10.08.2007
One hundred schools in Sussex have signed up to a teaching technique developed by the university which significantly improves educational achievement across all age groups. The Working With Others (WWO) approach aims to teach pupils how to work together and provide the skills needed to achieve this.
Schools across West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove have signed up for membership to WWO with overwhelming success, including significant impacts on their OFSTED reports. A Healthy Schools Award given to Guestling Bradshaw School in Hastings specifically highlighted the impact of WWO.
Teachers have reported improved social skills and behaviour, higher self-esteem and better communication among their pupils. Working closely with the schools and teachers, WWO develops children's communication skills and builds trust and respect within the classroom.
Kingston Buci First School in Shoreham has used the programme for three years. Some of the techniques include getting pupils to lead each other 'blind' and form letters and shapes with their bodies, as well as building teacher's confidence to plan, compose and structure group tasks.
Karyn Astle, acting head teacher at Kingston Buci in Shoreham, said: "WWO 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."
The project, which is based on research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council has so far trained more than 1,250 teachers, over 1,250 teaching assistants and supported more than 27,000 pupils.
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."
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
