Before half term break I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the 'George Spencer Academy' school in Nottingham with Mr Hardy from the Maths Faculty. The link to this academy comes about through our 'Whole Education' network, which is focussed on innovative approaches in education. A geographical feature of the academy is that their school site is split by a very busy dual carriageway, I'm sure that this has presented some logistical and health and safety barriers for the academy to overcome!
It was an inspirational day at a truly excellent school. I for one came away impressed by the culture and ethos of the school. They have very high aspirations for all of their students and believe that through developing the learners they can achieve them - the data certainly validates their approach. Many of the strategies that have been employed align with ours - not least their focus on student led learning conversations which help students to understand how they can improve their progress and grades.
It was extremely useful to see the impact that the strategies we have employed at Marlwood will have over the coming years.