Teach Secondary Issue 14.8

more structure. There are many school-wide policies – not just around behaviour, but also around lesson planning and organisation. Some teachers might object to that, and complain about not having enough agency, but those guidelines for how to approach your classes actually makes it easier to be creative, identify the things that students enjoy most within the subject and focus on those. When I’ve organised field trips, started extracurricular clubs and formed a student music ensemble, the school has proved to be more supportive than I ever could have imagined. A big project for me has been the creation of a peripatetic instrument lesson curriculum. We currently offer lessons in flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin, guitar and piano. The school has been supportive throughout, both in terms of funding and making allowances for scheduling. Last year we had around 35 students signed up – this year that number’s up to 65. C L A S S R O OM L I F E student roundtable Ikram “When I was in Y7 at ELSS, the homework wasn’t as challenging. The focus wasn’t on designing homework for students, but on making it easier for teachers to grade.” Jenia “My favourite thing about school is going on trips, being part of music concerts and doing things that maybe other schools wouldn’t do.” Hana “I started in Y7 before the merger with Harris, when lessons weren’t as structured. Every lesson now has a Read Now, Daily Review, Exposition and Deliberate Practice.” Teddy “People are getting better grades now,with better, more professional teachers. Before the school changed there were a lot of cover teachers, so some people got a less fair amount of education than others.” Daniel “My favourite subject is science, and my favourite part about school is the number of after-school clubs.” Isa “The change has been transformative. Before, there was no rigidity around upholding behavioural standards, or submitting homework in on time. The Harris Federation has implemented these new procedures that have given a backbone to the school.” 25 teachwire.net/secondary