New ‘Innovative Schools’ resource showcases world-class teaching and learning
Video guides give practical advice on education best practice through the voices of teachers, governors, students and parents and local Authorities
London – UK – 6th November 2008
Microsoft is today launching its ‘Innovative Schools In-Depth Case Study’ resource, a series of ‘deep dive’ video case studies focusing on four exemplar UK schools. The chosen schools - one primary and three secondary - are pioneering transformations being made to the education system in terms of teaching, curriculum, innovative use of physical space and ICT to drive improved learning outcomes. These case studies are designed to inspire as well as provide practical steps on how schools can make similar changes of their own. All the resources are available through the Innovative Schools Network website: www.microsoft.com/innovativeschools
Schools worldwide are under significant pressure to continually build on achievement records and improve learning outcomes for students. The new video case studies provide independent and frank views from head teachers, classroom teachers, pupils and parents on how changes have been made as well as the impact they have had. For example, by incorporating an online learning gateway to enable anywhere, anytime learning and engage more effectively with parents, teachers and pupils, Shireland Collegiate Academy improved results from 25% of pupils achieving five good GCSEs in 1997 to 54% in 2008. The lessons learnt at all four schools can be applied to others across the world to provide an unprecedented collection of best practice and guidance.
Jim Knight MP, Minister of State for Schools and Learners commented: “Innovation is core to ensuring that the UK education system is positioned at the forefront of learning globally. By focusing on the journey made by each school through the eyes of teachers, pupils and parents, the Innovative Schools case studies are an extremely useful tool to excite and inform the education sector about what is possible while providing a forum for the discussion of best practise online. With resources like this, we hope that all schools will be able to incorporate IT effectively, building on the success of those that already do. The four schools being profiled by this programme should be very proud of these achievements and the fact that they will encourage others to follow their lead across the world.”
To ensure that the content and advice is easily accessible for schools and education systems worldwide, the case studies are broken into themed segments looking at eight key issues being faced in education today. These include: the Student Experience, Learning Outcomes, Parental Experience, School Administration, Use of ICT, the Local Government View, Change Management and an opportunity to look at future developments in ‘Where Next?’.
Schools featured in the ‘deep dive’ case studies are:
Shireland Collegiate Academy, Sandwell:
| • | Implemented the ‘Shireland Learning Gateway’ which brings the school to the community and opens up communication between parents, students and teachers to enable anytime, anywhere access to learning materials. Improved learning outcomes: In 1997 just 25% of pupils achieved five good GCSEs, in 2008 54% did. This is particularly impressive given that only 20% enter the school at the level expected of 11 year olds. |
New Line Learning Academies, Kent:
| • | The academies are non-traditional, designed with flexible learning spaces allowing teachers and students to work in a setting that encourages collaboration. Curriculum focuses around individual learning styles and project-based work with technology underpinning this new and exciting experience for teachers and students. Improved learning outcomes: Exclusions for poor behaviour are down 40%, attendance has dramatically improved, particularly for Year 7. |
Bowring Community College, Knowlsey:
| • | The proportion of underprivileged students is three times the national average and the number of students with special educational needs is above average. The school has achieved remarkable school improvement driven by innovation in curriculum and teaching practices which is underpinned by technology. Improved learning outcomes: Children’s performance at Bowring has risen every year since 2001 from 18% to 55% achieving five ‘good’ GCSE results. This places the school in the top 4% of the country. |
Broadclyst Community Primary School, Exeter:
| • | Includes a higher proportion of students with special educational needs and those who have been excluded from other schools; the school has now been rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted. Broadclyst is a school that has embraced technology and provides for its primary school students real anytime, anywhere learning and personalised learning. Improved learning outcomes: Many teachers have noticed a significant shift in children’s self-esteem, team spirit and, above all, sense of enjoyment and fun while at school. |
Steve Beswick, Director of Education, Microsoft said:
“The teachers and school leaders we speak to are often very excited about the possibilities of new technology to improve education and efficiency in schools but many find that there is a gap in practical advice about how to actually make these changes. By providing a platform for education communities to discuss exactly how they have transformed their schools, others should find it easier to replicate these changes. School students need to be using technology at school which allows them to be properly equipped for the world of work, and the four ‘Innovative Schools’ taking part in the deep dive case studies are a great example of how this can and does work.”
In addition to the video case studies, there are also extensive written reference documents. These incorporate full written case studies, how to use the In-depth case study tools and three planning guides for schools and government leaders looking to implement change. These include: An Envisioning Guide, to help agree a single model for change across multiple stakeholders and The Business Value Guide which is designed to help link investments to learning outcomes and benefits; and a Technology Guide to show the real benefit of effective technology investment to schools.
All resources are publicly available and can be found through the Innovative Schools website, and are part of Microsoft’s Partners in Learning (PiL) programme: www.microsoft.com/innovativeschools
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.
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