Think High! Secret Agents
Think High!
At Windhill21 we foster a growth mind set approach to learning
Children who have a ‘growth mind set’ will try new things, persevere when times are difficult and learn from their mistakes. They solve problems and communicate their thoughts and ideas.
Children with a ‘fixed mind set’ will not rise to a challenge and may be worried about making mistakes.
Through the use of the ‘Think High Agents’ in everyday school life the children become aware of not just what they learn but also how they learn. These attributes are linked to a visual image and a name to make it more tangible for the children.
At the beginning of each week FS/KS1 and KS2 assembly will focus on the agent of the week. During the week teachers refer to the agents as the children are working. Children move up the zone board for showing particular learning behaviours of the agents. This will have the greatest impact as the children will see that they are rewarded for perseverance, reflection etc and that they can learn from their mistakes.
At the end of each week in whole school assembly a child from each class is presented with a ‘secret agent award’. An agent is chosen as the focus for each week and the teacher writes a brief description about the reason they have been given the award.
Each class should have a display of the agents so that they can be referred to. This can be combined with a display for ‘growth mind set’ too.
Whole school assemblies have introduced the agents and how they can help us to learn. These will continue so that new staff and children understand their role.
The nine agents of M19 live and work in the loft of Windhill21. Their mission is to learn throughout the school, using their individual skills to assist pupils in all aspects of their school life.
The agents are:
Agent Respect: Has a fair and objective look at people, things, and ideas different to his own.
Agent Open-minded: Always willing to consider new ideas and is always receptive to new ideas they respect the values of other individuals and cultures and seek to consider a range of points of view
Agent Communicator: Receives and express ideas and information confidently in more than one language
Agent Perseverance: Has a steady will to complete a task in spite of any obstacles before him.
Agent Reflector: Gives thoughtful consideration to his own learning by constructively analysing his personal strengths and weaknesses.
Agent Problem Solver: Exercises initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to solving complex problems
Agent Inquirer: Has a natural curiosity, has been nurtured and actively enjoys learning
Agent Risk-Taker: Approaches unfamiliar situations without anxiety and has the confidence to explore new ideas
Agent Caring: Shows sensitivity towards the needs and feelings of others, and has a sense of personal commitment to helping others.
Details of the weekly agents and timetable for the year can be found by clicking on the link below:
Timetable and Think High Agents - 2014/2015