Critical Thinking for Achievement - the launch of the project

After teaching yesterday morning, I made the long journey through Fenland to Sheffield for the launch and first training session of the training group for a new project.
The GA has gained funding, along with the ASE (Association for Science Education) from the DfE through the TLIF.

Here's the details from the GA website page.

The Critical thinking for achievement project provides free CPD for primary and secondary teachers of geography and science, to strengthen teachers’ subject knowledge and build confidence and capability in curriculum planning and teaching.

Download a powerpoint summary of the project.

Key features

Key features include:

• free ‘plan-do-review’ CPD over one school term, available from autumn 2018
• a focus on knowledge application, critical use of data and construction of evidenced arguments
• an extension to core training on the use of data in geography and science, including geo-located and fieldwork data
• CPD tailored to local priorities, delivered through teacher networks
• support for teachers to apply techniques in their classroom
• raising standards in geography and science
• funded by the Department for Education Teaching and Leadership Innovation Fund (TLIF) and run by the Geographical Association in partnership with the Association for Science Education (ASE).

Joining the project

Eligible teachers are those working in schools:

• within one of the Government’s 12 Opportunity Areas and/or
• within one of the DfE’s Category 5 or 6 Local Area Districts and/or
• rated Ofsted grade 3 or grade 4.

Note – whilst Ofsted 3-4 schools are the main target of the TLIF fund, other schools within Opportunity Areas and Category 5 or 6 Local Area Districts may be eligible as part of a local network. Find out if you or your school might be eligible for this free CPD here.

Contact Julie Beattie (JBeattie@geography.org.uk) to register your interest in joining or to enquire about your eligibility.

Benefits of the programme

Teachers joining the programme receive free, local CPD from GA and/or ASE expert trainers, working alongside local network leaders. Each school chooses from a package of quality-assured GA and ASE teaching resources, saving planning time and helping to apply new techniques to the classroom.

The programme improves teacher capability by:

• building confidence in curriculum planning and critical pedagogies
• increasing subject knowledge around data, scientific and geographical concepts and language
• supporting effective teaching of reformed geography and science qualifications and curricula
• assisting efficient planning through use of practical tools and quality-assured curriculum plans and resources.

It introduces teaching techniques to help pupils:

• gain the geographical and scientific knowledge and skills needed for success in examinations and further study
• tackle complex issues more independently and construct evidenced argument through social and natural scientific investigation
• make adept use of data, use evidence critically
• appropriate challenge increases engagement with geography and science, generates interest in further study.

Follow this link to download a guide to Critical Thinking as a PDF (some good strategies and ideas for introducing critical thinking into your school

Follow the hashtag #CTforAchievement to find out more information, and ask for more details.

If you teach in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire, I am available to come into your school and do a training session, or series of sessions, and we will also look to host an event at my own school.
I wiill be working as an expert trainer within the East of England.