Observations
Useful Information
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Why Observe?
Observations are one of the most effective forms of training. Watching other teachers gives valuable insights into effective practice. Being observed provides fresh perspectives and encourages us to reflect on areas to develop. The mentoring of trainee teachers has helped evolve the role of observations from simply providing evidence of accountability, to enabling more personalised support.
Keep copies of your observations in your training folder as part of your professional development portfolio.
Formal Observations
All teachers are observed at least once a year as part of their Performance Management review. They are a main way in which evidence for objectives can be captured. They are also referred to at reviews to help identify new objectives. Formal obs. are usually conducted by your HoD or Line Manager, or can be done by any appropriate teacher with QTS. Your first observation will take place between Autumn half term holiday and Spring half term holiday. If other observations are required, they can take place at any time before the end of the Summer term.
It is important that the focus of the observation is agreed prior to the lesson. It is also advisable to fix an appropriate time for feedback in advance. A copy of the completed form needs to be handed in to Alex Savage to help identify your training needs.
Peer Observations
The purpose of these observations is to enable you to experience specific aspects of good practice, such as, a new approach, tool, curriculum, or an aspect of our Teaching and Learning Policy. They replace one of your five INSET days and consequently teachers have an additional day of holiday. Full time staff observe two colleagues in their Department and two colleagues in a different subject area. Part time staff will be contacted by the Training School to agree on how many they need to conduct. The remaining allotted time is to enable short conversations to discuss the lessons.
Last year all teachers completed a Yellow Pages form to identify their strengths and areas for development. A copy of your form is in your Training Folder to help identify themes you wish to observe. A directory of our staff’s strengths can be accessed from staff/admin/cpd to help find who to observe. If you need any further assistance in setting up a peer obs. just ask any member of the Training School Team.
The observations take place from Autumn half term holiday to Summer half term holiday. Full time staff are expected to do one per half term. After completing a form, send a copy to your Line Manager who will sign it and pass it on to the Training School.
Departmental Visits
These are conducted by the Leadership Team. Each year four Departments are identified. The purpose of these visits is to form a better understanding of each subject’s strengths and identify any additional support they require.
Extra Support
As a result of your formal observation you may be invited to receive additional help. You will be given a mentor to explore your needs in more detail and identify how you can be best supported in your professional development.
Interested in becoming a Mentor?
Would you like experience of supporting colleagues? This would be of particular interest if you are having leadership training, or going through threshold and require evidence for standard P10. To find out more speak to Alex Savage.
“To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.” Marilyn vos Savant
