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Training Courses 2011-2012

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Using SIMS to support whole school improvement

Our school improvement programme of courses and school technical staff, all experienced in providing reflects our commitment to helping you raise training, on-site consultancy and support relevant to standards and maximise your students’ attainment. individual schools.

These courses are designed specifically to focus on the Key areas include: effective application and analysis of data within SIMS • identifying data to inform school improvement for improved performance across the whole school. strategies They are tailored for school senior and middle leaders, • the effective use of data classroom teachers and other key roles, for example, the inclusion manager, the SIMS manager and staff • tracking the performance of individuals or groups with pastoral responsibilities. of students • targeting students needing additional support We have over 23 years experience of working • monitoring progress against targets in partnership with schools and local authorities. • monitoring patterns of behaviour and related Our consultants have an extensive knowledge of impact on student performance SIMS and how SIMS can be used to support whole school improvement processes. They include many • engaging with parents. former head teachers, teachers, school administrators

Throughout this brochure you

will see quotes from various schools ‘‘ ‘‘ highlighting how they already use SIMS to raise standards across their school. WB10749_Capita Sec SIP bro_AW:Layout 1 26/04/2011 15:04 Page 3

Contents

Senior and middle leaders The Role of the Inclusion Manager 6 and classroom teachers Explores how schools can maximise the potential of SIMS to support the role of the inclusion manager. An Inspector Calls – Secondary 4 The Role of the Pastoral Officer – Secondary 6 Explores how SIMS can be used effectively to prepare for an Covers using SIMS Behaviour Management routines to provide full inspection and provide information efficiently during the inspection. monitoring and reporting on issues, key evidence, use of templates for standardised letters and reports to automate communication SIMS and the Senior Leader – Secondary 4 with parents and online reporting. Explores how the data in SIMS can provide the crucial information to help senior leaders know their students better, enable more NEW The Role of the School Network Manager 6 effective management of the school’s resources and support Focuses on the key areas a network manager should address to teaching and learning. maintain a healthy, efficient and effective network in a school. SIMS and the Senior Leader Extended –5The Role of the SIMS Manager 7 Secondary Explores the responsibilities within the SIMS manager’s role and Follows on from SIMS and the Senior Leader – Secondary and focuses identifies the key contributors to the development of SIMS use in on more complex scenarios and the more advanced use of the Home the school. The course also explores whether the school is getting Page functionality. the best from SIMS and using all of its different functionality. SIMS in the Classroom – Secondary 5 The Role of the Timetabler 7 Covers the use of the Student/Teacher View – providing all student Focuses on the timetabler’s year, timetabling cycles and major information in one place; includes the use of SIMS as an electronic timetabling decisions. markbook and notekeeper, the running of basic SIMS reports and the additional information provided by the Home Page functionality. SIMS and Safeguarding 7 Target Setting & Measuring 5 Focuses on the purpose, range and scope of the safeguarding agenda and explores how SIMS can help to manage the information necessary Progress with FFT – Secondary to monitor issues. Takes delegates through setting up a tracking system in SIMS Assessment based upon Fischer Family Trust estimates, and NEW Social Networking and Schools 7 includes a focus on measuring progress and value added. Focuses on the background, policies and current best practice of social networking in schools. On the same wavelength? SIMS strategic development planning 8 for schools and academies Discover how SIMS can help ensure governors are talking the same language On-site training and consultancy 9 as the school. Our five 'must-have' On-site consultancy provides a comprehensive range of training 90 minute sessions focus on understanding and support tailored to your school’s specific needs. how SIMS helps schools deliver their objectives. Call 0844 893 9000 for more details. SIMS online learning 9 Case study – The Bishop Bell CE School 10 Other roles Training venues 11 Exams Organiser – Top Tips and Techniques 6 Hardware and software options 11 Aimed at existing exam officers who wish to revisit some of the key features within Exams Organiser, or explore the full potential of the How to book back cover software. Discover the techniques that can save time and money, lead to improved efficiency and maybe reduce stress! The Role of the Exam Officer 6 A good introduction to the role of the exam officer in schools. This course covers the main stages in the exam officer’s year and outlines key responsibilities.

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Senior and middle leaders and classroom teachers

An Inspector Calls – Secondary SIMS and the Senior Leader – Secondary Aimed at: Senior leaders in secondary schools. Aimed at: Senior leaders in secondary schools. Prior knowledge: Delegates require a basic understanding of SIMS Prior knowledge: Delegates require a basic understanding of SIMS. and some experience of using SIMS Assessment. Course code: SIPSSL-1-05S Course code: SIPAIC-1-05S Duration: One day Duration: One day This course explores how the data in SIMS can provide crucial This course explores how SIMS can be used to prepare effectively for information to help senior leaders to manage resources and support an inspection in line with the current framework. It also shows teaching and learning. The course covers the whole school use of the schools how SIMS can be used to provide information efficiently Student/Teacher View, running of SIMS reports and the Home Page during the inspection. The course covers: functionality. The SIMS and the Senior Leader Extended course provides a follow up to this course. • RAISEonline analysis • how assessment analyses from SIMS can be used to support the school’s self evaluation • using SIMS in the classroom to show progress and support Assessment for Learning (AfL).

The Student/Teacher View.

“The inspection team asked detailed questions about pupil attainment on entry at Year 5, progress whilst here and final attainment when pupils leave at the end of Year 8. Having all this available in SIMS meant we could answer these questions quickly and easily.” Joanne Cafferty, Deputy Headteacher, Ponteland Community Middle School

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SIMS and the Senior Leader Extended – Secondary Target Setting & Measuring Progress with FFT – Aimed at: Senior leaders in secondary schools. Secondary Prior knowledge: Delegates require a basic understanding of SIMS. Aimed at: Senior and middle leaders responsible for assessment in The course develops themes from SIMS and the Senior Leader – secondary schools. Secondary. Prior knowledge: Delegates should have a basic understanding of Course code: SIPSSLE-1-05S SIMS Assessment. Delegates are required to bring along their school’s Duration: One day FFT Live log-in details. Course code: SIPTSMPFFT-1-05S This course further explores how the data in SIMS can effectively Duration: One day provide key information to help senior leaders to manage the school's resources effectively and support the development of teaching and This course takes delegates through setting up a tracking system learning. It focuses on more complex scenarios and more advanced in SIMS Assessment based upon Fischer Family Trust estimates. use of the Home Page functionality. Scenarios involve data analysis through the investigation of other areas of SIMS such as assessment, The course covers: exams and the school timetable. • background information on Fischer Family Trust data and FFT Live • importing and using the SIMS Fischer Family Trust Aspects • setting targets using Fischer Family Trust estimates SIMS in the Classroom – Secondary • setting up tracking templates to monitor progress against targets • calculating value added against these targets by using the formula Aimed at: Class teachers and teaching assistants. functions in SIMS Assessment Prior knowledge: Delegates require a basic understanding of SIMS. • analysing value added by using analysis tools Course code: SIPSCR-1-05S • exploring the target setting functions in SIMS Assessment. Duration: One day

This course explores how the student data in SIMS can be used effectively to support teaching and learning and enhance the pastoral provision of information to parents.

The course covers: • the use of the Student/Teacher View (providing all the student information in one place) • taking the register electronically (for both tutor time and lessons) • running of some basic SIMS reports • the Home Page functionality providing additional information about students.

Delegates will be shown how to make use of SIMS as an electronic markbook and note keeper enabling information to be communicated and shared across the school.

“We knew SIMS was the right decision. SIMS is useful, meaningful, relevant, timely and slick. Ask SIMS a question and it gives you an answer.” Helen Griffiths, Assistant Headteacher The Wordsley School

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Other roles

Exams Organiser – Top Tips and Techniques The Role of the Inclusion Manager – Secondary Aimed at: Exam officers. Aimed at: Inclusion managers, SENCOs and senior leadership teams. Prior knowledge: Delegates must have a working knowledge of Exams Prior knowledge: Delegates require a basic understanding of SIMS Organiser. and inclusion processes. Course code: SIPEOTTT-05-05 Course code: SIPRIM-1-05S Duration: Half day Duration: One day

This course is aimed at existing exam officers in schools who wish to This course explores how schools can maximise the potential of revisit some of the key features within Exams Organiser, or who may SIMS to support the role of the Inclusion manager and inform have not yet explored the full potential of the software. The course decision making. focuses on a number of areas, including Basedata structure, marksheet creation, linking awards and courses, clash reports, as well as the It includes a focus on: different roles within a school that impact on the exam officer’s work. • where to find key information efficiently • the reporting facilities available for monitoring purposes The techniques covered will be both time and cost saving and could and for effective communication with parents lead to improved efficiency and reduced stress! • accessing the Student/Teacher View • making good use of the Home Page • creating User Defined Groups The Role of the Exam Officer • using and modifying Reports for SEN/Inclusion needs. Aimed at: Newly appointed exam officers. Prior knowledge: No prior knowledge is required. Course code: SIPREO-1-05 The Role of the Pastoral Officer – Secondary Duration: One day Aimed at: Staff with key pastoral responsibilities. This course is an excellent introduction to the role and key Prior knowledge: Delegates require a basic knowledge of SIMS. responsibilities of the exam officer. It covers the main stages Course code: SIPRPO-1-05S in the exam officer’s year, including a focus on: Duration: One day

• collecting specification information from heads of department This course covers: • Basedata • using SIMS Behaviour Management routines for achievement, • entries and checking behaviour, report card and detentions to provide the school with • submitting entries and the penalties for late entries full monitoring and reporting capabilities • amendments • advanced use and setting up of the school’s own additional codes • organising seating and the legal requirements for this process for lesson registration and the recording of minutes late within • running the exams sessions and the results process. SIMS Attendance and Lesson Monitor – to provide key evidence and reporting The course also explores the roles and responsibilities that other • using templates for standardised letters and reports to automate members of staff, especially teaching staff , have in the process. communication with parents The course is tailored to dovetail into an Exams Organiser course • online reporting to parents and how this could support the (for details see page 16 in the Professional Development for pastoral role. Secondary Schools training guide).

NEW The Role of the School Network Manager Aimed at: IT staff in primary schools. Prior knowledge: No prior knowledge is required. Course code: SIPRSNM-01-05 Duration: One day

This course is aimed at staff responsible for managing and maintaining a school’s IT system. It looks at the vital ingredients of good network management, focusing on the key areas a network manager should address to maintain a healthy, efficient and effective network in a school. The course includes a number of activities and lots of opportunities for discussion and sharing of best practice throughout the day.

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The Role of the SIMS Manager NEW Aimed at: SIMS managers, network managers with a responsibility for Social Networking and Schools SIMS and senior leaders with responsibility for staff who manage SIMS Aimed at: Technical, teaching and support staff who have an interest across the school. in exploring issues around social networking. Prior knowledge: An understanding of SIMS. Prior knowledge: No prior knowledge is required. Course code: SIPRSM-1-05 Course code: SIPSNS-05-05 Duration: One day Duration: One day This course explores the role SIMS can play in running an efficient and This course looks at the history and background of social networking effective school and ways in which the SIMS manager can drive the together with current developments. It focuses on policies and best progress of the SIMS team. practice in support of the management and implementation of social By the end of the course, delegates will have a wider understanding of: networking in schools, and also includes an exploration of web and • the major issues involved in managing SIMS email filtering and monitoring of cyberbullying. • who to involve in the process • best practice procedures for extending SIMS use • running an effective SIMS team • implementing change in a large organisation • devising an action plan.

The Role of the Timetabler Aimed at: Members of staff who are responsible for writing the school timetable. Prior knowledge: An understanding of the secondary school curriculum. Course code: SIPRT-1-05 Duration: One day

This course will look at the timetabler’s year, the timetable cycle and major timetabling decisions. It will also cover:

• implications for staffing • curriculum planning • options process • scheduling • finance.

This course is a good introduction to the Curriculum Management Using Nova-T6 course (for details see page 15 in the Professional Development for Secondary Schools training guide).

SIMS and Safeguarding Aimed at: School staff involved in the recording and reporting of pupil and staff information relevant to safeguarding. Prior knowledge: A general knowledge of SIMS and the Lesson Monitor software. Course code: SIPSSG-05-05 Duration: Half day

This course focuses initially on the purpose, range and scope of the safeguarding agenda, and then explores how SIMS can be successfully utilised by the school in managing the information necessary to monitor these issues. The course specifically covers using SIMS for the management of:

• CRB and List 99 checks and renewals • Single Central Record • bullying incidents • racist incidents • vulnerable children and User Defined Groups.

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SIMS Assessment Pathway Not sure which course would benefit you most? Take a look at our SIMS Assessment Pathway for Secondary Schools to help you decide your Professional Development training path.

SIMS strategic development planning for schools and academies

As the leading supplier of School Management Information Systems You will then receive a SIMS action plan which advises on the most our vision is to work in close partnership with schools to facilitate effective developments for SIMS enabling you to maximise the the use of SIMS in the efficient management of the school and to return on your investment. For further information on strategic provide the depth of academic tracking to enable children to reach development planning please call 0844 893 9000. their full potential. A SIMS Strategic Review takes the form of an on-site consultancy day whereby an experienced software consultant explores your Our aim is to help you to get the vision, policies and procedures, and carries out a SIMS use most from your SIMS system and evaluation. In partnership with you, our consultant will: maximise the return on your • explore the extent to which SIMS is currently used • identify the maximum benefit from the data collected investment. • identify streamlined and cohesive workflows.

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On-site training and consultancy All of our courses are scheduled as part of our national professional development programme for schools and are also offered as on-site consultancies. On-site consultancies provide training and support tailored to your school’s specific needs, or to the needs of your local cluster group of schools.

Areas of focus include: Our consultants have an extensive knowledge of the SIMS system and • the introduction of new school processes and procedures which how it can be used to support whole school improvement processes. are supported by SIMS Our team includes many former teachers, headteachers, school • the development of school improvement strategies making use administrators and school technical staff, who are experienced in of data held within the SIMS system providing the training, consultancy and support relevant to an • targeted support for senior leaders and classroom teachers who individual school’s development. wish to make more effective use of the data in SIMS To speak to a member of the SIMS team about training and • the implementation of new software features consultancy, call 0844 893 9000. • support for new members of staff and staff taking on new roles and responsibilities.

SIMS online learning Our software based e-modules support our blended learning New for secondary schools approach to professional development and are specifically In 2010, we launched the first of our three e-modules based on the designed to add value to your training experience. E-modules aim secondary Assessment software, namely SIMS Assessment Essential to provide you with a valuable introduction to your face-to-face Skills, Analysing Data and Reporting to Parents. In 2011, we are training and an opportunity to be at an equal starting point with launching a new e-module, SIMS Behaviour Management. the others on your course. By working through the introductory material online, at your own pace, you will gain a basic Technical online understanding of some of the key concepts and terminology During 2011, we will be releasing a number of technical online included in the course content. The e-modules also provide e-modules which will provide an online alternative to the full you with an opportunity to revisit some of the content and training. The first of these was launched in January this year and revise some of the key skills after you have completed your is called Technical Essentials – Managing My Server. face-to-face training. Access to the online training materials is provided in the form of By popular request, we have built in an element of self evaluation a login and password when you book onto the relevant training at the end of each e-module – a knowledge based test which we course. If you would like to know more about any of these online suggest you complete after your face-to-face training. Once learning materials or want to book a place on a course you can call completed (and you can have more than one go!) you will receive 0844 893 9000. a certificate of achievement.

“I feel much more confident about going on the course now, I have some idea of what I am going to learn, and have a list of the terminology which is really useful.”

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CASE STUDY Courtesy of Eastbourne Herald Customising SIMS Behaviour Management The Bishop Bell CE School

On-site training from SIMS Professional Services has helped Bishop Bell the pastoral staff how to report behavioural incidents in Lesson Monitor to customise SIMS Behaviour Management – allowing teachers to see and customising the report. Teachers and teaching assistants are now the whole picture of their pupils. recording incidents ‘live’ in Lesson Monitor. Science teacher Ross Marshall describes the process: “Lesson Monitor is open on my desk, so About the school I record any incident as it happens quickly and easily. There is a limited The Bishop Bell CE School in Eastbourne is a large 11-16 school and has amount of space which focuses on the need to be concise. It’s then recently been judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Particular strengths of done, in the system and I can get on with my teaching day, without the school included leadership and management, overall effectiveness having to remember to do it later.” and capacity for sustained improvement. A Section 48 denominational inspection also judged the school ‘outstanding’ as a church school. High What’s the impact? achievement is underpinned by a well-developed pastoral system that As a result of the on-site training, the school is benefiting from a includes non-teaching Pastoral Officers. number of improvements: What were the school’s objectives? Behaviour overviews for each pupil: The report card is now being used, and detention recording in SIMS is being trialled by a number The school uses its SIMS system extensively and in 2009, SIMS of departments. The trial is demonstrating a major advantage in that Professional Services ran a two-day on-site course for the pastoral team teachers can see the ‘follow-up’ to both behavioural incidents and to develop the customised use of SIMS Behaviour Management, and to detentions, in real time, from their own computers. make better use of the information in SIMS to improve communication and consistency within the pastoral system. Quicker communication to parents: The consultant set up templates in SIMS Document Manager to automate a number of communications After the course, the school identified some SIMS development targets with parents. The Pastoral Officers now see lates on the system in real for 2010 which included housekeeping the data in SIMS, reporting all time, and can automatically send a ‘late letter’ home with a ‘minutes behavioural incidents in Lesson Monitor in the classroom and late’ report. developing SIMS Behaviour Management routines for report card, detention and in the longer term, achievement recording. Improving Reducing time on admin: Libby Brooker, SIMS Manager, says that the use of templates to standardise and automate communication without cleaning up the data “we would not have been able to make with parents was another aim. this progress. One immediate result was that we had no mistakes in our census return! It took only 10 minutes… The previous one took two solid days!” The consultant also worked with the reprographics staff to “Lesson Monitor is open on my desk, so I automate the Head of Year Achievement Report, by producing a report record any incident as it happens quickly in Behaviour Management that added student names without the need for these to be individually typed. Libby says that “this has saved hours and easily. There is a limited amount of and hours of time.” space which focuses on the need to be Next steps concise. It’s then done, in the system and Bishop Bell’s next step is to increase the use of detention recording across all departments. The school also wants to progress reporting I can get on with my teaching day, without student achievement in SIMS Assessment and analyse this data to develop work on learning styles. The SIMS consultant is now leading a having to remember to do it later.” major project involving the school’s special needs team and the special Ross Marshall, Science Teacher needs teachers from the pyramid of local primary schools. How has SIMS helped? “SIMS has saved us hours and hours SIMS Professional Services provided some consultancy and a training of time.” day on-site to help the school achieve its targets. This included showing Libby Brooker, SIMS Manager To discuss consultancy support for your school, please call SIMS Professional Services on 0844 893 9000.

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Training venues

North Pennine Cedar Court Hotel Carlisle Racecourse Mayo Avenue, Rooley Lane, Bradford BD5 8HW Durdar Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 4TS Best Western Smokies Park Barrow Bluebird Conference Centre Ashton Road, Bardsley, Oldham, Lancashire OL8 3HX Holker Street Stadium, Wilkie Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria Sale West Development Centre Manor Avenue, Sale West Development Centre, Lound Road, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7EQ Greater Manchester M33 5JX Management Centre Statham Lodge Whitelaw Building, St Bees School, School Lane, Warrington Road, Statham, Lymm, Cheshire, WA13 9BP St Bees Village CA27 0DU Wakefield Minsthorpe Training Centre Minsthorpe Lane, South Elmsall, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF9 2UJ

Midlands Bedfordshire Northampton The Rufus Centre Northampton ICT Steppingley Road, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1AH Riverside House, Riverside Way, Northampton NN1 5NX

South Chelmsford Isle of Wight Chelmsford Training Suite Ryde High School Capita Education Services, 115 New London Road, Chelmsford, Pell Lane, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 3LN Essex CM2 0QT South West London & Southern Urchfont Manor Sundridge Park Conference Centre Urchfont, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 4RG Plaistow Lane, Bromley, Kent BR1 3TP Swindon Training Suite Wembley Plaza Hotel Peatmoor Community Primary, Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor, Empire Way, Wembley, London HA9 8DS Swindon SN5 5DP The Avenue Centre Best Western Walton Park Hotel Conwy Close, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 4BZ Wellington Terrace, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 7BL

Interested in a course but unable to attend the venue as scheduled? We are able to deliver the course on-site at your school. For further information please call our dedicated team on 0844 893 9000.

Hardware and software options Raising standards by keeping you connected When you’re choosing IT equipment for your school, you need the Capita Professional Services trained best advice, which is why our hardware and software team is on hand to help you find the best solution. Our links with leading IT suppliers over 5,000 school staff last year. enable us to offer extremely competitive rates for all your hardware and software needs including servers, laptops, workstations, printers, interactive white boards, Microsoft packages and more. To speak to a member of the SIMS team about hardware or software options, or technical services, call 0844 893 6000.

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How to book By phone: 0844 893 9000 If you would like to book by phone, please call 0844 893 9000 and a member of our dedicated team will be happy to help you.

Online: www.sims.co.uk/training Bookings can be made via the internet at www.sims.co.uk/training. Once you have completed the online booking form and sent it to us, you will receive an automated reply receipt. This is not confirmation of a course place. Once we have processed your order, you will receive an email confirmation with a map and directions to the training venue.

By fax: 0845 603 8704 If you would like to book by fax, please send the completed booking form to Professional Services on 0845 603 8704. Once your course place has been reserved you will receive an email confirmation with a map and directions to the training venue.

By post: you can also post your booking form to us at: SIMS Training Courses Capita FREEPOST NAT6408 Bedford MK44 3BR

Once your booking form has been processed you will receive an email confirmation with a map and directions to the training venue. What’s on

For further information and to see the latest schedule of courses in your area, visit www.sims.co.uk/training

ASCL, NASBM and EOA members are entitled to 10% off SIMS Professional Services consultancy, training and technical services.

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Capita, Franklin Court, Priory Business Park, Cardington, Bedfordshire, MK44 3JZ Tel 0844 893 9000 www.capita-cs.co.uk