vision showcase| may, 2012 rondebosch boys’ preparatory school, south africa warren sparrow

Vision Showcase| May, 2012 Rondebosch Boys Preparatory School, South Africa Warren Sparrow

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Vision for innovation Rondebosch Boys Preparatory School will create a safe and structured environment where learners and staff come together as a community of lifelong learners. Our school fosters individual differences, we encourage each other and set challenging goals. We strive to think critically and creatively to encourage good decision making strategies to promote a sense of teamwork and collaboration. We will explore the use of ICT in a purposeful, yet effective and appropriate way in our teaching and learning. By learning to utilise the knowledge and tools necessary to confidently meet 21st century challenges, our learners will be empowered to reach their potential as well as becoming respectful and responsible citizens in a global community.

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Vision for innovation We believe the biggest change is a paradigm shift for teachers. We have embraced education technology into our classes to make the transition easier. Through the use of computers, Smart Boards, Internet and other technologies, we strive to integrate these technologies into our curriculum enhancing our everyday teaching and creating meaningful learner involvement. Creating a more learner- centered environment through the use of project- based learning. Becoming a Thinking School, where we as educators create a positive learning environment where lifelong learning takes place. What are the most important changes you envision for students?

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Vision for innovation How does this vision connect with the other stakeholders in the community teachers, partner, district leaders? We currently have various projects we have started within our local community. We currently work with 5 local schools in our community to assist them with improving numeracy in their schools. The Heads and their staff have observed lessons with our teachers, we have created a website with all our mathematics curriculum worksheets on it and our learners have created mathematics videos that can be used by the schools to show the learners how to use different mathematical methods to solve various problems. This can be viewed at www.wsparrow.co.za/mathswww.wsparrow.co.za/maths

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Vision for innovation How does this vision connect with the other stakeholders in the community teachers, partner, district leaders? Warren Sparrow, Head of ICT, is involved in an Information Technology forum with 8 of the local schools where technology ideas are shared, discussed and collaborated on. Warren Sparrow won the Microsoft PAN African Innovative Teacher during 2011 and he currently spends a great deal of time with our staff doing training, team teaching, as well as assisting implementing an integrated project based approach into the classrooms

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Vision for innovation How does this vision connect with the other stakeholders in the community teachers, partner, district leaders? Through our Vuleka project we assist formerly disadvantaged learners in attending our school. VULEKA means to open in Xhosa. The successful implementation of this programme has meant that doors of learning have been opened for a number of boys. We participate in the Rural Child Programme every year where we collect clothes, games, books and Christmas gifts for poor rural children.

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Current Status What elements of your vision are in place now? We have seen the integration of ICT into classrooms as a multi-pronged development. The first development was the upgrade of our existing infrastructure. We upgraded all of our networks with cat 5 8 core fibre optic. We upgraded our Windows servers, installed a backup server, increased internet bandwidth, installed computers and interactive white- boards in classes, as well as upgraded and purchased a range of educational software. The second development was improved support structure. This comprises of hardware, software and curriculum support. We hired a full time technician to assist with all hardware problems, as well to assist with software queries. There is also time set aside where the staff can request curriculum support from the head of ICT. The third development is training of IT skills, interactive whiteboard and curriculum integration training. We run staff technology training every week for 2 hours to assist teachers in basic computers skills, as well as interactive whiteboard training. Staff integration training is ongoing and many of our staff completed the Intel Teach programme. Many teachers are now also introducing 21st century skills into the projects they set for learners. The fourth development is building up our online resource centre for educators to access. This is saved on our local intranet to be used in the classrooms.

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Current Status What needs to be completed in this vision phase? 1 I believe this is a work in progress. We always look at existing technology and incorporate what we can into our school. 2 A few things that we would like to see improvements in are: 3 A more systematic digital content across all grades in the school. More diverse training in software. Staff and learners using more web based and e-learning content.

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Current Status What are the top three things you most want to change in the next two years? 1 I would like to expose more of our teachers to the various Microsoft Forums and for them to experience more best practices from around the world. 2 Create a digital syllabus for the school across the grades with more integration between staff. 3 Create a formal collaboration focus with more of the schools in our area.

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Ideas for Attaining the Vision How does your schools vision currently support each of the following areas? Teaching, learning and assessment Success means different things to different people. Each learner is an individual and we believe that every learner needs to create their own success. It is important to remember that success is a journey through both highs and lows. We measure students progress in a variety of different ways. For example: What do students know? What do students do? Are students developing values that responsible, caring citizens should have? What can students produce? How do students think?

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Ideas for Attaining the Vision How does your schools vision currently support each of the following areas? Leadership and culture of innovation The type of leadership would be described as consultative, but many decisions are made by the headmaster. In other words the school is not run democratically. The headmaster listens to all points of view then makes his decision after due consultation. The school is managed on different tiers whereby there are many loci of control. At the lowest level every learning area (subject) has a teacher in charge of it. These area heads are all controlled by an academic head. This is also done differently in each teaching phase of the school. Another level of management is a Grade Leader in each grade. The Grade Leader drives the organisation for each grade; which includes curriculum delivery as well as planning grade activities and outings.

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Ideas for Attaining the Vision How does your schools vision currently support each of the following areas? Leadership and culture of innovation Once a fortnight all of the grade leaders meet together with the Senior Management Team of the school to discuss and implement all decisions made by the them. They meet weekly to plan future activities as well as review the previous weeks activities. The executive is made up of the headmaster, the deputy headmaster who is in charge daily management and discipline, the academic heads of the Foundation Phase and the Intermediate and Senior Phase, the Head of Sport and Culture and the Head of Facilities (grounds and buildings)..

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Ideas for Attaining the Vision How does your schools vision currently support each of the following areas? Capacity building From a learner perspective we believe we are building a capacity to be empathetic, supportive of their community as well as a global awareness From an educator perspective we are building them up with regards to changing the paradigm shift with training, technology and support. From a school perspective we assist other schools in our community to strive towards our standards of excellence, supporting and communicating throughout the process.

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Ideas for Attaining the Vision How does your schools vision currently support each of the following areas? Learning environment development We are in the process of introducing visual tools and strategies to enhance the learning environment. We feel that this is an ongoing development and we constantly strive to stay connected with what is new and current.

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Ideas for Attaining the Vision How does your schools vision currently support each of the following areas? Student voice Through Project based learning the learners are given the opportunity to voice their ideas or issues that are important to them. This enables us to direct our training in a particular direction. Online Learning We have moved to Google Docs, we create online videos that we shared on YouTube, as well as with other Education districts. We are undertaking more project based learning that we showcase online.

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools R elationships: Our school fosters individual differences, we encourage each other and set challenging goals. We strive to think critically and creatively to encourage good decision making strategies to promote a sense of teamwork and collaboration. E nvironment: We strive to create a safe and structured environment where learners and staff come together as a community of lifelong learners. We endeavour to create a space where the pupils can take ownership of their own space. O pportunities: We have created many opportunities for both learners and staff. We have changed more to a project based approach teaching to the 21 st learner, where the learners can create their own content using digital tools, working at their own pace, enhancing what they do as part of the curriculum. R esources : We have upgraded our servers, fibre between building and rolled out technology into classrooms. We have weekly meeting to share and collaborate on what we are doing in our classes and how we are implementing technology into our classrooms. D istribution of Leadership: We have numerous circumstances for our learners to become involved in leadership opportunities. Peer mediators, prefects, Captains of sports teams, class monitors, House captains, rotational class based leadership. E valuation : Pupils complete self evaluations, staff lead feedback sessions based on these evaluations. These evaluations are used for strategic planning purposes for the following year. Twice a year each staff member engages in a peer evaluation process that involves both individual reflection and group assessment. R ecognition Success means different things to different people. As each learner is an individual we believe that every learner needs to create their own success. It is important to remember that success is a journey through both highs and lows. Our school strives Our learners are creating their own digital content that they then place on the web

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Core Aims Creating an environment for 21 st Century learning to take place. Have positive, critical thinking learners Focus on the importance of creating many opportunities so that the boys can find their area of excellence and thrive on it. Building relationships to foster greater co- operation and collaboration between staff, learners and other schools.

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Anticipated Challenges What challenges do you anticipate encountering along the journey toward achieving your vision? Financial: As a government school, there is not always a sufficient amount of money that can be used. Each process of the rollout has been carefully planned and budgets created to complete each development. Fortunately, our Old Boys Union, Khanya and the WCED have assisted in different ways. Time: o We are a very busy school and it is not always possible to meet all the teachers for training, workshops, etc All staff already have so much on their plate, and although the staff are enthusiastic, there is not always time for them to practise and learn the skills necessary to change their teaching approach Resistance: o Resistance of staff to changing the way things are taught. o Resistance of staff adopting new technologies o Moving from a teacher to a learner centred approach o Embracing the 21st Century Learner

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Anticipated Challenges What challenges do you anticipate encountering along the journey toward achieving your vision? How have you overcome (plan to overcome) some of those? We run staff development programmes 3 times a week for 30 minutes We send out weekly e-mails showing new content, websites, software, etc that can be used in classes We sit with staff and assist in lesson material and integration How can the Partners in Learning for School Program community help you? The PIL is becoming an invaluable resource, both for seeing best practices, resources, but as well as motivating and enlightening through the virtual universities.

Rondebosch Boys Preparatory Partners in learning for schools Technologies used Please list technologies used today and/or plan to use Microsoft Servers IntelYouTube Picasa Web Albums OneNoteSkype Microsoft Office Bing Google Google Apps Google Books Internet Wall Wisher Prezi Laptops Data Projectors Fibre optic cables Creating online content Web 2 Tools Tablets Smart Board

Thank you!