A second project where Glebe, Riverside and Sweyne Park are working together focuses on inclusion, particularly the issues of Year 6-7 transition. June Morgan (SPS), Megan Jenkins and Lou Reck are the project leaders.
Sweyne Park School, Riverside and Glebe Junior Schools are currently engaged in a joint Inclusion Project. The project will focus on the areas of literacy and Design and Technology and will raise the awareness of staff in all three schools about the work carried out in these subjects in the opposite phase.
The aim of the project is to consider how the process of transition between Key Stages Two and Three can be improved. Although the project involves just two curriculum areas, it is hoped that any lessons learned can be transferred to other subjects.
Research [Galton et al. 1999] shows that whilst social transition is now much smoother, curriculum transition is managed less well, with a minority of children becoming disaffected possibly due to a lack of challenging work as they join Key Stage Three.
Although the project is in its early stages, it is envisaged that it will involve teaching staff visiting each other schools to watch lessons, team teach and talk to pupils. Another possibility is the provision of an induction booklet for Design and Technology which will be drawn up following consultation with pupils in years six and seven.
All three schools are looking forward to their involvement in the project and hope that the outcomes will give us a better understanding of what we as teachers and managers need to do to ensure that the education we offer becomes more inclusive.
<MEGAN JENKINS/ LOU RECK/ JUNE MORGAN>
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