Huntley Headmaster wants ugly planning from teachers

As part of Huntley School’s professional development Headmaster, Brad Gay is asking his teachers to produce ugly planning. What this means is that he wants to see teachers viewing planning as a working, living document that changes constantly to ensure boys needs are met. Sometimes planning can be seen as a legislative requirement to “tick” the box for outside agencies. These plans look beautiful because they don’t change they hide in a clear file and a pulled out for Education Review Office (ERO) audits. At Huntley we want our planning to be reactive to the needs of the boys as they arise. Sometimes this means adapting plans, reflecting on what is working and what is not and making the appropriate changes to best suit the individuals or collective class.

Teachers use school wide data from national tests such as P.A.T.’s (Progressive Achievement Tests) to write their class appraisals and inform their next steps they intend to take with their classes. They then use formative data throughout the year to ascertain whether they are meeting the goals they have set for their class. Ugly planning ensures that teachers are reflecting on their teaching constantly to improve the way they teach. This sees true professional growth and also ensures the boys get the best possible input into their learning.