Promoting the Progress of Bilingual Learners

This programme is for schools who are looking to promote the achievements of pupils whose school learning is not in their first language. The programme will focus on the celebration of diversity and the amazing progress of pupils as they achieve excellence and enjoyment.

Course Leader: Jill Fletcher

Jill is an experienced headteacher who has most recently led an outstanding infant school in the heart of Leicester where every child truly does matter. Her leadership work has embraced the wide range of languages and backgrounds of pupils within the community and used them as key building blocks in creating a successful school and positive learning environment.

Autumn 2009: Bilingual learners in the primary classroom

  • What is an inclusive school?
  • How do we identify the needs of all pupils from those newly arrived to advanced bilingual learners?
  • How do we then ensure their needs are met effectively?
  • London Mon 28th September
  • Birmingham Mon 14th September
  • Leicester Mon 21st September

Spring 2010: Curriculum and school organisation to meet the needs of bilingual learners

  • How do we define outstanding classroom practice?
  • What are the children doing? What do children need to learn?
  • Is the curriculum appropriate?
  • How do we know if we are successful?
  • London Mon 25th January
  • Birmingham Mon 11th January
  • Leicester Mon 18th January

Summer 2010: Developing the school at the heart of its community

  • How do we ensure that the school itself is an inclusive community?
  • How do we gain and keep the support and respect of parents?
  • Are they actively involved in their children’s learning?
  • How do we reach out to the wider community?
  • London Thurs 6th May
  • Birmingham Mon 19th April
  • Leicester Mon 26th April


The course content above is indicative of plans for the programme at this stage but may be modified slightly to better meet the needs of participants during the year.

One-off courses: It is possible for additional colleagues from participating schools to attend any course for £100. For schools who are not participating in Upward Trends, day delegate attendance on any single course is available for £150.

Your Upward Trends Tutor. In addition to the 3 courses above, participating schools will receive year-round support from a colleague with experience of supporting school-tailored improvement projects. This support includes a project workbook, recent relevant research resources, personal support through telephone, email, face to face sessions and electronic links to other schools on the programme.
 

Upward Trends, SDSA, Alliance House, 6 Bishop Street, Leicester, LE1 6AF