Achievement Networks (AN)

The Trust's Achievement Networks directorate has responsibility for supporting schools in ‘Raising Achievement and Transforming Learning’ (RATL). Its approach is ‘by schools for schools’. The directorate seeks to develop effective networks of schools that work together to raise achievement and transform learning and aims to foster a can-do culture, providing a context where schools can come together to explore, develop and implement ideas. 

Achievement Networks is currently working with over 500 schools nationally providing support and inspiration for raising achievement and transforming learning.

Focus areas include:

• E-learning and virtual learning - using ICT to aid communication with and support of students
• Wide-ranging revision and study strategies including developing the use of study leave time
• Confidence and competence in data use including value added data
• ‘Stage rather than age’ assessment including early entry and vertical curricula rather than conventional year based curricula
• 14-19 curriculum developments
• Assessment for learning and learning to learn programmes
• Developing the specialisms of teachers and other staff outside conventional subjects including mentoring and coaching
• Provision for gifted and talented students
• Other focus areas including boys’ achievement and ethnic minority achievement
• Workforce remodelling to raise achievement

Other development areas include self-review strategies and wider development and research projects. Achievement Networks also actively supports other Trust initiatives including leadership programmes, personalising learning and work in the specialisms, vocational courses and iNet, the Trust international network. 

Achievement Networks is supported by Professor David Jesson and his work on value-added and Professor David Hargreaves and his work on developing effective networks and personalising learning.