Deep support – 1: A new shape for schooling?

“Deep Support – A New Shape for Schooling?” written by Sue Williamson, aims to address the need for deep support in personalising learning for students and how schools and teachers can work collaboratively with other institutions, agencies, and people to achieve it.

The publication begins by defining what deep support is and what it means for the learner in a school where personalisation is embedded. It emphasises the importance of deep learning for students and the need for new forms of enriched support that go beyond what is conventionally placed in the gateways of advice and guidance, and mentoring and coaching. The publication also provides pertinent questions to help school leaders provide deep support and shares case studies of how some schools are on the way to achieving it.

The publication is highly relevant to teachers and leaders at all levels in education who are seeking to personalise learning and improve student outcomes. It offers practical guidance on how to provide deep support and improve information, advice, and guidance (IAG) systems in schools. The government’s proposals for reforming education and training are also discussed, including the new curriculum entitlement for all young people and the choice of routes for achieving functional skills.

Overall, “Deep Support – A New Shape for Schooling?” is a must-read for anyone interested in improving education and student outcomes. Its practical guidance and case studies provide valuable insights into how schools and teachers can work collaboratively with other institutions and agencies to achieve deep learning for students. It is an essential resource for school leaders, teachers, and policymakers seeking to transform secondary education in England and build a world-class network of innovative, high-performing secondary schools in partnership with business and the wider community.