Summary -  A short example of how federation can lead to significantly enhanced teaching and learning.    

The Cambridge Federation is made up of five secondary schools working together raise standards with a focus on:

• Professional development for teachers
• Creating subject expertise
• Broadening /improving 14-19 provision
• Effective use of ICT/learning technologies

The federation operates as a committee of the governing bodies and has had the greatest impact on the pupils in the two schools in special measures (Ailwyn School and The Manor Community College).

One of the major challenges faced has been the development of the collaborative governing body.  Collaboration has engaged governors in forming a city wide agenda which has enhanced links with the local community through early engagement in collaborative work and ensuring that meetings are focused on the achievements of the federation.

Embedding the concept of the federation and engaging staff at all levels has been difficult, this has been overcome through the development of subject teams across the federation schools and providing a devolved budget to support suggested projects.

The federation has resulted in improved teaching using ICT, subject expertise in all schools and improved learning in areas linked to ASTs. The leadership development programme has improved subject leadership for middle managers and subject teams have run CPD activities to meet agreed needs.  The federation has also enabled targeted support for identified areas of weakness.

Andrew Huthcinson, Principal

office@parkside.cambs.sch.uk 01223 712 600