Marking and Feedback is high on the staff agenda as it is such a vital factor in student progress. Over the last couple of years, our staff have really worked hard to find creative and smart ways of delivering feedback to students in order for them to progress even further. This feedback can come in many shapes and forms and certainly during remote learning, staff were amazing at finding and sharing great feedback solutions which served the purpose of marking electronically submitted work. Of course, a lot of the great finds from this time continue to be utilised – especially with the continued use of many Google Classrooms.

In support of sharing best practice with each other, all staff were asked to visit two other teachers to look at their marking and feedback during a dedicated fortnight at the start of November. The gems from this were shared at the start of a Marking Party held at school this week. Mr Gray and Mr Symeou (two of our Advanced Lead Teachers), presented the results from the fortnight, before staff moved into their faculty areas to mark in the fine company of their colleagues. As a token of appreciation for all their efforts, staff were treated to a goodie bag containing some green pens, assessment stickers, sweets and biscuits.

As I walked around the various rooms, some were getting into the spirit and marking to Christmas music, whilst others preferred some soothing music or just a calm silence. All in all, staff really appreciated the opportunity for collegiate marking and rumours have it some might continue having their own marking parties moving forward!