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We're whizzing through the year with SATs completed and GCSEs/A Levels are all but over! You'll no doubt be turning your attention to the beginning of next year, and how you and your school can have the greatest impact on outcomes for all your pupils. This month's newsletter has a number of signposts to help you plan strategically to implement more evidence-based practice in your school. With the launch today of the eagerly awaited EEF guidance report 'Improving Behaviour in Schools', we share a summary into the new report and how to utilise it in one of our blogs. Also in this issue, blogs on avoiding bias and the strategic planning of CPD, podcasts exploring research in the new Ofsted framework and a review of 'The Science of Learning'. At a busy time, the
podcasts in particular are great to catch up when on the move!
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Keep up with the latest regarding research and research in practice through these evidence based organisations:
@innerdrive - authors of The Science of Learning (see blog below)
@deansforimpact - working to improve student learning and other outcomes.
@CogSciLearning - research on the cognitive science of student learning
@MITAproject - training, consultancy and guidance for schools (Centre for Inclusive Education, UCL)
@WhatWorksED - US central resource for what works in education based on evidence
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| Podcast: listen at leisure |
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Blackpool Research School's Phil Naylor and Simon Cox talk to Ofsted's Professor Daniel Muijs about the new Education Inspection Framework 2019 . They ask him about his development of the research commentary underpinning the new framework and what research is important for teachers. They go on to discuss the importance of CPD and the role of grassroots research movements like researchED.
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Professor Colleen McLaughlin shares her long history in the field of emotional development and resilience in young people. She explains why it is important and explores whether can we teach it.
Listen here |
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WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT TEACHERS’ ENGAGEMENT WITH RESEARCH?
New findings published this month by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) shed further light on the progress of embedding evidence-informed practice within teaching in England.
The NFER research briefing is based on findings from a nationally representative survey of 1,670 teachers and senior leaders in England, which indicate that senior leaders (as opposed to classroom teachers); primary school teachers (rather than secondary school teachers); and schools with the lowest 25 percent of achievement (versus highest 25 percent achievement were more likely to use research to inform their teaching approaches.
Read more |
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SOLVING TOGETHER FUND
Do you have a high-potential, early-stage intervention which aims to improve parental engagement in maths and maths outcomes for secondary students (11–16 years old), using digital technology? Then why not apply for NESTA’s Solving Together Fund? Deadline for applications is 24 June 2019.
Find out more |
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NOW RECRUITING: 16 HIGH-POTENTIAL, EEF-FUNDED PROJECTS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
More than half of all schools in England – as well as many early years and post-16 settings – have taken part in an EEF trial. They currently have opportunities available across Early Years and all Key Stages. Not only do you have the chance of benefiting from involvement in a project, but you will be contributing to important research which can support teachers and senior leaders everywhere.
Browse the full list here |
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THE MAGNIFICENT 77
STUDIES THAT EVERY TEACHER NEEDS TO KNOW
A book review of ‘The Science of Learning’ by Bradley Busch and Edward Watson. The individual studies included in this book provide starting points for reflection, thinking, questioning and asking more – presented together as they are, they provide a helpful, insightful digest of the ‘The Science of Learning’
Read The blog |
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LEADING LEARNING
LEADERS OF CPD REFLECTING ON STRATEGICALLY PLANNING CPD
Evidence suggests that the quality of teaching appears to be the crucial factor to the outcomes of all learners, and particularly the most disadvantaged (Sutton Trust, 2014). Teachers are most likely to improve when CPD is planned strategically: Read what this means in Andy Samways's blog.
Read the blog |
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'TO BE HUMAN IS TO BE BIASED'
IMPLICATIONS FOR DESIGNING EFFECTIVE CPD
Cognitive bias in the context of professional development - 5 cognitive biases that may influence designing CPD programmes within school. With a reflective approach, an increasing self-awareness and a knowledge of the existence of such biases we can strive to ensure our decision-making results in the desired impacts to address specific need.
Read the blog |
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IMPROVING BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS
AN INTRODUCTION AND GUIDE TO GETTING STARTED
The most recent Guidance Report to be published by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), Improving Behaviour in Schools is essential reading for all teachers, teaching assistants, school leaders, governors and trust board members. Read Andy Samways's blog which introduces the report and advises how to get started with implementing its recommendations.
Read the blog |
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IMPROVING TIMES TABLE FLUENCY
Underwood West Academy evaluated which balance of procedural and conceptual approaches to teaching times tables was most effective in improving scores in a timed times tables test for Year 4 pupils.
The results of the trial showed that no one balance of practice activities was more effective than another. The report concludes that times tables may be best taught by using a balanced approach – teaching both the concepts behind them and practising them in a range of ways with low-stakes testing.
Read the report here |
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SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND META-ANALYSES – WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS?
On the CEM blog, Megan Dixon discusses whether, as teachers and school leaders, we should be using systematic reviews and meta-analyses to support the decisions we make, and how do they actually help?
Read More |
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WHY ASKING WHY BUILDS LEARNING
Education in Chemistry is publishing new articles and resources each week to support the evidence-based principles in the EEF’s 'Improving secondary science' guidance report. In their latest feature, Durrington Research School’s Shaun Allison explains why encouraging pupils to ask questions will help them integrate new knowledge with what they’ve already learned.
Read More |
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UNITY RESEARCH SCHOOL'S CONFERENCE
researchED Ipswich
Saturday 16 November 2019
9.30am-4.00pm
free creche available (booking required)
We have a fantastic array of speakers for you, representing topics from across research. National speakers and local practitioners will share their knowledge to deepen your understanding or help you to make your first steps into evidence informed practice. Whether you are a school leader, researcher, teaching assistant or teacher you will find something to interest you that you can take back to your place of work and have an impact on outcomes. With refreshments, lunch and a goodie bag, as well as a free creche all included in the ticket price, we're sure you'll be thrilled with your research-filled day!
Check out our growing programme here
Get your tickets or get a group 'bus' ticket here
Keen to present? Make a submission using this link.
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SHAPING PLANS FOR 2019/20
We are in the process of finalising the schedule of our 2019/20 training and communication events. Building on the successes of previous years this will include a selection of 3-day programmes including those focusing on:
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Evidence informed use of the Pupil Premium
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Literacy (early years/KS2-3/KS3-4)
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Improving Mathematics at KS2/3
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Making best use of TAs
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Leading Learning - strategic leadership of CPD
Register your interest for any of these by emailing Jo Francis (jfrancis@unitysp.co.uk) or complete the form below:
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In addition to this, if you would like to discuss ways in which Research School activity such as twilights and PD day input can be brought to your school contact Isabel Mackay (imackay@unitysp.co.uk).
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CTSN RESEARCH CONFERENCE 2019
SUPPORTED BY UNITY RESEARCH SCHOOL
3rd July 2019 marks the return on the successful annual research conference hosted by Cambridge Teaching Schools Network - (16:00-18:30) at Saffron Walden County High School. Unity Research School has four representatives within the wider programme:
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Dave Perkins
(Head Teacher at Laureate Community Academy)
Maximising Impact of TAs: Reflections of engaging national EEF trial
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Ruth Everett
(Specialist Leader in Education for Unity SP)
Evidence-based strategies to “Close the Word Gap”
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Anna Tapper/Carly Wood
(Research Project Lead for UnitySP/Deputy Head Teacher for Burton End Primary Academy)
Developing a sustained, evidence informed professional development programme to raise teaching standards and pupil outcomes in KS2 mathematics - A Case Study
The over-arching theme is the 'teacher as the decisive element'. Guest speakers (including Becky Allen and Christine Counsell) and workshop sessions will explore the evidence base and professional debates around how to enable teachers to take ownership of their professional development to enable great learning for the pupils in their care.
WORKSHOP DETAILS |
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CAMBRIDGE FESTIVAL OF EDUCATION
Saturday 15th June 2019
The most optimistic education festival in the world, probably! A celebration of teachers and teaching.
Taking place at the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education, this day of keynotes, workshops and networking will be unlike any other CPD most teachers will have experienced. Now in its third year CambsEdFest (as it's nicknamed) is going to be even more optimistic, joyful and inspiring than ever before (if that's possible!). By purchasing a ticket you automatically become a #flamingoofhope. The line-up for #flamingle19 includes Professor Diane Reay, Tom Sherrington, Professor Guy Claxton and Jaz Ampaw-Farr and many more. Visit www.cambsedfest.com and follow @cambsedfest on twitter and facebook for the latest news.
Read More |
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THE IFL EAST 2019 - 28 JUNE 2019
HUMAN SKILLS IN A TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD
The International Festival of Learning will be focusing on the skills needed to prosper in an ever-changing world, and how education will truly shape technology, rather than becoming a passive recipient.
How will we ensure all generations have the best chance to succeed in our tech-driven future?
The IFL will host dozens of CPD and taster workshops, keynotes, panel discussions on subjects such as STEM; SEND; PE & Sport; Administration; Leadership; Performing Arts; Wellbeing; International Education; Teacher Training; Careers Education across all age-sectors.
MORE DETAILS & TO BOOK |
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