Welcome to our IncludED Staff Conference, a dedicated event designed to empower staff with the skills, knowledge and confidence to foster an inclusive, accessible and equitable environment for everyone within our Shooters Hill Sixth Form College (SHC) community.
At SHC, we are committed to creating a culture where every student, staff member and stakeholder feels valued, respected and supported. This conference brings together key training sessions on truly effective teaching, racial literacy, deaf awareness and BSL, effective communication, assistive technology, neurodiversity and dignity at work. Each session is designed to break down barriers, promote equity and enhance collaboration among all members of our community.
Through interactive workshops, practical discussion and innovative technology, you will gain actionable strategies to improve communication, accessibility and workplace culture. This training will not only enhance student experiences but also provide staff with the tools to work more effectively, reduce workload pressures and foster professional growth in an inclusive and supportive setting.
By the end of the conference, you will leave more informed, more empowered and better equipped to contribute to an environment where everyone, students, staff and stakeholders feel truly IncludED
This interactive training session is designed to enhance awareness and understanding of the Deaf community while providing participants with foundational British Sign Language (BSL) skills. Support staff will learn how to communicate more effectively with Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, staff and other stakeholders ensuring an inclusive and accessible environment.
Strategic Intent: 1, 2 & 5
Outcomes:
Understand key aspects of Deaf culture and the challenges faced by the Deaf community.
Recognise the importance of inclusive communication and accessibility in education.
Learn basic BSL signs, including greetings, common phrases, and essential vocabulary for our college setting.
How will this help you?
Develop confidence in using simple BSL and gaining practical tips for communicating and supporting students, staff and other stakeholders from our deaf and hard-of-hearing community in day-to-day interactions.
What will you get out of this session?
Understand the experiences of Deaf people – Gain insight into the lives of Deaf individuals and the types of support they may require thriving in various settings
Identify the challenges faced by Deaf people – Explore the different hurdles that Deaf individuals face in daily life, including communication barriers, accessibility issues, and societal perceptions.
Learn how hearing people can support Deaf individuals – Equip hearing individuals with the knowledge and tools to offer effective support to Deaf people in both personal and professional environments.
This session covers basic communication styles which is an introduction to more advanced BSL sessions available at SHC.
Hemisphere Online Training Hemisphere Online Training
Racial Literacy Racial Literacy
Hemisphere is a brain-training platform that helps disrupt bias and improve racial literacy. It has been developed by Rare, multi-award-winning leaders in race equity in education and employment.
60 minutes - Mandatory Training for all staff
Strategic Intent: 1, 3 & 5
Outcomes:
Recognise and Challenge Bias: Identify and address racial bias in your professional practice.
Implement Practical Strategies: Develop actions to improve individual practice and contribute to college wide change.
Reflect and Develop: Privately explore where bias may appear in your role and build your racial literacy.
Strengthen Professional Relationships: Foster positive, inclusive interactions with colleagues and students.
Commit to Equity and Inclusion: Support the college’s cultural review and strategy, embedding EDI into daily practice.
How will this help you?
Engaging in racial literacy training is essential for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, especially in a college where over 40% of the student body is of Black heritage. This training equips staff with the knowledge and tools to better understand and address racial bias, create a sense of belonging, and build stronger relationships with students. With a specific focus on Black heritage this year, the training provides meaningful insights into the experiences of our students, helping staff to reflect on their practice and drive positive change. As the focus evolves annually, this ongoing learning ensures staff are continuously growing in their ability to support all students effectively.
What will you get out of this session?
By the end of the racial literacy training, staff will leave with a deeper understanding of racial bias, the impact of belonging on student outcomes, and practical strategies to foster inclusion. With this year’s focus on Black heritage, they will gain insights into the experiences of over 40% of our student body, helping to create a more supportive and equitable learning environment. Staff will also have the opportunity to develop personal action plans, ensuring they can apply their learning to their roles and contribute to meaningful, lasting change within the college.
Break the Silence Break the Silence
Effective Communication Effective Communication
This session focuses on enhancing communication skills with a diverse range of individuals, including neurodivergent students, staff, parents, and stakeholders. Emphasising the importance of professional curiosity, the session encourages participants to ask questions, break down barriers, and approach conversations with an open mind.
The focus is also on the importance of recognising that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all individuals and in particular our learners have an equitable experience at SHC and provide some ‘quick wins’ and strategies – to support students everyday experience!
You will explore strategies for fostering inclusive communication and ensuring that everyone at SHC feels seen, heard and supported. This session will support our intent to create a shared ethos for all members of the SHC community to create a truly inclusive environment. It will encourage participants to use curiosity and open dialogue to ensure all voices are heard and respected.
Strategic Intent: 1, 2, 3 & 5
Outcomes:
Develop professional curiosity and an understanding of how to approach conversations with neurodivergent learners, parents, and stakeholders.
Gain practical strategies to communicate effectively and inclusively with diverse groups.
Learn how to break down communication barriers and foster an environment of understanding and respect.
Equip staff with tools to build a supportive, inclusive culture that positively impacts all members of the community.
How will this help you?
By attending this session, you will strengthen your ability to communicate with respect, understanding, and empathy, helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment at SHC.
What will you get out of this session?
Practical communication techniques to engage with neurodivergent learners and other community members effectively.
Insight into fostering professional curiosity, asking the right questions, and developing a deeper understanding of others’ needs.
Strategies for creating a supportive, inclusive atmosphere where everyone students, staff, parents, and stakeholders can thrive.
without losing your mind! without losing your mind!
Introduce participants to various assistive technologies, including AI tools, ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, and classroom management software Imperio, that enhance accessibility and independence. Demonstrate practical applications of assistive tools, AI-driven solutions, and classroom management software in education, the workplace, and daily life.
Strategic Intent: 2, 4 & 5
Outcomes:
Increased awareness of available assistive technologies and AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Imperio Classroom Manager, and how they can improve accessibility and productivity. Enhanced confidence in using AI-driven assistive tools for communication, mobility, productivity, workflow automation, and classroom management. Empowerment to integrate assistive technology, AI assistants, and classroom management software into everyday routines, education, and workplace settings for greater independence and efficiency.
How will this help you?
By gaining knowledge of current and emerging technologies, you can enhance your productivity and efficiency. When used effectively, assistive technology can improve management, accuracy, and overall productivity in your work at SHC, helping to streamline tasks and reduce your workload.
What will you get out of this session?
This training session on AI will equip you with the knowledge and skills to leverage artificial intelligence effectively, enhancing productivity, accuracy, and efficiency in your role at SHC.
Dignity at Work Dignity at Work
Respect, Thrive, Succeed Respect, Thrive, Succeed
SHC aims at attaining a culture in which all employees are treated with respect and can fulfil their true potential at SHC. The training covers how to maintain dignity at work for all and what we can all do collectively to ensure that everybody feels welcomed at SHC. The training session also highlights the importance of being inclusive and how important it is to work free from discrimination and harassment from others.
Strategic Intent: 1,2,3 & 5
Mandatory Training for all LSA, must select one of the sessions.
Outcomes:
To define, identify and understand the concept of Dignity at Work. enable employees to recognise Dignity at Work
To enable employees to understand the importance of Dignity at Work.
To ensure that employees are aware of the SHC support available regarding Dignity at Work issues.
How will this help you?
The training will provide crucial insights into conduct, communication styles, and relationship management within SHC Furthermore, it will emphasise the legal importance of maintaining dignity in the workplace and present strategies for fostering a culture of excellence in workplace dignity.
What will you get out of this session?
Staff will gain a deeper understanding of how to foster a respectful and inclusive workplace. They will develop key skills in effective communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence, enabling them to create a positive and supportive environment for both colleagues and students. The session will provide practical strategies for addressing inappropriate behaviour, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that all staff feel valued and respected. By the end of the training, participants will be more confident in upholding workplace dignity principles, contributing to a healthier, more productive, and collaborative work culture.
ADHD Neurodiversity Myth ADHD Neurodiversity Myth
Embracing minds that think differently Embracing minds that think differently
My name is Paula Smith, and I am the Post 16 Advisory Teacher for Autism within the Early intervention and specialist advice service (EISAS) in Bexley.
The 16+ Transition Project for Autism has been running for a year now. The aim is to provide additional support for young people as they navigate the crucial transition from school to college, sixth form, or apprenticeships. This project is focused on students in Year 11, 12 and 13 who have a diagnosis of Autism but do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Brief Description of session:
An overview of Autism & ADHD
Outcomes:
To build on and develop your awareness of Autism and ADHD
How will this help you?
To improve your understanding of the young people you work with
What will you get out of this session:
Learn some Myths and Facts and improve relationships with the YP you are supporting Strategic Intent: 1, 2, 3 & 5
Truly Effective Teaching Truly Effective Teaching
Visible progress from every learner in Visible progress from every learner in every lesson every lesson
This session will offer tried and tested, exciting ways to teach just about anything. Rooted in the latest research, the ready-to-use strategies will help teachers to put student ambition and inclusion at the heart of every lesson as well as promoting engagement, curiosity and resilience.
Strategic Intent: 1, 2, 3 & 5
The afternoon will provide practical strategies for:
Coping with significant differences in achievement
Covering lots of content without over-using teacher talk
Ensuring every learner makes progress
Adapting teaching in a responsive way
Helping learners retrieve and integrate knowledge
Engaging reluctant learners
Encouraging learners to be self-reliant, confident and proactive
Using questioning effectively
Making progress highly visible in a lesson
Keeping consistently high expectations of all students
Isabella Wallace is co-author of the best-selling teaching guides, “Pimp Your Lesson!”, “Talk-Less Teaching”, and the new internationally celebrated “Best of the Best” Classroom Guides for Teachers. An experienced and award-winning educator, she is consultant and contributor for the Oxford Dictionary of Education and presents nationally and internationally on transformational teaching and learning.
Resources you will need for sessions
Laptop
Notebook
Pen
Refreshments available throughout the day in D310 and in the Sports Hall during the afternoon for Teachers and PDTs
Your feedback is very important to us. Please scan the QR code and complete a short evaluation for each session that you have attended.
