This course aims to equip teachers to engage with their more able students both inside and out of the classroom. A lack of attention to the needs of more able learners can lead to bright students feeling bored, frustrated, and disillusioned, often resulting in underachievement. The typical strategies for educating these students are often makeshift, uninspiring, and can fail to truly challenge them.
This masterclass offers a fresh perspective. I present insights directly from more able secondary school students from diverse backgrounds, allowing you to hear their needs and experiences firsthand. This will enable you to create learning experiences that are not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply fulfilling. Our course provides the tools and guidance necessary to engage in co-learning, where both teacher and student can thrive.
Issues such as identifying the more able, peer relationships, and providing appropriate challenges are discussed. This focus aligns with the updated Teachers’ Standards, which require adaptation for ‘those of higher ability.’ This masterclass will equip teachers to meet these expectations confidently and consider their own role in this process. There is also an emphasis on the importance of listening to these students, recognising their needs, and giving them the attention they deserve.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The content of this course is aimed at secondary school teachers who are responsible for teaching and learning, as well as those with a general interest in this particular theme.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Raise awareness of the needs of more able learners
Review updated Teachers’ Standards for higher ability students
Develop confidence in identifying more able students
Create stimulating and challenging learning experiences
Understand peer relationships and their impact on more able learners
Improve communication and actively listen to more able students
Engage in co-learning with students for mutual benefit
Address challenges faced by more able learners with confidence
FACILITATOR
Carl Lyon has over 25 years of experience in education and has recently been awarded a Doctorate in Education from Canterbury Christ Church University, focusing on the theme of educating more able learners. He has worked in secondary schools across the private, state, and further education sectors and has also worked overseas as a founding Housemaster at an international school. Carl has been a successful Head of Department, Head of Year, and Development Coordinator, and he is currently the Senior Tutor at The King’s School International College in Canterbury.
He also has over a decade of experience as an examiner and Team Leader for various exam boards and has producedexam papers for vocational courses. When ICT was a popular A-level, Carl co-produced the A-level textbook for AQA and updated the Oxford Revision Guide. Carl currently works closely with new teachers and colleagues to raise awareness of more able learners and to value their voices as tools to generate ideas and create a more positive educational experience. He has presented to various interested groups since earning his Doctorate who have found the content interesting and engaging.
