Made by girls: a study in student-led learning

Education: Norwich High School for Girls

 This two-year programme brings together teachers from around the world to learn, share, and research ideas on improving education.

Research and results

GARC fellow, Rebecca Musson, who teaches history and politics and leads RSHE at Norwich High, undertook a research project titled: “Made by Girls: A Study in Collaborative, Student-Led Curriculum for Personal Development at Key Stage 4.” Her research highlighted some key points:

• Teaching collaboration skills directly improved students’ understanding and ability to work together.
• Focusing on collaboration helped girls recognise, appreciate, and use their own strengths as well as those of others.
• Letting students help design the curriculum for personal development made learning more meaningful and engaging for them.

Earlier this year, Mrs Musson had the opportunity to present her research at the ICGS Conference in Baltimore, where she connected with fellow educators.

Reflecting on her experience, she said: “Over 800 people from more than 40 countries came together to discuss and celebrate the work we do as educators for girls. In my small research group alone, I worked with teachers from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and the USA. One of the highlights for me was hearing from Annie Jean-Baptiste, a tech executive and author of ‘Building for Everyone’, which is about creating inclusive products. She currently works at Google, focusing on how women and girls experience technology.”

Mrs Musson also shared how proud she felt to present her research and showcase the work being done at Norwich High, saying: “It was a privilege to represent my school and the GDST, and to share the voices and work of my Year 10 students with such an engaged audience.”

Looking ahead, she is excited to continue to implement change as a result of her research, and she has also recently taken on a new role as trust consultant teacher for PSHE across the GDST network.

“Being part of the GARC programme and attending these international conferences has not only made me a more confident researcher, but it has also connected me with colleagues and friends from around the world,” she adds. “Together, we can continue to share and celebrate the groundbreaking work we’re doing to provide a world-class education for girls.”

“Our students have a vital role to play as continuing agents of positive change for themselves and their community. Norwich High School for Girls was formed 150 years ago with a mission to combat systemic disadvantage and our students’ contribution to ‘paying this forward’ will be crucial. My hope is that global connections forged through programmes like GARC echo in our corridors and classrooms with students aware of a world of challenges, connections, and possibilities.” – Matt Bradshaw.