ECT conference on 'curiosity'

 We held our first full day conference for ECTs on the theme of curiosity.  Presentations focused on curious learning, leading and environments.  We asked them to consider what engaged them to learn and how could we get more of that 'spirit' into the classroom.  Once we had considered what it was that engaged us, we looked at environments and how to make the best use of displays to encourage learning and celebration.

In the afternoon, we took a road trip to Snape Primary School and had a tour of their amazing setting, hearing about its journey of improvement.  Sarah Gallagher, the headteacher of Snape, spoke passionately about the school and how they had created a curriculum bespoke to the needs of their children that allowed 'flow' - students and staff are actively encouraged to take a moment to think, fail and regroup.  From this, they develop resilience, dexterity and enthusiasm for learning.

The final part of the afternoon was a mindfulness activity aimed at developing 'flow' and 'curiosity' within our attendees.  They were asked to make books and were given freedom on what these looked like.  We discussed how they could then get their own students into bookmaking and the benefits of it.

A huge thank you to everyone involved, especially to Ben Newstead (headteacher of Southtown Primary School) and Libby Isaac (deputy headteacher of Alde Valley Academy) for their presentation on subject leadership, and Sarah Gallagher for presenting on engaging learners but also for showing us all 'Team Snape'.

We are already looking forward to next term's conference!