What a great and very busy Term 1, Stage 3 has seen. Term 1 is always hectic in any college, however I have never worked in a college that has as many new students at the beginning of the year as does IFS. It’s wonderful. I love welcoming new friends to our learning space.
I think the biggest challenge teachers face in Term 1 is helping new students settle in and feel welcomed, and ensuring existing students are adjusting to the new faces, and settling in themselves.
Routine is also extremely important, as it helps students understand expectations and boundaries, which in turn will give them all a sense of belonging.
In our learning space I think one of our greatest challenges is teaching students how to work in groups. This is a fundamental skill required at IFS, and also in life. We work with our students extensively to help them learn to how to communicate, collaborate, think critically and be creative. From the beginning to the end of term, we have seen a massive improvement in the way students work. Instead of coming to us constantly to have problems solved students are working things out themselves and rather than students coming to us because someone is not contributing in their group they are holding group meetings and making the students accountable, as per their group contract. It’s been an impressive advancement from all students.
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