Find out what's happening nationally

Improving Teaching – Enhancing Learning - Connecting evidence, practice and policy

National Teacher Research Panel

This free conference is part of a two day event. On Monday 24 November the focus will be on teaching and learning in Schools, 14-19 and Further Education.

Delegates will be able to participate in interactive workshops led by practitioner researchers, exhibitions, discussions in the research café and a zone where you can experiment with a wide array of research based tools, protocols and activities designed to enhance your own, your colleagues and your students’ learning. 

Although this is a two day event, most delegates will attend on the single day which is most appropriate to their work.

Admission to the conference is free but will be by invitation only. The NTRP is now inviting potential delegates to register their interest before the end of the summer term. If you would like to attend, please visit the TLRP 2008 conference website.

Teaching Citizenship Through Human Rights

15 October 2008

9.00am to 5.00pm

National Union of Teachers, Hamilton House, London, WC1H 9BD

This one day training conference is aimed at key stage 3 citizenship teachers, co-ordinators, and teachers responsible for promoting international development, human rights or the global dimension in the curriculum. The day will consist of inspirational speakers plus useful lesson ideas on teaching citizenship using human rights themes and approaches.

Delegates will receive a free teaching pack and lesson plans produced by the British Institute of Human Rights, Amnesty International, Ministry of Justice and the DCSF. This event is free for all teachers.

For an application form please contact Natalie Clark at n.clark@nut.org.uk

CUREE - Making the most of mentoring and coaching opportunities

This new two day programme is designed to support NQTs and early career teachers in all phases to develop their professional learning skills. Places are free and strictly limited so early registration is strongly recommended.

The programme is funded by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) as part of the National Priorities for CPD initiative.

Find out more about the programme and how to register for a place on the CUREE website.

Focus on performance: Making data count

Annual Data Conference, Tuesday 5 February 2008, London

Children's Services Network (CSN)

This major national data event gives participants the opportunity to learn about the widening uses of data and information by local authorities and their partners. It provides a forum on meeting new challenges and implementing reforms and how these changes affect those working with and using data.

The conference will have plenary and sub-plenary sessions and a choice of breakout sessions. Speakers include Ralph Tabberer, Director General, Schools, DCSF and David Hawker, Deputy Chief Executive, Westminster City Council.

Download the conference flyer (PDF, 321kb) for more details.

A positive childhood for all children

Children’s Services Network Conference, Wednesday 28 November, London.

The theme A Positive Childhood for all Children is particularly topical, with the latest report from the Cambridge University Primary Education Review, which found that primary school children were generally pessimistic about the future.

Speakers include Professor Judith Dunn, Chair of the Childhood Inquiry set up by the Children’s Society to examine evidence on the themes of friends, family, learning, lifestyle, health and values. Professor Dunn will present emerging findings from the Inquiry.

Other speakers include Anne Jackson, Director of Strategy, DCSF, and Roger Morgan, The Children’s Rights Director for UK, Ofsted. There will be a choice of five breakout sessions on: children’s mental health services; commissioning for prevention; pupil and family engagement with learning; closing the achievement gap; and staying safe.

Download the conference flyer (PDF, 78kb) for more details.

Transform staff/departmental meetings into an active learning environment!

Six new resource packs from the Centre for the Use of Research and Evidence in Education (CUREE) are designed to help you build sustainable professional learning and development skills though coaching and mentoring.

Activities include enhancing performance management discussions, increasing professional learners’ confidence in using others’ expertise or improving active listening. To find out more visit the CUREE website.

Children take charge to Change the World

The 'We Are What We Do' movement is asking every child and young person across the country: 'What simple action would you ask one million people to do to change the world?'

Their campaign is designed to show the idea of 'small actions x lots of people = big change' and they are seeking to get one million people to take part in 2008. 

The best ideas will be showcased in the next 'Change the World' publication which will be made available free to 24 000 schools in the  UK. To register and find out more information, visit the Small Action Big Change website. 

TDA launches new professional standards

The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) has just published a revised set of professional standards for teachers. These will replace existing classroom teacher standards from September 2007.

You can find the new standards on the TDA website.

Performance management

From 1 September 2007 the new performance management regulations come into force. Information on the regulations, and various guidance and support documents, are published on the TDA website.

Further details of performance management and a model policy for schools is available on the Teachernet website.

National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD)

NSEAD offers a range of books on art and design education. Its website provides information on:

• publications
• professional development opportunities
• news
• health and safety guidance
• lesson plans.

New guidance for embedding ICT in art and design practice has recently been added to the site.