We do

Today we watched 14 Student Commissioners from across the Harris Academies listen intently to, question and reflect upon inputs from six teaching and learning experts. The students were firmly in the driving seat. They took responsibility for and supported one another to create a unique learning experience.

The students ranged from Year 7 to Year 10. They spent the day at NESTA headquarters and each took part in 3 x 1.5 hour sessions with the invited expert witnesses. The experts gave up their valuable time to come and share their views on a range of topics:

1. Professor Guy Claxton - Looking at School as a Gym for the Mind


2. Professor David Lambert - Why Subjects are important in school: the case of geography


3. Professor David Leat - 'Getting to know yourself' through learning


4. Professor Charles Desforges OBE - Expert learners


5. David Price OBE - Democratic relationships, engaged schools


6. Professor Gilly Salmon - The new animals in the zoo at university

Some of the students' immediate reflections from the sessions:

The best ideas I have heard and will share...

“Teach students social skills as well as the basics, to help them get on in the real world”

“Teach students mental skills and build their confidence, and for teachers to model their own capacity for learning in the classroom”

“VAK questionnaires stick a label on your head telling you you learn best one way. You are almost discouraged to not explore other styles of learning"

Based on what I have heard, I think learning in Harris Academies could be more powerful in the future if...

“Imagination was made a bigger part of the criteria for an outstanding lesson.”

“Students are encouraged to more independent learners and be in control of what they do in the precious time they have to learn”

“We encouraged students to learn to apply their knowledge in not just school but other aspects of life – maybe creating challenges or problem solving activities and giving students more choice on how they want to learn”

“We can see through deep learning and encourage people to become deep learners. Everyone is capable of deeper learning. Anything is possible”

“We can make teachers answer the question ‘why?’ rather than ignore us or reply ‘because it’s the curriculum’”

What the expert witnesses said:

“I was very impressed indeed with the scope and the form of the questioning. All the questions were thought out and forced me to think on my feet. I enjoyed the occasion immensely. It was an ‘occasion’ in the same way that giving evidence to a select committee is a formal moment.” Professor David Lambert

“A very stimulating occasion. The students were attentive and their questions suggested they had engaged with the presentation. It was clear that the adults were staying silent to make sure the students took responsibility.” Professor David Leat

“Left feeling inspired, excited and thoughtful, I enjoyed the Q&A session – revealed deep appreciation of students of the issues raised. Their questions exhibited a search for meaning and significance.” Professor Charles Desforges OBE

“Really enjoyed the session. Students’ questions very acute and thoughtful.” Professor Guy Claxton

What now?

All students are now tasked with sharing their experiences and insights with students and staff back in their Academies and coming up with ways in which new ideas can be implemented.

Outputs from the event (photos and podcasts) will be available shortly.

The next phase of Expert Witness Sessions is being held on 18 June, where we'll be joined by another set of Student Commissioners and Valerie Hannon, Ian McGimpsey, Charlie Leadbeater and Sue Hackman.

Can't wait!