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Strategic Learning Networks case studies

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Torbay SLN meeting

The SLN in Torbay had their first meeting on 19 Sep 2007: an inset for 27 teachers. The Lead Teacher, Marisol G Foster, said 'We had a fantastic time and Wendy Ward, our regional trainer, was a real inspiration to all of us in Torbay. We are all very keen to try some of the activities that Wendy showed us to increase motivation among students at Key Stage 3.'

Case studies describing the launch of SLNs

The following case studies were written by SLN Lead Teachers. They describe the process of setting up a network in this Programme, including the objectives to be focussed on between September '07 and March '08 and include tips for other teachers setting up networks or clusters.

  • One SLN in London, led by Friern Barnet School, focuses on developing strategies to use digital media effectively in the classroom. Read more. NEW
  • Hayle Community School in Cornwall is leading an SLN, looking at projects to develop pupils' creativity and intends to share its outcomes with a neighbouring SLN. Read more. NEW
  • The SLN led by the Sir John Colfox School in Dorset is using coaching as a form of professional development to support their network objective: to increase pupil autonomy. Read more. NEW
  • How the network in Barking and Dagenham in London, created a climate, in which the expectations for the SLN were set, for everyone involved from the network members to the Secondary Strategy Managers. Read more.
  • A detailed description of how Kirklees LA involved school Secondary Strategy Managers and Heads of MFL to set up two SLNs. The formal launch began with an overview of the structure of the programme and the rationale behind its creation, making very explicit links to the Key Stage 3 Framework. Read more.
  • Tameside local authority has two SLNs and the case study describes how the SLNs replace an existing network made up of MFL Departmental Leaders. Both SLNs are led by Language Colleges and the launch meeting lasted a full day with representatives from each MFL department of the 16 schools working in the networks. Read more.
  • The English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College in Hartlepool is the Lead School of a network, which looked at AfL, creativity and coaching in its launch meeting. The Lead Teacher ran a very hands-on session looking at practical resources for creativity. Read more.
  • Cowley Language College in St. Helens is leading an SLN with nine other secondary schools. Most of the SLN members are not Heads of the MFL department, but the HODs were encouraged to attend the launch meeting. Read more.
  • Bexley Grammar School in London leads a network of nine schools. The case study describes how they encouraged schools to join in by involving all schools in developing the focus of the network. The launch meeting looked at how one school's strengths could serve to help another school improve on its weaknesses. Read more.
  • There are four objectives for the Saddleworth School network in Oldham, including looking at creating a smooth transition from key stage 2 to 3 and exploring the use of Asset Languages to motivate learners. Read more.

Case studies describing how SLNs worked on their objectives in Phase 1

We are now looking for new case studies from SLNs demonstrating how they have worked on their objectives in Phase 1. Please download the new case study template (rtf, 359KB) and return it to jodie.martin@cilt.org.uk. If you are a Lead Professional and would like to write a case study about activities in your LA, please download this slightly different format (rtf, 359KB).

Some Local Authorities ran conferences to celebrate SLN success in Phase 1

If you were involved in an event celebrating one or more SLNs, please let us know about it. Email jodie.martin@cilt.org.uk