SSAT Journal 25 – Summer 2024

The summer 2024 edition of the SSAT Journal covers a range of educational topics in teaching and school leadership. The articles provide a comprehensive overview of some of the current educational challenges and innovations facing schools and offer practical insights and strategies for educators and school leaders.

This term’s edition provides four examples of Leadership Legacy Project (LLP) think-pieces. LLP is a year-long initiative for primary, secondary and SEND network members and is for teachers who have been identified by their headteacher as having the potential to become outstanding leaders. Think-piece topics include:

• Neurodiversity in the music classroom: sharing strategies to make music education more inclusive.
• Closing the word gap: practical steps to enrich students’ language experiences.
• The transformative power of outdoor education particularly for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
• The declining participation of boys in the arts.

This edition also includes an article from Tees Valley Education Trust which outlines how curriculum design can better support pupils from low-income backgrounds.

Empowerment and development of middle leaders through effective line management is explored in an article from Upper Shirley High School. Meanwhile, Kennet School’s article highlights the importance of community engagement in education through the “Connect with Kennet” initiative which aims to strengthen ties between the school and its local community.

Stratford School Academy share how they ensure staff engage in educational research and The North Halifax Grammar School outlines how they have re-introduced scholarship.

Lastly, the Journal celebrates Langley Grammar School’s achievement in securing ‘transforming’ status in all 12 areas of SSAT’s Framework for Exceptional Education.

The SSAT Journal is a membership benefit available to all staff in member schools. If you’d like to contribute to a future edition, details can be found here.