We decided as a Partnership Strategy Group that one of the best ways of raising achievement across the Partnership Schools was for the Heads of each Department to meet together once or twice in the year and share best practice.  Each session would be led and planned by one person in conjunction with the Leading Edge Co-ordinator.  Where possible this person's department would either have clearly higher results than those of the departments in the other schools involved or have some particular expertise or interest to share.  The aim would be to hold at least one of the sessions at each school.

During 2005/06 Trinity School had funding from Leading Edge to develop middle leaders in conjunction with St Martin's College.

Day One

The first to be held was for MFL led by the Head of MFL at Trinity School which has a Language specialism.  The focus was on raising achievement at GCSE and the initial discussion centred on the barriers to improving MFL results in Cumbria.  This then moved to the potential for making improvements and there was a fruitful sharing of suggestions.

Day Two

Two Heads of Technology shared in the planning and running of this day which was held at Newman School with Caldew School's Head of Technology taking an equal share.  The session looked at ways of raising boys' achievement and also at the new framework for Technology.

Day Three

Citizenship took place at Caldew School and gave time for reflection and planning for Citizenship with an extended introduction from the AST.

Day Four

History was held at William Howard School and involved a close look at the use of interactive whiteboards and Moodle for forums as well as sharing ideas for improving results. Departmental representatives continue to meet to share and exchange ideas.

Day Five

A Music day was held at William Howard School in June 2008 and led by an external provider.

Day Six

A further session for History teachers was held in July 2008 at Trinity School.