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This Government recognises that there are schools, which

really make a difference, not only to the lives of their own

pupils, but to the lives of other young people and adults as

well. These schools listen and work closely with their pupils,

parents and the wider community. They provide learning

opportunities for all, both young and old, and are at the very

centre of the neighbourhoods they serve.

Jacqui Smith MPUnder Secretary of State

DFEE1

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This Government recognises that there are schools, which

really make a difference, not only to the lives of their own

pupils, but to the lives of other young people and adults as

well. These schools listen and work closely with their pupils,

parents and the wider community. They provide learning

opportunities for all, both young and old, and are at the very

centre of the neighbourhoods they serve.

Jacqui Smith MPUnder Secretary of State

DFEE2

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Community Focused Schools

“We want to see a much closer relationship between

schools and the communities they serve. We want

schools to act as a community resource – not just in

school hours but out of hours and in vacations as well.

We see them as being integral to community capacity

building – providing a base for delivering, not just

education and training (with links to FE & HE

institutions), but also a range of other services like family

support, health and enterprise promotion.”

“The Learning Country” (p.25)3

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“It is hard to see where the school ends and the community

begins. It is interwoven through all aspects of their

activities and commitments”

Schools Curriculum Award

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While the precise models of community provision vary from place to place, most agree that, in order to maximise educational achievement, many learners and their families would benefit from better integrated services and support from a range of agencies. The most effective models of community provision involve teams of teachers, health workers and personnel from social, community and youth services. Other potential partners include local drug addiction and mental health teams, community policing and crime reduction initiatives, and activity aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy.

Excellent Schools -

A vision for schools in Wales in 21st Century

Estyn 2002 5

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Community School

Definition includes;

- pupil achievement

- partnerships

- communities of lifelong learners

- key groups

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MODEL OF LEARNING

CONTENT PROCESS

COMPREHENSION COMPETENCE

ABILITY ENGAGEMENT

TEACHING SELF DISCOVERY

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Positive Characteristics (1)

A. A rich curriculum and variety of relevant and appropriate learning styles

 

B. Access to learning opportunities

 

C. Integrated provision

 

D. Partnerships with other agencies and services

 

E. Coherent curriculum provision 8

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Positive Characteristics (2)

 F. Positive attitudes towards learning

 

G. Value for money and best value

 

H. Behaviour management and improvement

 

I. Diversity and scale of a community school

 

J. Community schools as social and economic community regenerators

 

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:

For a copy of the script and OHP’s

Please contact : Dewi Jones –

e.mail :

dewi.jones@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

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