Aiming High

As Head of Primary and Early Years Teacher Education at the University of Warwick, Des Hewitt places teaching and learning at the heart of his work. With over 25 years teaching experience in schools and Universities, he has been recognized for his national and international profile in Teacher Education. He was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy and is a Professorial Teaching Fellow at Warwick. Des has experience of promoting and evolving the model of placements for trainee primary school teachers, in England and in other countries. He has also been involved in advising UK government organisations in developing English and reading for University ITT providers. He also has also lead Universities in developing practice in special education needs and disability. He also sat on a steering group in the Department for Children, Schools and Families, evaluating the impact of training for inclusion in teacher education.Working with schools and the Teacher Education sector in Tanzania, has been a focus for Des in recent years. Collaborative projects with researchers and educators in Finland, Germany, India and Hungary have also provided the opportunity to share ideas about teacher education, partnership development and research skills, internationally. Des supports emerging researchers through the European Educational Research Association.Publications include a focus on Innovation, EAL and Effective Learning, mental health and mindfulness, matching his research interests. Recently, he has lead research evaluation of educational practice in the Arts and a agricultural sectors. He is a Director of several Multi Academy Trusts. Through these he is able to support school improvement and the development of a good education for children and professionals. Des is always committed to working in partnership with others.Simon Brownhill is Senior Lecturer at the University of Derby.

′This book is a comprehensive toolkit for every school that has children from minority ethnic groups. The authors have compiled together in a single volume practical tips, moving anecdotes and simple strategies for tackling the issue of low achievement in ethnic minority children. Every aspect of this challenge is laid out and explained in simple jargon free language, so that teachers can easily apply the practical strategies′- Dr Musharraf Hussian, Principal of Nottingham Islamia School `This is a wonderful book. It functions as an important contribution as to how teachers and schools can help black and minority ethnic pupils to raise their attainment and fulfil their potential... ′′Aiming High′′ is not only for minority ethnic pupils but also for all educators. Raising attainment is not our only aim, what is important is to help every pupil to become the best they can be. This is the important message the authors of this book are trying to deliver and I totally agree with this′ - Amazon Review

• IntroductionInduction For New ArrivalsSupporting EAL PupilsRaising ′Black Boys′ AttainmentGypsy, Roma and Traveller Children in the UKWorking with Parents and the Local CommunityFinal Thoughts