Schools of Ambition

Evaluation conference

Programme

Keynote address

The day began with a keynote speech from Graeme Logan, HMIE Inspector. This was very encouraging as it emphasised the value of the evaluation work and capacity building in school self-evaluation in SoA schools, as well as outlining the key policy developments in relation to HMIE evaluation activities.

Sharing and learning though themed sessions and workshops

The schools then shared their evaluation activities in two parallel sessions, which included Connections across the Curriculum, Parental Engagement, Pupil Engagement, and Supporting Transition. The Research Support Team also offered four evaluation workshops on questionnaire design, visual methods, data analysis and report writing.

Wider sharing of activities

An hour-long poster presentation session allowed all of the SoA schools to share their evaluation activities with each other, and presentations from three SoA headteachers highlighted the different approaches taken to evaluation activities in each of their schools. The event concluded with a panel discussion, where representatives from HMIE, the GTCS and SoA responded to questions from the audience.

Attendees

There was a very healthy turnout for the third annual Schools of Ambition Evaluation conference, with 94 attendees participating in total. The event differed from those held previously in that for the first time it was open to a number of non-SoA schools, as well as representatives from a number of other organisations such as Learning and Teaching Scotland, the GTCS, university researchers and representatives from local authorities.

Feedback

Feedback collected on the day showed that the participants were generally very positive about the event, with over 90% of the audience classing the event as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’.  Responses indicated that participants found the variety of topics and ideas shared extremely helpful and considered the event a useful networking opportunity. 

Lessons for future events

It was felt that the next (and final) evaluation event should be opened more widely to other schools, and that the next event should allow more opportunities for slightly smaller sessions to promote interactive discussion.