THE EXCHANGE Spring into action for primary languages!


The teaching of a foreign language to "every year group in Key Stage 2" became statutory in September 2014. In September 2017, children in Year 6 will be entering the fourth and final year of that entitlement to ensure "substantial progress" in a language at Key Stage 2.


To support schools in their transition to statuto- ry language provision, Herts for Learning devel- oped the Primary Languages Quality Mark®


. The


Primary Languages Quality Mark (PLQM) is a national award and is valid for three years.


Recent PLQM Silver award alumni include St Thomas More Catholic Primary School in Letch- worth Garden City and Bromet School in Bushey.


“Languages have always been a part of our school and we are really keen on getting our pupils learning about new cultures and celebra- tions right from the start,” explained Maria Pace, Headteacher at the Bromet School. “Pupils learn French from as young as Reception and leave the school as really confident speakers who enjoy understanding new languages.”


“The PLQM has provided us with that focus to ensure that our languages remain at a high standard. We are constantly working on how to use languages across the curriculum and building links with other schools in the area. We are proud to be awarded with silver and are defi- nitely looking to progress to gold.”


Speaking about receiving their silver award, Headteacher at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Jane Perry said: “Participating in the PLQM provided us with the opportunity to audit our current provision and ensure that we offer our pupils the very best access to learning a modern foreign language.


“The process highlighted the benefits of having a specialist language teacher who inspires staff; enthuses the children and really ensures that our pupils make excellent progress and reach high standards in their language learning. We were thrilled to receive the award and we aim to further build on our success in the future.”


Acorns Teaching School Alliance – one year on


It has now been a year since Acorns Teaching School Alliance was launched, and the year has been full of new adventures.


The teaching school alliance (TSA) continues to grow and now has over 300 members and 12 key strategic partners from primary and nursery schools, children's centres and PVIs. Participants from Herts, Bucks, Enfield, Harrow and Herts for Learning have now attended an Acorns event.


School-to-school support


“An important part of our work is providing school-to- school support,” explained Karen James, Head of Acorns Teaching School Alliance. “Acorns designated six Specialist Leaders of Education from primary and nursery schools across Herts, who act as system leaders. Their expertise includes maths, speech and language, IT, and outdoor play. Some alliance headteachers also lead school-to-school support, collaboratively planning developments with school leaders.


“Acorns has developed some great partnerships with schools, working regularly with the Early Years team and transform- ing their learning environments. It has been a pleasure to see their hard work rewarded: post-Ofsted one head thanked Acorns: ‘Many of the rapid improvements made in Early Years are directly attributable to your advice and dedication’. With the other primary Herts Teaching Schools, Acorns is responsible for training SLEs from other Teaching Schools across the County.”


Workshops


Acorns TSA began the year with a series of writing workshops in nursery school venues across Hertfordshire. Participants loved being in schools and “seeing it in action”. Next term this successful format will focus on maths at alliance schools across Hertfordshire.


They were also delighted to host the first Hertfordshire Early Years Teacher-Led Development Workshop, in part- nership with HertsCam. Last year 14 colleagues, all with a passion for making a difference in the Early Years, led projects including sensory learning, healthy lifestyles and the Reggio Emilia approach. They presented workshops at Teacher-Led Development Work (TLDW) network events and the HertsCam conference, forging links with primary and secondary colleagues.


To find out more about the PLQM and


related services and products to support the delivery of primary languages, visit


www.hertsforlearning.co.uk/team/languages or contact


jackie.rayment@hertsforlearning.co.uk


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#ICYMI


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT


— our Twitter highlights


We are constantly sharing news from schools across the county on


HfL’s Twitter account. Here are some headlines that caught our eye:


‘Dinner man’ from Stevenage’s School wins East of England best chef accolade http://bit.ly/TE-EastOfEnglandChef


Inspirational St Albans schoolgirl receives top House of Commons accolade http://bit.ly/TE-HouseofCommonsAward


School children visit Namibia, Antarctica and the International Space Station – all in one day http://bit.ly/TE-VirtualReality


Next Steps


The TSA is now looking forward to recruiting their first group of School Direct initial teacher trainees for 2017–18. The trainees will gain QTS in the full primary range, and will gain specialist knowledge of Early Years and KS1.


“Acorns is firmly committed to high-quality professional learning. We have commissioned a highly experienced tutor to deliver Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years Educator courses within the Teaching School, with placements in excellent Early Years settings with an Acorns mentor,” added Karen.


“They will be very well equipped to work in schools and settings and deliver excellent Early Years education. We see this is a key investment, as good-quality Early Years staff set the foundation for success throughout a child’s school career.”


For more information about Acorns Teaching School Alliance please visit: www.acornstsa.co.uk


Acorns TSA is also on Twitter @acornswgc


Special needs school in Welwyn Garden City receives International School Award http://bit.ly/TE-BritishCouncilAward


Morgans Primary School governor Diane Croston to receive BEM http://bit.ly/TE-BEM


Students from St Clement Danes receive World Class Schools Quality Mark http://bit.ly/TE-WCSQM


@HertsLearning


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