An example of action research in a Secondary Academy using qualitative research to explore attainment gaps. The aim of the project was to respond to school improvement targets (which are informed by quantitative data on attainment). The groups that were identified as making less progress were boys, SEND and FSM/PP, students who belong to two or more of these groups were especially important as a focus for school improvement.
A sequential, explanatory study design was used to gather parent and student perspectives via online surveys and discussion groups. The results from phase 1 and 2 informed discussions at Senior Leadership level regarding school behaviour policies. The results of phase 3 showed that students see themselves in social groups and there are gender differences in the peer pressure to fit in. Students have holistic definitions of success. In phase 4 Insights from the study were used to create a board game for delivery to students at KS4 modelling how students navigate popularity and success. Production of the board game for KS4 tutor groups was funded by a successful, student led funding bid to HeadStart Kent. The Learning support department has now adopted the game as one of their materials for working with SEND students.