Narrowing the achievement gap : what and how schools learn through involvement in the specialist schools achievement programme – Part 1

This report was commissioned by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) to find out how schools used the Specialist Schools Achievement Programme (SSAP) to narrow the gap between the academic attainment and wider achievements of students from disadvantaged and more advantaged backgrounds. The study was undertaken by gathering short case studies from 70 schools participating in the programme and identifying 6 schools that had made notable progress for in-depth case study

Taking boys seriously: a longitudinal study of adolescent male school-life experiences in Northern Ireland

This report presents the findings of a five year longitudinal study (2006-2011) carried out by The Centre for Young Men’s Studies at the University of Ulster and funded by the Department of Education and the Department of Justice. The research was initiated in response to concerns about boys’ educational underachievement and wider concerns about boys’ health and well-being. The study annually tracked the same 378 adolescent boys aged 11-16 across nine post-primary schools in Northern Ireland

Evaluating the impact of the rural dimension of specialism

Commissioned by the Specialist Schools and Academies TrustThe rural dimension is intended to offer the opportunity to schools to enhance and extend the curriculum. Its focus is the understanding of environmental issues and the countryside, and it is seen as relevant to all schools, including those in urban areas. The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) wishes to evaluate the extent to which the rural dimension is effective in raising standards. The aim of this study, commissioned by the SSAT, was to ascertain the extent to which the work schools undertake as part of their rural dimension has a demonstrable impact on achievement and attainment - in particular concerning: 1) attainment (pupil performance and school standards); 2) behaviour and attendance (on the part of pupils); 3) engagement (pupil interest and motivation, and raising aspirations among pupils and their families). The approach taken in the study is chiefly an interpretative and illuminative one with the aim of throwing light on how the rural dimension acts as an influence within the school context. Rather than looking for linear cause-and-effect, methodologically it was seen as more helpful to view organisations as complex processes of continual interaction in which any one initiative is the catalyst to multiple interpretations and reactions which generate further initiatives. Qualitative data are particularly helpful in throwing light on these processes. An exploratory case study approach was used, generating both qualitative and quantitative data in order to reflect the complexity of practice and experience in the rural dimension. Six case study schools were selected from rural dimension schools which expressed a wish to participate in the study. Criteria were used to maximise the variation in the sample used, although those with relatively large farms are over-represented. Each of the six case study schools was visited by one or more of the research team. Visits involved interviews, observation and perusal and collection of documentary data (including schools’ websites). This report also includes a selective literature review, highlighting some of the issues concerning research into specialisms and the value of education for sustainable development

Integrating cognitive contents in Physical Education classes: Effects on cognitive variables and emotional intelligence

The aim was to analyse the effect of a 4-week programme integrating cognitive contents in Physical Education (CogniPE) on cognitive performance (CP) and emotional intelligence (EI) of adolescents. A randomised controlled trial was conducted with a control group (CG, n=58), which performed physical exercises at low intensity (i.e., stretching or pilates), an experimental group 1, which performed small-sided games of team sports (EG1, n=62), and experimental group 2, which performed CogniPE (EG2, n=60). Intensity of exercises and scores were registered after each station to classify and motivate the teams. Selective attention and concentration increased by 11.9% and 9.2% in EG1, and by 18.2% and 14.4% in EG2, respectively, compared to CG. Mathematical calculation improved by 15.9% and 18.7% in EG1 and EG2, compared to CG. In EI, well-being improved by 10.9% in EG1, sociability improved by 12.8% in EG1 and 15.9% in EG2 compared to CG. It is concluded to use CogniPE in school context

The Educational Attainment of Looked After Children - Local Authority Pilot Projects : Final Research Report

The aim of the research was to identify interventions that appeared to make the most difference in terms of both the educational experience and outcomes of the looked after children and young people participating in the local authority pilot projects. Data on attendance, exclusions and attainment were collected for a population of more than 600 children and young people. The research also analysed qualitative data, based on interviews with project co-ordinators, professionals, children and young people, and their parents and carers