Research School Network: Durrington Professional Development Twilights 2024 ‑25 Professional development opportunities at Durrington Research School for the 2024 – 25 academic year

During the 2024 – 25 academic year Durrington Research School will be offering seven 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. Other than secondary literacy, 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 settled on 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 seven programmes we are offering are:

Mobilising Metacognition

Led by Chris Runeckles

Dates: 26^th September, 10^th October, 7^th November

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.

Tackling Educational Disadvantage

Led by James Crane

Dates: 6^th November, 28^th November, 9^th December

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.

Secondary Literacy

Led by James Crane

Dates: 15^th January, 28^th January, 5^th February

Sessions will explore the EEF’s Secondary Literacy guidance report, supporting teachers and leaders in deepening understanding of the research evidence and how to embed this into day-to-day practice. Through the sharing of practical examples, participants will be supported to evaluate current practice and to develop a meaningful plan for implementation.

Responsive Teaching

Led by Ben Crockett

Dates: 16^th January, 30^th January, 11^th February

Responsive teaching is about making adjustments to our teaching to better meet the needs of our students throughout the learning process. Why to do this and how to do it well will be the focus of this training which will be relevant to teachers and leaders at all levels. It will cover how to get formative assessment right, including a range of techniques to employ and, crucially, what to change once we receive the results.

Feedback to Improve Learning

Led by Jody Chan

Dates: 12^th February, 5^th March, 19^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​‘s Teacher Feedback to Improve Student Learning guidance report will structure the sessions, with each of the six recommendations unpicked and interpreted.

Effective Implementation

Led by Chris Runeckles

Dates: 3^rd April, 1^st May, 8^th May

This programme will support school leaders at all levels to interpret the recently updated A School’s Guide to Implementation guidance report. The updated guidance is focused on three key factors; behaviours, context and process, which the training will explore in turn. Using this guidance effectively will ensure new approaches and practices have the biggest possible impact on children and young people’s outcomes.

Supporting SEND Students in Mainstream Schools

Led by Kate Blight

Dates: TBC

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.