The reading pen is a portable device that scans and reads text out aloud in a human-like digital voice, perfect for hearing words or lines of text during exams.  Research has found that these devices are ideal for students with EAL, SEN and low reading ages. Not having access to a reading pen means students are not able to show their knowledge and skills because the assessment itself is a barrier.  By providing them with a means to access content and independently undertake exams, breaking down that barrier and improves confidence (Coleman, 2019).  This also enables the student to sit with their peers in the main hall with headphones. 

Reading pens have been shown to improve GCSE English Reading paper grades for dyslexic students and improve emotional well- being, confidence and attitude to learning.  Reading pens are used for most students instead of a human reader. Human readers are unable to read for students during an English Language paper due to JCQ regulations, but they can use a reading pen allowing the students to express their knowledge during all exams. We as a school have found that it has made a huge difference to the students’ independence and confidence. It takes away the embarrassment of a human reader and therefore allows the individual to access the paper because there is no barrier.  Students have really benefited from using the reading pens because they want to be able to work at their own pace.  Having to stop and ask the reader to reread or only read certain words takes up not only valuable time but also slows down the students pace. 

Within textiles students are taught a wide variety of creative textile techniques from Year 7 right the way through to Year 13, one of these techniques is Batik, where students paint onto fabric using molten wax and then paint the fabric so the wax acts as a resist which can then later be ironed off to leave a lovely design. In order to explore this technique we use a Batik wax melting pot. Textiles is taught across three different classrooms and it would be hugely beneficial to students to have a working pot in each room. At present students often have to wait a long time to be able to use the equipment if it is in use elsewhere, also transporting the wax pot from one room to another with molten wax is a health and safety hazard.

We are looking to buy 20 copies of an A level text book, Revolution and Dictatorship: Russia 1917 -1953. The book is relatively newly published and was not out when we first started teaching the new A level course. The text books that we are currently using are not designed specifically for the A level specification that we teach and this means that for many parts of the course we are reliant on photocopied handouts, especially the year 13 part of the course. It also means that students are unable to borrow copies of the book to take home to consolidate their learning. We do recommend at the start of the course that students purchase their own copy if possible however this can put a financial pressure on disadvantaged students.  Having copies of this book within the department would benefit all our year 12 and 13 students.

We are hoping to purchase a weather station to go on our new Geography building. Students can see real time data on the current weather conditions.

Our textiles department is focused on raising the profile of textiles around the school, and propose to do this with more hanging displays wherever possible. We would love to be able to display many of the beautiful dresses our GCSE students make but in order to do so we need more hanging mannequin torsos. Seeing their work on display helps students to be proud of their achievements and build confidence as well as offering inspiration to younger students. A further 30 of these could made a huge presence around the school and within the department.