NACE research: making space for able learners
There is a paucity of research-based evidence on which to build effective provision for the most able learners, who are often overlooked and underserved. In this context, NACE launched the “making space for able learners” project in 2018 – seeking
to review, extend and disseminate evidence-based practice for highly effective more able provision.
PHASE 1 Making space for able learners
Cognitive challenge: principles into practice
The first phase of the project focused on approaches to “cognitive challenge”, drawing on relevant education research and pedagogical frameworks, alongside examples of effective practice at schools holding the NACE Challenge Award. This resulted in a publication which sets out key principles for schools seeking to ensure all young people have access to high-quality, cognitively challenging learning experiences.
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PHASE 2 Making space for able learners
Cognitively challenging learning: rethinking assessment
The second phase of the project focused on effective approaches to assessment, as a key component of high-quality, cognitively challenging provision. The resulting publication combines an overview of the relevant research in this field with case studies from NACE member schools, seeking to arm school leaders and practitioners with the tools to transform assessment into an integral part of cognitively challenging learning for all.
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PHASE 3 - now underway Making space for able learners Cognitively challenging learning:
supporting learners who encounter disadvantage
The third phase of the project is focusing on how schools can best support more able learners who experience disadvantage in any of its many forms. This phase aims to identify and share the successes of trailblazing schools which have found ways to break down a range of barriers to achievement. Participating schools will have opportunities to celebrate successes and gain ideas to address remaining challenges, helping to drive positive change for young people.
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Purchase the publications
Copies of Phase 1 and 2 publications can be purchased for your school CPD library (£13 each including delivery within the UK / £17 outside the UK), or you can purchase both books together for a bundle price of £22 (£30 outside the UK).
Copies of Stage 1 and Stage 2 publications can be purchased for your school CPD library (£13 each incl. delivery within the UK / £17 outside the UK), or you can purchase both books together for a reduced price of £22 (£30 outside the UK).
And don’t forget – NACE members can download our Rethinking Assessment publication for free!
Place an order
Get involved...
Is your school providing well for learners who experience any form of disadvantage? Have you found effective ways to break down barriers to achievement so that all young people can flourish? What challenges are you still seeking to address?
Join the current phase of the “making space” project to share your experiences and be part of this important piece of research.
Why participate?
- Share and celebrate what’s working well in your school
- Identify challenges yet to be addressed and learn from others
- Expert 1-2-1 support for ongoing research and development in your school
- Professional learning across a diverse community
- Help to drive positive change for young people
You may have a high number of learners with pupil premium funding, English as an additional language, or with cognitive or learning diversity. There may be other factors which are putting the young people you serve at risk of underachievement
and reducing their future educational, economic and social mobility – a failure for individuals, and for our wider society which is missing out on unfulfilled potential.
Whatever your context, we want to hear from you. The more input we receive, the better and more impactful our research will be. None of us have all the answers but, as a group, we can make a positive difference to the lives of young people.
Contact us with any questions, or complete one of the documents below and send your contributions to AnnMcCarthy@nace.co.uk.
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