Research Timetable and Outline

Ellen Asquith

Research will take the form of an ethnographic study, whereby I aim to integrate with
the school community as participant observer over an extended period.

Aims for November – End Term: Preliminaries

• Occasional visits to 6M1
• Refamiliarise participants with my presence
• Informally gather their perspectives on interesting avenues for my
research within the school – activities, events and groups etc
• Seek a 5th year class to continue research with once 6M1 leave in 2010
• Begin to take part in the life of the school (attending events etc)

Aims for January 2010 – End Term

• Weekly class observation of 6M1 in PSE class
• Culminating with a short course of focus groups or whole class
discussion (to be arranged as appropriate with school and participants
so as not to impinge on learning/exam needs)
• Visits with 5th Year class to familiarise new participants with research
aims and my presence
• Attend and research DiverseCity event
• Ongoing involvement in the life of the school

Aims for September 2010 – End Term

• Weekly class observation of new 6th Years in PSE class (or other as
appropriate)
• Culminating with a short course of focus groups or whole class
discussion (to be arranged as appropriate with school and participants
so as not to impinge on learning/exam needs)
• Ongoing involvement in the life of the school

Aims for 2011

• Follow up interviews/focus groups with staff and/or 6th year
participants
• Ongoing involvement in the life of the school

Ethics and Consent

• I visited with 6M1 who have expressed their consent for my presence.
• During extended fieldwork, consent issues must be continually
(re)negotiated as appropriate. I commit to remain sensitive to my
obligations in this regard.
• I intend to use a digital recorder during class observations and
(group)interviews. Informed consent from all persons affected will be
sought on each of these occasions. All my other interactions around
the school will not be recorded, but may appear in fieldnotes from
memory unless participant(s) indicate they do not wish the
conversation to be part of the research.
• All research recordings, transcripts and fieldnotes will be strictly
confidential. These materials will be stored in locked spaces and
viewed only by myself or my academic supervisors.
• I am certified by Disclosure Scotland at the ‘Enhanced’ level
(Disclosure Number: 120100054092060)