The Secondary National Strategy for school improvement is part
of the Government's major reform programme for transforming
secondary education. The aim is to have a dynamic and diverse
education system built on high expectations and a commitment to
meet the needs of every child, underpinned by a new teacher
professionalism. The New relationship with schools will
enable schools to focus on their priorities through sharper
self-evaluation, simplified data and information systems and a new
inspection regime.
Since its inception in 2000 the Key Stage 3 Strategy has had a
positive impact in many schools. Teachers have welcomed the
opportunities for professional development it has provided.
It has helped to improve the quality of provision by promoting a
range of teaching approaches and raising expectations of
pupils. The proportion of pupils achieving level 5 or above
in English and mathematics has risen steadily since the
introduction of the Key Stage 3 Strategy. There have also
been increases in science and ICT, although in 2004 science results
surprisingly fell.
The Secondary National Strategy will build on the successes of
the Key Stage 3 Strategy as the work is extended across the 11-16
age range. The Secondary National Strategy will help teachers
give careful attention to pupils' individual learning needs, set
challenging targets to them linked to high-quality assessment, and
offer tools to teachers to make the lessons pacy, challenging and
enjoyable. Its aim is that every young person will achieve
their full potential.
If the Secondary National Strategy is to be used by schools to
maximise benefits for pupils then it will need to be integrated
into the school improvement planning process. Rigorous
self-evaluation enables schools to identify their strengths and
weaknesses, identify key priorities and plan for action to bring
about improvement. The Secondary National Strategy is
designed to support this process. It offers choice as well as
challenge. Everything in the Secondary National Strategy is
capable of local tailoring and selection.
In 2005-06 four areas of work where the Secondary National
Strategy can make a significant contribution to school improvement
and raise standards have been identified. These
are:
- fostering local leadership;
- encouraging informed professionalism;
- promoting more effective use of data;
- promoting inclusion for high achievement.
Strategy Manager's
Meeting
Leading the Secondary
Strategy
National Strategy G&T
Plan
Overview
of CoTS v National Plans May 07
CoTS
May 07
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