|
|
|
All the staff are buzzing about Dimensions! School is a totally different place! We have had several visitors to look at the exciting things we're doing. The new approach has definitely made a difference to learning, children's enthusiasm and that of the staff, who are looking forward to teaching a different set of themes next year. Nearly all staff are now making half-termly portfolios of their learning. These are on display in the entrance hall and appreciated by all visitors, children and the staff. I have several staff leaving in July and their replacements are really excited about the curriculum here. Standards have improved, too, and we no longer have the LA monitoring us so intensively - "vibrant learning" was the phrase they used!
Headteacher, Bolton
For some time now the staff at our very small (68 on roll) primary school have struggled to make the learning objectives and schemes of work fit our themed approach to teaching. As with many other schools we wanted to make learning more meaningful for our children but at the same time making sure we were covering all the requirements of the new National Curriculum. However, one thing we did not want to do was start to reinvent the proverbial wheel. Experience had taught us that we could not prepare for the changes without some help. Having looked at various products on the market we chose DIMENSIONS.
When I spoke to Senior consultant, Elaine Sutton, for the first time I knew we had made the right choice. Not only was she speaking our language in what we wanted for our children but she came across as a versatile and experienced colleague. Not only did we buy the toolkit, but we booked her for 2 days training as well and my staff were over the moon! Here was a product that met our needs without restricting our own professional approach and experience. It was flexible enough to allow us to plan for three year groups in a class and give the children input into their learning. Elaine took us through the various stages of planning and how to use the skills ladder for continuity and progression. At the end of our two days training my staff were full of enthusiasm and can’t wait to finalise their long term planning ready to introduce the new curriculum in September 2010.
I would strongly recommend others to look at Dimensions. Here is an approach to teaching and learning that most definitely fits the bill. Thanks, Elaine.
Headteacher, Riston C E (VC) Primary School, Hull
"The consultancy day with Elaine was very good value for money as work was extremely efficient and completely tailored to our needs. We got a great deal out of working with you! We are finding that the Skills Ladders, the Memory Box and the Wonder Wheel are really useful tools, helping to create real clarity in our assessment".
St. John's Infant and Nursery School, Southampton
"We are having a fantastic term - thanks to Dimensions! There seems to be a buzz around the school; everyone is excited about everything we do. We're having an Open Day today and, in my biased opinion, the school looks fantastic. Year 3 girls are offering their new fair trade product to be sampled - they've carried out market research, shopped, baked and designed the packaging and visitors from the local radio station came to talk to them about marketing so we can think about advertising next week. I'm thrilled with the way things are going!"
Polam Hall School, Darlington
"The pupils' enthusiasm since we started using Dimensions has been sky high! The staff have embraced the new ways of working and there is now an all-round buzz about learning. Dimensions has enabled us to provide lots more writing opportunities across the curriculum and children are starting to make their own links across different subjects and areas of learning.
Also, I can speak as a parent as well as a teacher, as my 6 year-old son attends the school. He is now bringing his learning home and is keen to carry on learning out of school. He takes far more pride in his work and I have literally seen him come to life as a learner!"
St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Osbaldeston
"I got the Skills Ladder delivered today and I just wanted to say many thanks - it is great! I really appreciate the way you responded to my queries and it all looks fantastic and, more importantly, will save me hours of work! I hope that other schools realise what a resource you are offering at such a reasonable price."
St. Matthew's Primary School, Cambridge
"Thanks so much for a fantastic Dimensions INSET day - the staff found it very informative and came away enthused about our changes to the creative curriculum!! We just can't wait to get started now."
Landkey Primary School, Barnstaple
"Learning at St. Matthew's is fun as well as being informative; our classrooms are transformed and everyday is a learning day of the highest quality. Recently, the children had the chance to re-enact the Battle of Preston between the Roundheads and the Cavaliers. This was made into a short film which is now being shown on our school's 'Life' channel. The experience was a real highlight!"
St. Matthew's Primary School, Preston
We are following the Dimensions Creative Curriculum which creates lots of opportunities for active learning. One of our corridors had been transformed into a Spanish airport lounge. We have had medieval banquets, Victorian classrooms and the children's Olympic Games already this year! We believe that learning should be fun."
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Preston
