Evaluation of the SHINE on Saturday Programme
In 2010 SHINE commissioned the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) to carry out an independent evaluation of the delivery and effectiveness of our SHINE on Saturday (SoS) programme.
The aims of the evaluation were to:
- evaluate the effectiveness of the SoS model and its implementation on students’ educational achievement
- assess the support provided to SoS projects by SHINE
- make recommendations on the future development of the programme
The research found that the programme is meeting its aim to enable schools to run SHINE on Saturdays with clear learning outcomes for underachieving, disadvantaged children. NFER recommended that SHINE continue to support the programme:
"The SHINE on Saturday programme is having a positive impact on the lives of students in terms of learning, social and emotional outcomes as well as on teaching, staff, schools, parents and the wider community."
Key findings on learning and attainment
- SHINE students progress, on average, in line with national expectations at Key Stage 2; this can be compared to research which suggests that children on Free School Meals (FSM) make less progress between KS1 and KS2 than non-FSM pupils
- there are many specific examples of SHINE directly improving individual students' attainment
- there are many examples of students transferring their learning back to weekday school
- SHINE on Saturday has a long-term impact on students’ aspirations
- SHINE students show increased confidence and self-esteem; research has shown links between improvements in these areas and higher attainment gains
- the programme meets the main components of ‘study support’ initiatives which, according to the research literature, influence positive learning outcomes
Wider impact
- there are examples of curriculum and pedagogical innovation being transferred from SoS to the Monday to Friday school
- the programme encourages stronger links within communities and increases parental engagement; recent research has suggested that closer links between school and home can play a pivotal role in achieving better learning outcomes for children
- teaching at SoS can renew staff enthusiasm for teaching
Feedback on delivery and support
- the schools interviewed believed in the effectiveness of the SoS approach
- SoS staff feel that the SHINE team offer excellent support to the project
This evaluation has been helpful in providing SHINE with an independent perspective on one of our flagship programmes. It has given us useful feedback on how to develop its potential further as we look to expand the programme in the coming years.
Further information on the findings and the recommendations can be found in the:
- executive summary Download Now
- full evaluation report Download Now
"80-90% of the SHINE students do better than non-SHINE students."
Project Manager
"A lot of projects can get funded and there is no impact, but this is really making a difference."
Teacher
"I can't emphasise how much I think SHINE is an important thing for this school - it's one of the things that contributes to the success of the school."
Headteacher
"Seeing them grow in confidence and self-esteem and that then having impact on their learning. I love it."
SHINE Project Manager
"When you come here it's like they’re teaching you something but they turn it into fun."
Student
Quotes
"80-90% of the SHINE students do better than non-SHINE students."
Project Manager
"A lot of projects can get funded and there is no impact, but this is really making a difference."
Teacher
"I can't emphasise how much I think SHINE is an important thing for this school - it's one of the things that contributes to the success of the school."
Headteacher
"Seeing them grow in confidence and self-esteem and that then having impact on their learning. I love it."
SHINE Project Manager
"When you come here it's like they’re teaching you something but they turn it into fun."
Student