31.10.2006
More and more children in schools across Sussex are benefiting from a new technique developed at the University of Brighton which significantly improves educational attainment across all ages. The Working With Others (WWO) approach aims to teach pupils how to work together and the skills that are needed to achieve this. Pupils also come up with practical solutions to resolve problems which they face.
Teachers have also reported improved social skills and behaviour, higher
self-esteem and better communication among their pupils. Working closely
with the schools and teachers, WWO helps to develop children's communication
skills and broaden their understanding and experience of trust and respect
within the classroom.
Over 60 schools in West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove have so far signed up for membership to WWOs with overwhelming success, including a significant impact on OFSTED reports of participating schools.
Margaret Maiden, Head, at Kingston Buci said: "Working with Others has enabled our pupils to develop their communication skills. The project has led to a big improvement in our children's behaviour and therefore their ability to learn. Our pupils now have the language skills to make sure their views are known and they also have the skills to solve problems and support each other in class and in the playground.
"Pupils attitudes towards learning are very positive and they all know what skills are needed to become a successful learner. The training, which all my staff have undertaken has been completely tailored to our particular needs. Many of our colleagues in the family group of schools wanted to find out more about the project and how standards are rising in our school. The family group decided to buy into the WWO project and all schools now have access to high quality tailor made training and support for their school. The WWO team provides expertise by making sure that research is at the core of their programme and their trainers are experienced teachers who have used WWO techniques to improve teaching and learning in their own classrooms."
Dr Cathy Ota, director of WWO said: "With the WWO approach, children are able to extend their communication skills and take on greater personal responsibility to resolve problems in a safe, supportive and positive environment - key life skills they need for the future in work and adult life."
WWO is holding its third annual conference on effective group work on Thursday 9 November at the Loxdale Centre, Portslade. Schools interested in attending or wanting more information about WWO should go to www.workingwithothers.org.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
