The new Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities have been going on over the past two weeks and as students have sat down to do subsequent tests they are becoming more comfortable with the platform and familiar with the style of test.

It got me thinking about the value of multiple exposures. It is listed as one of the “High Impact Teaching Strategies” and it makes sense that the more often a student has an opportunity to learn something or practise a skill the easier it becomes. 

The same can be said for work in class and the more we encourage students to complete, for example, practise essays the easier they become and the more fluent they get. So this week I encourage you to talk to your child about what they are doing in class and when they have done it before. Perhaps ask them what they are focusing on this time and how they are improving, all while supporting them to keep trying even if it’s feeling hard or boring. 

Speaking of multiple exposures, we have started a new competition at SOHS to improve vocabulary and support the development of literacy - A Word of the Week. Staff have a word to use as often as possible in class without revealing it is the word of the week and students have to listen out for a word they’re hearing often across their classes and email Ms Beaumont with their guess. All correct guesses go into a draw for a prize on Friday. Last week the word was mediocre, did you hear it at home? Perhaps you could use it a couple of times and see if your child notices!

Have a great weekend,
Ms Beaumont
HOD English