Teaching Staff:
Mrs A Dixon - Assistant Headteacher
Mrs R Kenworthy - L2 Co-ordinator

Our Learning Aims
The Campaign for Learning defines ‘learning to learn’ as a process of discovery about learning.  It involves a set of principles and skills which help students learn more effectively and offers an awareness of their learning strengths and how they can motivate themselves to have the self confidence to succeed.

At Witton Park High School, Learning to Learn forms part of a competency based curriculum.  This means that the lessons focus on developing a set of skills rather than subject specific content.  During the course of the year our students undertake six projects.  Each project begins by outlining a task which the students must accomplish.  During the lessons students are encouraged to develop and use Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills, which include the following elements:

  • Creative Thinking
  • Independent Enquiry
  • Reflective Learning
  • Effective Participator
  • Self Management
  • Team Worker

Learning to Learn lessons take place in a two hour block allowing our students to work independently for extended periods of time.  The course aims to empower our students to take control of their own learning and view the teacher as a facilitator rather than someone who simply imparts knowledge.  Learning to Learn actively encourages students to explore problems and identify their own solutions, developing their problem solving techniques.

We believe that in order for students to reach their true potential, they must be equipped with the right skills to enable them to work independently, either in groups or alone.  The skills that we use in Learn to Learn are useful throughout their School life and beyond.

Skills Days
In addition to the timetabled lessons Year 7 students also take part in two skills days.  The students are encouraged to use the Personal, Learning and Thinking skills whilst undertaking a series of cross curricular challenges.

Day One – ‘Stranded’
The students have to complete a series of tasks after being ‘stranded on a desert island’.  Throughout the course of the day the students have to use their Personal Learning and Thinking skills to help them find an escape route off the island.  Challenges include building a life raft and using eye witness statements to determine where they are stranded on the island.  All activities take place within School.

Day Two – ‘Murder Mystery’
Once again this takes place within School.  The students are shown a ‘crime scene’ and they must spend the rest of the day trying to establish who committed the murder.  Activities include, assessing a murder scene, attending a police press conference and conducting scientific experiments.

If you require any further information concerning Learning to Learn please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Dixon or Mrs Kenworthy (telephone 01254 264551) who will be more than happy to assist you.