A sixth form college in the North East set out to enhance the quality of their teaching and learning through a coaching programme for their teaching and support staff. A group of teachers identified as excellent teachers by OFSTED were selected to become Change Architects. They were given training and ongoing support in order to ensure they were confident and credible.

They then chose a number of staff to work with to help them to review their teaching style and reflect on how they might improve their performance and the performance of their learners. The benefits have been that staff have developed new techniques and have found the confidence to allow a more learner focused environment. Learners’ attention span, motivation and behaviour have all shown significant improvement. One group have focused on 'Stretch and Challenge', working together to find innovative ways to ensure high achieving learners are reaching their full potential and reflecting on how to motivate learners who are good but coasting. Another group have concentrated on reviewing the induction process for learners joining the college; practiitioners are reviewing the content of the induction programme and developing a more skills focused and thematic approach to helping new sixth formers to develop highy effective study skills including research, team working and problem solving.