Tendring Technology College

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History Department

Working with the PTI to agree a focus for further departmental development allowed us to arrange a ‘medieval’ themed day. This linked with our new thematic scheme of work for Year 7 and gave us an opportunity to build cross-curricular links across the College. For example, in addition to the re-enactment group that came in for the day, students also worked with illuminated manuscripts in their art lesson and ate medieval style food in the canteen at lunchtime.

Following the success of 'Medieval Week', we decided to invest in costumes and armour for the whole departmant, so that next year we can all lead small groups in activities. It also encouraged us to involve the parents more closely in student learning as we invited them to come into college for the day and enjoy the medeival experience.

We arranged a 1940s 'Tea Party' for local residents to share wartime recollections with our students, who have recorded what they say to make an oral history archive. We were lucky enough to welcome some serving British soldiers from nearby Colchester Garrison who were able to give a different perspective on conflict.

Membership of the PTI has also allowed us to focus on developing teachers subject knowledge through mini seminars in department meetings and thruogh attending PTI courses.

English Department

The English department at Tendring Technology College is involved in an exciting poetry project with Creative Partnerships. We are fortunate in having had Adisa, the poet, working with our students. Initially, 25 gifted and talented students in Year 10 were given the opportunity to write and perform poetry, under the direction of Adisa and their English teachers. The enthusiasm and creativity grew so much that students in other year groups wanted to be involved and came to sessions after college because they wanted to write and perform their poetry as well.

The outstanding success of this venture culminated in a Poetry Slam performed to an audience of over 200 people in a local centre. The quality of the performance and their writing received numerous accolades from the local community. The students decided to call themselves ‘Rhythmatic Disposition’ and this group continues to grow and perform poetry at various venues, including the local beach! In addition, 8 of these students are having their work published in a national anthology this term.

At Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 the English department has developed the use of video cameras with students, resulting in films on different topics such as, First World War poetry, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Of Mice and Men’. This has helped to engage and motivate the students in their enjoyment of literature.

The link with Creative Partnerships and the Prince’s Teaching Institute has resulted in a love of poetry and creativity across the college which was one of the main objectives.

Tendring Technology College is a secondary School in Tendring District, Essex, split across two sites - Frinton-on-Sea and Thorpe-le-Soken.  It is a mixed, non-denominational school for young people aged from 11-18.