Learning & Teaching
KJHS Common Vision of Learning
At KJHS, we endeavour to equip pupils with the skills and capabilities that will enable them to become independent, reflective, lifelong learners.
As a school, we are passionate and committed to engaging pupils in active learning contexts across all areas of the curriculum so that they may develop personal and interpersonal skills; capabilities and dispositions; and the ability to think both creatively and critically by integrating metacognitive tools, for example, Thinking Frames.
In seeking to intentionally develop pupils' metacognitive skills and capacities for self- regulation, the strands within the Northern Ireland Curriculum's Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities will be addressed,.i.e. Managing Information, Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making, Being Creative. Working with Others and Self-Management.
In the development of skills and capabilities we aim to:
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develop pupils’ appreciation of the learning process rather than focusing only on the products of learning;
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develop pupils as active, independent learners rather than passive absorbers of information;
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enable pupils to go beyond the mere recall of information to develop deeper understanding of topics;
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create positive dispositions and habits for learning;
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provide pupils with a new range of criteria against which they can evaluate their progress in learning and develop a greater sense of self.
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develop pupils’ understanding of the transferability of their skills and capabilities; and
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encourage pupils to take ownership of their learning and to recognise the role of the teacher as a facilitator in the learning process.
In summary, we want our pupils to learn how to learn and to think.
“I think school is a place where thinking should be taught.”
Edward de Bono
The school is currently collaborating with Thinking Matters to use a range of thinking frames and other metacognitive tools to help pupils’ with self-regulation and independence,
Thinking frames are meta-cognitive tools which help pupils visualise their thinking and then aid them in communicating their thoughts and ideas.
Recently, a dedicated and most valued Drive Team has been established to lead this learning and teaching strategy.
