Session 3 Narrowing the Gap

Objectives Consider the gap in science for free school meals (FSM) pupils Compare the FSM gap to local and national Identify strategies to narrow the gap and accelerate progress for free school meals pupils 2

3 Key messages FSM pupils can be disadvantaged in a number of ways and are therefore susceptible to underachievement. The Ofsted framework highlights the need to identify significant differences in the underachievement of different groups of pupils. Science subject leaders and teachers therefore need to be aware of who the FSM pupils are and the need to plan support and intervention to ensure they achieve. Narrowing the Gaps in science is reliant on accelerating the progress of FSM pupils.

4 Narrowing the Gaps and Ofsted The quality of pupils’ learning and their progress Inspectors should evaluate: ‘how well pupils make progress relative to their starting points, using contextual value added or value added measures including whether there are any significant variation between groups of pupils (e.g. minority ethnic groups, groups with different prior attainment, gender groups, Gifted & Talented groups, pupils speaking English as an additional language), making clear whether there is any underachievement generally or amongst particular groups who could do better’ Ofsted, September 2009

LiesLies, Damned Lies and Statistics Consider reasons for the gaps; then explain these to a peer Describe any actions you have taken since the last subject leader meeting as a school or as a department to raise the awareness of ‘narrowing the gap’ Use your local knowledge, choose a school which is similar to yours, Check the data to see what similarities and differences there really are, what questions do you want to ask the school?

7 Strategies for success for schools, settings and local authorities (LAs) Know the gaps Identify gaps (FSM, G&T, SEN, BME, Gender) Understand the gaps Make gaps visible Promote use of data Build data confidence Celebrate gap-busting! Celebrate/promote gap-narrowing Capture and share ‘what works well’ Achieve successful Ofsted Narrow the gaps Deliver Quality First teaching Progression planning Intervention (e.g. 1:1 tuition, ECAR) Specialist pedagogy Work with parents and families Area-based initiatives/partnerships Mind the gaps Assessing Pupils’ Progress Regular tracking and review Challenge from SIPs/LAs Relentless focus on gap narrowing Aim for stretch targets

‘Know the gap’ Quantitative –Data activity –Using the data to set targets Qualitative –Pupil voice –Lesson observations –Teacher perceptions

‘Narrow the gap in science’ Curricular provision & planning Quality first teaching (Including Literacy & Behaviour for learning) Science pedagogy/ HSWs Intervention Work with parents, families & other adults STEM enrichment & enhancement

Narrow the gap in science Curricular provision & planning Quality first teaching (Including Literacy & Behaviour for learning) Science pedagogy/ HSWs Intervention Work with parents, families & other adults STEM enrichment & enhancement

Reflection and action points

Final Plenary Prioritise your action points Fill in your evaluation form

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