This blog reports on our very first NTEN Conference for members of the National Teacher Enquiry Network. This is one of the articles in the TDT October Newsletter (sign up here).

On 8th October we had our very first National Teacher Enquiry Network Conference. Just over half of our member schools were able to send representatives to the Leadership and Training Centre at Shenley Brook End School.

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NTEN members listen to Chris Holmwood’s keynote speech

The day began with a tour of this vibrant school, where we were able to see a great deal of creative learning and the school’s ethos. This was followed by a further explanation of the school’s story by Chris Holmwood, Senior Deputy Headteacher and Principal of the Leadership and Training Centre.

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Non-permanent markers can be used to write on table tops, just remove with baby wipes!

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Part of a lesson about transformations.

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Following opportunities for the school’s to network together, and some further explanation of NTEN and Lesson Study resources, we finished the day with a discussion around CPD and education policy, following a recap of the meeting between Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, and a group of NTEN members.

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David Weston and Stephen Tierney during the speed networking session

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Members had a chance to share their priorities, aims and ideas around professional development in their schools.

The following questions were discussed:

1.What are the professional development repercussions of current policy changes?

2.What is getting in the way of schools engaging in more effective professional development & what are the solutions?

3.How can central government encourage school leaders to embed more effective models of professional learning?

Included in discussions were mentions of

  • The current culture around performance management and performance related pay.
  • The expectations of quality professional development have not kept pace with the quality of lesson
  • Without Local Education Authorities, it is difficult for schools to determine which CPD is valuable.
  • There should be time and opportunities for more collaboration.

Current members of NTEN can join in the debate further on the NTEN Portal.

Learn more about the National Teacher Enquiry Network here.

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