How we work
There is no such thing as a typical project and the course your own initiative follows will be influenced by many factors. Some or all of the following stages may apply and Magenta can help you navigate the best way forward.
Research
Any effective communication tool is based on structured research, and an education project is no different. Initial research can help you identify where your messages match the National Curriculum, how you can best serve the needs of teachers and pupils and what, if anything, your competitors are already doing in this area.
Editorial development
Preparing material for use in the classroom is a complex process. Material should reflect the curriculum, adhere to guidelines on best practice and meet the needs of all pupils including those with learning difficulties.
Review
It is tempting to keep your new project under wraps until you are ready to launch but time spent inviting comment and peer review from teachers in your target audience is invaluable. This step is particularly important if you want to reach schools across the UK, as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own curricula.
Design
The classic design requirement that materials should be 'fit for the purpose' is hugely important when preparing material for use in schools. Good design will ensure that materials are appropriate for use in the classroom. Teachers need clear, accessible materials which can be used successfully with pupils of all abilities.
Production
Materials carrying your corporate identity should reflect your own quality standards. Successful education projects can have a shelf life of several years and their quality and durability will speak volumes about your organisation.
Distribution
Making sure your resources reach the
right people in school is crucial; the best material in the
world will fail if it never gets past the head teacher’s
waste paper bin. Careful targeting of promotion material
or sample copies will ensure you reap the maximum benefit
from your investment in education liaison.
Working in partnership with Education Distribution Services
(EDS) Magenta can co-ordinate collation, storage, order processing
and mailing of your resources, always ensuring that the service
is focused on meeting schools’ requirements.
Training
Introducing teachers to your resources in person is a great way to build relationships
and ensure the materials are widely used. As a member of
the National Education Business Partnership Network Magenta
can organise local or regional briefing days for teachers.
Schools will always welcome visitors from industry into their classrooms, particularly
if they can support core curriculum activities. Magenta can
train your employees as ‘ambassadors to schools’ equipped
to facilitate activities, mentor young people and support
work experience placements. The new skills and confidence
they gain from this experience can be invaluable to you as
their employer.
Evaluation
No doubt you will want to assess the impact of your new schools project; to do this successfully the criteria for evaluation should be clearly established at the very beginning of the project. If qualitative analysis is required realistic targets should be set and a budget allocated for professional research.
This may seem like a daunting list of potential pitfalls, but many organisations have embarked on this process and achieved results which meet both their own and schools’ objectives. Don't be put off, and don't feel you have to proceed alone. Magenta can undertake any or all of the above steps in partnership with your own team and help you navigate the world of education.
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