(Welsh Government, 2016-18)

Arad undertook an evaluation of the Pioneer School Model, which is developing a new curriculum for Wales (including digital competency and professional development). The Pioneer Schools model is an innovative approach that involves collaboration

between national and regional partners and schools. The evaluation provided real-time feedback to Welsh Government on how the model is being delivered and capturing any learning that can inform subsequent stages of delivery. The evaluation involved in-depth fieldwork over two years with over a hundred pioneer schools and key stakeholders.

(Voice 21, 2018)

The evaluation was driven by the need to develop oracy benchmarks and to support how Voice 21 assess their work and that of the schools they work with. A further focus for the evaluation was to establish the enabling conditions for oracy in schools, which would allow schools to assess progress themselves. It was also expected that evaluation findings would be transferable to other Voice 21 programmes and partnership working. The evaluation involved surveys and interviews with teachers and programme staff.

(Welsh Government, 2017-18)

In association with the University of South Wales, Arad are currently conducting research to establish the baseline position of the Additional Learning Needs system in Wales for Welsh Government. Quantitative and qualitative methods are being used to engage with local authority, health, school and further education personnel responsible for providing and delivering support, practices and processes for ALN in the Welsh education system. An online survey will collect baseline data and interviews with stakeholders will contribute to the development of detailed local area case studies.

(Teach First, 2016-18)

Arad was commissioned to evaluate Teach First’s careers and employability initiative, which provides an intensive leadership course to teachers across England, as well as CPD sessions across England and Wales, to improve careers and employability strategies in schools. The evaluation aimed to assess the effectiveness of the training on improving careers and employability provision in schools and involved fieldwork with training providers and schools.

(Central South Consortium Joint Education Service, 2015)

Arad completed research into the delivery and impact of the Outstanding Teacher Programme, which aimed to improve teaching practice, building on participants’ existing qualities as teachers. The research focused on the motivations for teacher participation, programme design and delivery, impact (for instance on quality of teaching and on learning outcomes), wider benefits to the school of participation and relevant learning points. The methodology included a programme of visits to participating schools and telephone consultations with participating teachers.