The above research project was carried out by Chris Brown, Head of Science, St Anne's Catholic School and Sixth Form College as part of the Southampton Aspiring Senior Leadership Programme. Chris notes, 'The Programme afforded me excellent opportunities and rare insights into the workings of senior leadership teams in two different contexts.'
The initial premise of the project was to investigate best practice strategies for establishing successful and effective sixth form learner behaviour and ethos. The research was largely qualitative in nature and information was gathered through observation, discussion and interview. Carried out in two very different sixth forms in Southampton, differing widely in terms of size, ethos and cohort, the research concluded with recognition that induction support and proactive personal tutoring are key strategies for effectively supporting students in the jump to post-16 learning. Induction programmes are particularly important to help students feel a strong sense of belonging very early in their post-16 careers.
Another key finding was the importance of developing a growth mind-set and VESPA attributes (Vision, Effort, Systems, Practice and Attitude), The VESPA programme is 'based on the concept of growth mind-sets being conducive to learning and progress at A-level, where a fixed mind-set can lead to a lack of self-belief and contribute to failure.' (Brown: 2018) Both organisations studied were implementing approaches to developing a growth mind-set. 'Only in growth mind-set cultures, where teachers and administrators are encouraged to fulfill their potential, will they be able to help their students fulfill their potential in schools that are free of bias.' (Dweck: 2015)
For more information about this research project, please contact Chris Brown at St Anne's Catholic School and Sixth Form College: Christopher.Brown@st-annes.uk.com