THE Kaizen Teaching School Alliance is to hold its first conference in the county at the Weald of Kent Grammar School next term.
Describing the event as ‘An evening of inspiration for teaching professionals across Kent’, organisers are inviting the county’s schools to attend in order to promote the importance of effective school development, learning and teaching.
The alliance was established in September 2014 in response to the national agenda of developing a self-improving school system.
This year’s conference programme, which will run from 4-7pm on September 19 in The Weald of Kent’s new sports hall in Tonbridge, will begin with a series of workshops focusing on best practice from across the Kaizen Alliance. These will be relevant for both primary and secondary phases.
This will be followed by an address by the event’s keynote speaker, Sir John Jones. A headteacher of three secondary schools over a period of 17 years, Sir John asked to join the government’s Policy Action Team for Neighbourhood Renewal at the Social Exclusion Unit.
He was also a member of the National Focus Group on Truancy and Exclusion and the Excellence in Cities Project at the former Department for Education and Skills.
Working part-time at the Centre for Educational Leadership at Manchester University, he presented on a range of programmes as well as designing and delivering a Master’s course at Liverpool University on the leadership of change.
Sir John has written two books; ‘Truancy and exclusion: a teacher’s guide’ and the bestselling ‘The Magic-Weaving Business’, and has co-authored ‘Winning the H Factor: the secrets of happy schools’.
The alliance was formed to meet the priorities of schools to create a more valuable learning experience for all students. It comprises a significant number of schools in the county and will work closely with The Weald of Kent.
The event is open to all interested in education. Tickets for Kaizen members cost £15 and are £25 for non-members. Visit www.kaizentsa.org
New prep school award illustrates a love of art
Last week saw the launch of the Dulwich Prep Community Art Award in conjunction with the Cranbrook Art Show.
Open to sixth formers in the local area, the award will provide sponsorship for a promising student to exhibit alongside professional artists at the art show later this year.
The deadline for entries is in July and the show will be held in November.
Further information can be found on the Cranbrook Art Show website: www.cranbrookartshow.org.uk
Calling all star teachers
Parentmail, the digital news delivery service for schools in the UK, has recently launched a new campaign to promote the unsung heroes in teaching.
The service is urging Parentmail users to use the hashtag #ShoutOutForTeachers on social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, if pupils have great memories of a teacher, or simply want to celebrate their school. For further information, visit www.pmx.parentmail.co.uk
