After RSA Academies brought its school-based activities to a close at the end of the 2020-21 academic year, the board asked me to review various aspects of the project. This paper sets out to examine the distinctive features of the RSA Academies project.
The report, RSA Academies: Vision and distinctiveness, does not pretend to offer a comprehensive history and is necessarily selective. While there is inevitably a degree of subjectivity in my analysis, I have tried to give a balanced and objective view of the project’s achievements and complexities.
My approach is primarily qualitative since it relies heavily on the official record as set out in RSA Academies (RSAA) board papers and minutes and other published documents. Where possible, I have tried to animate an issue by bringing voices from within the RSAA community to the fore. It is the human perspectives that provide colour and reveal underlying assumptions and values. The overall approach seeks to achieve ‘grounded theory’ by using qualitative data ‘to form explanations and theories that are grounded in the details, evidence and examples of such data’.
What emerges from the story are fascinating insights into how organisations evolve and behave and into the interplay of power relations between participating organisations and players. The concluding section aims to bring insights and learning from the story and to offer a balanced view of the RSA Academies project over time.
Read the report below.
pdf 1.1 MB
Related articles
-
Facing the future: Scotland's challenges
Fellowship news
Fionna Monk
On 26 November 2024, RSA Scotland discussed Scotland’s future with nine engaging speakers addressing various challenges facing the country. The venue was resonant – a former committee room at the French Institute used in its early days by the Scottish Parliament. This successful event was chaired with deftness and humour by the former Presiding Officer at the Parliament, Rt Hon Ken Macintosh.
-
Improving health through economic development
Report
Anna Markland Liv Chai Nicholas Heslop
The RSA have created an Economies for Healthier Lives Programme Coaching Resource that pulls together our experience, insight and case studies from the five ‘Hubs’. This resource is designed to support those looking to learn from and replicate this work to get supported at every stage, from project inception through to legacy planning.
-
You asked, we listened. RSA Strengthens global and local connections for Fellows
Fellowship news
Line Kristensen Fionna Monk
From our online global community platform Circle to enhanced local co-working spaces and personalised communications, we’re doing all we can to facilitate engagement with the RSA.