Project Summary
Raising Standards through Development Awareness (RSDA) was an action research project, funded by the Department for International Development, which aimed to provide evidence of the educational benefits of a global dimension in the formal school setting. By working with 4 schools across the Teesside area to embed an ethos of global thinking the project looks at the impact of this work upon academic standards and levels of achievement in education.
The project worked with St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Ormesby Secondary School, Viewley Hill Primary School and King Edwin’s School for children with behavioural difficulties.
Project Inputs – What We Did With Schools
Each of the 4 project schools was offered a range of support to begin introducing a global dimension to their curriculum and everyday practices.
These included:
· Continual professional development sessions tailored for each school
· Model classroom workshops
· Assistance with medium & long-term planning
· £400 of resources
· Resource advice and audits
· Curriculum auditing
· Support for global school partnerships
· Links to other organisations offering support and partnership
· Availability of project officer for on-going support and advice
· Meetings with school governors
Project Outcomes – External Evaluation Findings
· Expectations of the benefits of the project to the school community had been exceeded.
· The work was seen to have added value to curriculum work.
· Ongoing reporting to staff and governing bodies was praised.
· Development education resources and advice relating to resource use have been embraced by the schools.
· The project has made a positive impact on children in all schools in terms of attainment, evidenced in greater knowledge and understanding of world issues, personal growth through development of more positive attitudes and moral values.
· The project has helped to give a clearer focus and direction to the curriculum and to provide a coherent framework for the various initiatives in which the school is involved. The result is greater curriculum breadth, balance and enrichment.
· Global school partnerships have been effective in engaging staff throughout the school.
· Learning has led children and young people to share ideas and knowledge with their parents and members of their communities.
Project Learning
As a result of the learning gained by the process, practices and outcomes of the Raising Standards through Development project funding from Oxfam was gained for a one year action research project Moving On!
Click here to find out about more about Moving On!
Click here to download a summary and evaluation of the Raising Standards through Development Awareness Project.
To see examples of activity in the schools during the project follow the links below:
Ormesby School Gallery
Viewley Hill Primary School Gallery
King Edwin School Gallery
St Peter’s C of E Primary School Gallery
Project Conference Gallery
