GHWY Attainment Raising Programme – Practitioner Webinar

Webinar overview:

Objective: To introduce and discuss the new attainment raising program developed by Go Higher West Yorkshire, aimed at enhancing metacognition among learners in years 8 to 10, with adaptability for years 7 and 11 and potential extension to FE settings.
Structure: A six-session program, including in-school sessions and a campus trip, designed to develop learners’ strategies for understanding their learning processes and improving information processing and retention.
Target Audience: Learners from Uni Connect eligible postcodes, aiming for grades 4 or 5, and not engaged in other attainment raising programs, with a focus on underrepresented groups.

Introduction

[00:19] Charlotte introduces herself and her colleagues, Vicki, Hannah, and Will, setting the stage for the session’s agenda.

Program Overview

[00:50] Overview of the session’s content, including the structure and objectives of the attainment raising program.
[01:23] Discussion on the range of sessions from 1 to 6, highlighting the program’s focus on developing metacognitive strategies among learners.

Target Audience and Organisational Background

[01:47] Description of Go Higher West Yorkshire, its role, and the Uni Connect program, emphasising the targeted outreach and strategic interventions for underrepresented groups.
[02:38] The program’s aim to raise attainment in years 8 to 10, with details on the selection criteria for participants.

Session Details

[03:04] In-depth look into the attainment raising came as a key priority and the development of a program focusing on metacognition.
[03:28] Explanation of the six-session structure, including a campus trip and in-school sessions tailored for years 8 to 10.

Pilot Year and Feedback

[04:21] Insights from the pilot year, involving five partnership schools and plans for expanding to eight schools in the current year.
[05:14] Feedback from learners on the program’s engaging and professional delivery, highlighting the development of key skills like communication and critical thinking.

Learner Criteria and Group Size Recommendations

[07:45] Discussion on the selection criteria for participants, focusing on learners from Uni Connect eligible postcodes and those needing additional support to achieve grades 4 or 5.
[09:28] Recommendations for optimal group sizes to ensure effective engagement and learning outcomes.

Sessions Overview and Skill Development

[09:53] Brief overview of each session’s focus, from “Go Connect” to “Go Visit,” underscoring the progression and interconnectedness of sessions.
[10:22] Explanation of how the program supports attainment raising by developing learners’ metacognitive and study skills.

Toolkit Highlight

[12:19] Introduction to the “Go Collaborate” session and the “Hot Air Balloon Challenge,” showcasing the application of debating skills in a collaborative context.

Session Deep Dive

[17:08] Detailed walkthrough of “Session 1: Go Connect,” including activities like the Lotus Blossom diagram and Post-It Note dominoes, aimed at enhancing connection making and justification skills.

Questions and Closing

[39:14 to 42:11] Open floor for questions, with discussions on the program’s adaptability for different year groups and reflections on the session’s content.
[42:41] Will provides a recap of key skills and activities from sessions two to six, emphasising the integration of critical thinking, collaboration, and presentation skills.

Toolkit and Program Resources

[01:02:34] Presentation of the toolkit and resources available on the Go Higher West Yorkshire website, encouraging attendees to utilize and adapt the program materials for their educational settings.

Conclusion and Final Questions

[01:06:54] Final opportunity for questions, with a focus on ensuring the program’s objectives, structure, and implementation strategies are clear to all participants.