Education Show Review
In the first installment of our two-part show review, Education Today looks at what made this year’s event one of the most unmissable in the education calendar
F
rom 14 to 16 March 2013, The Education Show returned to the NEC, Birmingham, for what promised to be the UK’s largest showcase of educational resources, best practice methods and continuing professional development (CPD) training. The free-to-attend event didn’t disappoint and welcomed education professionals from all over the country to collaborate with peers, discuss policy and practice and compare resources. Those wishing to beat the crowds had also registered online for fast-track entry.
What was available? Free CPD – the Education Show 2013 offered a comprehensive programme of high-level conference discussions and more than 70 hours of practitioner-led seminars and CPD workshops, delivered by practitioners for practitioners. These were designed to showcase best practice methods, offering practical insights and thought provoking ideas for teachers. Policy and initiatives – Education specialists and subject associations were on hand to help visitors gain a better understanding of initiatives, policy, funding and what’s in store for the future. Leadership lounge – The Leadership Lounge was a dedicated area for headteachers, department heads, assistant heads and school business managers/bursars to network with peers and share ideas.
Free product training and demonstrations – With more than 350 exhibitors, the event offered access to a wide range of solutions and inspiring ideas for the education community. To keep up to date with the latest issues – Topics such as the increase in autonomy for
schools, the academies and free schools movement, curriculum changes, the revision of the examinations system, special educational needs training and the new Ofsted inspection framework were all at the heart of the Education Show 2013.
Conferences
The School Leaders Summit was a free, two-day conference that focused on the most crucial issues affecting school leaders, heads and school business managers. Bringing together leading experts to explore and debate key issues, including the new curriculum and examinations system, achievement, assessment and how to meet individual and collective challenges. The new Academies Forum provided a platform for education professionals to discuss and debate the merits and concerns of the move to academy status. A balanced panel of speakers explored key issues during the conference, including finance, inspections, the changing role of staff and the future for examinations.
The first PTA-UK National Conference was also held at the show. It offered guidance and support to PTAs across the UK in changing times and gave delegates the opportunity to meet, ask questions and garner advice from fundraising experts.
Workshops and training
Learn Live was the show’s programme of workshops, seminars, training sessions and discussion events. More than 65 free-to-attend, CPD accredited sessions were led by practitioners and industry experts covering topics such as behaviour, funding, specific teaching practices and
whole-school concerns. The programme aimed to address the professional development needs of all practitioners in purpose built theatres on the show floor: Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Special Educational Needs (SEN).
nasen, the UK’s leading professional association embracing all special educational needs, also lead free Primary SENCO training throughout the show, supported by the DfE and developed in partnership with leading SENCOs.
Zones & features
The SEN Zone was a designated area with suppliers available to help schools fulfil the needs of pupils with a special educational need or disability. Hosted by nasen, the SEN Information Point helped visitors find details on all SEN resources, pinpoint the exhibitors most relevant to their needs, get practical advice and meet with experts to discuss the latest inclusive practice and specialist SEN teaching techniques. The British Educational Supplier’s Association (BESA) staff, whose work provides a link between suppliers, schools and the government, managed the show’s Information Point which was a useful first stop to help practitioners plan their visit, find the most appropriate seminars or workshops and generally maximise their time at the event.
u Come back for part two of our Education Show 2013 review in next month’s issue, where we’ll be looking at some of the key exhibitors and products that captured the imagination of teachers from across the country. We’ll also be looking at the ERA 2013 winners. Don’t miss it!
12
www.education-today.co.uk
March 2013
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32