The Stopford Partnership
As a school, we recognise that learners need access to use a wide range of expertise if they are to learn most effectively. The Stopford Partnership is one way in which we develop capacity for teaching and learning.
The Stopford Partnership is a group of local, national and international businesses which have made a commitment to support us in our endeavour to provide high quality teaching and learning. Their inputs are invaluable, providing us with opportunities to build unique learning packages for our school. This has made a significant difference in the classroom, both to students and to teachers in their learning too. In return, companies value the opportunities school gives to their employees, enabling them to develop their professionalism and extend their capacity by working in a new context.
Activities
Learning for Teachers
- Opportunities to visit industry to update their professional skills
- Providing leadership training
- Peer dialogue, where colleagues from industry and school get together to discuss specific projects
- Problem solving – planning vocational contexts into new curriculum areas
- Curriculum co-construction – building discrete areas of the curriculum together
Learning for Students
- Work related learning – contributing to enterprise days, careers carousels and judging competitions
- Providing opportunities for students to visit the workplace and expand their knowledge
- Expert visitors from industry delivering subject lessons
- Case studies
- Work shadowing
Logistics Case Study
Four years ago, we became aware of the significance of the Logistics industry to both the national and local economies. We researched possible links with the industry, and made a partnership with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK. As a result, we have developed their Level Two qualification for delivery in schools, and six schools locally are now offering the qualification.
Because there are no trained teachers in this area, we have benefitted enormously from the expertise of many in the Logistics industry. DHL, Wincanton and Morrisons, for example, have made regular commitments to work with the school and to develop the curriculum, making regular inputs at school and hosting visits to a variety of work bases.
Students have achieved highly in the Level 2 course: as a result, they have been able to enter the job market ahead of their peers, with a professional qualification for the industry before starting work in this sector.
Contacts
We are always willing to encourage more companies to join our partnership. For more information, contact our Business Manager, Liana Blake:
Mr. Matthew Turner and Mr. Ron Whittaker are governors who link with the Stopford Partnership