Supporting Compassionate and Capable Individuals

At Nelson, we believe in supporting pupils in being compassionate and capable individuals who make the world a better place. Our R-Time program is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to be responsible, active citizens.

R-TIME stands for Reflection, Thinking, Investigation, Making, and Evaluating. It is a time for students to engage in meaningful learning experiences that are relevant to their lives and the world around them.

During R-TIME, students have the opportunity to:

• Reflect on their learning and personal growth
• Think critically and solve problems
• Investigate real-world issues and challenges
• Make a difference in their communities through creative projects and service learning
• Evaluate their work and learn from their mistakes

The benefits of R-Time include:

• Increased student motivation and engagement
• Improved academic achievement
• Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Increased social-emotional learning
• A sense of empowerment and responsibility

R-TIME is an integral part of our school ethos and curriculum. It supports our vision of creating compassionate and capable individuals who make the world a better place.

How R-Time aligns with our school ethos:

R-TIME is a perfect example of how we support our pupils in being compassionate and capable individuals who make the world a better place.

Compassionate: R-Time allows students to reflect on their own values and beliefs, and to develop empathy for others. It also gives them the opportunity to make a difference in the world through creative projects and service learning.

Capable: R-Time helps students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in school and in life. It teaches them how to think critically, solve problems, and work collaboratively. It also gives them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and to grow as learners.

We believe that R-Time  is an essential part of the Nelson school curriculum, and we are committed to providing our students with the best possible learning experience.

 

The essence of the R time approach is a weekly lesson that lasts between 10 - 15 minutes and includes 6 component parts. Below is the step - by - step structure of R time with clips from videos:

 

Step 1. R time Rule and Instruction (Expectations)

During R time, there are always expectations that children will use good manners, make eye contact when speaking, use each other's names and use the respectful language of taking turns, sharing and fairness.

Step 2. Random Pairing

Our pupils love working each time with a different partner, enabling them, over time, to work with all the children in the class.

Step 3. Introduction (Greeting)

 

Once the children are in pairs, either on the classroom carpet (where they sit face to face)  or sitting at a desk ( where they incline their chairs towards each other), they greet each other by name, taking turns.
This can be a simple greeting or extended by sharing some information with the partner.

Step 4. The Activity

The process, through which our teachers guide, emphasises throughout the activity, the interpersonal skills of relationships and respectful communication.

Step 5. Plenary or Feedback

The children, led by their teacher, have the opportunity to reflect on the activity they have shared with their partner and how their cooperative interaction enabled it to be a success......or otherwise!

Step 6. Conclusion

At the end of our weekly session, the children thank their partner. This can be a simple "thank you" using the partner's name or, perhaps a sentence beginning with “thank you for...." which will reflect how they have worked together.
Each R time session ends on this positive note.