Research Engagement for School Development

By Raphael Wilkins
This thought-provoking book examines the new and growing phenomenon of the ‘research-engaged school’ – schools that not only encourage their staff to carry out their own research, but also use published research to inform practice and improve the quality of education. view word doc for more information

Canterbury Christ Church University Foundation Degree

Canterbury Christ Church University is running a Foundation Degree, based in Essex, for Learning Support Assistants, Teaching Assistants and anyone without a degree in any service who works with children age 10 and above. This will be based at the King John School, Thundersley Essex. Please can you ask colleagues within your school or organisation whether there is anyone who would like to take up this exciting opportunity?
Information about the programme view word doc
Application form view word doc

Leadership Learning Research

During the past year the Eastern Region received funding from the National College as a Regional Targeted Fund for school leadership. It was decided to offer a research grant to Local Authorities who planned to work in collaboration with a group of schools to further leadership development. The research was entitled “Leadership Learning”.

Essex was the lead authority and agreed proposals from six additional LAs which met the agreed criteria. Although each LA and their linked schools shaped the research to meet their particular priorities, there were considerable commonalities in the outcomes, as can be seen in the summary report. In all cases it is the intention to use this research as the springboard for wider leadership development through 2011/12.
view word doc

Rich insights from Essex Research Practitioners

A range of Essex teachers and headteachers have just completed their Masters in School Improvement. This is a Masters programme rung jointly by Essex Local Authority and the University of Cambridge. These research reports give concise summaries of powerful investigations carried out. They also provide readers with useful quotes and guidance to build on these enquiries. read research reports

Building Schools for the Future in Essex

TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS - TRANSFORMING LIVES

Research engaged schools and colleges award

Find out how to apply for the new research award from NFER, in partnership with Learning and Skills Improvement Service, Institute for Learning, National Union of Teachers, National College and Education Journal.
The award is to recognise schools and colleges that are using research to improve teaching and learning.
There is no fee to apply, and the process is very simple. Just tell us about your research and we will assess it against set criteria. view pdf doc

DEVELOPING A THINKIING SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT!
BY Karen Pembroke, Chelmer Valley High School

This short account tells the story of how I aimed to gain a fuller understanding of the potential of Thinking Skills. I did this as part of an action research investigation in which I introduce of a thinking skills programme within Key Stage 3 curriculum of the secondary mixed comprehensive in which I work. view pdf doc

Active Enquiring Minds

Active Enquiring Minds is a resource which will help equip young researchers. It contains guidance and resource material for young researchers and also guidance for adults who support them. Active Enquiring Minds also provides the opportunity for young children and young people to receive an Essex FLARE Certificate of Student Enquiry and research.

If you would like to receive the full pack or if you wish to receive training in the use of Active Enquiring Minds please email Flare: flare@essexcc.gov.uk or call her on: 01245 436158.

Link to Primary pdf
Link to Secondary pdf
Link Guidance for Adults pdf

DfES Schools Research News
January ......Link
February ....Link
March.... ....Link
April...... ....Link
May....... ....Link

Leading for Children in Essex matrix
view pdf doc

A full copy can be obtained from Graham Handscomb or email using
the Flare web address Flare: flare@essexcc.gov.uk

CUREE Newsletter....link

Did you know about the FLARE Certificate of Enquiry and Research...more

Research and enquiry
Essex LA has also established a research forum to promote research and enquiry in the county. The Forum for Learning and Research Enquiry (FLARE) will help foster a culture of research practice in Essex and is mainly made up of practising teachers and headteachers...more

The DFES has commissioned CUREE (the Centre for the Use of Research and Evidence in Education) to undertake a review of all the research into the impact of networks. The results of this review have just been published and FLARE is delighted that it has gained permission to publish these important findings on its website....View word doc

Invitation to submit research to the FLARE website...View word doc