A Cumbrian school has been recognised as a national leader for its innovative teaching methods.
Kirkbampton CofE Primary School was awarded funds to test a two-year Embedding Formative Assessment programme, which aims to encourage, involve and inspire students.
This programme is funded by the Western Excellence in Learning and Leadership (WELL) project.
The WELL project is committed to improving educational results for young individuals across West Cumbria, and is funded by Sellafield Ltd through its Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) programme and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Based on extensive research lasting more than two decades by Professor Dylan Wiliam, this programme introduces a variety of simple yet effective techniques.
These methods aim to encourage pupils take more responsibility for their learning.
The underlying ethos is that feedback is about improving the learner, not the work.
One example is the ‘hands down’ approach which encourages less confident students to speak out and be more involved.
The school also encourages pupils to come up with their questions and answers, participate in quizzes, and write up summaries.
Teachers are encouraged to show examples of good work, reminding pupils that it isn't about the length of the work or the neatness of handwriting that matters.
They are also asked to consider how their comments might be perceived by the students.
The school implemented 'conference marking', where pupils can discuss a piece of work in small groups or one-on-one.
Another addition is ‘Whole Class Feedback’, a regular fixture at the school alongside peer marking, while recorded audio clips and photos are shared at governor meetings.
Research involving 140 schools by the Education Endowment Foundation has revealed that this teaching approach is particularly beneficial to disadvantaged pupils belonging to the lowest third for prior attainment, as it helps boost self-esteem and raises future aspirations.
Andrea Armstrong, headteacher at the school, said: "To put it simply, a happy, interested, encouraged and engaged pupil will learn more efficiently and achieve more.
"This programme has given us valuable insights into how pupils learn, helping us to better identify areas for improvement and adapt our teaching strategies to meet individual needs, ultimately enhancing pupil achievement and engagement."
Class teacher Andrew Reed was instrumental in deploying this initiative within the school and has now been asked to mentor other schools and help train teachers across the country.
Mr Reed said: "Bringing teachers together to share ideas and best practice is at the heart of this programme.
"It’s so important that we get the chance to learn from each other and reflect on what works - and what doesn’t."
Dale Hill, director of WELL, said: "Kirkbampton is a rural school with a powerful voice as one of our ambassador schools setting a shining example to others nationwide.
"Staff and pupils have gone above and beyond in fulfilling our objectives and their work is inspiring.
"WELL is very proud to have supported the school, proud of what has been achieved by them and delighted to have such an asset within the WELL project."
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