Inspiring learning

The University has a long-standing partnership programme of initial teacher education, from which almost a third of the student teachers each year take up posts in local (state-funded) schools.

The Oxford Education Deanery was opened in 2013 to support teachers’ continued professional learning and to help them engage with relevant research.

Support for teachers is offered in a variety of ways

Teacher on a professional development course

The Deanery’s programme includes induction for newly qualified teachers, and an ‘enhanced’ part-time Master’s in Learning and Teaching.

These different projects are underpinned by a network of Research Champions – one nominated teacher from each secondary school in Oxford, supported by the Deanery – who can advise their colleagues engaged in implementing and evaluating initiatives in school.

The two latest research projects (supported by the University’s John Fell Fund) are focused on developing assessment tools for those pupils learning English as an additional language, particularly to smooth the transition from primary to secondary school, and on the ways in which teachers can collaborate most effectively to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable learners.

More information about the Deanery.

Enabling city children to aim high

Schoolchildren with an IntoUniversity mentor

Oxford has a thriving learning centre in one of the city’s most deprived regions. Launched in 2014 and based in Blackbird Leys, the IntoUniversity Oxford South East is a collaboration between the University of Oxford and one of its colleges, Christ Church; and the charities IntoUniversity and The Queen’s Trust.

The centre provides mentoring, academic support and aspiration-building programmes for 900 students. The team at the centre works closely with local schools and community organisations to support pupils aged seven and upwards with their homework and to provide guidance and advice on university applications and subject choices for GCSE and A-level. Up to 80 student volunteers from Christ Church and the University contribute to the project as mentors, tutors and role models.

The centre programme consists of:

• Academic Support - Primary and secondary students can attend the IntoUniversity centres for academic support, where they receive after-school help with homework, coursework, literacy and numeracy from trained tutors. Also on offer is one-to-one support with choosing subjects at GCSE, A-level and degree level, coursework, revision, exam techniques, UCAS forms, interview techniques, and gap years.
• FOCUS - the programme offers young people learning experiences which aim to immerse them in a single topic or subject area. It includes: primary school weeks and days during term time, secondary school workshops and holiday FOCUS activities, Extending Horizons weekends and after-school Careers-in-FOCUS. All FOCUS provision concludes with a ‘graduation’ ceremony with certificates and a celebration of the young people’s work.
• Mentoring - Students on the IntoUniversity scheme may have the opportunity to join the mentoring programme. They are paired with undergraduates from the partner university, who provide help with school work, social and interpersonal skills, and confidence-building. The scheme gives young people role models who have already made it into higher education, who encourage them to think about their futures and raise their aspirations.

The centre works with five local secondary schools; Cheney School, The Oxford Academy, Oxford Spires, St Gregory the Great and North Oxfordshire Academy. The team also supports four primary schools; Pegasus, Windale, Rose Hill and Wood Farm School.

An additional programme known as Into Oxford supports gifted students from IntoUniversity centres between years 10-13 with sustained support focused on study skills, critical thinking and guidance on making a competitive applications to a selective university.

More information about IntoUniversity.