Use of ICT in schools is a long journey, one that cannot be resolved over night or in isolation. All practitioners need to have opportunity to hear from and discuss ICT with experts in planning and strategy, procurement and networking, training and support, and most importantly how ICT can be used in lessons to raise standards.

Often what schools also want is to enter a dialogue with colleagues who are current practitioners, who work in schools in a similar context. Such schools might be in adjacent local authorities or may be some distance away. In such circumstances forming a relationship is difficult.

Cocentra’s approach

Our range of contacts with schools across the country allows Cocentra to bring together schools with similar needs and similar interests to form formal and informal networks. We see these networks as being fluid in character. Some might form quickly achieve their purposes and be wound up whilst others will be sustained in the longer term as they continue to provide and effective framework for a dialogue between schools.

Whilst the structure of these networks is flexible they generally take the form of 10 – 15 linked schools that meet every half term to receive 2 or 3 structured school improvement sessions (on topical or structural issues), with time for plenary and 1 to 1 discussion. We seek to make the network reinforcing through continuity in the sessions, a twice-termly newsletter and an e-mail help line.

If you would like to understand our Learning Clusters further please contact jacqui@cocentra.com

Alternatively, please call 0845 009 4010 and ask to talk to Jacqui or order a Cocentra brochure.