Continuing Professional Development

Throughout the year we have a number of CPD training sessions and courses.

Science Learning Centre South West provides (CPD) for all those involved in science education across the South West region, and run courses all year round.

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AstraZeneca funded project using the portable science exhibits

Encouraging open-ended practical work in Key Stage 3 science

The project was a collaboration between At-Bristol, Science Learning Centre South West (SLCSW) and Science Learning Advisors from Bristol, North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset and Somerset Education Authorities.

Background:

Recent changes to the National Curriculum for KS3 and 4 mean that science teaching will necessitate an increase in high quality, open-ended practical work.

Through At-Bristol’s schools’ learning projects, feedback from teachers’ clearly demonstrates that they struggle to effectively deliver lessons that allow open-ended investigations.

The Project:

The project carried these initial aims:

• Improve and develop teachers’ skills and confidence in teaching high quality, open-ended practical work
• Improve teachers’ knowledge and understanding of key scientific concepts and processes
• Improve pupils’ enjoyment of, enthusiasm for and attainment in science

The CPD model included different types of professional development activities and techniques, including peer-to-peer learning and peer observation, coaching, mentoring and effective feedback. This project directly benefitted teachers taking part in the CPD from 21 schools in Bristol and the surrounding Local Authorities. 1,260 students will benefit through their teachers’ participation in the CPD sessions and in-school activities.

A total of 25 teachers attended two CPD sessions, with teachers undertaking a supported 'gap task' during the time between CPD 1 and 2.  Time for reflection and feedback following the project ensured that participating teachers had the opportunity to share best practice and learn from each other’s experiences. The teachers attended sessions as buddy-pairs as this has been demonstrated to increase the likelihood of implementing the skills gained on the course leading to a change in practice.

To find out more please e-mail Project manager Chris O'Callaghan, or tel: 0117 9157 175

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Inspiring Interactions for BME educators

At-Bristol was given funding by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation in 2008 to host a training course for Supplementary school leaders. 
"Bright Sparks" involved 5 Supplementary schools and their students with the aim to improve teaching and learning in science through building the skills and confidence of the leaders. 

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation has now pledged to support a follow-up on this project. 'Inspiring Interactions for BME educators' is the new professional development project with the main aim of addressing underachievement of BME primary students in Bristol. We are looking to work with 20 mainstream school teachers and 20 supplementary school leaders in a 3-day professional development conference and follow-up activity day.  

If you would be interested in finding out more, know of any audiences that would particularly benefit from this or would like to discuss the development of the project, please email the project manager, Chris O'Callaghan, or phone 0117 9157 175.

Recruitment for this project will commence September 2011.