1. Partnership
Development Schools
North East Science Cluster
PDS 2 and 3

2. The North East Science
Cluster
 St Cuthberts High School, Newcastle (Lead)
 Burnside Business College, Wallsend
 Manor College of Technology, Hartlepool
 Northfield School & Sports College, Billingham
 St. Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon
 University of Durham
 University of Newcastle

3. Focus for PDS2 and PDS3
 PDS2 : To increase the quantity of
Science trainees in the North East region
by piloting, evaluating and disseminating
paired placements.
 PDS3 : To enhance the quality of
provision for Science training in the
North East by improving and extending
mentor training.

4. PDS2 Summary – to increase the
quantity of Science placements
 All 5 schools piloted paired placements in
Science for both teaching practices.
 A conference was held for the mentors of the
5 schools, plus visiting schools to evaluate the
scheme and discuss good practice.
 A ‘promotional’ pamphlet based on these
findings and including evaluative statements by
both trainees and mentors was produced and
distributed to all North East Schools.
 The number of schools taking paired
placements increased in the region.

5. PDS3 Summary – to improve the
quality of Science placements
 All North East schools were invited to a
conference for new Science mentors or those
requiring a ‘refresher’
 The 5 schools and Durham University produced
an enhanced mentor training programme, with
particular reference to paired trainees.
 Many interactive training activities were
delivered with excellent feedback.
 These activities formed the basis of a guide to
‘effective mentoring’ targeted at Science
departments but suitable for use across
schools.

6. Beyond partnership – Case
study: Northfield School
 Five Science staff attended the 2 conferences
and are now involved in mentoring and training.
 The mentoring guide is being used in school
across several departments.
 M.Collins, Northfield is now delivering training
for all new mentors at Durham University.
 Northfield School has now gained full Training
School status, a direct knock-on from PDS.
 Durham and Northfield have engaged in a
partnership to deliver enhanced generic training
to all students in the Stockton LA cluster.

7. Effects in the wider community
 Excellent partnerships built up with
Durham University – using PDS schools
to help support ‘new schools’.
 Enhanced training experience for
Science trainees, particularly paired
placements.
 Use of mentoring guidance package in
local schools, resulting from mail shot.
 Mentor support network established.

8. Further information
 Contact: Elaine Patrick, St. Cuthberts
 epatrick75@hotmail.com
 mcollins@stockton.gov.uk