Research & Development

Fostering Innovative Solutions with Real-World Impact

At St. Edmund’s, we believe that research is the cornerstone of excellent teaching and learning. We are committed to creating a culture of inquiry where teachers actively explore and evaluate educational approaches, ensuring our pupils receive the highest quality teaching and learning experiences.

Purpose:

At St. Edmund’s, the primary purpose of our Research and Development (R&D) initiative is to create a culture of continuous improvement within our school. We strive to empower our teachers to become reflective practitioners who actively seek out and evaluate evidence-based teaching strategies. By engaging in ongoing research, we aim to

  • Identify and implement effective teaching methods that have a demonstrable positive impact on pupil learning and development.
  • Ensure our curriculum is rigorous, engaging, and meets the diverse needs of all learners.
  • Make data-driven decisions to inform our teaching and learning practices.
  • Foster a collaborative environment where teachers share their research findings and best practices.

Vision and Principles:

Our vision for Research and Development at St. Edmund’s is to become a school where evidence-based practice is embedded in everything we do. We are guided by the following principles:

  • Prioritise evidence-based practice: We base our decisions on the best available research and evidence from reputable sources such as the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE).
  • Focus on pupil outcomes: Our research efforts are always centered on improving pupil learning and well-being.
  • Encourage teacher agency: We empower teachers to take ownership of their professional development through research and inquiry.
  • Embrace collaboration and knowledge sharing: We foster a supportive and collaborative environment where teachers can share their research findings and learn from each other.
  • Ensure inclusivity: We consider the diverse needs of all learners, including those with high abilities, when conducting research and implementing new strategies.

What the Research States:

A growing body of research, supported by organisations like the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), demonstrates that evidence-based practices can significantly improve pupil outcomes. The EEF’s research highlights the importance of high-quality teaching, effective feedback, and a supportive learning environment. Furthermore, research from the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) emphasises the importance of providing appropriate challenge and enrichment for gifted and talented learners.

By drawing on these research findings, St. Edmund’s aims to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

we understand the important role the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) plays in national research. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement, providing vital guidance reports for such research and development initiatives.

An independent charity founded over 35 years ago, the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) works with member schools, education leaders and practitioners to improve provision for more able learners, driving whole-school improvement and raising achievement for all.

SOLO Taxonomy (structure of observed learning outcomes) provides a simple, reliable and robust model for three levels of understanding – surface deep and conceptual

(Biggs and Collis 1982)

nrich/NACE Ambassador Project:

NRICH is working with NACE to expand the network of NRICH Ambassadors, who support the NRICH team by sharing their knowledge of NRICH resources within their settings and local area.

If you require more information about how your school could receive nrich CPD from our resident Ambassador (Mr Bandy-Webb), please contact our office for more details.