A new initiative to share knowledge, and upskill and support teachers has been launched by the Josie Thirkill Institute of Education, part of Wellspring.
The Subject Networks enable teachers to learn from experts, share best practice, discuss challenges and successes and support each other in delivering the very best teaching across the curriculum.
Each network focuses on a particular element of teaching such as science, SEND or Early Years, and is led by a Lead Practitioner who will facilitate the network and offer guidance and support to ensure members of the network get the most out of the scheme. Lead Practitioners are all Wellspring education professionals appointed for their expertise in their subject area. Members of the networks are teachers from Wellspring schools who are either experts in that Subject Network discipline or individuals who want to develop their skills and knowledge in that network’s particular area. Schools can send one representative to each Subject Network, with the idea being that they then share the knowledge they acquire through the network more widely across their own schools.
Every Subject Network will hold six meetings each year where members identify challenges, decide on priorities for the group, share the latest information around pedagogy, and support each other. Each Subject Network will also provide three online training sessions via our online platform JosieTV which will be available for all teachers across the Trust to view and learn from.
Phase 1 of the scheme is already up and running, with the Science network kicking things off and holding its first session, led by Waheed Khan, last week. The Reading Network, led by Mia Sneyd and Adele Thackeray, gets up and running today (29 Sept 2022).Other networks in phase 1 include SEND, Early Years, PE and Design and Technology. Phase 2, which will include the humanities, art, performing arts and more, is scheduled for launch in November.
Joanna Kempston, Associate Principal with responsibility for the Subject Networks, said: “Professional generosity is a key part of Wellspring’s ethos and nowhere is that better displayed than through the Josie Thirkell Institute of Education, and particularly its new Subject Networks.
“With 28 schools spanning primary, secondary, special and alternative provision settings, we have a wealth of valuable experience and expertise contained within Wellspring and this new scheme enables us to share that with colleagues and develop best practice. We have a full schedule of activity lined up for this academic year and we’re all looking forward to seeing how we can support each other in delivering the highest quality teaching for our pupils.”
