Stories from Accelerator: West Midlands

February 28, 2022

Applications for the Accelerator are now open. Find out more and apply here, and read on for some great stories from the programme...

‍

‍Our work in West Midlands

Over the last few years, there’s been some brilliant progress happening in schools and colleges in the West Midlands, where we work with more than 50 Primaries, Secondaries, Special Schools and Colleges.

High quality programmes that provide opportunities to boost students’ essential skills are recognised by Skills Builder Awards. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards are given to those modelling best practice in essential skills education by embedding our six principles:

In 2021, 302 schools and colleges achieved an Award across the UK. 90 of these chose to submit a Case Study. You can explore the full Case Study Showcase here, but here are just a few highlights…

Harvills Hawthorn Primary School is a two form entry primary school near West Bromwich in the heart of the Black Country. Harvills has been recognised as an outstanding school twice in 2010 and 2013.

“We joined the Skills Builder Partnership to add to this expansive curriculum and to ensure that the children learn lifelong skills that will help them be ready for the next stage of their lives and ultimately go on to be the very best that they can be. Teachers have commented on how explicitly teaching skills such as listening and teamwork, has benefited their lessons across the curriculum. From pupil voice, it is clear that the children enjoy the lessons. Children expressed that they especially enjoy working collaboratively following learning about teamwork and leadership as the whole team is more aware of their effect on the team's progress towards the overall goal.

"One highlight, in particular, was following the Year 5 virtual visit. One of the children commented that they had never thought they would be able to work in a "posh" office because they didn't want to go to college. Learning that they could do an apprenticeship to get on the professional career ladder really inspired them. This inspiration has had a lasting impact. As that child's teacher, I can state I have seen a marked improvement in the child's drive and determination to improve their learning in all areas.”

St Paul's C of E Primary School is a 1.5 form entry school in the heart of Goms Mill, Stoke-on-Trent.

“The most impactful use of Skills Builder was evident when the resources were used to deliver sessions to the Young Carers at the school. In an attempt to reduce teacher workload, Skills Builder staff meetings were introduced as part of the Continual Professional Development timetable. This provided staff with time to assess their learners against the framework, to revisit the training area on the Hub, and to plan activities to teach the next steps. The children value the skills and recognise them as a valuable part of their education. Staff reported an improvement in behaviour and attitudes towards learning."

Queensbury School are a special school for students with Specific Learning Disability, Moderate Learning Difficulties, Social, Educational and Mental Health and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“We really wanted to take part in Skills Builder to develop our skills centred approach and to embed the language of skills with our students. It has been really useful in providing a summative framework of where students are with their skills. We have started to formally follow skills builder with our 6th formers but teachers have used the language across their planning and have referenced the skills in lessons across the board. We have used both the universal and expanded frameworks and these together with the Skill Passports have been vital in supporting the students in understanding the steps involved in mastering the different skills.”

‍

About Accelerator

Skills Builder Accelerator is our flagship programme for schools and colleges. We work together with you to develop and implement a complete strategy for teaching essential skills in your institution, including training, support, tools, and resources, resulting in real impact for your students.

Interested? Find out more here, where you can download our prospectus. You can also check your eligibility to apply for a funded programme place here.

Programme places are limited and will be allocated in three rounds.