teaching more effective. I had to learn how to be a mainstream teacher and without the help and support of Josh and his team I would have found the transition a lot more difficult. In terms of professional development Josh has given me an abundance of opportunities that have increased my confidence and made my practice more effective in mathematics. Josh has always provided me with informative and considered feedback and always makes it clear that he is available if I need it. When I have discussed issues that have arisen within my practice he provides careful and considered answers that have led to better opportunities for myself and the students I teach"

Lorne Jones
"Wanted to say thanks for your work with the girls in my class on their Mathematical approaches and reasoning skills. I have seen a marked improvement in their confidence when approaching these types of questions recently, and some of the ways in which they answer them. Taneesha in particular has become a lot more independent in lessons and is now starting to use mathematical vocabulary in her reasoning answers a lot more. I’ve attached a pic of todays work as evidence of this (it’s not perfect but it’s progress from where she was before!) I’ve also noticed that the girls are becoming a lot quicker in lessons too and, as a result, are completing a lot more work meaning they can finish the lesson off with challenges and extra challenges which is also a huge positive."

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GEMS National School Al Barsha - Middle Leader Support Conference

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GEMS National School Al Barsha - Middle Leader Support Conference

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I was part of the team which travelled to GEMS Al Barsha National School to meet with their leaders and discuss our practices and protocols with the ultimate aim of helping them to drive their own Teaching & Learning standards and systems.

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I have set myself the target of improving my morning routines and being more productive. I have been able to embed a much more productive, daily morning routine, inspired by reading the above mentioned book

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We have entered a cohort of students from Year 5 & Year 6 to take part in the annual UKMT maths challenge. A series of preparation activities are going to be provided for students in the run up to the event.

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Victory Heights MAGT Event | 21st March 2023

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Victory Heights MAGT Event | 21st March 2023

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Victory Heights will be conducting a MAGT (more able, gifted + talented) mathematics event on March 21st from 9am - 12pm. This will involve each school bringing 2 x MAGT (more able, gifted + talented) from each years 3, 4, 5 + 6, so 8 MAGT children from KS2 altogether.

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COBIS & CenturyTech Maths All Stars Cup | 6th - 16th March 2023

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COBIS & CenturyTech Maths All Stars Cup | 6th - 16th March 2023

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I have entered GWIS into the above competition

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Collaborative PD Delivery with Lizzy Palfrey 27.4.23

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Collaborative PD Delivery with Lizzy Palfrey 27.4.23

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Today, Lizzy (English Curriculum lead) and I planned and delivered a PD session to teachers in years 1-6 around the neuroscience behind mastery learning and how this underpinning science links to the use of blooms verbs to evidence how we demonstrate outstanding progress in our lessons. Link to slide show:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/14ianNeVMUdx7yVOdo_G0cRzSiPyEojDh/edit#slide=id.g2398c773219_0_74

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GEMS Wellington Qatar - Maths Olympiad Year 3 & 6

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GEMS Wellington Qatar - Maths Olympiad Year 3 & 6

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9.11.22
We are setting up an interschool maths tournament with GEMS Wellington Qatar for our high-attaining students across the primary phase

26.1.23
Event booked in and scheduled for Thursday 26th January. Year 6 competitors will take part in the AM & Year 3 in the PM

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October 2022
Following feedback from their formal observations, Robbie Hesketh and Edward Elliot were invited into my classroom to observe practices around AFL and regrouping. Throughout the lesson, I dipped in and out between speaking with and speaking with the students , explaining the processes behind classroom management and how to effectively regroup students based on their level of understanding.

12.1.23
Today a member from the Arabic teaching team came along to observe myself teaching maths, under the recommendation from one of his line-managers. He was very thankful and appreciative - he found the observations very helpful for AFL and regrouping.

20.1.23
Another member of the Arabic Team was recommended to observe a lesson of mine today. Her focus was engagement and AFL. She was very thankful and found the methods I displayed very useful for bettering her teaching practice

February 2023
Today, a teacher from Wellington Silicon Oasis was invited into my classroom to observe practices around behaviour management. We had a debrief at the end of the lesson to discuss her own class and devise strategies of how she can effectively manage behaviour in her classroom, based on the practices and examples she has seen from myself.

10.3.23
Today, following feedback form their initial observations, Tom Edmonds & Joshua Fosker teachers were invited to observe my maths lesson, with a focus on how to maximise student progress in lessons. The main principle behind this was using early AFL to regroup students.

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Today we hosted a a TTRS-themed dress-up day for Years 1-6. Tournament hosted between classes ad between year groups

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Monday 9th January
Met with Claire Smith to introduce the program and what is going to be required in order to acquire the accreditation. Will now begin to gather and collate evidence to meet the standards.

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A HUGE well done Josh, for an incredibly successful inspection week! You absolutely smashed it!

You did an incredible job preparing for the CL meeting and SLT and Exec were particularly impressed with how well you conducted yourself in those meetings.

Keep up the good work and drive for high standards! SCC

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1. Greater enrichment opportunities in Maths, particularly for HPT students.
- Network with other Outstanding Schools.
- Research - what's happening in the UK?

2. Identify impact of MER, Data and PD to align strategic planning and support.
- Meet with HOY to analyse DC2
- make decisions around curriculum adaptations following DC2.

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1. Success of inspection
The inspection was an intense experience but overall it was great to understand the inner-workings of an out-and-out inspection. As middle leaders, we were at the core of the entire process and I was personally interviewed and observed on numerous occasions, building a good rapport with the lead inspector over the course of the week.

2. Improved lesson gradings for two members of staff you have supported.
Since moving into the CL role for maths this year, I have been able to observe the practice of many teachers across 4, 5 & 6 and have been able to offer support and guidance with regards to the deliverance of maths lessons. I have invited a number of teachers to observe and share examples of outstanding practice across the phase and we have seen significant growth in the standard of teaching taking place.

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Recommended by Scarlett

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Lesson Observation - Claire Smith 11.10.22

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Lesson Observation - Claire Smith 11.10.22

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Lesson Grading - Outstanding
Positive feedback regarding teaching practice. Invited to be part of a programme to create modelled content that new and existing staff can use for their PD

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This addition to the WIS masterclass was prepared and delivered to support the development and understanding of the challenge scales in Maths for Years 4 - 6. I have shared this with new staff as part of their induction processes, to aid with setting the standards for Teaching & Learning at WIS.

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Friday 4th November
Delivered a PD for LSAs & LAs across year 4, 5 & 6 on understanding the challenge ladder in Middle School maths and how we can ensure children are being challenged and making necessary progress under our tuition

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23.11.22 - PD on regrouping in Maths
Planned and delivered a PD for the WIS skill-share event. PD was based around the regrouping of students, the impact it can have on progress and attainment and why it is key to ensuring your students are being challenged in each lesson.

4.1.23 - PD for 4, 5 & 6 - Marking and Feedback
Refresher on the policies and expectations for marking and feedback in maths across the phase. Examples of best practice shared between colleagues - how we can utilize one another to lighten the time burden associated with marking and feedback in books.

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To develop my understanding of the inspection framework and feel confident and well prepared for an inspection.

- Familiarise self with framework and the standardised language used.

- Strong understanding of data.

- Create an Outstanding Evidence padlet ( here is a Maths example one )

Confidence to recognise growth opportunities in individual teachers and to give necessary supportive and monitoring sustained improvements.

·       Team teach, peer observations, support with planning,

·       Follow up observations / feedback / target setting

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Assisting Middle School leadership in the development of a "WIS Duke of Edinburgh" tiered reward scheme.

Running of the year 6 football team, including weekly training and escorting to matches both inside and outside of school

Shared use of class charts system with Year 6 team

Attended Year 6 residential trip

Taking on responsibility of organising Year 6 end of year field trip to IMG world. Will collaborate with current middle leaders to learn the workings of organising an external trip within the school.

Collaborated with Secondary Director of Maths and Year 6 teachers to provide maths mastery sessions for exceeding year 6 students. Team teaching with secondary school teachers.

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In the upcoming weeks, begin to consider middle leadership opportunities available in the next academic year.
Converse with current middle leader and discuss opportunities to become more involved with directing the subject.

Take lead on progress test revision
Booster classes
Questions for beginning of lessons
Arithmetic practice
Assist with organisation and running of UKMT challenge for Year 6 students

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Empathetic
Proactive in sharing ideas and best practice with members of their team and teachers across the school

Agile
Create a high quality learning environment that is safe, supportive and motivating for all learners

Hard-working
Promotes a culture of positive behaviour management

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Applied for Curriculum Lead and Head of Year roles at the end of first year at WIS. Took on board feedback from interviews to improve in light of unsuccessful applications.

Currently reading:

Middle Leadership Mastery by Adam Robbins
The Ripple effect by David J Harkin

Exploring options and possibilities to enter middle-leadership within the school for next academic year. Requesting meetings with current Middle and Senior leaders within school to help develop a strategy towards a successful application

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Conference with Century tech representative for best practice and effective use of software

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Fable robotics PD
Data PD (class context sheets)
Peer to peer Book scrutiny
Penpals handwriting PD
Math book moderation with year 5
MSC restructure PD
Best practise amongst colleagues PD