Learning Goals at Post 16, ideas please

I like learning goals. For me they help keep both me and my students focussed on what it is we are doing – what we are doing, and what we are trying to achieve in my maths lessons. We've had a real drive on them a

t school in the last couple of years, and although excellent teachers continue to be excel

lent, I believe that to some extent they can help developing teachers become better. As I've said, I like them.

We've had a departmental push on them also – I've used my Monday Notes to get people to share what they've used. Here are a couple of examples that people have sent me of how they have used them in lessons (another joy of the IWB), taken from last November's notes.

As you can see, I do use them with the Sixth form. This is where I need a little help, please. I was asked by our Head in October “What's the difference between an 'A' grade student, and a 'C' grade student at A level.” He went on - “more particularly what's the difference between an A grade students

exam paper and a 'C' grade student's paper?”

I will admit here to having answered slightly flippantly. “The A grade student gets more marks, because they get more questions right.” This was only slightly flippant, as its also true. I did get a bit of a look, and the question was pushed a bit further. My response was to return to my original repsonse, but with less flippancy in my voice, and to clarify the situation...

“In A level Maths, the top students get most of

the marks. A 'C' grade student will get fewer marks, but not all 'C' grade students will get the same fewer marks. For example, in C2, an 'A' grade student will be able to do the above, and answer all the questions involving logs. One 'C' grade student might not get those marks, but a different one will, but not get the marks on the binomial expansion (for example).”

(With SLT consisting of Music and Humanities teachers there was a degree of glazing over at this point).

We had a post 16 Teaching and Learning Audit last week. Part of our departmental feedback was around Learning Goals.

• We should still have them at A level. Tick – I agree.

• They should still be differentiated. Tick – Will / Should / Might.

• They should be grade related (just like the KS3 / GCSE ones above are). Aaah.

There is my problem. Can anyone help with how to do this for A level maths. Does anybody grade relate learning goals for A level maths? What is the difference between a 'A' grade student / script and a 'C' or 'E' grade student / script.

Please help.