Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring at Durham University

[Sassie'sDad]

Professor Peter Tymms (Director) surely he is thinking on the right lines here?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/ed ... jects.html

[FirstTimeBuyer]

Professor Peter Tymms (Director) surely he is thinking on the right lines here?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/ed ... jects.html

Yes indeed!

According to the Durham research, physics is the hardest subject, followed by biology, chemistry, further maths and maths. Film studies, photography, media studies, sociology, drama and fine art were the easiest.

It is no coincidence that answers to questions in the former subjects are often difficult to calculate, but lead to a single correct answer.
In the case of the latter subjects, what constitutes a great film, drama, painting or photograph is both subjective, and often a question of taste and fashion. When all plausible points of view are acceptable, then it is more difficult to lose marks.

[KB]

Not sure I'll show this to my DD right now. Guess which AS subjects she is taking! Starting with Physics in about an hour & Further Maths tomorrow

[Miss Magwich]

I totally agree that students who work harder should be rewarded.
Why is it that people who don't work hard get lots of specialist attention whilst harder workers get no rewards at all?

[Guest55]

Miss Magwich -

If you school is like this them that is sad - is there no student council to look at the Rewards Policy?

Most schools do reward hard work and high attainment.

[Miss Magwich]

In what way? Of course you can be put on some gifted and talented register but you could put anybody on that for all the good it does. When a talented pupil finishes their work early all they are told to do is do another page of questions even if they totally understand the topic! I have attended eight schools and in all of these there have been no rewards for good behaviour and work, only attention given to those who fall behind and misbehave.
What Rewards Policy can there be? It would be nice to be told that you have finished your work for the term that some pupils will not be able to achieve until half way through next year so you can have the rest of the term off but I don't think that's allowed! Wouldn't it be a good motivator?!

[Guest55]

At some of the schools I know locally there is a 'well done' day where those who have met targets get a free day out and those that have not stay in school. Some schools also make pupils who are falling behind come in on INSET day and they don't get study leave.

Certificates, school prizes, school colours - are these not worthwhile?

Extension is 'HOTS not MOTS' ie work that develops 'higher order thinking skills' not 'more of the same' - are there no enrichment activities at your school?

[Miss Magwich]

Why should a child be made to do extra work just because they have understood the topic more quickly than those around them? Yes there are enrichment activities but I think studying with the Open University is more enriching than having to attend some school club.
In life if you are good at your job you would like a pay rise - not for people to say 'Well Done! Now you can have the enriching opportunity to go do some more work for no pay and no proper reward at all.'

[Guest55]

Did you read my post? You get the extension when the others are doing the 'normal' work - it's called differentiated tasks - I don't give the same work to all pupils. If that does not happen then that is surprising ....

Those who fall behind don't get study leave and they lose privileges - those who are 'on track' get rewarded.

[Miss Magwich]

Study Leave is such a good reward for five years of hard work.
What are these so called 'privileges' that I have and in what ways are good students rewarded?