Research School Network: Durrington Professional Development Twilights 2023 – 24 Professional development opportunities at Durrington Research School for the 2023 – 24 academic year

During the 2023 – 24 academic year Durrington Research School will be offering five online professional development twilight programmes. The topics have been chosen based on what teachers and school leaders have requested most often when engaging with us over the past few years. Each of the programmes are designed to be cross-phase and suitable for teachers of all age groups.

Having switched between face-to-face, fully online and hybrid training we have returned to a fully online offer. In the current climate we have recognised that it is extremely challenging for staff to be released for professional development during the day, and so will divide our twilight training into three 90-minute sessions. These will run from 3.30pm to 5pm, with each topic fitting into a 6 – 8 week block. This is to ensure continuity between the sessions but also give time for reflection between them. Participation in each twilight programme will cost £150 per participant. The five programmes we are offering are:

Mobilising Metacognition

Led by Chris Runeckles& Fahim Rahman

Dates: 26^th September, 10^th October, 31^st October

This programme will explore the research evidence around metacognition and how this can be mobilised in schools, to help our pupils to become better at self-regulating their learning. It will include practical strategies for how metacognition can be successfully developed in the classroom.

Supporting SEND Students in Mainstream Schools

Led by Kate Blight

Dates: 9^th October, 6^th November, 20^th November

Sessions will explore the recommendations that the EEF set out for supporting students with a SEND in mainstream schools. We will look at practical strategies that can be put in place to support these students, what barriers exist, and the provision that can be made to support all learners in making progress throughout their education.

Tackling Educational Disadvantage

Led by James Crane

Dates: 8^th November, 7^th December, 15^th January

This programme will look at the issues associated with educational disadvantage and help school leaders identify the specific challenges faced by their pupils. We will then explore how the research evidence can be used to support the content and effective implementation of your Pupil Premium Strategy.

Feedback to Improve Learning

Led by Ben Crockett

Dates: 1^st February, 22^nd February, 7^th March

This programme will have two primary objectives: first to gain a thorough understanding of the principles of effective feedback; and second to consider how these principles can be implemented in a classroom and across a subject department or whole school. The EEF​‘Teacher Feedback to Improve Student Learning’ guidance report will structure the sessions, with each of the six recommendations unpicked and interpreted.

Effective Professional Development

Led by Deb Friis

Dates: 18^th April, 30^th April, 14^th May

This programme will delve into the mechanisms from the EEF’s​‘Effective Professional Development’ guidance report and provide examples that school leaders can use to enhance their professional development offer. The sessions will provide a framework for how professional development of teachers can lead to improved student outcomes.