Mixed Age Learning

Adults and students learning languages together

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Aims of the project

• Improve student motivation and attainment

• Engage adult learners • Build a flourishing mixed age language

learning community• Meet the community cohesion agenda

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The model(s) - Comberton

• NVQ Spanish Level 2• 14 Yr 10 learners with 3 years prior

Spanish• 5 adults- absolute beginners

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The model(s) - Northgate

• Year 9 Spanish class x 2• 30 Year 9 students – beginners in

Spanish• 2 adults – also beginners

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What did we do? - Planning

• Initial letter drafted• Letter sent out to local communities• Parents of students in the relevant classes

informed by letter of the project plans• Appropriate safeguarding measures put in

place• Introductory meeting held with adult

learners

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What did we do? - Teaching

• Ongoing creation of materials to support the delivery of mixed age/experience teaching

• Reflective practice involving regular contact between project teachers to evaluate and share experiences

• Inter-school observations• Gathering feedback from adults and

students • Additional ‘out of lesson’ support for adult

learners

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How well did we achieve the aims? Students• Greater maturity and focus compared to

previous years• Consistently excellent behaviour right

from the outset• Students approaching their work with

greater purpose and concentration• High(er) achievement• Knock-on positive effect in their French

lessons (Northgate)

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Adults and Year 10 students working together at Comberton Village College

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Example of student NVQ Level 2 Spanish Speaking Assessment 1

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Example of adult NVQ Level 2 Spanish Speaking Assessment 1

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Both students and adults highlight the benefits.

This article will be downloadable as part of the project resources from the Linked UP website.

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Collaboration and competition!

Vocab Express Leader Board – Mixed Age Learning projectFebruary 2011

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Behaviour – even in cover lessons without adults!“I was expecting a difficult cover lesson but behaviour was exemplary.  They did ALL the work including the work from Tuesday which some of them hadn’t completed.  I think they deserve praise from their teacher to make them realise teachers don’t only talk about bad behaviour.ThanksPS: Your plan of mixing adults and teenagers is working fantastically.”

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How well did we achieve the aims? Wider benefits to schools

• The adults’ feedback is highly reflective and instructional for teachers

• Adults’ world, cultural and linguistic knowledge contribute to the students’ learning experience

• Adults model good study skills and good learning habits and students benefit from this modelling

• Adults are adept at using the language they learn creatively and personally from the outset

• The appetite for learning that adults display has exposed short-comings in the materials we offer in terms of homework and independent learning

© Crown copyright 2010, Department for Education

Summary of successful outcomes• Positive effect on students’ attitudes,

behaviour and therefore progress• Contribution to parent-whole school liaison

and the community cohesion agenda overall

• Quality of adults’ feedback generating improvements in teaching and provision

• Strengthening of the role and reputation of the school within the community

© Crown copyright 2010, Department for Education

Further information

• Detailed project report• Sample adult learner recruitment letter• This overview presentation• Feedback article from adult and student

participants• Project teaching resources (NVQ Level 2

Spanish and Year 9 Spanish)

The Linked Up website will soon have available: