Becky Francis OBE was joined by Stuart Mathers, the organisation’s head of evidence mobilisation, for the visit on 10 September.
The visit was hosted by Pinnacle Learning Research School at Oldham Sixth Form College.
Becky Francis and Stuart Mathers were welcomed by Pinnacle Learning Trust chief executive Nick Lowry, college principal Suzannah Reeves and research school director Louise Astbury.
They visited GCSE and A Level Mathematics, Digital T Level, Health and Social Care, GCSE Science and Chemistry lessons.
The programme included students studying Level 2 and Level 3 courses, ranging from those moving from school into GCSE study at college to students taking A Levels and vocational courses.
Staff and students also spoke to the visitors about progression in Level 2 Mathematics, English and Science.
Discussions covered the transition from secondary school into post-16 education, the demands of advanced study and the needs of students following academic and technical routes.
The visit also looked at how research evidence can be used by the Research School in professional development and teaching practice.
Louise Astbury said: “It was a real privilege to welcome Becky and Stuart to OSFC and to share with them some of the work we are doing to strengthen evidence-informed practice in post-16 education. We were particularly pleased to showcase the breadth of learning taking place across the college and to hear directly from students and staff about their experiences of progressing through different pathways.”
Suzannah Reeves said: “Post-16 education is a complex landscape, with young people arriving with very different experiences, starting points and aspirations. There is a real opportunity to use evidence more effectively to understand what supports successful transition, learning and progression at this stage. As a Sixth Form College in the Research Schools Network, we are committed to working with practitioners across the sector to take what we know from research and translate it into meaningful professional development and improvements in practice.”
Nick Lowry said: “It was a pleasure to have the hugely valuable opportunity to host Becky and discuss our ambitions with her. It reinforced the importance of developing the evidence base for post-16 education, ensuring that research is accessible and relevant to working with young people every day.”
The EEF is an independent charity which works with schools, colleges and early years settings to improve teaching and learning through the use of evidence.
