Nuts,bolts,levers and cranks: designing enquiry-based learning in Hartlepool

Abstract

The Hartlepool Networked Learning Community has focused on promoting teacher enquiry as a vehicle for professional learning and raising standards of achievement in schools. This article highlights how the enquiry programme was designed and managed. It describes the ways that teachers have approached their enquiry work, including how some of the obstacles they faced were met and overcome. The enquiry programme has generated real enthusiasm among teachers and has demonstrated considerable potential to deliver on the school improvement agenda. The article offers some insights into the impact that enquiry has made in this programme which is sponsored and facilitated by the National College for School Leadership.