Opening Minds

Note: We recently produced the video below to demonstrate how GridMaker could be used to manage the delivery of 21st Century Skills (P21) to schools in the USA. The principles explained in the video also apply to the Opening Minds framework. We suggest you watch the video as it gives a real 'hands-on' perspective to using the Grid!

[ Launch video showing GridMaker used with 21st Century Skills (P21) ]

An effective Opening Minds planner...

The Grid provides teachers with a Opening Minds Planner to map out their lessons or activities and the competencies they will cover.

The Opening Minds Planner enables teachers to:

• Schedule lessons to deliver competencies embedded in the curriculum
• Avoid duplicating competencies covered in previous activities
• Ensure full coverage of all the key competencies
• Collaborate with other staff by sharing information
• Use dedicated funds for Opening Minds activities more efficiently

See for yourself how the Grid makes the perfect Opening Minds Planner - create your own free trial Opening Minds Grid.

Record evidence of Opening Minds in 60 seconds!

The Grid includes a range of easy-to-use tools, specially designed to help teachers record evidence of delivering Opening Minds.

This unique approach enables teachers to:

• Capture valuable evidence of Opening Minds following ANY activity
• Map lessons or activities against a range of competencies
• Identify key competencies embedded in the curriculum
• Gain recognition for delivering Opening Minds in lessons or activities
• Use the whiteboard to record evidence of Opening Minds during class discussions

See for yourself how easy the Grid makes recording evidence - create your own free trial Opening Minds Grid.

Analyse Opening Minds across the whole school in minutes!

The Grid automatically creates interactive curriculum maps, dynamic bar charts and bespoke reports for analysing coverage of Opening Minds competencies across the whole school.

These powerful features enable senior leaders and managers to:

• Evaluate how and where teachers integrate competencies in lessons
• Oversee the delivery of competencies across the whole curriculum
• Review lessons and activities across multiple year groups
• Identify exemplary teachers or those that need support
• Review the overall impact of Opening Minds on teaching and learning

See how we help you stay in control and well informed - create your own free trial Grid.

Share evidence of Opening Minds at the click of a button!

The Grid allows teachers and managers to share valuable evidence of Opening Minds via the internet, by email, or with printed reports.

This flexibility enables teachers and managers to:

• Share impressive evidence of Opening Minds with parents, carers and Ofsted
• Provide access to up-to-date information about Opening Minds coverage
• Access the Grid during staff meetings and training sessions
• Highlight Opening Minds best practice to other schools and external partners
• Invite feedback from outside organisations or consultants

Impress parents and Ofsted inspectors!

The Grid allows schools to impress parents and Ofsted inspectors with detailed evidence of Opening Minds.

This unique 'window' on the school enables you to:

• Show parents how their children are developing skills through Opening Minds
• Present parents with personalised reports on parents evening
• Demonstrate thorough coverage of Opening Minds competencies to Ofsted
• Promote your school to prospective parents
• Raise the profile of the school when recruiting new staff