We started the week with a professional day devoted to differentiation and how to best meet the diverse needs of our students. Ms. Kirsty offered a workshop showing us how differentiation can be applied at the planning level. She has reminded us to think of student readiness, interest level, learning style and affect so that we are being ‘fair’ to all students. Fairness, as Carol Ann Tomlinson, defined is not giving everyone the same thing but giving what each student needs.
In the last session, Ms. Michelle Simpson, focussed on gifted and talented education. It is a good reminder for us that we also need to cater to the needs of students who are considered gifted. According to Joseph Renzulli’s model, a gifted and talented child is performing at above average ability, is highly creative, and displays deep commitment to tasks. We were also provided with some identification tools, and some strategies to further extend these gifted and talented students.
Today, Ms. Victoria Wilkes, started the first-aid training for our staff. ABIS is committed to providing training or refresher course to all of our staff so that we are ready to respond in case of emergencies. The next sessions will take place on the 30th and the 7th of December.
