Research School Network: Alexandra Park Associate Research School November Newsletter. Improving Behaviour in Schools Deep Dive, Metacognition training. ELE announcements, upcoming twilights

As the days have become shorter and the weather colder, here at Alexandra Park Associate Research School, we have been keeping very busy! We have been fortunate enough to participate in some excellent training opportunities which have enabled us to begin our programme of training and support as part of the Research Schools Network.

In September, our Headteacher (Phil Brooke), Research Lead (Hayley Wood), and Inclusion Lead (Charlotte Millward) travelled down to London for the Improving Behaviour in Schools Guidance Report ​‘Deep Dive.’ Examining the evidence that sits behind the report. As a school, this guidance report has been eagerly anticipated and it’s publication in June this year helped us to critically evaluate our approaches and systems for behaviour across the school. As a result of this, we were able to make evidence-informed changes and tweaks that have significantly impacted on behaviour within our school. We will expand upon this subject in a blog to be published in the New Year. As a result of this training, we have already delivered our first research twilight on the guidance report with Megan Dixon from Aspirer Research School. The twilight was very well attended with over twenty teachers and school leaders keen to hear how the guidance report can be used within their own schools.

During October, we had our first research breakfast for senior leaders with Megan Dixon. It was another great turn out and was well received by school leaders eager to learn more about an evidence- based approach to decision making in their schools. We also presented at the Stockport Deputies Conference and were inundated with questions about further support and opportunities for schools to engage with the Research Schools Network.

The Metacognition and Self-Regulation Guidance report training was attended by our Deputy Headteacher (Claire Williams) and Hayley Wood. Both were eager to delve into the large evidence base informing this report. The evidence suggests the use of ​‘metacognitive strategies’ – which get pupils to think about their own learning – can be worth the equivalent of an additional +7 months’ progress when used well. However, while the potential impact of these approaches is very high, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, less is known about how to apply them effectively in the classroom. With this in mind, we will be hosting a 3- day training programme on this guidance report starting in January (Sign-up details here: https://researchschool.org.uk/aspirer/events/3‑day-training-programme/).

We are pleased to announce that our team is already growing, we have appointed 3 ELEs (Evidence Leads in Education) who will work across Aspirer Research School, Alexandra Park and the Manchester Hub. Our very own Hayley Wood and Sarah Cresswell will add both Early Years, Maths and Research Lead expertise to our team. We are also very pleased to welcome Rachael Wardle from the Kingsway School.

We have been very fortunate to host Lisa Hesmondhalgh from Aspirer for the Leading Learning training. It was a fantastic start to the 3 day course and gave us many opportunities to take time out of our busy schedule to pause and consider our approaches to CPD and how to give projects the best chance of success using the EEF implementation guidance. We were given some invaluable tools to take back to our schools and share with our leadership teams.

Coming up we have twilight with Megan Dixon which will be taster opportunity to walk through the Improving Social and Emotional Learning in Primary School Guidance report and begin to explore the implications for teaching and learning in schools on the 12^th December (sign up here: https://researchschool.org.uk/aspirer/event/improving-social-and-emotional-learning-in-primary-schools-twilight/). We also have another research breakfast on 5^th December where you can come and join us to hear more about the EEF, the Research School Network and our work as a new Associate Research School at Alexandra Park. You will get an introduction to evidence informed practice and hear first hand from school leaders how evidence has been central to their school improvement journeys.

For more information on our work as an Associate Research School please contact Claire Williams: claire.​williams@​alexandraparkprimary.​uk
or to book onto any of our events please contact Rachel Swann: rswann@​aet.​cheshire.​sch.​uk