What to expect
A seminar by Dr Phil Wright, Lecturer in Primary PGCE Teacher Education and University Partnership Tutor
In this session we will be thinking about how children are typically organised in ‘ability’ groups in primary classrooms and the potential for an alternative approach. We will think about the reasons why this practice is so prevalent and some of the effects it has on children (and adults).
I will then share some work I did with 15 primary teachers who wanted to explore an alternative way of supporting children to learn. We will look at how they adjusted their practice and their thinking, and how they realised that the positive change they experienced “starts with me!”.
About Dr Phil Wright
Over the last 27 years (scarily more than half of my life), I have taught in rural, suburban, inner city and international schools, as well as successfully leading schools in Cornwall, Staffordshire and Malawi. During this time, through further study and engagement with remarkable teachers and leaders, I have been developing my understanding of the negative effects of thinking and practices related to fixed ability grouping, and exploring workable, alternative approaches.
Event location:
University of Cumbria
58 East India Dock Road
London
E14 6JE
Closest stations:
Westferry (DLR) 4 minutes’ walk
Canary Wharf (Elizabeth Line) 15 minutes’ walk
Bus routes:
University of Cumbria London, served by routes 15, 115, D6
What is a seminar?
Seminars are opportunities for attendees to engage with a leading expert in the field. These are interactive sessions with opportunities for discussion lasting for approximately two hours. Please note that there are no catering services on campus for the seminars and attendees are invited to bring their own provisions.