Attainment and Inclusion: We Can If...

Description

Three years ago, headteacher Maggie Buttress put Highlands Primary School in Redbridge through a radical programme of change, to bridge the attainment gap and broach issues of inclusion. Working with professor Barbara McGilchrist at the Institute of Education, they decided to shift the focus of their work from teaching to learning and the results have been incredible.

Says Buttress: "There was a growing culture of "not doing" things, of putdowns from other children and of not contributing in class. We've turned that around, telling them to have a go, creating a more open and supportive culture, trying to include everyone and teaching them, 'we can if...'"

For Professor McGilchrist, the changes have prompted a revelation. "This is truly exciting. The children are enthusiastic, working together wonderfully, supporting each other in their learning. Having gone for an inclusive agenda, we asked ourselves: have we made a difference? The answer is yes." This programme tells that story.

Part of the series: Primary Management