December 2011
We are delighted that RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning has recently been awarded a prestigious Research Charter Mark by The Schools Network. The Research Charter Mark is a quality award for schools and academies who demonstrate the importance of enquiry-based teaching.
Maria Williams, Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired at RNIB Pears Centre, was presented with the award on behalf of the school at The Schools Network's annual conference in Birmingham.
Involved in a wide range of research
RNIB Pears Centre's specialist school evaluated their involvement in a wide range of research against criteria set by The Schools Network. This included a contribution to the Department for Education funded research project on Children with Complex Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (CLDD) managed by The Schools Network. This involved teachers at RNIB Pears Centre assessing students' engagement in lessons to help them achieve their targets.
Innovative practice
Professor Barry Carpenter OBE, Academic Director (SEN) at The Schools Network said "This award celebrates the innovative practice witnessed at the Pears Centre, and their commitment to new solutions in the education of pupils with complex needs who are blind or partially sighted."
Andy Moran, Head Teacher at RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning, said:
"This fantastic achievement indicates the level of active research being conducted by our staff at the school, and, we feel, demonstrates to others our commitment to developing research-based approaches at RNIB Pears Centre."