Research Schools Network
 
Stoke-on-Trent Research School by The Keele and North Staffordshire Alliance
 

Stoke-on-Trent Research School by The Keele and North Staffordshire Alliance Newsletter

Issue #2

Autumn term

 

Welcome

 

A very warm welcome to our second newsletter of

2018-19.

 

We have enjoyed a great start to the new academic year and have been leading professional learning/training sessions, to support colleagues, in a wide range of school-improvement activities.

 

Full details of our training/professional learning courses for 2018-19 can be found towards the end of this newsletter (in the 'Events and Training' section).

 

We are delighted to announce details of our forthcoming conference. Please save the date! (Thursday 4th April 2019). Again, more information can be found in the 'Events and Training' section of this newsletter.

 

All of the team at 'Stoke on Trent Research School' look forward to working with you during the course of the coming months and please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like more information.

 

Best wishes for a great year!

 

Russell

 

Russell Spink [Director: Stoke on Trent Research School]

email: russell.spink.stokeot@researchschool.org.uk

Telephone: 01782 733199

 
 
 

Latest news

 

NEW EEF REPORT: SEVEN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 'IMPROVING SECONDARY SCIENCE'


The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has published its latest guidance report, designed to support secondary science teaching. Improving Secondary Science reviews the best available research to offer schools and teachers seven clear and actionable recommendations on how to boost their pupils’ attainment in science.


One recommendation focuses on how to harness pupils’ common misconceptions about science to move their thinking on and improve their learning. Another suggests that teachers spend time making sure pupil understand the language of science, particularly words like ‘random’ or ‘valid’ that have different meanings in science.


The report also includes guidance on practical work, memory, and effective feedback.
 

Read the report

FIRST REPORTS FROM THE IEE INNOVATION EVALUATION GRANTS PUBLISHED


The first two reports from projects funded by the IEE Innovation Evaluation Grants have been published. Part of the Research Schools Network project, these pilot evaluations of innovations in teaching and learning approaches support the network’s goal of improving the attainment of pupils by increasing the use of evidence-based practices. The evaluations are small-scale, and test the kinds of innovations schools are interested in.

Read More

NOW RECRUITING: FOUR EEF TRIALS LOOKING FOR SCHOOLS TO GET INVOLVED


Four EEF-funded projects are currently looking for schools to get involved. Click on the links below to find 'Recruitment information' with a contact email address to get in touch direct:

  • SMART Spaces – Trialling a 'spaced learning' approach - teachers delivering the same content across multiple sessions, with breaks in between - on GCSE outcomes.
  • Realistic Maths Education – An approach to mathematical problem-solving in which teachers introduce maths using contexts that are familiar to pupils before introducing more formal and abstract contexts.
  • Abracadabra (ABRA) – A small group literacy intervention delivered by teaching assistants focused on developing phonics, reading fluency and reading comprehension.
  • EAL in the mainstream classroom – Developing and testing EAL training for classroom teachers at GCSE.

 

Evidence

 

BLOG: IMPROVING SECONDARY SCIENCE


Niki Kaiser, Research Lead at Norwich Research School offers a classroom perspective on the EEF’s Improving Secondary Science guidance report in a new blog series. In part 1, she shares useful links and resources that have helped her embed the key recommendations into her practice.

Read More

WHEN DO PRACTICALS WORK WELL IN SCIENCE?


Writing for Schools Week, Phil Naylor, Assistant Director, Blackpool Research School, takes a look at what the research says about practical work in science, and shares some tips for effective science teaching.

Read More

 

Events and training

 

IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR CHANGE: HOW DO WE KNOW WE’RE SUCCEEDING?


The IEE will be holding their first Innovation Evaluation conference, Improving outcomes for change: how do we know we’re succeeding?, on Friday 23 November, at the University of York. This conference will look at ways of developing, and evaluating, innovations and change projects in schools. 

For more information, and to book a place, visit the IEE website

TRAINING PROGRAMME 2018-19

 

We are offering a wide range of training courses to support continuing professional development of practitioners. This includes a number of courses focussing on literacy (across pre-KS1 to3), mathematics, science, metacognition and on the work of governors. A course is also available to support early career teachers. Additionally, we offering a three-day course that explores the most effective ways to support children who attract additional funding through the 'Pupil Premium'. All courses highlight best-practice through an evidence-informed approach to teaching and learning.

 

Full details of our professional learning courses for 2018-19 can be found here.

 

Please contact Russell Spink [Director of the Stoke on Trent Research School] if you would like any additional information.

 

Email: russell.spink.stokeot@researchschool.org.uk   Tel: 01782 733119

 

We look forward to working with you throughout the year.

CONFERENCE 2019

 

"Informing and Challenging Our Practices and Pedagogy"
4th April 2019 - Keele Hall - Keele University

 

This conference will highlight the work of both our Research School and the Keele and North Staffordshire Teacher Education (KNSTE) partnership. During the day, participants will benefit from a series of workshops led by practitioners who have used research to inform and challenge their practices and colleagues who are developing our pedagogy through their own research.

 

The cost of the conference is £85. We have been able to keep costs to a minimum and thank our presenters for their generosity in enabling us to do this. The conference fee includes lunch and refreshments. We look forward to welcoming you to a day of dialogue about our wonderful profession in the fantastic surroundings of Keele Hall, our day will begin with registration from 8.30am for a prompt 9am start and refreshments will be available on arrival.

 

To book your place at the conference please click here. We very much look forward to welcoming you!