Good Practice Database >> Making Connections

LA	Rhondda Cynon Taf	School Name	Miskin Primary School

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What was the focus for improvement?
• To develop pupils’ critical thinking skills and to engage with images / words through the implementation of the 6x6 strategy.
• To improve pupils’ skills in finding patterns and making connections.
• To assess pupil knowledge at the end of a history topic.

What did we do?
• Introduced the ‘6x6’ mats with pupils from Year 2 to Year 6. The ‘6x6’ mats were differentiated according to age and ability.

What were the outcomes?
• Pupils engaged with the images on the ‘6x6’ mats and were able to recall their prior learning on the History topic.
• Pupils were able to make connections between images and explain the link.
• It was a useful tool for teachers to assess pupils’ knowledge of the topic studied.

What evidence have we collected to demonstrate improvements?
• Pupils’ responses
• Comments of teachers
• Photographs of activity
• Examples of connections made by pupils.

What have we learnt about teaching practice and pupils learning?
• Pupils are able to demonstrate their knowledge when using a more creative approach to teaching and assessment.
• The assessment was seen as ‘fun’ and therefore pupils engaged to a much greater level than they might otherwise have done.
• The ‘6x6’ mats can be used as a most effective tool to develop the thinking skills of children of varying ability.

What we aim to do next
• Continue using this approach and support other staff to do the same.

Supporting Documentation

PowerPoint - outlining project, photographs of pupils engaged in activities and teacher comments

Links we can make - worksheet

Thinking quilts and 6x6 for history topics

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