Year 7

What is a learning log? How does this programme operate?

A learning log is an A4 book which students complete with homework tasks every week.  Every half-term students are given  a timetable in advance with their home learning tasks; the timetables and tasks are available on Moodle.  History, Geography, RE, Science, English, Languages, Maths,Technology, Art, Music and Drama teachers set homework spread out during the half term, so that students are given one activity every week.   An important element of this programme is that it is differentiated; students can do their homework at three different levels of ability and challenge.

Each student is assigned a mentor - a teacher who may not teach them for the reset of their lessons, but who is responsible for guiding the students to complete this learning log successfully.  Every week, students complete the set task and hand in their learning log to their mentor. The mentor reads the log, comments on the way in which the student has done the task and ensures the next task is understood. Every half term, mentors give marks for research, punctuality (was the learning log handed in on time), effort and presentation.  Students can gain achievement points for their effort and the quality of their work.

This was introduced in September 2010 and parents and students say they like the format; they like to know in advance what homework is set; they like the idea of having homework tasks all completed in one place; they like the routine of the programme; they can see how they are progressing and the mentor system works.  Mentors and parents often communicate by email to congratulate the student or to query any problems. 

Miss Hewitt is our Essential Skills Co-ordinator.  She set up this programme, which will continue into Year 8.  If parents have any questions about the scheme or their child''s learning log progress, her email is:

suzanne.hewitt@flint.flintshire.sch.uk