In Conversation - The Value of Asymmetric School Weeks

Mar 26, 2021

In a thought-provoking discussion, Rhys Angell Jones and Michele Thomas share insights on implementing asymmetric school weeks in Wales. They explore the benefits of this new model, including improved staff morale and student learning. The podcast highlights the challenges and successes of transitioning to a unique school week structure, emphasizing the importance of holistic education and fostering independence in deprived communities.

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Exploring the Benefits of an Asymmetric School Week

02:58 • 22min

Promoting Holistic Education and Fostering Aspiration in a Deprived Community

24:30 • 3min

Implementing an Asymmetric School Week for Independent Learning

27:07 • 17min

Innovating School Weeks for Better Outcomes

44:08 • 9min

Exploring Time and Innovation in School Structures

52:53 • 3min

Exploring the Benefits of Collaborative Work for Newly Qualified Teachers

55:25 • 3min

Education in Wales is changing. This climate of change is matched by an ambition to do things differently and rethink existing practice. The Value of Asymmetric School Weeks: Lessons Learned from Schools in Wales considers the impact of asymmetric arrangements on two schools; Treorchy Comprehensive School and Pembroke Dock Community School. Rhys Angell Jones, previously Headteacher at Treorchy Comprehensive School & current Headteacher of Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg and Michele Thomas, Headteacher at Pembroke Dock Community School, discuss and reflect on two new pioneering approaches to structuring the school week. Recorded via Zoom on Tuesday 16 March 2021 Inspired by The Value of Asymmetric School Weeks: Lessons Learned from Schools in Wales. This research paper was part funded by the National Academy for Educational Leadership Wales, in partnership with Yr Athrofa: Institute of Education and Humanities (UWTSD). The full Insight paper can be downloaded from the National Academy for Educational Leadership website. __________ Mewn Trafodaeth - Gwerth Wythnosau Ysgol Anghymesur Mae addysg yng Nghymru yn newid. Mae'r newidiadau yn cyd-fynd ag uchelgais i wneud pethau'n wahanol ac ailfeddwl am arfer sydd wedi bodoli eisoes. Mae Gwerth Wythnosau Ysgol Anghymesur: Gwersi a Ddysgwyd gan Ysgolion yng Nghymru yn ystyried effaith trefniadau anghymesur ar ddwy ysgol; Ysgol Gyfun Treorci ac Ysgol Gymunedol Doc Penfro. Mae Rhys Angell Jones, cyn-Bennaeth Ysgol Gyfun Treorci a Phennaeth presennol Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg a Michele Thomas, Pennaeth Ysgol Gymunedol Doc Penfro, yn trafod a myfyrio ar ddau ddull arloesol newydd o strwythuro'r wythnos ysgol. Wedi recordio ar Zoom ar ddydd Mawrth 16 Mawrth 2021 Wedi'i ysbrydoli gan Werth Wythnosau Ysgol Anghymesur: Gwersi a Ddysgwyd gan Ysgolion yng Nghymru. Ariannwyd y papur ymchwil hwn yn rhannol gan Academi Genedlaethol ar gyfer Arweinyddiaeth Addysgol Cymru, mewn partneriaeth â'r Athrofa Addysg a Dyniaethau (Y Drindod Dewi Sant). Gellir lawrlwytho'r papur Mewnwelediad llawn o wefan yr Academi Genedlaethol ar gyfer Arweinyddiaeth Addysgol.