The Great schools Inquiry and Commission is an independent investigation that aims to explore the relationship between the school environment and education achievement and outcomes for young people. By identifying best practice, an emerging evidence and capturing the views of key stakeholders, we aim to shape the future direction of policy on schools and capital investment across the UK.
Launched in April 2009, this landmark piece of work has heard from hundreds of people across the country involved in schools capital investment from across all sectors and industries.
After expert groups and sessions in Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Bath the Commission is now taking evidence at the House of Lords.
'We know so much about what makes great teaching and learning and the vital role that parents play in supporting and enriching young people's learning and instilling in them a passion for learning. But what of the role of the 'third teacher' - the learning environment and buildings that play such a vital role in supporting hardworking staff in schools, welcoming the community into the learning process and as they are planned, designed, built and occupied, as a tool for learning themselves.'
Baroness Morris of Yardley, Chair of the Great Schools Commisssion.
Who's Who on the Commission?
Baroness Morris of Yardley (Chair)
Dr Anthony Seldon, Master, Wellington College
Barbara Spicer, Chief Executive, Salford City Council
Dominic Wall, Headteacher, Haycliffe Special School, Bradford
Graham Stuart, Conservative MP and Member of the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee
Laura Brodie, Headteacher, Allens Croft Children's Centre, Birmingham
Martin Johnson, Deputy General Secretary, ATL
Councillor Norma Redfearn, North Tyneside Council
Simon Brindle, Head of Funding, Student Finance and Capital Programmes, Welsh Assembly Government
Steve Morrisson, Headteacher, Kingsdale Foundation School, London
Professor Sir Tim Brighouse, former London Schools Commissioner
House of Lords Evidence Sessions includes:
2 NOVEMBER 2009
The evidence base
Dr Peter Rudd, Principal Researcher, NFER
Dr Karl Wall, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Education
Dr Pam Woolner, Lecturer, University of Newcastle
1 DECEMBER 2009
Part 1: Great school environments -- headteacher and school leaders perspective
- Professor David Woods CBE, Chief Adviser for London Schools & Principal National Challenge Adviser, DCSF
- Sue John, Headteacher, Lampton School, Hounslow and Director, London Leadership Strategy
- Rachel Macfarlane, Headteacher, Walthamstow Girls School and Director, Going for Great programme
- Sir Michael Wilshaw, Principal, Mossbourne Academy and Director of Education, ARK Academies
- Sir Bruce Liddington, Director General, Edutrust Academies Charitable Trust
Part 2: Great school environments -- future leader and provider's perspective 3.30pm-4.30pm
- Heath Monk, CEO, Future Leaders
- Barbara Isaacs, Academic Director, Montessori Centre International
- Salil Bhate, Vice Chair, English Secondary Students Association (ESSA) National Council
- Jessie Seal, Student Support Officer, ESSA
7 DECEMBER 2009
Part 1: Technology, school environments and improved outcomes for children and young people
Technology
- Doug Brown, Expert Consultant, BECTA
- Graham Brown Martin, Director, Learning without Frontiers & Handheld Learning
- Steve Gater, Headteacher, Walker Technology College
Early years, teachers and young people
- Dr Margy Whalley, Pen Green Early Years Leadership Centre
- John Bateman OBE, Chief Executive, UK Youth
- Julian Stanley, Chief Executive, Teacher Support Network
Part 2: School environments, improved outcomes and capital programmes -- where next?
- Tim Byles CBE, Chief Executive Partnerships for Schools
- Damian Allen, Executive Director of Children and Family Services, Knowsley Council
Members Final Evidence Session - 2pm, 25th January 2010. More details to follow soon. To book a place email georgina@bcse.uk.net