Langdon Cluster Project Reference

LE 4.1 P3

Project developed by:

Langdon School (Lead School)All Saints Catholic SchoolWillowfield SchoolNorthumberland Park SchoolHaverstock School

Institute of Education (NominatingProvider)

‘Working creatively in ITT with schools facing challenging circumstances in the secondary phase’

? ? ?

Understandable Title

‘Overcoming Barriers to Learning by

Working as/alongside a Teaching Assistant’

Aim of project

Aim was to introduce Student/Trainee Teachers (S/TTs) as additional adults in the classroom.

Identify barriers to learning experienced by students.

Use strategies to enable all students (ECM) to work effectively.

Project outline

Framework/guidance documents to be produced for all.

S/TTs to take part in project as part of their SBS.

S/TTs to present findings in a case study at the end of their first placement.

Framework

A ‘dummies guide’ to implement the project.

Introduction and solutions to problems.

Tailor made observation sheets. S/TT (Trainee Teacher) Log Book.

(evidence).

Benefits to S/TTs.

Be aware of issues related to hindering progress of students.

S/TTs to have a valuable evidence base for curriculum assignment as a School Based Study (Primary evidence based).

Benefits to Schools

Improvements in the quality of school based training.

Opportunities for enhanced collaborative work.

CPD opportunities for ALL staff not just mentors.

Benefits to HEIs.

Opportunities to work more closely with specialist schools e.g. Training Schools, Leading Edge Schools and other Specialist Schools.

Better trained and hence better qualified S/TTs.

Progress & Development

Conference in June 2008: Produced a set of guidelines for all stakeholders – a framework.

Framework distributed in September 2008

Project ‘lift off’ during October 2008.

Working the project

Limited communication by email. Under spend at one time. Illness/Maternity leave. Need a greater involvement of TAs. TIME FACTOR. Framework too ‘complicated’?

Benefits to TAs

Very positive. Enjoyed the challenge of being a

mentor – sense of responsibility Boosted confidence. Role of TA acknowledged and

appreciated.

Unexpected Outcomes

Helped to better understand the QTS standards.

More reflective on learning due to SF presentation.

Changed perception of TAs. Opportunity to why it’s useful to

have a TA.

School Experiences

Previous good practice. Good links with IoE. All S/TTs involved irrespective of HEI

provider. Planning for the future.

PICTURES

Evaluation

Some schools not prepared enough Lead school could visit to run

training day for TAs/Whole School Staff.

Outreach work- visit other schools to give presentation of project.

Link project to Training School.