Issue 4 September 2010 - brgs.me

Impact of Training School
Research and Development
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School was in the fortunate
position to welcome Eva Pope, lead actress in Waterloo Road,
whom some of you might know as the innovative Head Teacher,
Rachel Mason . This event was organised by Caroline Newton to
build on her R&D work for Training School.
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Eva kindly agreed to give up an afternoon of her hectic schedule to work with some upper and lower
sixth theatre and drama studies students from Mr Neve’s class.
Eva spent time discussing her thoughts on school life, the inspiration she gained from her own drama
teacher, drama school and the issues and difficulties of entering into the acting business.
The students also had the opportunity to perform a piece from their practical examination. Eva was
so impressed by one particular student, Kailey McGowan, and asked her if she had considered drama
school. Kailey was unsure if she had the raw talent, but after talking to Eva felt fully motivated and
confident to apply.
She said “It gave me a really large confidence boost and now I have no doubt in my mind that drama school is the place for me and I’ll always
remember her words.” Kailey McGowan.
The afternoon certainly had a positive impact on the young students of BRGS theatre and drama and, who knows, may have inspired the next
generation of budding actors.
Caroline Newton (R&D Leader for Gifted and Talented students)
BRGS TLA work goes national!
Darren Vass (AST)
In 2008 I successfully completed my TLA stage 1 presentation. The theme of the
presentation was the introduction of Moodle (our VLE) to the ICT department and
then on to the whole school. The presentation described the learning process
I had gone through as I experimented with the Moodle tools, worked with my
department colleagues with the development of Moodle and the support I would
then provide to other departments in their implementation of the VLE.
I was then contacted by one of the key organisers of the National TLA Conference
(which was to take place in June 2009). I was asked if I could attend the conference
in London and present my TLA report to a small team of 10 education professionals
(including teachers). This was an exciting yet daunting idea for me, so of course I said YES!
The morning’s segment of the conference focused on sharing ideas and good practice
relating to the innovative use of ICT. We sat at tables of about 10 professionals and
each table had one or two nominees (that’s me) who would present their TLA report
to the rest of the group. I was very nervous but thoroughly enjoyed sharing my
experiences with a group of teachers and professionals who were genuinely interested
and appreciative of my input. There was a Q & A session afterwards where we were
all able to discuss the next steps forward that many of us will take in relation to the
adoption and development of learning environments within schools.
Since the conference I have been asked if I would agree for my TLA presentation to be
included in the TLA resource bank and for it to be used for further discussion in a later
TLA event. Well, who could say no? A thoroughly enjoyable experience and it is good
to know that I was able to share good practice with a wide range of professionals from
across the country.