Greenacre collaboration with Sheffield University

Harry Gordon is a teacher at Greenacre. Based at the Carlton satellite provision, Harry has been involved with an exciting project alongside Sheffield University. The work is an integral part of Harry’s ‘Destination Outstanding’ group at Greenacre.

The Destination Outstanding (DO) programme was originally formed around twelve years ago to push the school through its next phase of development.

The DO programme is a research-based approach which incorporates coaching, educational reading and enquiry. It manifests itself in enhanced teaching and learning through the introduction of initiatives and the refinement of processes.

Harry’s DO group focused on: “Research and impact — How can all staff access, understand and apply academic research?

During the previous academic year Harry worked closely with a group of students (from year 7–11) to analyse feelings around loneliness. The students carried out their own research and were keen o share their findings with external partners.

Following collaboration with Dr Kirsty Liddard of Sheffield University (lead for equality, diversion & inclusion) a small group of students were invited to participate in a research project looking at what is important to young people with SEND.

“I have been doing public engagement a long time and never seen young people front and centre in that way — it was by turns eye opening, fascinating and with a touch of humour that made it all work brilliantly.”

The project was unique because it was entirely student lead. Feedback reinforced the success of the project and the event was positively received by all collaborators and members of the public. The university fully intend to utilise our kinaesthetic model of practice when thinking about the ethics of research e.g. using an assault course to analyse research ethics.

“I wish we could bottle the atmosphere yesterday, but
failing that, I think that we can think about some more ways of sharing the excellent work, so more later!”

The students also received praise for the way they created ‘real life data’ by building it using bricks & cement. Again, the university fully intend to use this approach in the future within their own research. Although initially nervous, Harry was so proud of the student’s achievements.

“The work the students have done will be used to publish a tool kit to encourage universities to co-produce research with students who have SEND. We want the toolkit to be available to all staff across the Trust, and we also hope that more people across the Trust will take up the challenge of co-producing research in the classroom. Key relationships have been established with the University, and these positive relationships will lead to more exciting collaborations in the future.”

Harry Gordon in collaboration with Kirsty Liddiard