Current programme
The Schools Network is in its first year. The dates and topics for the 2009/10 programme are as follows.
Tuesday 3 November 2009
Condition matters - foundation and principles of the network
Including • learning environments, condition matters, research programme and way forward
for the network • advantages of joining the network • engaging users in developing the brief for better design • facilitated discussion on school environments, condition and design • what members want the network to focus on as it develops.
Thursday 9 September 2010
The centre's annual conference - embracing change in times of uncertainty
Tuesday 9 November 2010
End of year feedback
Feedback from the research project and the next steps.
Research project - pupil quality indicator
This research project seeks pupils' opinions on the condition of their school buildings and environment, and how they believe they impact on their learning and school experience.
Members of the network will be able to nominate the schools within their control that they would like to participate in this project. An online questionnaire will be made available to all pupils to complete within the chosen schools.
There is growing evidence that the design and condition of school buildings affect the level of educational attainment, but there is no definitive study into measuring this. Through the network we aim to build up a body of evidence comparing pupil opinion on 51 factors. This will be supported by qualitative data relating to the condition of the school building which can then be compared with national performance measures and league tables.
The network will deliver its research on an annual basis. Each year members can choose whether to submit data on the same schools to get a comparison over time or record changes in pupil opinion as changes are made at the school, or to submit data on a different group of schools each year.
A pilot project has already been completed to develop the methodology and survey instrument for this project. You can download a copy of this report from the Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive.
Please contact us for further information.
