Policy Observatory Project: Reducing the Impact of Poverty on Educational Achievement

The Policy Observatory Contribute towards the development of a robust body of evidence that can be used by schools, the regional education consortia and Welsh Government to reduce the impact of poverty on educational attainment. 4 Regional Education Consortia and WCVA working in partnership with WCEE. Welsh Government funded project.

Methodology Case studies of effective practice based on current success in Wales. Development of a trialling methodology to test proven and promising interventions within a Welsh context.

The Case Studies 12 rich case studies covering primary, secondary, special schools, and community settings across Wales. Case studies were selected based on analysis of contextual and performance data over 5 years. The data analysis identified ‘outliers’ in terms of: – Performance of FSM pupils at each key stage (CSI or Level 2+) – The gap between FSM and non-FSM pupils

Case Study Themes Leadership by senior leaders, middle leaders or School Governors, including workforce development. Teaching approaches including feedback to pupils, developing thinking skills and peer-to-peer learning. The use of data to identify pupils who are falling behind and who are then supported by appropriate interventions. Engagement of parents and families.

St Mark’s Church in Wales V.A. Primary School, Pembrokeshire Developing programmes and activities that promote wellbeing – Use of PASS wellbeing diagnostic tool Developing the self-confidence, self-esteem, self-efficacy – Pyramid Club Involving parents in developing their own education as a way of supporting their children – Springboard, Learning Pembrokeshire Family Learning Project Individual underachieving pupils (especially in English and Mathematics) were identified using robust data sources – St Mark’s Improving Literacy and Emotional Wellbeing (SMILE)

Bishop Gore School, Swansea Using a range of data to provide pupils with an aspirational global grade which is regularly monitored in order to improve pupil performance. Providing additional support for vulnerable and low achieving pupils. Innovative approaches to learning and teaching supported by staff professional development. A skills-based curriculum in Key Stage 3 which builds upon primary school practice. Extensive extra-curricular activities.

Ely Caerau Federation Schools Community Partnership, Cardiff Partnership brings together all the Head Teachers (6 primary, 2 secondary) and Partner Agencies, led by the Schools and Community Learning Co-ordinator. Staff have co-designed an innovative programme that supports the Communities First Learning Communities theme to engage with parents, carers, pupils and families, e.g: – Learning showcase event – Year 7 Parent/Pupil Workshops – ‘Super Start’ – Developing Post 16 and Adult Learning Opportunities