The network has supported research into best practice in creative teaching styles. This has included:
- An exploration of teaching and learning styles
- The principles of Accelerated Learning
- Brain Gym
- Mind mapping
- Supporting the physiology of learning
- Learning style questionnaires for children
- The impact of different teaching styles on children's learning
- Focussed curriculum projects meeting the needs of specific learning styles
- Adapting schemes of work to topic and story based learning
- Raising standards of teaching with Coaching methods
- Raising standards in speaking and listening through classroom role-play, nurture groups, puppets, conflict resolution and "Learning to Listen"
Plans for this year:
- Continue projects (described above) and embed them into practice
- Raise attainment in writing using Pie Corbett and V.C.O.P. approaches
- Invite staff from the member schools to regularly visit each other to share inspiration
- Encourage cross-phase collaborations to produce artefacts for real audiences including books and videos
- Raise attainment in speaking and listening through "Philosophy for Learning"
Support for Schools:
The network will be looking to share success of its many projects with other schools through a conference. Handbooks and DVDs are being produced
as a record of the learning undertaken and standards achieved. We are happy to arrange training for staff in schools outside the network, upon request.