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'The introduction of CASE into our department has brought about a big increase in students' enthusiasm as well as performance'

Eric Coombes, Head of Physics, Whitchurch High School

If you are looking for improved science results, increases student motivation and an upturn in the confidence of staff in your department the answer could be with CASE.

Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) is an engaging dynamic programme developed by Kings College, University of London which enhances the reasoning capabilities of students through Science. There is considerable evidence from DfES to show that achievement of pupils of all abilities in Science and also in cross-curricular contexts significantly increases as a result of the implementation of CASE training and philosophy.

The full programme comprises three training days spread out in the school year to maximise impact and development of CASE methodologies within participants' schools. They will be able to implement CASE principles into their classrooms following one day of training, whilst the full three day programme enables teachers to spread the CASE philosophy and training throughout a department.

All these courses can alternatively be delivered within schools as departmental INSET sessions.

This course aims to introduce the methodology and pedagogy of the techniques, present research evidence on its success and allow teachers to begin using the CASE process in their classrooms. The training includes:

•  An active approach to cognitive acceleration in science

•  Increase teacher confidence in science learning through CASE

•  Practical strategies and approaches

•  Ideas for teaching approaches and activities that bring enhanced pupil interest, motivation and increased outcomes

This course has been very successful in raising the profile of accelerated learning strategies in schools and in bolstering understanding of the teaching techniques and improving confidence of teachers to actively use them in their classrooms.

Course Objectives:

•  To explain how and why cognitive acceleration is so effective in science; introduction to theory and rationale behind CASE

•  To become familiar with 5 Pillars of CASE (structure of CASE lessons)

•  To increase familiarity and confidence in using CASE techniques in the classroom, related to accelerated learning and cognitive acceleration

•  To allow teachers to actively start using CASE with their classes

Aims and Scope

This practical, hands-on course aims to build on introductory training and teachers' initial experiences of CASE methodology to further enhance and refine teaching techniques. Advice is given based on actual classroom experience.

It will explore questioning techniques in depth and how to manage and plan for effective groupwork. It will also begin to address issues of monitoring and evaluating pupil progress

Course Objectives:

•  Effective planning for CASE

•  Dissemination of good practice

•  Developing questioning techniques

•  Planning for and managing effective groupwork

•  Monitoring and evaluating pupil progress

Aims and Scope

This course is specifically aimed at teachers who are or aspire to become CASE/Thinking Skill co-ordinators. It builds on experiences developed in previous CASE courses (ie. effective pedagogy, theoretical underpinnings, effective management of CASE in the classroom) but will be valuable for any teacher with responsibility for managing CASE in school.

This course offers practical advice in evaluating the effectiveness of CASE in the school including using CASE data to inform planning and teaching. There will be a considerable focus on practical advice on how to develop staff in CASE techniques through coaching.

Course Objectives:

•  Managing the professional development of teachers

•  Peer Coaching your CASE team

•  Using CASE data in school

•  Planning for the future – CASE into the National Curriculum

Aims and Scope

This course aims to introduce CASE methodology and practices specifically to support staff. The ideas and theory behind CASE will be discussed, activities will be explored and practical advice on developing and building apparatus to support the programme and strategies to support pupils and develop their thinking will be given.

Course Objectives:

•  Increased understanding of what CASE is and what it attempts to do.

•  Introduction to CASE activities

•  How to support staff and learners in the classroom

•  Practical advice on development of the activities

NB. All CASE programmes may be delivered as stand- alone units or can be combined in a package of in-school support for individual departments or federation clusters of departments.

Dr. Julia Fardy graduated from University of Swansea with an initial degree in Physics with Medical Physics and a PhD in Biomagnetism. She has taught for 10 years in 3 LEAs. In this time, she has held posts as in-school Cognitive Acceleration in Science Education (CASE) co-ordinator, LEA CASE co-ordinator, KS3 Advisory teacher for Science with Cardiff LEA and Head of Science. Julia has worked closely with King's College London for the past 6 years and is a CASE tutor and member of the CASE network.

Julia has a track record of increasing pupil achievement and engagement in science through motivating, challenging and supporting teachers in using active styles of learning, thinking skills and effective learning strategies. She has considerable experience in promoting thinking skills in cross-curricular and cross-phase contexts and led county-wide training on Literacy for Science and Assessment for Learning. Her wide teaching experience spans from KS1 through to KS4 and A Level.

As a result of her varied teaching roles, Julia is acutely aware of the demands on all teachers; her coaching methods with teachers have helped transform departments, encourage innovation and improve the quality of learning that takes place in classrooms.