Teaching & Learning

Upon arrival to King’s in Year 7, students are tested for their preferred learning style/s. All students are deemed to be either Visual, Auditory or Kinaesthetic learners- or in the case of many students, a combination of two, maybe even all three styles. Students have been given advice as to what tactics will help them learn better.
 
A record of each student’s style/s is kept and is available for access by their subject teacher, who can then, if he/she wishes, incorporate this knowledge into lesson planning. It is expected that over a series of lessons, teachers will ensure that they include activities that support the learning requirements of all their students.
 
During the course of Year 7 each tutor group will receive training in Edward De Bono’s CoRT Thinking Tools. The basic principle is that thinking is a skill that can be developed.  There are seven tools:
 
PMI - Plus Minus Interesting
AGO - Aims,Goals and Objectives
FIP - First Important Priorities
CAF- Consider all Factors
APC - Alternatives, Possibilities and Choices
OPV - Other Peoples’ Views
C&S - Consequence & Sequel
 
Following the introduction in Year 7 – Form Tutors are expected to revisit the tools periodically across Key Stage 3. In Key Stages 4&5 many subject teachers have created opportunities in their lessons to use either De Bono’s Thinking Tools or other Thinking Skill strategies suggested in the National Curriculum-Secondary Strategy.

As part of the Personal Development Programme (PPDP) at Key Stage 3, all students follow a module entitled Learning to Learn.  During the course they are introduced to Brain Gym, and discover the power of the brain.  A short study of Gardener’s Intelligences, is followed by a questionnaire which reveals what type of learner the student is and how he can learn best using his intelligence.

Role play, creative writing, partner work and group work allow the student to develop a greater understanding of how to make the most of his learning at Kings.

It is expected that students studying at Key Stages 4&5 will put into practise the knowledge they have discovered about themselves as learners in Key Stage 3. 

Useful Links

http:// schoolnet.gov.mt/thinkingskills
http://www.edwarddebonofoundation.com