SSAT Journal 11 – Spring 2018

The Spring 2018 issue of the SSAT Journal opens with a warm welcome from Sue Williamson, the Chief Executive of SSAT, who pays tribute to the late Sir Cyril Taylor and his contributions to the school-led system.

The issue covers a diverse range of topics, including effective learning strategies, recruitment, and retention for school leaders, mindfulness for mental health and wellbeing, and the importance of community engagement. One of the main themes explored is the cultivation of great learning habits among students, focusing on ten key qualities such as resilience, curiosity, and determination.

In “Spaced Repetition Learning – What We Have Learnt,” Adam Sturdee from St Augustine’s Catholic College discusses the benefits of spaced learning techniques in improving students’ long-term memory retention and academic performance. He shares practical insights from his experiment and how spaced repetition can be effectively integrated into classroom practice.

Abby Chivers, from Bristnall Hall Academy, emphasises the importance of fostering great learning habits and behaviours among students. By focusing on qualities such as risk-taking, engagement, and resilience, the school seeks to raise aspirations and empower students to reach their full potential.

Daniel Pyatt, The Streetly Academy discusses “How ‘learning families’ develop teaching practice”. In “Developing resilience through a ‘personal best’ programme,” Clare Chambers and Tom Vandenbergh from The Chalk Hill Academy describe their wide-ranging approach to character education.

The publication also addresses issues related to teacher recruitment and retention, preparing for Ofsted and raising schools through celebrating successes.

The SSAT Journal is a benefit available to all staff members located in SSAT member schools.