Specialist Schools: a model for NI

The Context Entitled to Succeed Revised Curriculum Revised Curriculum Entitlement Framework Entitlement Framework Wider choice of schools Wider choice of schools Pupil Profile Pupil Profile

The Specialist School Concept Whole school improvement Whole school improvement Identifies and builds on existing strength Identifies and builds on existing strength Broad curriculum not focused on specialism Broad curriculum not focused on specialism Develops links with other schools and local community Develops links with other schools and local community

What makes it work? It is not the particular specialism that makes the difference - it is the process of identifying and building on the school’s existing strength. It is not the particular specialism that makes the difference - it is the process of identifying and building on the school’s existing strength.

How does specialism build school improvement ? Creates a framework for self review Creates a framework for self review Ensures developments in the specialist area are used to benefit other curriculum areas Ensures developments in the specialist area are used to benefit other curriculum areas Enhances a sense of purpose and direction within the school and in relationship with other schools and the community Enhances a sense of purpose and direction within the school and in relationship with other schools and the community Creates a supportive network of schools Creates a supportive network of schools

Specialist Schools: the experience in England Research evidence shows: Improved pupil and teacher motivation Improved pupil and teacher motivation Improved pupil performance Improved pupil performance Rise in perceived status Rise in perceived status

David Bell, HMI Chief Inspector of Schools “Being a specialist school makes a difference. Working to declared targets, dynamic leadership, a renewed sense of purpose, targeted use of funding and being a contributor to an optimistic network of like minded schools, all contribute to a climate for improvement and drive forward change.” “Being a specialist school makes a difference. Working to declared targets, dynamic leadership, a renewed sense of purpose, targeted use of funding and being a contributor to an optimistic network of like minded schools, all contribute to a climate for improvement and drive forward change.”

Objectives of the NI Specialist School Model To raise standards and improve performance for all young people. To raise standards and improve performance for all young people. To promote school/school and school/FE co-operation and collaboration. To promote school/school and school/FE co-operation and collaboration. To increase the range of school choices. To increase the range of school choices.

The application process A 4 year school development plan A 4 year school development plan A 4 year community development plan A 4 year community development plan Sponsorship Sponsorship Year 1 Support Grant Year 1 Support Grant

What will schools get? Four years designation as a specialist school Four years designation as a specialist school £100 per pupil recurrent funding £100 per pupil recurrent funding £100k support grant in the first year £100k support grant in the first year £25k Private Sponsorship £25k Private Sponsorship

Tailoring specialist schools to the local context Pilot cohorts will start small Pilot cohorts will start small Lessons learned will affect roll-out Lessons learned will affect roll-out Ongoing, organic process Ongoing, organic process

Specialist Schools Pilot Year 1  Angela Smith announced NI’s first Specialist Schools on 14 March 2006  Following a 2-stage process and based on the advice of an independent panel, 12 schools were selected to operate as specialists from Sept 06

Year 1 Pilot Schools Limavady High School:Arts-Performing Limavady High School:Arts-Performing Glengormley High School: ICT Glengormley High School: ICT Belfast Model for Girls: ICT Belfast Model for Girls: ICT Ashfield Girls High: ICT Ashfield Girls High: ICT St Louise’s College: Arts-Performing St Louise’s College: Arts-Performing St John’s High School: B&E St John’s High School: B&E St Mary's College: Science St Mary's College: Science St Cecilia’s College: Arts-Performing St Cecilia’s College: Arts-Performing Shimna I C: Languages Shimna I C: Languages St Malachy’s: Music St Malachy’s: Music Lumen Christi College: Science Lumen Christi College: Science Ballyclare High: ICT Ballyclare High: ICT

Year 2: Objectives  Core objectives of the Pilot have been enhanced to include an additional objective that will ensure schools are taking steps to implement the “Learning for Life and Work” element of the revised curriculum.  The application process has been modified to establish a more explicit link to e2s aims and objectives.

Year 2: Cohort 2 Application Process The application round for the second year of the pilot was announced to schools on 30 November. Successful schools will be designated as specialist schools from September 2007 The application round for the second year of the pilot was announced to schools on 30 November. Successful schools will be designated as specialist schools from September 2007  Between 15 and 20 schools will be designated from September 07

Changes to the Application Process for Cohort 2 All qualifying schools will be allowed to submit a full application All qualifying schools will be allowed to submit a full application Joint applications will also be considered Joint applications will also be considered

Changes to the Specialisms  ICT no longer a stand alone specialism for year 2; ICT is developed in all of the specialisms  Engineering has been removed  Flexible definition remains

Changes to the School and Community Development Plans Equal emphasis has been placed on the School Development Plan and Community Development Plan Equal emphasis has been placed on the School Development Plan and Community Development Plan Further encourage schools to develop and set targets for their work with other schools, FE and the local community Further encourage schools to develop and set targets for their work with other schools, FE and the local community

Timeframe for Cohort 2 30 November 2006 Year 2 Application round announced Dec 2006/Jan 2007 RTU information seminars 30 March 2007 Application closing date April 2007 Assessment of applications May 2007 Successful schools announced

Specialist Schools – NI model Q&A