The How 

Excelerate is not a one-off intervention, a linear series of events, or a one-size-fits-all solution. It is about a commitment to change underpinned by collaboration, connection, innovation, student voice and choice, and community. The elements outlined below will continue to evolve and develop throughout the partnership, interconnecting with our investment goals. 

The Ford NGL Roadmap - the blueprint for secondary school transformation

This roadmap from our delivery partner, Ford NGL, underpins the Excelerate school transformation process.

In year one, schools work through Phases 1, 2 ,and 3. 

Ford NGL is an Excelerate delivery partner. Its internationally-recognised coaches provide network and individualised support to our network schools through a series of interventions and events. 

Culture of collaboration

A culture of collaboration runs throughout the Excelerate model – understanding that the responsibility for our young people’s learning experiences is shared across communities and invested partners.

Exposure to the open-source intellectual property of our professional learning partners inform school activities. This culture of open and transparent collaboration on behalf of achieving the best outcomes for our young people is an expectation across the Excelerate network. Schools and practitioners engaged in this model will be committed to cascading and collaborating in order to develop and embed their learning in a meaningful way. 

Pedagogy

Oracy

Oracy is the art of talking and listening, ensuring these skills are as intentionally developed as literacy and numeracy. A network of Oracy Leads is being trained in partner schools to develop practice and whole-school approaches.

Project based learning (PBL) 

Projects have been proven to be an effective and engaging way to motivate young people in their learning, allowing them to strengthen their skills, while driving forward work that is rooted in a real-world context. Pedagogical approaches which involve cross-departmental collaboration, and the opportunity to go on a learning journey, provide increased value in a knowledge-engaged, skills-rich curriculum.   

To be it, we need to see it. The immersive professional learning and ongoing exposure to international examples of innovative practice develops vision, opportunities, and collaborative pedagogical approaches.  This FNGL diagram is a useful reference:

Sustainable and intentional partnership working

Community and industry partnerships are vital to ensure young people understand the real-world relevance of their learning and are gaining the exposure and understanding to realise a diverse range of pathways. Working collaboratively with these partners will ensure maximum value from the engagements. This is supported by a school's BCSO.