Learning & Teaching
KJHS Common Vision of Learning
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At KJHS, we endeavour to equip pupils with the skills and capabilities that will enable them to become independent, reflective, lifelong learners.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In summary, we want our pupils to learn how to learn and to think.
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“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,
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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.
The dedicated Drive Team continues to lead the way in nurturing critical, creative and reflective thinking across the school. During scheduled meetings, members are sharing dynamic strategies and collaborative support to aid learners unlock their full potential.
HABITS OF MIND
Not only are we interested in how many answers students know, but also in knowing how they behave when they DON’T know. As metacognition is not an innate skill, pupils’ have been directly targeted using a robust assembly programme with specified Learning and Teaching themed Assemblies. A dedicated Habits of Mind Day was held on December 12 and was a great success.
Nine Habits of Mind have been developed to align with our school vision; Working Together for Excellence in a Caring Community. This year, to work at the pastoral academic interface, the Drive Team decided to use the final nine Habits of Mind as part of Positive Noticing month in school.
We were blown away by Killicomaine’s Junior High School’s 'Habits of Mind’ launch day. Such incredible creativity and energy – no wonder it was such a huge success. The wonderful Gail Henderson shared how they went about it. Check out the full article via this link and take a look at the video of her interview with Lorna Gardiner.