Mary Gibson – St Margaret’s Cluster Development Officer
On Tuesday 12th February all primary staff from across St Margaret’s cluster, representatives from Cedarbank School and teachers from the English Department met to embark on the first of a two stage exercise to moderate and assess reading at Early, First, Second and Third level. Early and First level meetings took place in Howden St Andrew’s and St Nicholas’ primaries while Second and Third level staff worked in St Margaret’s Academy. The overall aim of this exercise was to establish a standard across the cluster of “secure” learning in one outcome.
The process involved using a template* to plan and deliver lessons to pupils who were secure at Lit1- 19a, Eng 1-19a, Eng 2-19a and Eng 3-19a. Passages were provided for selection according to the needs of the pupils involved.
The exercise provided a valuable opportunity for staff to discuss reading at discrete levels. In addition, secondary and upper primary staff were able to collaborate and engage in cross sector discussion about the teaching of reading across second and third level enabling all to reflect on the benefits of working together and learning from each other.
On Friday March 8th primary staff and staff from Cedarbank reconvened to discuss the outcome of the lessons. Prior to this a document** was circulated to all staff involved outlining the process for the second stage. On this occasion a second template was provided to allow staff to examine systematically the standard of work produced by pupils and to question the validity of the experience of the learners. The template also allowed for discussion of feedback and reporting to pupils and parents. As a result of a secondary CfE day, staff in the English Department were unable to participate. They will moderate at a later date.
It was agreed that the Moderation and Assessment of Reading exercise was an invaluable opportunity for staff to meet and reflect on their experience of teaching across the cluster and across sectors. It is hoped that, in future, this process will become a natural part of planning in St Margaret’s cluster.
*Planning Learning and Agreeing Standards and Expectations
**WLC Local Planning template and Notes for Local Moderation.
