Model Schools

  • INTRODUCTION

    AMO Programme has adopted certain public and private schools serving as exemplars of excellence in their communities and providing holistic child development opportunities through active learning experiences. AMO Model Schools provide exchange opportunities for volunteers and interns around the world.

     

    Since 2011, AMO Model Schools have been in operation with one to two schools in every region. We offer comprehensive and high quality service along with our understanding of the latest discoveries in child education and psychology.

     

    In the last years key changes in Ghana’s educational environment impacted performance of our Model Schools, and this deepened our need to reform the AMO Model School Programme. AMO Programme is therefore making changes to reinforce the Model Schools Programme and make the schools meet the standards required of AMO Model Schools.

    PURPOSE

    AMO Programme intends to create a paradigm shift from teacher-centred education to child-centred education. By using this educational methodology in Ghana, we challenge children to develop their understanding and skills while playing. They learn to think creatively and it stimulates their brain to solve problems in different ways. In this way, children are shaped into independent individuals, who are able to make a valuable contribution to the development of the country of Ghana.

     

    Our purpose is to provide learning resources, continuous training and mentorship for school children in under-resourced communities and to motivate their schools to commit to the principles of child-centred education even as they work to propagate the principle of child-centred education in their local context.

  • STEPS TO BECOME AMO MODEL SCHOOL

    Step 1: Explanation on AMO Model Schools Programme

    Our purpose is to provide learning resources, continuous training and mentorship for school children in under-resourced communities and to motivate their schools to commit to the principles of child-centred education even as they work to propagate the principle of child-centred education in their local context.

    Step 2: Visit of Consultant of AMO Programme to school

    Our purpose is to provide learning resources, continuous training and mentorship for school children in under-resourced communities and to motivate their schools to commit to the principles of child-centred education even as they work to propagate the principle of child-centred education in their local context.

    Step 3: Arrange for stakeholder meetings to discuss all formalities and success factors

    On forehand, relevant Management and PTA members of interested schools will be introduced to AMO Model School, formalities and regulations.

    Step 4: Registration forms

    Registration forms are available upon request. New applicants will pay a one-time entry fee of GHS100.00. Be aware, there are a lot of benefits in return.

    Step 5: After ordering: Introductory workshop

    When a school has completed all formalities, AMO Programme will hold an introductory workshop at a discount of 10% for their teachers. A basic set of Active Learning Materials required for this training will be available for the school at 20% discount.

  • A. CONDITIONS FOR AMO MODEL SCHOOL

  • CONCERNING USE OF ALM's

    • On forehand, ALMs are introduced to the Teachers of the school before decision is made to become an AMO Model School

    • The use of ALMs is discussed at PTA

    • ALMs are to support the Curriculum and not to be understand as something extra
    • Frequent and right use of the ALMs in lessons
    • Manuals can be used for getting ideas also for further developments not that it has to be
    • Child-centred lessons

    • Appropriate storage of ALMs

    • Different classes using ALMs
    • In-service training on the implementation of ALMs in lessons are attended

     

  • CONCERNING ACTING AS MODEL SCHOOLS

    • On forehand, the implications of acting as Model School are discussed with the Teachers, so there is a commitment of the Team
    • On forehand, the PTA is introduced to the principles of AMO Model School
    • Commitment is expressed by paying fees and other implicating factors
    • Annual Performance Assessment by AMO Programme
    • The school is selecting 2 Key Teachers to coordinate the several concerns for AMO Model School
    • Regular attendance of workshops initiated by the AMO Programme
    • New teachers joining the Model School should be well updated and trained
    • Promoting the use of ALMs in at least 1-3 other schools in the region
    • Good performance of the school will be awarded by the AMO Programme

  • B. MONITORING VISITS

    Monitoring provides insights in the situation of the specific school and details on the needs at that situation. These Visits are not Inspections rather a Support for the school. While monitoring does not fix problems, it provides an understanding of progress so that together appropriate corrective actions can be taken when performance deviates. See section 2.6 for details on Monitoring.

    C. ACTION PLAN

    Based on the School Performance Assessment whenever it becomes clear that a school’s performance is not according to the Regulations of AMO Model School steps are to be taken.

    • AMO Programme are to discuss these outcomes with the school and request steps for improvement
    • When then still there is no improvement AMO Programme will dismiss the school from the Model Schools Platform
    • Only on serious request again from the school AMO Programme will give attention again, after showed commitment by the school.

    D. AWARDS

    AMO Programme will award an AMO Model School by a plaque and some ALMs when the school in total is acting excellently!