This week I have been working with the Education Development Trust on their development of a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of school partnerships. The tool is in early stages and still needs a lot of refining to ensure it is slim line, useful and focused on outcomes. We, as guinea pigs had a play with the tool and clearly there is potential in using it to understand the commitment of a shared ambition, knowing our reality and impact; and creating the conditions where each school belongs and everyone thrives.

On Tuesday, we hosted a hub learning and market place event at Regent High School, where 60 teachers, head teachers and hub leaders came together to present and show case the learning from each hub (in a speed dating style) from this academic year. There was a buzz and energy in the room as colleagues were listening and learning from one another; also leaders considering their options for the following academic year, based on their own school priorities. Thank you to everyone who participated in the hub event, I appreciate it is a really busy time.

Following on from this, I am delighted to share with you our Camden Learning Hub brochure, outlining the range of hub activities for 2018/19. We had an overwhelming response from schools and groups of schools expressing an interest in delivering a hub for the new academic year. Furthermore, all of the hubs that ran a hub last year are continuing for the next cycle, building on their previous work, learning and achievements.

This year we are delighted to offer a total of 12 hubs for schools to join, extending the repertoire to include STEAM, an additional Post 16 offer and music. Eighty seven percent of Camden schools participated in at least one Learning Hub last year, with some schools participating in more. A small number of independent schools and secondary schools from outside Camden have also participated in the programme, providing an external view and adding to the richness of the dialogue and collective learning. When I have visited Learning Hubs in action, I have been impressed by the passion and energy of TeachMeets, the depth of knowledge exchange and the ingenuity and innovation that the collective hubs have provided, long may this continue. We now need to make absolutely sure they are generating impact on outcomes too.

We ask that you send in your choice of Hubs that you wish to join by 7th September at the latest, if you are able to send these preferences in before the end of the summer term, it would be preferable.

On a side note, if you wish to apply to join the STEAM hub next year, there is an additional application form to fill in. This can be acquired from Danielle Tobin, STEAM Programme Manager, (Danielle.Tobin@camden.gov.uk) the deadline for applications is 11th July.

Finally, I have been about and about this week visiting schools; I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the wonderful Fleet Primary where the Year 1 children presented their interpretation of Jack and the Beanstalk, also a flying visit to hidden gem of St Alban’s CE Primary-a true inner city school at the back of Holborn.

 

Jon Abbey

Managing Director, Camden Learning

Back

Recent Posts

  • 28/03/2024
    The forthcoming break gives an opportunity to catch up on some reading and I have…
  • 22/03/2024
    It sometimes strikes me as odd that there is even a question over whether there…
  • 15/03/2024
    Last week the FFT Education datalab extended their July 2022 data report showing the fall…

Archives