THE EDUCATION SHOW REVIEW
The Education Show 2017 review: A playful look at serious issues in education
I
n our first feature of this issue, we take a look back at The Education Show, which
returned to the NEC Birmingham from 16 – 18 March for its 33rd year, bringing together teachers, headteachers, school leaders, education suppliers and industry experts for three full days of discussion, exploration and networking. With a focus on celebrating all things creative
in the classroom, the show floor was awash with colour, noise and a thirst for new resources. But of course, audiences hushed when the speakers took to the stages in the Central Feature and Early Years & SEN theatres to share their unique insights into education in the UK. On Friday 16 March, visitors to the show got a
spring in their step after hearing Darcey Bussell, esteemed ballerina and judge on Strictly Come Dancing, who was advocating dance fitness in schools. Attending the show with her dance company, Diversity Dance Mix (DDMIX), Darcey delivered the speech that she gave to the Houses of Parliament last month, stressing the importance of having the performing arts, dance fitness and physical literacy in schools. Among the hundreds of exhibitors, Pupils Profit
was there to share its enterprising initiatives for schools, such as healthy tuck shops and stationery companies run by children. Working to teach pupils how to set up and operate sustainable enterprises, Pupils Profit teaches children valuable life skills, such as team working, time management, communication and money handling skills. It also boosts their sense of
of creative and interactive storytelling kits. Again staying true to the theme of creativity in education, Distinctly Decopatch promoted hands- on and mindful creativity through decoupage. As well as hundreds of visitors, exhibitors and
achievement and self-esteem as they’re encouraged to take ownership of their own small businesses. Little Creative Days took the show’s theme to the extreme, showcasing its award-winning range
speakers, The Education Show welcomed some furry four-legged friends who came along with Canine Partners. Having launched an education programme, the charity was at the show to raise awareness of these highly trained and skilled dogs’ ability to improve the quality of life of children with disabilities and special educational needs. And a session on how to handle dogs safely, delivered by Dogs Trust, meant that lovers of education and dogs were not disappointed! On the topic of special educational needs, this
was given the attention it deserves with many sessions and talks dedicated to best practice SEN education. Joy Beaney and Kay Al Ghani’s session on raising peer awareness of autism revealed the findings of a project which gave pupils the opportunity to become ‘Autism Ambassadors’ and learn about autism and its wide-ranging symptoms and challenges. Joy and Kay spoke of the way that, by introducing such a scheme, pupils felt better equipped to engage with and support their autistic peers. And, by extension, pupils with autism felt more involved and accepted within the social life of school – especially in the playground – as their peers had a better knowledge and understanding of the way they experience the world around them. All in all, the themes of creativity, best practice
and supporting children with special educational needs were addressed in a playful and exploratory way at The Education Show 2017. Teachers came away from the show with a renewed enthusiasm and, in many cases, new creative ideas that they can implement in their own classrooms.
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www.education-today.co.uk
April 2017
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