An independent evaluation of the Innovation Unit's 'Learning through REAL Projects' programme (A Project Based Learning approach).

INTERVENTION: Intervention: This project‐based learning intervention involves Year 7 being taught through a structured ‘project’ approach involving well‐planned projects on relevant topics that aim to engage pupils. Projects are designed by teachers to include core curriculum content and are based around a driving question to be investigated by pupils, culminating in a public exhibition of work. Projects involve student‐led inquiry, multiple drafts of work and critique being used in the classroom. The intervention involves specific requirements for schools on timetabling and staffing including longer lesson times for PBL lessons, PBL lessons taking 20% of the curriculum and the involvement of the English department in the project team. This PBL intervention is called ‘Learning through REAL Projects’ and will be delivered by 'Innovation Unit' who are responsible for providing a high level of professional development and support for schools involved. The research team will feed back to the Innovation Unit during the development period in order to improve the programme so it can be effectively implemented in a wide range of schools, and can be replicated. Control: Business as usual. CONDITION: Education trial ; Not Applicable PRIMARY OUTCOME: Pupil scores on the "Progress in English 12" assessment at the end of the intervention year (2014‐15) SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Pupil responses to an 'Engagement with School and Learning' survey, delivered at the end of the intervention year; 2. Pupil attendance (percentage of possible sessions attended) for the first two terms of the school year (obtained through National Pupil Database) INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Any Year 7 pupils at participating schools 2. Schools will be eligible to take part if they are state secondary schools willing to be randomised to implementing the Innovation Unit's intervention (and pay a contribution of £10,000) or to be part of the 'business as usual' control group 3. Schools must willing to undertake all related research procedures and must have the capacity (as assessed by Innovation Unit) to deliver the intervention particularly regarding changes to curriculum and staffing involved