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National Association of Head Teachers, Annual National primary heads conference 2005

this article was published in the NAHT annual Magazine reviewing the event in which the learning partnership delivered the items in red.

Primary Conference 2005, Oxford

As usual places for Primary Conference were at a premium and the event fully subscribed.  The theme of Sharing the Magical Vision followed on from previous years to look at motivating school leaders and other adults, putting theory into practice for the holistic development of the learner.

Ian Foster, Vice Chair of the NAHT Primary Committee, opened the proceedings looking forward to a stimulating and challenging conference, a time to network with colleagues, relax and enjoy the surroundings.

The National Director for the Foundation Stage Lesley Staggs, outlined the latest developments in the early years within the policy context for the Early Years Foundation Stage, the Childcare Strategy, the five outcomes from Every Child Matters and key aspects of development and learning.  The challenges were considered in relation to children, families, parents and services.  The long term offer for 3 and 4 year olds was considered and the need for quality provision reiterated as non negotiable.  The single quality framework would be from birth to five with an integrated approach to education and care to strengthen the links between Birth to Three Matters and the Foundation Stage.  Initial and ongoing training for practitioners would be essential.  Comments would be welcome. Please email foundationstage@capita.co.uk

The central section of the conference focused on linking leadership in schools to the development and use of brain friendly learning approaches.  Jim Steele provided an inspirational session on motivation to do things differently in order to create those magical results, looking at having a vision, having a belief and having a strategy.  The session is impossible to describe in any way that would do justice to the presentation or make any sense.  You just had to be there…..   Suffice it to say that an ‘archers arrow’ will forever act as a reminder and conjure up a picture in the mind of the power of belief in your vision.

Participants were able to attend two workshop sessions from a choice of four.

Mastering self motivation as a school leader enabled delegates to look at tools and techniques to stay motivated and resourceful in the challenging circumstances of current times. These would help leaders to be at the top of their game in peak performance whenever there is the need to achieve greater results by developing individual strategies.

Coaching the best out of your team considered leaders as successful coaches who can empower staff and learners to work together effectively, looking at future potential, not just past performance.

Communication – Sharing the vision looked at effective communication, the quality of communication and rapport with others to find commonality as people like people like themselves.  We looked at developing strategies to work for us as individuals, recognising that words have slightly different meanings for different people, by looking at the context and the content of our communications.

Creating a brain friendly school considered how to create a brain friendly environment for learning to motivate and engage learners in learning.

In Creating a Learn to Learn School, Lex McKee looked at how to give the leadership team a clear understanding of brain friendly learning, to embed this throughout the school to give the leadership team the ability to contextualise actions and decisions in a brain friendly manner.   Further information and publications relevant to the above presentations are available from: aulden.dunipace@thelearningpartnership.com

web site www.thelearningpartnership.com

Mick Brookes, General Secretary, talked to delegates about taking back the agenda and considered the priorities of communication, culture, confidence and capacity.  A number of hot issues for NAHT members included: PPA, TLRs, pay and conditions, Ofsted, self evaluation, truancy and extended schools.  The NAHT action plan and campaign would look at solutions. 

Desmond Hamilton, Vice President, closed the conference reflecting on the powerful input to apply our thinking for effective practice, but most of all, not to forget the laughter and fun.

We are now looking forward to Primary Conference 2006 which will be taking place from Thursday 12 to Friday 13 October 2006 at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  The theme will consider Valuing the Emotionally Intelligent School.  Confirmed speakers include Mick Brookes, Sir John Jones, Mick Waters, Neil Hawkes and Patrick Holford.  You will also have the opportunity to extend your stay in Belfast.  Look out for the application forms which will be available shortly.  If you have any queries please contact Chris Girdler by email chrisg@naht.org.uk or direct line 01444 472438.