Practitioner Networks

We lead, coordinate and develop primary and secondary practitioner networks.

Each network group is led by a specialist curriculum leader with an SLE accreditation and significant experience in their specialism.  Our overriding aim is to ensure that all pupils achieve and progress and enjoy their learning.  In our networks we focus on professional process, including the collaborative, evidence-informed development of curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, teaching and learning, and CPD for leaders and teachers in the subject/phase.

The networks regularly invite colleagues from professional bodies (subject societies and associations, the Research School) and subject specialists from the exam board to present.

Primary Practitioner Networks

We have established 9 primary practitioner networks in the following disciplines:

  • Computing
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Maths
  • MFL
  • Relationship & Sex Education
  • Religious Studies
  • Science

Our overarching priorities are:

  • To effectively develop strategies for inclusive curriculums that meet the needs of all learners.
  • To explore effective assessment practices from EYFS to Y6 and understand how these can be used to inform teaching and learning.
  • To provide local network opportunities and peer support across the borough.

Primary Practitioner Networks 26/27 Calendar

Network Lead(s)Meeting 1
Face-to-face
1.00 – 4.00pm
Meeting 2
Remote
3.00 – 4.30pm
Meeting 3
Face-to-face
1.00 – 4.00pm
ComputingBen Davies (BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT)Tuesday 6th October
Oldham Event Centre
Monday 8th February
Online
Tuesday 18th May
Oldham Event Centre
EnglishWill Russell (Roundthorn Primary Academy)Monday 12th October
Oldham Event Centre
Monday 18th January
Online
Monday 26th April
Oldham Event Centre
GeographyJon Cannell (Geographical Association)Tuesday 29th September
Oldham Event Centre
Tuesday 9th March
Online
Wednesday 19th May
Oldham Event Centre
HistoryMelissa Shaw (Burnley Brow Community School)
Andrew Wrenn (Historical Association)
Monday 23rd November
Oldham Event Centre
Wednesday 3rd February
Online
Thursday 10th June
Oldham Event Centre
MathsLucy Ford (Burnley Brow Community School)
Rachel Marshall (St Matthew’s CofE Primary School)
Tuesday 10th November
Oldham Event Centre
Tuesday 16th March
Online
Wednesday 23rd June
Oldham Event Centre
MFLJoe Barnes-Moran (Hodge Clough Primary School)
Catherine Woodward (Kinder Language Network)
Wednesday 21st October
Oldham Event Centre
Thursday 28th January
Online
Monday 17th May
Oldham Event Centre
REJake Womack (Pennine Learning)Wednesday 30th September
Oldham Event Centre
Monday 1st February
Online
Wednesday 30th June
Oldham Event Centre
RSEEllen Weedon (Oldham Local Authroity)Wednesday 18th November
Oldham Event Centre
Tuesday 9th February
Online
Tuesday 4th May
Oldham Event Centre
ScienceEleanor Atkinson (SEERIH)Tuesday 3rd November
Oldham Event Centre
Thursday 11th March
Oldham Event Centre
1.00 – 4.00pm
Tuesday 22nd June
Oldham Event Centre

Secondary Practitioner Networks

We have established 16 secondary practitioner networks in the following disciplines:

  • Art
  • Business Studies
  • Computing
  • Design & Technology
  • Drama
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Literacy Leaders
  • Maths
  • MFL
  • Music
  • PE
  • Religious Studies
  • Science
  • Teaching & Learning Senior Leaders

Our overarching priorities are:

  • Subject Specific Priority: Our subject specialists have identified the key priorities for your network, including themes and areas you and your colleagues would like to explore further based on last years evaluations.
  • Curriculum and Assessment Report outcomes and implications: A key focus this year is likely to be the outcomes of the Curriculum and Assessment Report, particularly as new programmes of study and national curriculum guidance are released throughout the year.
  • Inclusive teaching: Alongside subject-specific priorities, all network meetings will include a focus on inclusive teaching. This will provide an opportunity for colleagues to reflect on and share effective inclusive practice within their subject area, celebrate strengths and identify priorities for further development.

Schools and colleges subscribe to the network package. If you are interested in joining, or for more information please contact: [email protected]

Secondary Practitioner Networks 26/27 Calendar

Network Lead(s)Meeting 1
Face-to-face
1.00 – 4.00pm
Meeting 2
Remote
3.00 – 4.30pm
Meeting 3
Face-to-face
1.00 – 4.00pm
ArtNatalie Clark (The Blue Coat CofE School)Tuesday 13th OctoberWednesday 13th January
Face-to-face
Thursday 13th May
BusinessChristine Dempster (Saddleworth School)Monday 5th OctoberTuesday 12th JanuaryThursday 27th May
ComputingEmily Rowland (The Blue Coat CofE School)Thursday 15th OctoberWednesday 3rd FebruaryTuesday 8th June
D&TPaul Briggs (The Blue Coat CofE School)
Sarah Dawson (The Hathershaw College)
Wednesday 4th NovemberTuesday 9th February
Face-to-face
Monday 21st June
DramaTBCMonday 7th DecemberTuesday 23rd MarchWednesday 30th June
EnglishLizzy Nevell (The Blue Coat CofE School)
Gemma Thorpe (Hollingworth Academy)
Tuesday 1st DecemberWednesday 10th MarchMonday 14th June
GeographyNeil Venables-Greeves (The Blue Coat CofE School)
Sophie Senior (Fairfield High School for Girls)
Thursday 12th NovemberTuesday 2nd MarchWednesday 23rd June
HistoryLisa Blomeley (The Blue Coat CofE School)Monday 30th NovemberThursday 14th JanuaryWednesday 16th June
LiteracyMatt Hallam (St Anne’s Church of England Academy)
Emma Beezer (The Brian Clarke Church of England Academy)
Wednesday 25th NovemberThursday 18th MarchWednesday 5th May
MathsAnn Blything (The Blue Coat CofE School)Wednesday 14th OctoberMonday 8th FebruaryThursday 10th June
MFLCatherine Woodward (The Brian Clarke Church of England Academy)
Michelle Massey (The Blue Coat CofE School)
Wednesday 7th OctoberMonday 22nd MarchThursday 24th June
MusicAngela Preen (Oldham Music Service)
Grant Taylor (Hollingworth Academy)
Tuesday 6th OctoberThursday 14th January
Face-to-face
Wednesday 9th June
PEGareth Barber (The Hathershaw College)Monday 12th OctoberTuesday 2nd February
Face-to-face
Wednesday 19th May
Online
RSShabnam Khaliq (The Blue Coat CofE School)Thursday 19th NovemberTuesday 9th MarchMonday 24th May
ScienceVicky Hallam (St Anne’s Church of England Academy)
Mark Brighton (Saddleworth School)
Monday 9th NovemberWednesday 17th MarchThursday 17th June
Teaching & LearningLouise Astbury (Oldham Sixth Form College)
Chris Webb (The Blue Coat CofE School)
Thursday 8th OctoberWednesday 10th FebruaryMonday 17th May

Cranmer Institute is proud to be part of the Cranmer Education Trust

Cranmer Education Trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity. Company registration number: 07687709. Registered Office: Cranmer Education Trust, c/o The Blue Coat School, Egerton Street, Oldham OL1 3SQ