Teaching & Learning Lab. Short Research & Supported Experiments Anthology 2025: A compilation of short research projects and experiments

This book is dedicated to Janet Smith, who nurtured a culture of curiosity amongst all staff at NCC inspiring them to be experimental in their practice and drawing upon Gerry McDonald's assertion that "research is in our DNA." This "research DNA" metaphorically encodes two vital elements. The first is an enzyme that catalyses an inward journey of philosophical growth, empowering practitioners to foster deeper self-understanding and intrapersonal development, while strengthening reflective practice. The second encodes a seed that germinates outward, cultivating an educational ecosystem in which enhanced teaching and learning create the conditions for learner growth and development. A range of co-factors supports this biological metaphor, activating and regulating the teaching and learning cycle. These include Teaching and Learning (T&L) Lab team, principals, managers,and both learning support (ALS) and business support teams. Together, they ensure that this genetic code "research is our DNA" is expressed throughan "Outstanding" pedagogical experience, resulting instrong learner outcomes. These concepts are brought to life through the practitioner accounts that follow, illustrating both inward and outward research journeys of the inspiring teaching and learning at NCC.