QiSS Conferences and Events
The QiSS National Conference 2012:
'Behaviour, attendance and engagement with learning'
'How quality provision can impact on these important isues for children and young people'
Professor Tanya Byron and Linda Leith, Director of QiSS
The annual QiSS Conference was held on the 28th March 2012 at the British Library Conference Centre, London. This fantastic venue proved popular and stimulated a range of lively debate and discussion amongst the 108 attendees.
‘It was a fantastic venue and very easy to get to’.
‘A lovely venue and a very well organised conference thank you.’
Business was brisk in the Chaucer Room where a number of exhibitors had display stands. These included Excit-ed, ContinYou, BehaviourWatch, University of First Age, and from Canterbury Christ Church University; the Centre for Enabling Learning and for Leadership and Management for Learning, MA Educational Studies, Childhood Studies as well as QiSS.
The conference itself was opened by Linda Leith, Director of QiSS who contextualised the current policy environment. She was also pleased to be able to launch the latest guide in the series of Study Support Essentials: Guidance for Ofsted Framework 2012|. This proved timely as in January 2012 Ofsted released advice to their Inspectors in relation to benefits of extended school provision.
Linda then introduced this year’s key note speaker; Professor Tanya Byron, who amongst many other accomplishments, is a key policy advisor to the last and current government, a writer and broadcaster, Chancellor of Edge Hill University and has been newly commissioned to develop the state curriculum in China.
Professor Byron gave a humorous, passionate and invigorating address; discussing topics which ranged from the need to engage children with a variety of stimulating activities to the importance of emotional and social intelligence in developing the entrepreneurs of the future.
The response to Professor Byron was universally positive.
‘excellent – breadth of knowledge and depth, interesting, Inspirational!’
‘I found Tanya Byron’s presentation inspiring and very refreshing. She has given our Extended Services team a real boost!’
‘Tanya’s presentation informative, entertaining & intelligent’
‘The first session with Tanya was amazing!’
Christine Amede, Highbury Grove School and Professor Tanya Byron
After taking questions together with Dr Hazel Byran and Linda Leith, Professor Byron presented an Advanced QiSS trophy to Christine Amede, Director of out of School Learning, Highbury Grove School, Islington.
Three other presentations were warmly received and provoked thoughtful debate over lunch and during the question and answer panels.
Linda Leith, Dr Hazel Bryan and
Alison Ekins
Dr Alison Ekins and Linda Leith presented their findings in relation to the mechanisms behind school exclusions. Their research showed how procedures varied between schools. Senior leaders trying to work in the best interests of their pupils but also being aware of the need to present an image consistent with external demands. This promoted at least one delegate to review their practice and to:
‘Look at Exclusion and what triggers them and what we can do to prevent and manage these negative student activities.’
Ian Durrant presented research conducted into the impact of Extended Services across Kent. He focused on quantitative impacts on attainment, attendance and attitude to learning. He also quoted evidence of community impacts and return on investment. This research showed how evidence can demonstrate the contribution of Extended Services to school performance targets.
‘A really insightful conference re the impact of Study Support and how it is measured’.
Anne Timothy presented Group8’s research into the neurobiology supporting pupil’s active engagement in learning. Her challenging presentation focused on how effective teachers use techniques such as emergent/empathetic listening and powerful questioning to move children from a state of dependence and conformity to expansion of awareness through higher order learning. She underscored how study support activities provide the ideal mechanism for this process.
‘Tanya & Anne best covered how and why Behaviour & Learning should be managed.’
Attendees came away refreshed and invigorated, buzzing with ideas for the future. Amongst the commitments for future action:
‘Take away life skills and knowledge from Tanya.’
‘Look out for the next one! We recently achieved QES Established and we will certainly be seeking Advanced level by the end of the year.’
‘Feedback to colleagues. Review provision in school. Draw up policy. Consider implementing further study support.’
‘Use the above to make changes in how I support some of the children I work with.’
‘Look at whole school policy – ask teachers to step outside of comfort zone.’
‘Look at Exclusion and what triggers them and what we can do to prevent and manage these negative student activities.’
Further Information
Follow this link to download copies of the Conference Powerpoints and leaflets:|
Contacts:
Current Extended Schools and policy drivers
Linda Leith
Linda.leith@canterbury.ac.uk|
01227 863645
School Exclusions
Dr Alison Ekins
Alison.ekins@canterbury.ac.uk|
01227 782549
Impact Measure
Ian Durrant
Ian.durrant@canterbury.ac.uk|
01227 863643
Why Study Support work
Anne Timothy
anne@atconsultantsforchange.com|
01325 328890
CPD and Post graduate qualifications
Sharon Mackintosh
Sharon.mackintosh@canterbury.ac.uk|
0122 767700 ext 3263