More than 300 educators from across the UK gathered at Bryanston for the eighth annual Education Summit. This year’s theme, “The Times They Are A-Changing: Future Proof Your Teaching,” inspired by Bob Dylan’s iconic song, focused on embracing the ongoing changes taking place in the education system.
Throughout the day, a series of inspiring talks were delivered by expert speakers and leading educators addressing the evolution of education in a rapidly advancing digital world, against more traditional teaching methods.
Among the highlights was Mary Myatt, an education adviser, writer, and former teacher, who delivered a compelling talk on the intellectual power of narrative. Myatt presented evidence that simply reading well-chosen books to children in the classroom significantly enhances their reading abilities. She emphasised that curiosity is a significant motivator for learning.
Amjad Ali, an experienced SENCo, gave a lively and engaging talk on inclusive teaching. He stressed the importance of the language teachers use with children, particularly the need to avoid labels.
Dan Fitzpatrick, known as ‘The AI Educator’, set delegates minds buzzing with his live investigation of various AI tools that could reduce teacher workload and help engage and inspire pupils. He even produced an AI rap describing the event!
Stephen Davies, Education Summit Director, remarked, “We must run harder to stand still in schools, let alone make progress and be at the forefront. Bryanston, with its ‘et nova et vetera’ motto, has since its foundation in 1928, tried to look both forwards and backwards. The aim of the day was to look forward at how teaching and being a teacher could evolve in the coming years. AI is no doubt part of that debate.”
Reflecting on the overall event, Head Richard Jones, praised the unity of teaching colleagues from primary and secondary, state, and independent schools, especially in the context of the forthcoming General Election.
“It is crucial for us all to come together to improve outcomes in our education settings. I sincerely hope that politicians recognise the strength of this collaboration, harness this collective strength, and allow us to continue building on the many successful cross-sector partnerships that already exist. The priority is, and must always be, to help drive standards across all education for children in the UK.”
The event was sponsored by Trams/Econocom, QDP, and Chartwells.
