Regents Review Autumn 2025 26

The Regents Review Autumn 2025

GENERAL NEWS

How the Planner System Works? • Essential equipment - The planner is part of the core equipment every RPCC student must have with them every single day. It’s as important as their pen and their positive attitude. • Daily routine - Students are expected to have their planner out on their desk every lesson, ready to record home learning and note important information. • Weekly check-ins - Every week, tutors review planners with students, checking that home learning has been recorded and completed. This regular touchpoint helps identify any issues early and celebrates successes. • Parent partnership - Parents are asked to sign the planner weekly, creating a vital three-way conversation between student, school and home. This simple signature shows students that their learning matters and helps parents stay informed. • Recognition and accountability - The planner system includes both rewards and consequences. Students receive recognition for consistent use, while those who forget their planner or don’t record homework receive negative points, reinforcing the importance of responsibility. The Impact on Learning? The results speak for themselves. Students who use their planners consistently are better organised, submit home learning on time more reliably, and develop stronger independent learning skills. They learn to plan ahead, manage their time and take ownership of their responsibilities. One Year 7 student shared: “ At first I found it hard to remember my planner, but now it’s automatic. I like being able to look ahead and see what’s coming up. It helps me feel more in control .” A Year 8 parent commented: “ The weekly signature ritual has become a lovely moment to check in with my daughter about her week. I can see what she’s working on and celebrate her achievements. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference .” Thank you to all our students, staff and families for your continued commitment to excellence in teaching and learning at RPCC.

• Live polls and digital tools - technology brought formative assessment to life, with instant feedback helping teachers see the whole class picture at a glance. Why Does This Matter? Formative assessment closes the gap between where students are and where they need to be. When teachers check understanding frequently and students know how to improve, learning accelerates. This approach builds confidence, encourages resilience and ensures no student is left behind. As one teacher reflected: “Innovative Teaching Week reminded us that assessment isn’t something we do TO students, it’s something we do WITH them. When students understand their own learning, they become powerful agents of their own success.” Looking Forward The strategies explored during Innovative Teaching Week 1 are now embedded in our everyday practice. Every lesson at RPCC is an opportunity for formative assessment, every interaction a chance to move learning forward. We’re committed to continuing this work, ensuring our teaching remains responsive, reflective and focused on what matters most - student progress. Home Learning Planners: Building Independence in Years 7 and 8 Our home learning planners have become an essential tool for our youngest students, helping them develop the organisational skills and

independent learning habits that will serve them throughout their

education and beyond. Why Planners Matter?

Starting secondary school is a significant transition. Students move from having one teacher to many, from one classroom to navigating a whole school, from

simple home learning tasks to managing multiple subjects and deadlines. The home learning planner is designed to support students through this transition, providing structure, accountability and a vital communication link between school and home.

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