Extending learners' vocabulary to enable them to achieve in both English and thier main subject area.
To work with learners to improve and enrich their vocabularies, enabling them to achieve a grade 4 in GCSE English Language. A further aim was to ensure learners recognise the value of good English skills in supporting them to achieve in their subject specialism.
Initial assessments were created to establish which words learners knew. Maths and vocational staff were involved in distributing 'Words of the Week' so learners could understand language application in different contexts. These words were integrated into starter tasks. After learner feedback, the approach was changed to focus on oracy as learners preferred to read out their work to see whether they used keywords correctly rather than writing them down.
As a result of this project, learners began to integrate some of the words in their work and some even used a small variety of keywords in their answers to their mock exams.
OTLA 8
2. Evaluate and challenge your practice, values and beliefs - The project reinforced the need to reflect and meditate on our preconceptions about learners’ levels of vocabulary despite their age, and the necessity of constantly exposing learners to new vocabulary because a wide vocabulary is important when it comes to attaining marks indicative of Grade 4 or above in GCSE examinations. The project also showed how effective oracy can be when it comes to rendering new, high-register, low-frequency vocabulary as ‘active’ as opposed to ‘passive’.
13. Motivate and inspire learners to promote achievement and develop their skills to enable progression - In addition to developing the vocabulary of the learners, the team have changed some of the learners’ perspectives on the importance of English and language itself. Learners felt a sense of empowerment and satisfaction from the utilisation of the keywords that have been delivered to them throughout the course of the project.
19. Maintain and update knowledge of your subject and/or vocational area - Since working closely with colleagues from Animal Management, the team have learned a significant amount about how their course is constructed, what areas of study the learners undertake at the three levels, what is evaluated when learners compose their responses and how Animal Management also integrate their own Words of the Week in lessons, too.