P16 Feb Minutes

Liverpool Archdiocese Secondary Schools’ Partnership Post 16 Collaboration Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 10th February, 2015 at Carmel College Time: 1.45 for 2.00 p.m. (Please note that the meeting will conclude by 4.15 p.m. and there will be an opportunity to tour the college during the meeting.)

Agenda item

Key points

Apologies

No apologies were received

Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

There were no matters arising and all actions had been met.

Co-teachability of AS and A Level specifications

Simon Miles from AQA attended the meeting for this item. Discussion centred around a number of issues: -

The potential of a change in policy with a change of government. Recoupling of AS and A2 if Labour win the election.

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If Labour did win the election it may well be that we continue with the current specifications.

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Any changes will need to go through Ofqual

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Since the last meeting further discussions had taken place at school/college and indeed the majority of AS levels could be delivered pre A level

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Course content very clear and fitted into full A level spec of many courses

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Some concerns raised over English and History

Actions

PG to raise with Heads of Sixth Form at the English Conference on 5th March the co-teachability of AS and A Level and discuss the possibility of meeting to discuss this topic in full possibly with exam board representatives present.

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Of all those schools/colleges present all but one intended to run AS levels in Year 12

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IAG crucial for Year 11 students particularly with respect of AS choice and appropriateness of pathway

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Issue identified of increased necessity of higher grade maths GCSE (at least B) to be able to meet all elements of some subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Geography, Computing, Economics.

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Concern raised regarding pathways for ‘lower’ ability students

Tour of Carmel College Review of Ofsted Inspection Reports (Attached)

PG explained that he had taken all the comments out of the inspection reports and then looked for the key elements emerging from the Lead Inspector’s comments.

These were: Leadership of the sixth form, curriculum, GCSE English and maths, Assessment/Tracking, Teaching and Learning, IAG, Student Support and Student Experience. PG stressed the need for evidence, impact, full knowledge of destinations and analysis of all areas of the sixth form. Frances McGlone from Maricourt gave information regarding the process she encountered recently. Pauline from All Saints gave feedback also from their inspection that took place prior to Christmas.

Colleagues please let PG know if you have an inspection prior to the next meeting and if you are prepared to give feedback to the group.

‘Closing the Loop’ – using performance management and lesson observations to improve teacher performance.

Janet gave a presentation demonstrating how Carmel College was using performance management to improve teaching and learning. Janet explained the process that included in house staff development and the delivery of Bite-size sessions at lunch time and a Teaching and Learning Carousel at the end of the year. What is key is that mid-year performance reviews take place with a rigorous analysis of progress against any targets.

Please contact Janet if you require any further information regarding her presentation.

Subject Strengths

PG demonstrated the excel database for subject strengths at GCSE and asked for comments regarding setting up a similar database for A Level subjects. Some positive responses and we will discuss further at the next meeting.

All Colleagues to consider whether this would be of benefit and if so what should be the criteria. Some examples of the criteria sent prior to the meeting would be useful.

Agenda setting – coordinating group

PG requested some volunteers to help shape each agenda.

Four colleagues put their names forward. They are: Janet Gater, Paul Stirling, Nick Kimberley and Nick Wallace.

PG to contact group one month prior to the meeting to shape the agenda.

AOB

Nest meeting:

PG to send out agenda 10 days prior to the meeting to all colleagues.

Thursday 14th May 14.00 – 16.00.

Venue: St John Bosco, Liverpool

Paul Greenall Partnership Director