Centre for the Use of Research & Evidence in Education (CUREE)

Effectively supporting students' transition into AS level study

Aim: The aims of this project were twofold; Ensure teachers in an 11-16 school understand the transition to AS Level from students perspectives in order to support the process and reduce drop out rates ; and Develop students from an 11-16 secondary settings understanding of skills, attitude and level of independence required for success at AS Level study.

Improving written vocabulary through paired spelling

Aim: To investigate paired spelling as a means of improving written vocabulary.

The Effectiveness of Teachers' Use of Non-literal Language in the Classroom

Aim: To raise teachers awareness of their use of non-literal language such as simile, metaphor and idiom, and to develop their ability to ensure pupils understanding of it.

Transition and beyond: Moving forward together

Aim: The aims of this project were to explore issues about KS1 to KS2 transition, to develop a more integrated approach to transition and to create greater consistency among staff in the Key Stages of each side of transition in relation to judgements about pupils attainment at the end of Key Stage 1.

Using Thinking Tools to enhance childrens ability to think and improve national test results

Aim: To discover the extent to which selected thinking tools could enhance childrens ability to think from a viewpoint other than their own and thus help improve their optional Year 4 reading and writing national test scores.

Identifying the attributes of effective Initial Teacher Training (ITT) mentors

Aim: To identify the attributes, qualities and behaviours of highly effective mentors, to identify training implications for mentors and to compare a School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) based course with a university based course (as part of a Sports College consortium project).

Moving towards a more innovative and creative curriculum

Aim: To develop a more creative curriculum in foundation subjects and Science across Key Stage 1 and 2, to create a more personalised curriculum incorporating key life skills that could transfer into life long learning skills and to improve the use of the local area and increase out of classroom learning experiences.

History Mysteries: History, Literacy and ICT at Key Stages 1 and 2

Aim: The aim of this project was to investigate whether effective reading by children and enactment of the stories would improve and sustain childrens writing and their learning of history.This action research project involved a mixed ability Year 4 class of 28 children. The research was in two phases. In the second phase, the year 4 children worked with all the children in year 2. The class teacher, who was the history coordinator, was supported by a teaching assistant and other staff in the school. Parents joined in with some of the activities.

Using role-play to improve nursery children's language

Aim: To find the best ways of using role-play to improve nursery childrens language.

Promoting students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through specific teaching and learning strategies across the curriculum

Aim: To identify teaching and learning strategies within the whole curriculum which promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils.