We have had another fantastic week at Mpata Primary School. We continue to be overwhelmed by the kindness and hospitality Bullah and his staff are showing us.
This week have had the opportunity to lead lessons, demonstrate a team teaching approach, and work with staff and learners across all stages. We worked closely with the infant teachers and classes to develop a fun, active approach to teaching phonics. We demonstrated this through the use of visuals, song, gesture and puppetry. Despite their being over 300 children in the classroom every learner was engaged and motivated throughout. We also introduced a variety of playground games which can be conducted with the large numbers here are Mpata.
On Tuesday afternoon, we facilitated a CPD session on assessment is for learning and what makes a good lesson. Focusing on; sharing learning intentions and success criteria, questioning, feedback and self and peer assessment. We also demonstrated how to use cooperative learning strategies to enable effective group work. This was an excellent opportunity to engage in professional dialogue and share good practice. We have since seen many teachers applying these strategies in their lessons.
To thank us for the cpd, the Mpata staff treated us to a buffet of traditional Malawian food including rice, beef, nsima, vegetables and the local delicasse chambo.
We are planning a community open day which will take place on Friday 13th October. Staff, parents and learners will come together to celebrate the wonderful work which takes place at Mpata. Rehearsals have been going well and the learners are very excited to showcase their singing, dancing and drama talents.
5 highlights of the week:
1. High energy rehearsals from our Standard 5 and 6 Drama group. They are using the skills from their Expressive Arts lessons to enhance their performance.
2. A very successful CPD which ended with singing and dancing, like all staff training should!
3. Bullah and Dorothy providing us with dresses to promote the wearing of school uniform.
4. Working with the Standard 1 and 2 classes and performing our puppet show.
5. The arrival of our friend and colleague Lauren who has already established a team of sports leaders who are developing their skills in order to lead sport in the school.
We are looking forward to meeting and working with the parent literacy group tomorrow, and facilitating an active literacy CPD on Tuesday.
Claire, Lesley and Lauren
#TeamMpata
