Thurrock Trailblazer Evaluation 2015/16

Feedback from the leadership sessions led by Hillary Carty was
excellent. 9 Of the 28 Cultural Champions, one has moved to a headship
outside of the borough and 27 will still be working in Thurrock schools in
September 2016. Two thirds of those surveyed reported that they had
achieved promotion and attributed it directly to the skills they developed
through Trailblazer.
In terms of teacher retention (a key target for the schools and Thurrock
Council), these are very encouraging responses.
“I used what I learnt in Hillary’s leadership session in my interview for a
senior leadership post. I got it!”
Janet Dada, Cultural Champion, Woodside Primary Academy
Teachers are making good use of the arts CPD programme, with 190
teachers taking part. Cultural Champions report an increase in confidence
and quality of arts teaching and learning in their schools.
The requirement that schools appoint a Cultural Governor has given
Cultural Champions an important link to connect with school
development. The Cultural Governor training led by Christina Birt 10 was
very well received. Thurrock now has a large number of Governing
Bodies who have a well-informed, pro-active representative for cultural
learning.
How is the programme building cultural entitlement for Thurrock pupils?
Schools are reporting their aspirations towards cultural entitlement. This
has emerged in interviews and the case studies as an issue that has
become a greater priority for many. The Gateway Academy Trust schools
share a commitment in their mission statement to ensure that all pupils
access a minimum of one cultural experience per term. Pupils themselves
are aware of the benefits of cultural learning, and are asking why it isn’t
available to all.
“Trailblazer should go to more schools. I think they would really benefit
and enjoy the opportunities that we have.”
Ryan, Year 5 student, East Tilbury Primary School
Many of the Cultural Champions now have a more informed picture of
their arts provision and are using this to push for greater development.
9 Carty, H (2016). TT Leadership Workshop Evaluation Report 2016.
10 Birt, C (2016). Trailblazer Governor Workshop Evaluation 2016.
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