Use of Science Labs and CPD

We have been working with Torlands Academy to enhance their provision of the science GCSE curriculum. A number of their pupils, who are not currently in mainstream education, have been working with their teachers in our science laboratories in order to complete the required practical elements of their science GCSE.

With the aim of developing our knowledge of supporting pupils with complex medical and/or health needs, we have CPD sessions planned led by staff at Torlands Academy. Through these sessions our staff will be able to benefit from the wealth of experience Torlands Academy staff possess in this area, and colleagues from both schools will have the opportunity to share and develop good practice.

Aims

The aim of this partnership is to work collaboratively with Torlands Academy to ensure pupils with complex medical and/or mental health needs have the same opportunities to pursue their education as their peers. The need of the additional science lab space was initially identified, but this has provided opportunity for wider collaboration in the form of CPD sessions. The critical factors for success is that the pupils of Torlands Academy are able to complete their science GCSE without the practical element being compromised. Therefore, the immediate beneficiaries are the pupils, but there is also a wider benefit to all staff involved due to the CPD opportunities.

Background

The assistant head at Torlands Academy approached us with the idea in January 2022 and we have been collaborating with the school since the summer of 2022.

Resources

Our deputy head (academic), director of science and science technicians have worked on this project, with several of our science labs being utilised. We ensure pupils have all the equipment they require. The science practicals usually take place within an afternoon.

Impact

We hope that in due course this partnership will lead to improved exam results for pupils at Torlands Academy. We also hope that as a result of CPD sessions, colleagues will grow in confidence when working with pupils who have more complex needs.

Pupil Involvement

Our pupils are not currently involved but there could be scope to involve sixth form pupils in the future. The pupils involved are of GCSE age and mixed gender.

Frequency

This is an ongoing partnership with termly visits currently arranged, with a view to increasing this where possible and beneficial to pupils. It is hoped that this partnership will continue indefinitely.