Click on the logo below to see some phtots of the Ashmole school. It is primarily student work, since we could not take pictures that had students in them.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Ashmole School Visit
This morning we had the opportunity to visit schools in London; my group went to Ashmole Secondary School. The school is recognized for it's strong science and music programs. The students that attend the school come from about a 1 mile radius of the school. Students must attend the school that they are assigned to according to their locaction; they do not have "open enrollment".
Ashmole has students in years (grades) 7-13. They are in "Compulsory School" until they are 16. During this time, all students work towards the "GCSE" examinations in years 10 and 11. The GCSE tests their knowledge based on the National Curriculum requirements established by the country. This test determines if they will continue taking "higher level" math and science courses, or if they will take vocat
ional courses.
In addition to academics, students follow a Personal, Social and Health Education program. Students in years 7-12 wear uniforms, while those in year 13 (also called "6th Form") are allowed to wear "appropriate" clothing....(sounds like a familiar discussion). The school has a Zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, and fighting. Students are expelled immediately if they are involved in any of the issues above; they are not allowed to return to the school for any reason.
Visiting the school was a highlight for everyone as we learned about the education system in the UK, while seeing how they have integrated technology into their classrooms. As I traveled from classroom to classroom...I kept noticing a common thread in their style of instruction. The students were involved in authentic, project based learning in Geography, Art, Graphics...Math.
They were given the goals and criteria for the project....which the teachers always posted on the ActivBoard, so the students could always refer to it. One teacher told me some students need to refer to it often, and it helped the student stay focused and saved the teacher time. With the criteria clearly stated for them and the end goals in mind, they were able to work on the project in what ever means they wished. In fact, the Year 11 students were working on a 2 year project that they had started in Year 10. I asked them where they kept the project over the summer......two students simply responded, "in a binder". I had to ask....."where do you keep the binder?" They responded very matter of factly....."at home". Ponder that thought...
Next I visited a Graphics class where I had the opportunity to observe one of the most dynamic teachers! Mindy, I thought of you.....she teaches all of her classes using the "Layered Curriculum" concept! Staff....I can't wait to tell you more about this classroom.... and show you some of the student projects.
Ashmole has students in years (grades) 7-13. They are in "Compulsory School" until they are 16. During this time, all students work towards the "GCSE" examinations in years 10 and 11. The GCSE tests their knowledge based on the National Curriculum requirements established by the country. This test determines if they will continue taking "higher level" math and science courses, or if they will take vocat
ional courses.In addition to academics, students follow a Personal, Social and Health Education program. Students in years 7-12 wear uniforms, while those in year 13 (also called "6th Form") are allowed to wear "appropriate" clothing....(sounds like a familiar discussion). The school has a Zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, and fighting. Students are expelled immediately if they are involved in any of the issues above; they are not allowed to return to the school for any reason.
Visiting the school was a highlight for everyone as we learned about the education system in the UK, while seeing how they have integrated technology into their classrooms. As I traveled from classroom to classroom...I kept noticing a common thread in their style of instruction. The students were involved in authentic, project based learning in Geography, Art, Graphics...Math.
They were given the goals and criteria for the project....which the teachers always posted on the ActivBoard, so the students could always refer to it. One teacher told me some students need to refer to it often, and it helped the student stay focused and saved the teacher time. With the criteria clearly stated for them and the end goals in mind, they were able to work on the project in what ever means they wished. In fact, the Year 11 students were working on a 2 year project that they had started in Year 10. I asked them where they kept the project over the summer......two students simply responded, "in a binder". I had to ask....."where do you keep the binder?" They responded very matter of factly....."at home". Ponder that thought...
Next I visited a Graphics class where I had the opportunity to observe one of the most dynamic teachers! Mindy, I thought of you.....she teaches all of her classes using the "Layered Curriculum" concept! Staff....I can't wait to tell you more about this classroom.... and show you some of the student projects.
British Tidbits
Cost of......
Renting a 2 bedroom "flat" (apartment) in a nice neighborhood = 3000 Pounds ($6,000 US)
Purchasing a "flat" - 300,000 Pounds ($600,000 US)
Purchase 2 bedroom home in nice neighborhood = 500 - 1 Million Pounds (1 - 2 million US dollars)
Starting teacher salaries = 20,000 Pounds but "good" teacher's can earn up to 70,000 Pounds
Gas = $12/Gallon (Mike calculated this with a German participant)
British Sayings....
"Brilliant" - Great, good, OK.... etc.
"Cheers" - goodbye
"Mind your step" - (watch, be careful..... this was everywhere in the Tube stations, printed on the ground as you stepped off the Tube)
"Bum" - rear
Renting a 2 bedroom "flat" (apartment) in a nice neighborhood = 3000 Pounds ($6,000 US)
Purchasing a "flat" - 300,000 Pounds ($600,000 US)
Purchase 2 bedroom home in nice neighborhood = 500 - 1 Million Pounds (1 - 2 million US dollars)
Starting teacher salaries = 20,000 Pounds but "good" teacher's can earn up to 70,000 Pounds
Gas = $12/Gallon (Mike calculated this with a German participant)
British Sayings....
"Brilliant" - Great, good, OK.... etc.
"Cheers" - goodbye
"Mind your step" - (watch, be careful..... this was everywhere in the Tube stations, printed on the ground as you stepped off the Tube)
"Bum" - rear
Monday, October 6, 2008
Day 3 - The Hike to and THROUGH Hyde!
Mike told me he liked to golf...golf...well, I guess just golf! He failed to tell me he was a marathon walker when he decided we could walk from Buckingham Palace back to our hotel.
Mark had told us that "Hyde Park" was close to Buckingham Palace. Lucky for us, Mike remembered that (I think), so after our view of the palace we decided to walk to Hyde Park and go back to our hotel, instead of getting back on the Tube. Seemed like a very good idea since we had been inside all day, and it was FINALLY a dry day.
Hyde Park was just a few blocks (a few is more than 3) from our hotel , so once we found Hyde Park, Gloucester Road (which would take us to our hotel) should be close. Seemed good in theory. First of all, what locals think "isnt' very far" is very different that what WE think "isn't very far". So we were off to find Hyde Park....Mark...a half mile really isn't THAT close...but after swimming upstream through a pack of bikers, I made is across the road and entered Hyde Park. This was the first leg of the marathon.
Now we needed to just "get around the corner" to get to Gloucester Road.... there are a lot of corners in Hyde Park. We were able to "enjoy" ...well.... all of the park, I think. And if I were to guess, I would say Hyde Park is at least a mile in length....at least! HA....wellll we finally went around the "right" corner and there was Gloucester Road!!!! We made it back to the hotel just in time to get to the "Gala" this evening.
It really was a "brilliant" walk....weather was great.... and the quietness of the park was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Mark had told us that "Hyde Park" was close to Buckingham Palace. Lucky for us, Mike remembered that (I think), so after our view of the palace we decided to walk to Hyde Park and go back to our hotel, instead of getting back on the Tube. Seemed like a very good idea since we had been inside all day, and it was FINALLY a dry day.
Hyde Park was just a few blocks (a few is more than 3) from our hotel , so once we found Hyde Park, Gloucester Road (which would take us to our hotel) should be close. Seemed good in theory. First of all, what locals think "isnt' very far" is very different that what WE think "isn't very far". So we were off to find Hyde Park....Mark...a half mile really isn't THAT close...but after swimming upstream through a pack of bikers, I made is across the road and entered Hyde Park. This was the first leg of the marathon.
Now we needed to just "get around the corner" to get to Gloucester Road.... there are a lot of corners in Hyde Park. We were able to "enjoy" ...well.... all of the park, I think. And if I were to guess, I would say Hyde Park is at least a mile in length....at least! HA....wellll we finally went around the "right" corner and there was Gloucester Road!!!! We made it back to the hotel just in time to get to the "Gala" this evening.
It really was a "brilliant" walk....weather was great.... and the quietness of the park was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Day 3 - Buckingham Palace
I was told that visiting Buckingham Palace was "overrated". BUT I decided I would make that decision on my own!
After seeing the sights from the Tower Bridge, we traveled back on the Tube to Victoria Station and went on our quest to "find the queen"! Since Mark was no longer our guide, it was up to Mike to get us to Buckingham Palace....thank goodness Mike Googled it before he left , AND he has a photo memory...he took us right to it.
Frommer's travel guide was right, it was overrated, BUT nonetheless, fun to see and the granduer of it all was exciting.... speaking for myself, that is! I was quite shocked that we could get as close to the gates and palace as we could. If you go to see the White House in DC....bring your binocculars.....you won't get near as close! But, I am sure the Queen was tucked safely and securely deep within the walls of the palace.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE SLIDE SHOW (click to view the photos)
Day 3 - High Tea at the "Tower Bridge"
Mike and I decided to have our "High Tea" at the "Tower Bridge" today. There wasn't any tea, but the view was great!
Originally, London Bridge was the only crossing over the Thames River. As London grew, more bridges were added, but these were all to the west of London Bridge, since the area east of London Bridge had become a busy port. In the 19th century, the east end of London became so densely populated that public pressure mounted for a bridge to the east of London Bridge (which is in Lake Havesa, AZ), as journeys for pedestrians and vehicles were being delayed literally by hours. Finally in 1876, the City of London Corporation, who were responsible for that part of the Thames, decided that the problem could be put off no longer. The bridge was built over 8 years and even survived the World Wars.... with only a "knick" from a bomb.
When the bridge was built it needed to serve 2 purposes....allow traffic to cross from the quickly growing city of London, and allow the ships to come through to continue to do business. Therefore, the bridge is a lift bridge that does just that. It is still used today, but has been converted from steam powered hydraulics to oil and electricity. Ships need to request passage under the bridge at least 2 weeks prior to their entry.
Tourists are able to take elevators to the walkways, 432 feet above the bridge, which allowed us to have a "brilliant" view of the city. Go to the "Day 3 Slide Show" to see the views!
We were able to go up to the top of the bridge and get "brilliant" views of London to the north and south. This was great, since we had only seen it in at night AND in the rain!
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