Research at Shenfield High School
As part of our training school commitment we support teachers in conducting research as part of Masters Degrees or PhD Research.  Expertise developed then feeds back into whole school improvement initiatives and a CPD programme focussing on the expertise developed, research into assessment for learning, the impact of group work on Science learning, thinking skills, starters and plenaries, different learning styles of boys and girls and the teacher as the leading learner have all impacted upon staff development programmes and whole school improvement initiatives

ALEX REES  

Alex Rees is the IT Project Manager at Shenfield High School currently developing the schools e-learning agenda. 

When not in a classroom he acts as a freelance IT and Education Consultant and in this capacity has written data management solutions for high performing schools. 

Click here to read more about the OU Masters Study undertaken
   
GRANT KING - Investigation into Performance Management in Schools and its impact on Indivdiual and School Performance  

Undertaking an MA in Education run by Greenwich University in partnership with Essex LEA.
Click here to read more

 
   
MIKKI BURNS - What factors influence girls’ uptake of KS4 ICT at Shenfield High School?  

The inquiry will be undertaken with the perspective of a causal puzzle i.e. attempting to determine factors and the influence they have in the girls’ ultimate GCSE option course choice.
Click here to read introduction

Additonal article co-authored with NORBERT PACHLER (Institute of Education, University of London, United Kingdom)

This article offers an insight into the professional development and learning of an experienced teacher and middle manager in a secondary school stimulated by engaging in an innovative, mixed-mode Master’s-level course at the Institute of Education, University of London.
Click here for abstract

current online questionnaire for Year 9 girls

  
   
MARC FEELEY - Assessing the impact of the Foundation Subjects Strategy in Geography  

Completed research:Case study on the impact(s) of group work on quality of learning and the development of a positive learning environment in a series of Key Stage Three geography lessons. Click here for full document

  
   
EMMA OLIVER  

Studying for an NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants. undertaking research into the behaviour of children linked to friendships, peer pressure, parental disagreement or general teenage development issues.  Click here to read more

  
   
LESLEY HOLLINGSWORTH  

Pastoral based research entitled ‘The Effectiveness of External Rewards and Sanctions on Pupil Motivation’ .

Click here to read study

 
   
JILLIAN POVALL  

Impact of group size on learning in Science - working in two's or as a three ensures adequate apparatus for each group.  There would not be sufficient apparatus for pupils to work alone.  If pupils were to work in a group of four, safety would be compromised as pupils would, for example, be crowding around a bunsen burner.  Observing pupils working in dyads and triads has often led me to consider where there are differences when working in dyads and triads - if there are differences this could have important implications for learning in my classroom.

Click here to read more

 
   
JENNY SAPWELL  
As part of a Masters, research exploring different aspects of management via reading and practical assignment. Some work completed includes:
  • Research into KS3 target tracking
  • School/parent partnership using a review of the KS4 Continuous
  • Monitoring procedure

Current considerations are strategic management specifically the mentoring and induction of new staff.

  


 
NIC SAXTON
The research focuses on Key Stage 2 to 3 transfer in Modern Foreign Languages and will investigate if studying a modern foreign language at Key Stage 2 has an effect on achievement in year 7 and if those with no KS2 experience are disadvantaged. Data gathered will inform schemes of work.