Ages Seven to Seventy - pupils and teachers learn together
The Dolphin System materials are produced in two versions. The 'junior' materials are designed for children who have achieved a moderate reading standard. They have been used successfully with pupils at Key Stage 2 in England, or P4-P7 in Scotland, and with pupils of various ages in schools elsewhere.The 'infant' materials, which parallel the junior materials for the first two steps on the Ladder of Success, are suitable for use with pupils from age 7, (Mid P2 in Scotland - Year 2 in England). The teachers notes have also proved useful for supporting teachers when devising a curriculum for Primary 1 / Year 1 classes.
Introducing Top Down
It is suggested that you introduce the materials intially with the older pupils in your school. This has a number of advantages:- The older pupils, being that much more mature, need far less support and should progress through the initial modules quickly. This will enable the school to establish early on what is likely to be the best system of organisation. Different models can be piloted with different classes and the approaches compared.
- The older pupils, having learned how to use the Dolphin System, can then be used as tutors for children in younger classes as you introduce it further down the school.
- The younger pupils, when they begin to use the materials, are highly motivated, since they perceive that Dolphin is something that 'the big ones' do.
Fast Tracking
It is recommended, when introducing a new group of pupils to Dolphin, that they all begin at the beginning and work through the initial introductory module 'Finding Your Way Around'. This will enable them to learn the structure of a module and practise the peer tutoring process on material that they are familiar with. However, some groups may already be fairly advanced and it would be somewhat laborious to work through every module with them. The 'I can' sheets are very valuable here. It is possible to read down the list of aims with an individual or a group and quickly identify the modules where there are skills which some pupils still have to learn or practise. Time can then be specifically directed to filling the gaps.Teaching Teachers!
A number of schools have incorporated the Dolphin System into their continuous professional development programme. Many teachers are still nervous about working with computers in the classroom and have found working through the Dolphin System on their own to be a good way of building their own confidence. Pupils can be teachers too! |
| “Our classroom assistants and Support for Learning assistants have also started using Dolphin for their own development, thus spreading the benefits.”
John Dempsey, Deputy Head, Coupar Angus Primary School, Perth |
| “Most classes at Kingshott have an experienced ICT teacher, but the System gives confidence to those teachers with limited personal ICT skills, as it provides a framework on which to build. They also learn the variety of skills as they progress through the scheme with the pupils.”
Rose Dickinson, ICT Co-ordinator, Kingshott School, Herts |
| “The staff enjoyed using the Dolphin System with the children but also used it to help improve their own ICT skills. They found that by working up 'The Ladder of Success' their confidence was improved as were their ICT skills.”
James Brander, Headteacher, Holm Primary School, Inverness |