Primary

Teaching conditional spelling rules in the classroom: an intervention strategy for teaching the split digraph rules a-e/o-e

Aim: To explore the impact of computer presentations on motivation and learning in the classroom, to investigate whether it is best to teach related spelling rules within a given timeframe, or rules that differ from each other and to assess whether the learning of a related rule strengthens the knowledge of the first rule learned or whether it interferes with it.

How TASC (Thinking Actively in a Social Context) helped to ensure rapid school improvement

Aim: To raise expectations and the levels of achievement of all pupils; To lift the self-esteem and motivation of both staff and pupils; To actively involve parents and governors in school development; To give ownership and to develop pupils pride in their primary school; and To create a positive learning environment and a school culture which celebrates excellence throughout the whole school.

Whose voice is important in decision-making in the primary school?

Aim: This study set out to use action research to implement approaches aimed at increasing the participation of children and teachers in making decisions about their own learning. We intended to investigate the potential of these strategies to give greater responsibility, involvement and ownership to those in the classroom, and to explore the role of leadership.

Reservoirs of Hope as a metaphor for spiritual and moral leadership in headship, and why some headteachers leave headship early 'when reservoirs run dry'

Aim: The study aimed to: Describe the perceived spiritual and moral bases of headship in a range of heads; Explore the use of the metaphor of reservoirs of hope in describing the preservation of individual values and institutional self-belief against external pressures; Promote practitioner reflection on critical incidents when spiritual and moral leadership was tested; Codify heads individual strategies for sustainability, replenishment and development; and Analyse why some headteachers leave headship early due to the possible failure of their sustainability strategies when reservoirs of hope