INSET 2024

At the beginning of the year, our INSET day is centered around classroom management, which is our top priority in all staff and leadership meetings. We start by reviewing any updates on classroom management, tailoring The Key’s presentation to address our school’s specific concerns. For example, last year’s update on project-making was not a significant change for us, so we covered it briefly and then shifted our focus to subject-integrated projects, which are key areas of emphasis for our school.

To ensure everyone stays on the same page, we have a few strategies in place. All important documents are stored centrally with easily accessible links, making it simple for staff to find what they need—whether it’s information on the latest online gaming trends or training materials. This system keeps everyone informed, even if they’re not fully up-to-date on the specifics.

To effectively start an INSET day, we always begin with a light icebreaker question. It’s a simple way to reconnect everyone after the break and set a positive tone. We go around the room, with each person sharing something about their partner. This approach helps break the ice, ensuring everyone feels included and connected as a team. It also gets everyone talking right from the start, avoiding any awkward silences or hesitation. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact in starting the day on the right foot.

We introduce more classroom-focused activities, such as individualised plans for students with special educational needs.

Our goal is to offer a thorough understanding of the topic, covering everything from background information to research-based strategies, so that everyone can engage with and benefit from the content.