Closing+the+Gap

Outstanding
Achievement is likely to be outstanding when: or
 * attainment is above average or high and learning and progress are outstanding
 * attainment is high and learning and progress are good

Supplementary subject-specific
Pupils show exceptional independence and discernment in their use of ICT. They are able to think for themselves and take the initiative in, for example, asking questions, carrying out their own investigations and in working constructively with others. They show significant levels of originality, imagination or creativity in their understanding and skills within the subject. Appropriate to their age and ability, they make highly effective use of a wide range of equipment and software. Their knowledge and understanding of how to keep themselves safe when using new technologies is extremely thorough and comprehensive. They are highly enthusiastic about using ICT.

//We may have issues with some of this. Some students are not very creative, they may be keen, working hard, and learning, but what if they are not showing imagination or originality?//
=What is the difference between 'good' and 'outstanding'?=

A good lesson will have:

 * ===All students make satisfactory progress, most make good progress===
 * ===Most students know what they are doing and why===
 * ===Students behave well - little time is lost to behavioural issues===
 * ===the classroom is a friendly and safe place - relationships are good===
 * ===The teacher knows his/her subject and strategies for teaching it well; the teaching methods used are appropriate for the content===
 * ===The teaching is well matched to the learners' needs; most are stretched by the teaching===
 * ===Available resources (time, staff, etc) are well used===
 * ===Assessment is regular and supports progress - most students know what they need to do to improve===

An outstanding lesson will also have some of the following:

 * ===students are challenged and make good progress; especially those at the ends of the ability range and those who lack confidence; some make exceptional progress; a lot of ground is covered in the lesson but stragglers are not left by the wayside===
 * ===enthusiasm and enjoyment pervade the classroom===
 * ===the teaching is exciting and interesting, it may be inspired, although it doesn't have to be===
 * ===all the students are involved in the lesson and all contribute in some form===
 * ===teaching methods are very well matched to the content and to the learners - some may be original or innovative; for example, content closely linked to students' experiences or to interesting practical situations===
 * ===the teacher checks progress thoughout the lesson; assessment is regular and helpful===
 * ===students evaluate their own and others' prgoress accurately and constructively===
 * ===all students know how to improve as a result of regular and contrtuctive feedback; where appropriate this is linked to national criteria or examination requirements===
 * ===the teacher develops students' basic and other cross-curricular skills, for example, literacy, numeracy, independent learning and PSHE===
 * ===students have easy access to, and make use of, additional resources which the use independently to support or enhance their learning===
 * ===students go out of their way to help each other; they provide mutual support===
 * ===the classroom is a lively and interesting place; it includes good displays of students' work (representing all abilities), things which give a subject specific flavour to the room, and annotated examples of levelled work used to support learning===