Video Coaching at Wandsworth Prep: An update from Jo Fife

Here at Wandsworth Prep we are embracing ‘challenge' for both pupils and teachers.

Alastair Hill and I have been lucky enough to be included in Bellevue Education’s Coaching Training Programme which uses Swivl camera technology to capture learning in lessons that can be reviewed by staff. Back in July, we began our coaching journey, training teachers in the art of coaching and using the 'GROW' model to identify our teaching goals and deciding on actions in order to achieve them.

Our coaching model places two teachers together and this term, learning pairs alternate between the role of coach and coachee. The children have been very interested in the Swivl camera appearing in the classroom which can tilt and move to follow the learning.

Once a lesson has been recorded, the coach and coachee have met to watch the video back and to reflect on whether the goal has been achieved. Our prime motivation is to improve the quality of the children’s learning and it has been wonderful to work alongside such reflective colleagues who have a strong desire and motivation to further improve the learning experiences for our children. 

We’ve also found that it has been useful, on occasions, to show the children their learning behaviours in the classroom so the self reflection doesn’t stop just with the teacher! 

Next term, our pairings will swap and we will have a different opportunity to view a colleague teaching their age range and learning from each other.

Coaching is an approach that I have used before in my career and one that I know has incredibly positive results. We look forward to the year ahead!

Jo Fife