Trust Projects - Hucknall Notts Family Cluster

The AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust provides financial assistance to help improve the learning and teaching of science in the UK.

Seven primary, two junior and three infant schools are involved in this cluster which is located in an area blighted by the loss of coal mining and much of its textile trades.

Programme

The programme will be based around the Making Sense of Science material, especially the three strands of leadership, pedagogy and subject leaders. These reflect this cluster's priorities with respect to needs identified in school audits and the ensuing development plans. 

The Hucknall cluster agrees that science is its first priority after the literacy and numeracy thrusts. In-service training will be added to by local resources, LEA advisers, Nottingham Trent University and expertise in schools. The programme aims to:

• improve assessments via more open questioning and differentiation

• refine the QCA scheme of work incorporating the revised National Curriculum 2000 performance management portfolios

• allow teachers to gain Open University accreditation at Masters Level.

As outcomes, the cluster expects to raise the profile of science, improve subject matter knowledge, enhance the role of the science co-ordinator and enable pupils to enjoy science and improve their achievement.

Contact

Mr K Palmer, Headteacher, Hucknall National Junior School, Ashfield, Notts.