Ofsted’s new Vision: Benchmarking your MATs performance
In light of the recent announcement that Ofsted[1]will focus less on exam results and place emphasis on the quality of teaching, it’s more important than ever that Multi-Academy Trusts – MATs – are spending their time on creating a rich curriculum learning rather than data crunching. Today, there are 1532 MATs[2]throughout the UK and this number is expected to continue to grow. Data analysis is one of the most important measurers within MATs. On a student level, a Management Information Systems (MIS) allows teachers to pinpoint individual student progression and monitor attainment or behaviour. On a school level it aggregates data to highlight overall performance and benchmark nationally. From September 2019, inspectors will want to see the assessment information MATs use to understand how pupils are performing and, crucially, what MATs do with the information to support better pupil achievement. One factor central to this change in approach is the necessity for a robust, reliable data system.Having a robust IT system in place allows easy access of information enabling MATs to easily extract and manipulate data. This assures the best possible outcomes for learners and enables schools to implement interventions and evidence effectiveness during Ofsted inspection. The Power of Big Data Historically, data used in schools tended to be based around personal information, contact details and attendance information. Now, data has become more contextual and schools can delve deeper into the information they hold to explore variables such as deprivation, language proficiencies and mobility. Teachers have told us that this information gives them a far deeper insight into their students, which in turn helps strengthen their connection with teachers and ultimately shape how learning takes place. Teacher understanding, acceptance and use of systems is invaluable to the successful use of school data. When powerful data is combined with the experience of talented practitioners to bring about change, its power truly comes to life. MiS canenable teachers to easily record pupil progress, set targets and analyse all assessment, attendance and behaviour across the whole school. This is particularly important to MATs as development and performance analytics are often carried out centrally. A MIS allows schools to track which pupils are persistent absentees, what percentage these represent of all pupils, and how their absence patterns are changing over time. If early interventions are put in place with these pupils prompted by this data, these are much more effective in the long-term. Data systems also allow for further areas to be revealed, such as whether there’s consistent cover for staff absence, relevant clearance certificates, or where and when SEND pupils need additional support. By bringing live contextual data into their assessment mark books, users can immediately identify any interventions required. For example, if certain learners are not making the progress expected throughout the Autumn term, interventions can be planned for the Spring term. Rather than waiting until the end of the year to address these issues the system can help teachers and heads to intervene immediately. Assembly Analytics MAT data shouldn’t only offer insight; it should ultimately give a tangible path to improve academic performance and the efficiency of central-office operations. Collaborative approaches to MIS data are becoming commonplace. RM Integris has recently partnered with Assembly Analytics, a data analysis tooldeveloped specifically for MATs, with input from Ark, Astrea, Unity Schools Partnership and Windsor Academy Trusts. Assembly Analytics combines data automatically from multiple packages andconnects to a range of MIS, finance and assessment systems. This allows teachers, heads and senior management to view live contextualised data from each academy and pull together like-for-like data to view overall trends in one, simple-to-use dashboard. This simplifies the assessment process, allowing for changes and actions to be made, but saves time for all staff. Joshua Perry, Director of Assembly said: “Data analysis is an incredibly powerful management tool when used correctly, but too often in the past, it has been a time-consuming burden for schools with unclear benefits. That’s why Assembly have been working with RM to provide fully automated MAT analytics that simplifies the way schools glean insights from their data. Assembly Analytics crunches data from Integris and a range of other sources, including leading standardised assessment and finance systems. Our visual dashboards then present a MAT’s own data alongside meaningful benchmarks derived from national datasets, so leaders can quickly identify areas requiring management attention.” Optimise Learning With a clear set of objectives for improvement and a robust MIS, MATs can use their data much more effectively to optimise learning and maximise central-office functionalities. MATs have complex data analysis needs; system features like automation, aggregation and benchmarking are all critical for efficient and effective usage. This helps to ensure that resources are well-spent and learning outcomes improved. MATs seek a greater level of information from their systems and are recognising the potential to fully exploit the power of data to monitor progress, attendance and behaviours. MIS ensure that teaching is effective, and students are benefitting from a rich education. The new Ofsted framework aims to ignite conversation during inspection and complement school’s performance. With an effective data system, MATs have the power to deliver a deeper understanding of their trust and key recommendations for the future. For more information and advice, visit www.rm.com/products/rm-integris [1]Gov.uk 2018 Chief Inspector sets out vision for new Education Inspection Framework [Online] Available at: www.gov.uk/government/news/chief-inspector-sets-out-vision-for-new-education-inspection-framework [2]gov.uk. 2018. Get information about schools. [ONLINE] Available at: https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/. [Accessed 8 October 2018]
Actor David Harewood backs Future First alumni networks in Birmingham state schools
Former state students in Birmingham are to help transform current students’ opportunities and give them a better start in life by going back to their old schools in an initiative to build an alumni network in schools and colleges in the city. The programme – run by the education charity Future First – has been backed by the Birmingham born actor David Harewood who went to Washwood Heath Academy in Burney Lane, Stechford. The school is one of a thousand state schools and colleges across Britain which have worked with Future First to encourage more schools to see alumni as a valuable resource in broadening the jobs horizons of the current generation and preparing them to navigate the transition from school to work. Private schools and universities have long seen the value of keeping alumni in close contact after they have left. More than 226,000 former students nationwide have already signed up to stay connected with their old school. They’re motivating young people as career and education role models, mentors, work experience providers, governors and fundraisers by volunteering at assemblies and workshops designed to broaden young people’s jobs horizons and help them achieve a career of their choice regardless of their background. David, whose film and TV career includes the TV series Homeland and The Night Manager, said: “It’s difficult for young people to understand the skills needed in the world of work unless they meet people in interesting careers. I was very fortunate because I achieved the career I wanted, but not everyone has that opportunity. Future First can help give young people in Birmingham that chance, whatever their background. I’d urge everyone to broaden young people’s jobs horizons by signing up to Future First’s network.” Matt Lent, Chief Executive Officer of Future First said: “Students cannot be what they cannot see. It is vital to open their eyes to opportunities beyond their own world and show them the range of jobs available. Alumni help schools do this by acting as relatable positive role models. If a student sees someone who has the same background has gone on to achieve success, they are far more likely to think they can too.” Future First works in six Birmingham schools, Ninestiles an Academy, Greenwood Academy, Turves Green Girls’ School, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, Kings Norton Girls School as well as Washwood Heath Academy. For more information, see the Future First website here. Picture captions: Actor David Harewood supports Future First’s work in Birmingham state schools.
All you need to know from the Schoolwear Show 2018
The Schoolwear Show is owned by and operated by The Schoolwear Show Limited. The show is organised on a purely voluntary basis; the directors giving up their own time to organise the show. The Schoolwear Show is hosted at Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre. The Schoolwear Show Limited is a major donor to and supporter of the Schoolwear Association. Who should attend The Schoolwear Show is dedicated solely to the independent schoolwear retailer. The exhibition will give you the chance to: Meet existing suppliers face to face Source new suppliers View the latest product innovations Plan your Back to School campaign For the 2018 show, the Schoolwear Association sponsored seminars during Sunday and Monday in the Diamond Suite. The SA hopes the seminars will be an exciting new addition to the show and give more reason to visit by raising awareness and challenging the status quo with some interesting and practical ideas. Each seminar is approximately 25 minutes in duration. Tendering to Win This Seminar deals with the growing requirement of Schools and Academy Trusts for their suppliers to Tender and how to make sure Schoolwear Specialists give themselves the best chance to win and ensure their business competes in an ever more challenging market. The Seminar was presented by Klick Business Solutions, who have worked with a number of Schoolwear Retailers helping them to win Tenders. Sustainability & School Uniform This Seminar focusses on the growing awareness of the various environmental issues in the world, plastic being the current hot topic, but there are many other elements. Hopefully it will both raise awareness and challenge the status quo, putting some interesting and practical ideas into the market. Sustainability and what happens at end of life with textile products, will eventually become part of everyone’s thinking, so it’s important that our market is ahead of the curve. The Seminar has been developed by Oakdene Hollins who specialise in finding solutions in this subject and was presented by Kathryn Shuttleworth, the Managing Director of David Luke. The only limitations to dye-sub printing seems to be the creativity of the person wanting to wear it, which is very exciting! It was also great for our non-school or sportswear items be shown to a wider audience under our Gymphlex brand, and I was delighted that our beautiful, functional and authentic sports garments got showcased. My overall experience of the Schoolwear Show 2018 was hugely positive, with a friendly atmosphere filled with like-minded businesses keen to impress and showcase their talents, and hopefully I will get the opportunity to attend again in the future. Testimonials “We’ve been coming to the Schoolwear Show for 10 years and each year its gets bigger and better. It’s a great place to meet all our suppliers under one roof and see new potential suppliers.” “Very well organised.. and the food is good too!” “Great venue and good to be able to discuss issues with suppliers as well as to learn about new lines and ideas for next year.” “It’s a the right time of year. We see our suppliers and then can get our back to school order to them before Christmas.” For more information about The Schoolwear Show please click here
Sports Hall Floor Refurbishment in Pleckgate
Sports Hall Refurbishment this time for the courtship team was in Pleckgate, Blackburn. A little far away from our base in Somerset, but we travel nationwide for contracts on sports halls. The size of this sports hall floor refurbishment contract was 600sqm. With a strong team of five flooring engineers, this wasn’t a problem. The condition of the sports hall flooring was rather dire in the respect that there were scratches from years of activity and lots of wear on the top lacquer, giving a messy finish to the floor. This would be a total sports hall floor refurbishment transformation. The material on this sports hall was Junkers beech, these wooden sports halls clean up brilliantly. See our page for Junckers flooring refurbishment specification on this. The contract was a total refurbishment. This means a sanding back of the top surface until the wooden sports flooring has been returned to a new condition. We would then apply primer to the sports hall floor, then once this has dried we will install our games lines on top. Finally, we will apply two/three coats of sports lacquer to increase traction and protect the flooring. For more information about Sports Hall Refurbishment please visit https://courtshipflooring.co.uk
Ofsted Report Analysis Show Positive Impacts, Says Mesma
Analysis of Ofsted’s early monitoring visits to employers, independent training providers and universities by online quality assurance specialist Mesma has revealed some positive impacts. The news comes as Ofsted says that the levy has contributed to a huge increase in the number of providers delivering apprenticeships, doubling the numbers of independent learning providers and employer providers. However, while Ofsted also declares in its annual report ‘that some of the biggest providers continue to provide real cause for concern’, Mesma’s analysis of providers making progress has thrown up some common themes. Leaders can be seen as heading in the right direction, meeting the requirements of successful apprenticeships provision on the back of reports of a clear vision and well considered strategy. High standards of training and resources, sound governance, and strong analytical and self-critical self-assessment are also contributing to significant progress. Progress in ensuring that apprentices benefit from high quality training, which delivers positive outcomes was shown by staff having relevant industry knowledge, confirmation of early assessments and well-organised teaching. Reports that senior leaders are closely monitoring apprentices’ progress and that apprentices are clear about their career options, also indicate significant progress is being achieved. Advancement has also been achieved by leaders and managers in securing effective safeguarding arrangements on the back of reports about highly effective policies and procedures being in place that are understood by all. Clear reporting procedures, effective safe recruitment practices, comprehensive risk assessments and a generally feeling that apprentices feel safe, were all evidenced in Ofsted’s reports, according to Mesma. Mesma has extracted the key information from content sourced from the public reports published on the Ofsted website at www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk/, which covers more than 86 providers whose reports were published by inspectors between March – October2018. Carole Loader, Mesma director, said: “Early monitoring is a new strand of Ofsted activity, helping to confirm if the hundreds of new large and small apprenticeship providers are on track with delivery of their learning and training strategies. “We can see reasonable and significant progress being made from analysis of the reports, but the data includes those providers new to the register, who have previously been delivering under sub-contract arrangements. “It would be a clearer picture if Ofsted were able to segment this data so that we could see who is ‘new to the sector’ as opposed to new as a ‘direct contract holder’.” Mesma’s analysis of Ofsted’searly monitoring visits for apprenticeship providers can be heard at https://mesma.co.uk/download/key-findings-from-ofsted-early-monitoring-visits-of-apprenticeship-providers/
Young chefs cook up a feast for Wokingham Mayor
This week, the Rainbow Café, located in the Acorn Community Centre, saw a group of young amateur chefs chop, slice and blend to create and serve a hearty lunch for local residents and special guest, the Mayor of Wokingham. Customers from Optalis’ Supported Employment service took over the community café for the day to develop their catering and customer service skills, serving freshly made meals to visitors and the Mayor of Wokingham, Cllr John Kaiser. Donna Morgans, Optalis’ Supported Employment Service Manager, said: “We’re always keen to support our clients and hosting events like these brings new challenges and enables them to gain new skills.” Mayor of Wokingham, Cllr John Kaiser, added: “It is great to see the Optalis team in action, helping to develop customers’ skills so that they can find meaningful employment in the future.” The event is designed specifically to support customers to achieve paid employment and work towards gaining independence in their role. Optalis Employment Coaches work closely with the individuals to ensure they are able to gain experience and skills in their chosen career goals. Eleanor, who was serving food and taking orders, commented: “I am enjoying meeting the public and talking to them. As my ideal job would be in retail, this is giving me valuable experience.” For more information about Optalis’ Supported Employment Service, or if you are a local employer in the Wokingham, Reading or Bracknell area wanting to access a determined workforce, contact Donna on 0118 977 8632 or email donna.morgans@optalis.org
Dudgeon grant encourages tomorrow’s engineers
A grant from the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm’s Community Fund STEM Programme is enabling Sheringham High School to lead an innovative robotics development project for students from six Norfolk schools. Sonja Chirico Indrebø is the Power Plant Manager of the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm operated by Equinor. She recently met a number of the students involved in the project when she visited Sheringham High School and commented, “Among these students are tomorrow’s engineers, vital to the future success of many industries. Norfolk is now a hub for the UK offshore wind industry, a sector which will continue to offer career opportunities for engineers for many years to come. There is a recognised shortage of engineers across the UK, so I believe it is very important that Equinor, as a major offshore wind farm operator, takes an active role supporting projects and initiatives which are designed to encourage students to embrace STEM education and give them hands-on experience of technology.” The project is designed to give students opportunities to observe and develop the STEM skills of science, technology, engineering and mathematics beyond the classroom curriculum, and to increase student uptake in GCSE and A-Level STEM subjects. It will also expose students to the 2019 Robotex Expo international robotics competition in Estonia that will feature technology and engineering companies from all over the world. In preparation for the format of this competition, the 2018/19 project requires students to develop sumo wrestling and line-following robots. Using Lego EV3 kits, the students design, build, programme and command autonomous robots (known as ‘bots’), enabling these ‘bots’ to be capable of a range of actions including walking, shooting, slithering, sliding, spinning and slamming. The Lego kits include a sumo wrestling practice ring and a line-following practice mat. Charlotte Gardener is the Science Teacher at Sheringham High School who is co-ordinating the project; the other participating schools being Alderman Peel High School, Cliff Park Ormiston Academy, Fakenham Academy, Nicholas Hammond Academy and Stalham High School. She commented, “Late last year we hosted a practice session at Sheringham High School to allow groups of students and their teachers from each school to meet each other and to engage in a series of casual, but structured and competitive, ‘battles’. It was obvious that there is a huge amount of enthusiasm for this project from teachers and students alike, and some strong computer programming by many of the students has given them an impressive command of their individual robots.” She continued, “The generous grant from the Dudgeon Community Fund will allow this STEM project to benefit around 75 students in the 2018/19 academic year, and potentially a further 150 students in the next two academic years. In April 2019 we will hold rigorous competitions which will decide which students will be representing Norfolk at the Robotex Expo next November. I believe it is an excellent way to encourage students to engage with the STEM disciplines.” www.norfolkfoundation.com/funding-support/grants/groups/dudgeon-community-fund/
KUBO Robotics launches innovative new coding pack
KUBO Robotics has launched a brand-new innovative coding pack for primary school children. Available from January 2019, “Coding+” builds on KUBO’s existing robotics resource and teaches children aged 4-10 more advanced programming elements and stronger computational thinking skills. Coding+ comes with a set of 36 additional TagTiles which deliver high-quality, innovative programming challenges. The TagTile pieces fit together like a puzzle in order to create a sequence of code. The robot is then placed on top of the tiles and follows a set of instructions helping pupils to understand more advanced levels of programming related to routes, functions, subroutines and loops. In addition to KUBO’s previous functions, Coding+ enables educators to cover time, distance, speed and directions, encouraging pupils to undertake more challenging and sophisticated programming tasks. Daniel Lindegarrd, Co-founder and COO at KUBO Robotics said: “At a time when most children will end up working in jobs that don’t even exist yet, now more than ever we should be teaching them computational thinking and coding from an early age in order to equip them the right skills for the future. “At KUBO we are dedicated to helping educators teach invaluable coding skills in a simple and engaging way that appeals to pupils. We are continuously developing our curriculum content and resources to ensure that we are providing solutions that demonstrate coding in a way that is not only accessible but gives learning STEM subjects a real purpose.” KUBO is designed to make it easy for teachers to introduce computer science and coding into their daily teaching activities, promoting cross-curricular collaboration and hands-on play. For more information, visit: www.kubo-robot.com
NewVIc opens doors to support Newham students in succeeding at Oxford interviews
This year, NewVIc has been announced as the Newham hub for all Year 13 students applying to the University of Oxford, Wadham College. Wadham College are working closely with NewVIc to support students and other Newham students with their admissions process. Like NewVIc, Wadham College values the importance of diversity and believes that drawing its’ student body from a wider cultural and social base drives standards up, not down. Wadham College works closely with NewVIc to help bright students make competitive applications, regardless of their backgrounds and encourages students to apply. Scientist Catherine, from Oxford University, came to NewVIc earlier this month to run an insightful interview support session for students. Oxford University has developed a programme of ‘link colleges’ to simplify communication and workshops between UK schools and the University. This is part of their ongoing commitment to engage with schools across the country. The support sessions being delivered at NewVIc will break down why they interview applicants, what students can expect at their interviews, and how best they can prepare for them. The support programme delivered shared some Oxbridge interview tips with a former applicant who studied at Cambridge. This support programme will not only allow Oxford University to get to know schools and colleges in specific regions better, but also gives schools and colleges a more personal and direct way of staying in touch with the University. “I am applying to Oxford University to study History and Politics. I have my interview coming up soon, I’m so nervous and stressed. Having said that I must’ve done well in my task and written contents as part of the applications. I’m really looking forward to this process, the support we’re getting from Wadham and seeing if I get accepted after interview!” Ameera Ismail Honours and A Level Year 2 Student “The session today has been really good. The students have responded to all of the questions. They all have independent thoughts and clearly have passion to their subject areas. We wish them all best of luck with their application and upcoming interviews. We hope to support them all in the process and wish them all the best of luck.” Catherine Seed Access Assistant – Wadham College For more information about this support programme or the college please contact: Shah Rahman srahman@newvic.ac.uk 020 7540 0651