Richard Davies

Associate Assistant Principal in Coventry (Science and School Outcomes). Also involved in data, timetabling, options and curriculum. NPQSL

[Pete Nealon @NealonPete]

Clear systems, disruption free teaching, excellent sixth form. Attendance above national, improving outcomes. Shift from RI to 4 strong/3 expected in 3 years. #coundoncourt

[Richard Davies @CC_RHD]

Ofsted praise Coventry school that supports pupils 'from day one' https://t.co/3wYogmWU5R

[Coundon Court @Coundon_Court]

Coundon Pride!

What is it like to be a student at this school?

“Pupils benefit from a culture of belonging. They are confident, articulate and responsible young people who are well prepared for their future education and for taking an active role in society”. #thecoundonway

[Chris Heal @CHealteach]

Proud of our staff, our students and our community. There’s always more to do but for now, we’ll take a moment to reflect how far we’ve come. #thecoundonway Coundon Court - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted https://t.co/SdUy8IcVcB

[Sam Strickland @SamStrickers181]

Lots is being said about the KS3 curriculum atm. Its point & purpose are key. Ensuring pupils have the foundational knowledge necessary to succeed at KS4 is crucial, as is a love of learning, lots of experiences & enjoying school. Endless assessments mean little in KS3.

[Richard Davies @CC_RHD]

@adamboxer1 Similarly by subject in secondary, science gcse and A levels always nearly last in the exam window so lessons and revision sessions continue to then. Although as a parent of a y11 and y13 this year who are on study leave trying to remote monitor them is a challenge!

[Richard Davies @CC_RHD]

@adamboxer1 First problem we highlight with this is they just click on first video that comes up when they search "Biology paper 1 revision" which is often the wrong board or specification so time spent on wrong content.

[Richard Davies @CC_RHD]

@DeputyGrocott If you can wait until they have an ebay one, usually about 8%, then buy off the currys clearance shop on there.

[Richard Davies @CC_RHD]

@DeputyGrocott If you are with the children do the Slip and Slide at Bude and North Devon Wake Park has great package deals. Northcott Beach better and quieter than main Bude ones for bodyboarding (also has the great Sip and Sea cafe), eat at Life's a Beach in Bude.

[Adam Boxer @adamboxer1]

New post: Are book looks a waste of time?

For some, they are a meaningless scourge. For others, they are a vital accountability lever that provides insight into the lived curriculum.

Read on for more, and please share if you can!

Link in reply

[Richard Davies @CC_RHD]

@DeputyGrocott @bilff 🍗

[Mr G @DeputyGrocott]

🎁 #EduAdvent Day 13!
Because sometimes the best prize is pure joy (and sugar) 🐷💖

Win a Percy Pig mega bundle — packed with all the favourites to keep you smiling through December! Thank you @bilff for donating!

To enter:
✅ Like
🔁 Repost
🎄 Reply with a festive emoji

[Adam Boxer @adamboxer1]

Are predicted grades accurate?

This wonderful blog from @FFTEduDatalab explores the question, and my takehome is that *on average* they might be, but for an individual student it's pretty much guesswork.

Link in reply, well worth a read.

[Coundon Court @Coundon_Court]

We have vacancies for a Teacher of Science and a Teacher of Maths. If either position interests you please download a Recruitment Pack from:
https://t.co/jM5pghZdgl

[John Bald @JohnBaldLangLit]

Compulsory triple science is folly. Not every teenager has the skills or interest to study three at once. Do one properly, giving them a choice, and more than one only if the person has an aptitude or interest in it. 3 low grade passes are much less use than one good one.

[Adam Boxer @adamboxer1]

A couple of people have asked me for my thoughts on the curriculum review leak about separate science, so in case anyone else cares:

- There are a lot of schools that could offer separate science, and choose not to (like Michaela Community School). These schools should offer it.

- There are a lot of schools that don't offer it, and maybe can't. You'd have to recruit at least one extra science teacher, and potentially run a loss if fewer than 20 students choose to take it. These schools will probably lose out from the leaked proposals.

- There are a lot of schools that offer it, but in lunch time, after school, or not as an additional optional block. I think this is inequitable, and they should not do this. It's one entire GCSE extra, and time should be allocated to it. It doesn't *look* from the proposals that this will be addressed.

- The separate science course as it currently stands is not a good course. There is stuff in it that could easily be removed, and with the exception of Space in physics there are no memorable units in the separate science course (in my opinion). One of the chemistry units is so bad that a number of my separate scientists told me that because of it they were no longer considering A Level chemistry.

- In terms of the science curriculum, there is a long list of things I think we should change. This is pretty low down the list. And in this submission to the review, co-signed by 560 science teachers and heads of science, it didn't even feature https://t.co/eBjP7pbxd8

- In terms of science education in general, there is an even longer list of things I think we should change. Until we have high quality explicit instruction in every science classroom in the country, we will have a system that does not allow all students a true opportunity to pursue further studies in science. My strong opinion is that the best way to increase the number of students taking science at KS5 and beyond is to teach them better in KS3 and KS4. This is a big and difficult problem, but we shouldn't lose sight of it whilst other changes are taking place.

- Of course, this is just a snippet from the review. I think it's something that is broadly reasonable, and will have some impact. I definitely hope that there are other more substantial changes to come, like a reduction in content and a radical reassessment of the way exam boards interpret the national curriculum.

[Coundon Court @Coundon_Court]

Team11 - Let’s Go!!!

1 week until our mocks begin!!

✅ Week 1:

⏱️ English Lit📚 Paper 2 & History 🔔next Monday!
⏱️ Maths 🧮 Tue
⏱️ Science 🧬 & PE 🏀 Wed
⏱️ Geography 🗺️ Fri

✅ What will your story be?
✅ Legacy of Team11

All info⬇️

https://t.co/UEqmndLQry

[Richard Davies @CC_RHD]

@SusanSEnglish @AQAEnglish There's also no warning this has happened in any subjects unless you check through the whole paper before use.