WAT Conference 2023 - Programme

WAT 2023 Conference Programme Friday, 8th December 2023

The ICC, Birmingham 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA

HEADLINE SPONSORS

WAT Conference Programme

CEO Welcome Welcome to the Windsor Academy Trust 2023 Conference: ‘Thriving’ Dear colleagues and guests, It is with immense pleasure and pride that I extend

Of course, it is our aim that the conference extends

a very warm welcome to the Windsor Academy

far beyond professional growth. The day is about

Trust 2023 Conference.

fostering our community, embracing collective

Our conference marks a special moment as 1,000

wisdom and celebrating our achievements.

dedicated members of staff from across our

My thanks goes to our generous sponsors and

family of schools unite at the ICC in Birmingham,

exhibitors for their support. I encourage everyone

alongside esteemed guests, for a day of professional

to visit them throughout the day and explore the

development, collaboration and celebration.

wealth of knowledge and resources they offer.

Moreover, it is an honour to welcome colleagues

Finally, to each of you attending, your unwavering

from United Endeavour Trust, who will join the

dedication in unlocking the academic and personal

WAT family in January, as well as guests from

potential of our young learners does not go

other schools and school trusts, as we deliver on

unnoticed. Your contributions shape futures and

our commitment of contributing to the wider

pave the way for brighter tomorrows and I want to

educational system.

thank you for all that you do.

The theme of this year’s conference is Thriving.

As we embark on this day of learning, collaboration

Thriving as leaders, educators and professional

and celebration, I encourage you to immerse

services staff is crucial for our individual growth

yourselves fully, engage in insightful conversations,

and the continued success of our schools and our

build new connections and take away inspiration

young people’s thriving. This conference will provide

that will further enable you to thrive so we can

an opportunity for all of us to come together, share

collectively deliver on our important work.

ideas and gain insights that will help us to thrive in our roles.

The programme for the day is packed with inspirational guest speakers, insightful masterclass sessions and the invaluable opportunity to engage

Thank you for being an integral part of the Windsor Academy Trust family. Together, let us make this day one to remember.

Warm regards,

with colleagues in our Big Moves in Practice Zone.

Furthermore, we have the privilege of witnessing remarkable performances by our immensely talented students as well as time to celebrate our exceptional staff during the WAT Awards.

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Dawn Haywood

CEO, Windsor Academy Trust

WAT Conference Programme

Programme 8.30am

Arrival and Refreshments

Registration Zone & Hall 4

9.15am 9:50am

WAT Student Performance Welcome and Keynote Dawn Haywood, CEO, Windsor Academy Trust

Hall 1

9:50am 10.30am

Keynote: A Winning Culture Baroness Sue Campbell DBE, Director of Women’s Football, The FA

Hall 1

10:30am 11.00am

Break – Refreshments and Networking

Registration Zone & Hall 4

11.00am 11.40am

WAT Student Performance Keynote: The Power of Collaboration in Strong Families of Schools Sir David Carter, former National Schools Commissioner

Hall 1

Masterclasses 11:50am 12.35pm

The Science of Motivation

Peps Mccrea Director of Education, Steplab

Hall 1

Metacognition and Feedback

Jenny Webb Founder, Funky Pedagogy

Hall 6

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education

John Jones & Matt Warne Worcester Royal Grammar School

Hall 11A

Thriving Communities, Thriving Planet

Panel Discussion: Anji Barker (CEO of Newbigin Community Trust), Tina Costello (CEO of Heart of England Community Foundation), Jonathan Coyles (Partner at Barker Associates) and Paul Turner (Education Lead, (Ministry of Eco Education)

Hall 11B

Creating a Culture of Belonging for All

Hannah Wilson Founder and Director, Diverse Educators

Hall 10B

Thrive: A Masterclass Beyond Words and Methods

Sid Madge Founder, Meee

Hall 9

The Future of the School Trust Sector

Sir David Carter Former National Schools Commissioner

Hall 10A

12.40pm 1.10pm

Big Moves in Practice Zone - Hall 4 & Registration Zone

1.10pm 1.50pm

Exhibition and Lunch (Lunch sponsored by EPM)

Registration Zone & Hall 4

1.50pm 2.30pm

WAT Awards

Hall 1

2.30pm 3.10pm

Keynote: The Power of Everyday Heroes Jaz Ampaw-Farr, Founder, Human First Leadership Ltd

Hall 1

3.10pm 3.30pm

Student Performance and closing remarks Dawn Haywood, CEO, Windsor Academy Trust

Hall 1

3.30pm

End – Have a safe journey home 3

WAT Conference Programme

Map Hall 4 Big Moves in Practice Zone 12.40pm to 1.10pm Exhibition and Lunch 1.10pm to 1.50pm

Hall 1 Morning Sessions 9.15am to 9.50am 9.50am to 10.30am 11,00am to 11.40am Masterclass: The Science of Motivation 11.50am to 12.40pm Afternoon Session 1.50pm to 3.30pm

Hall 11A Masterclass: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education 11:50am to 12.35pm

Hall 11B Masterclass: Thriving Communities, Thriving Planet 11:50am to 12.35pm

Registration Zone

Hall 6 Masterclass: Metacognition and Feedback 11:50am to 12.35pm

Registration Zone Registration 8.30am-9.15am Big Moves in Practice Zone 12.40pm to 1.10pm Exhibition and Lunch 1.10pm to 1.50pm

Hall 9 Thrive: A Masterclass Beyond Words and Methods 11:50am to 12.35pm

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Hall 10A

Hall 10B

Masterclass: The Future of the School Trust Sector 11:50am to 12.35pm

Masterclass: Creating a Culture of Belonging for All 11:50am to 12.35pm

WAT Conference Programme

Our Speakers

Baroness Sue Campbell, Director of Women’s Football, The FA

Baroness Sue Campbell, a former physical education teacher, has shaped a distinguished career spanning various roles. Her tenure has encompassed teaching in Manchester, lecturing at Leicester and Loughborough Universities, and multifaceted representation for her country as player, coach, and manager. Sue served as Chief Executive at the National Coaching Foundation and later the Youth Sport Trust, followed by influential leadership as Chair for UK Sport. Sue held this position for two terms until April 2013, where she presided over Team GB and Paralympic GB’s incredible performance at the London 2012 games. Sue was appointed Head of Women’s Football with The Football Association in March 2016, and became Director of Women’s Football in January 2018. Recognised extensively for her contributions, she holds 11 honorary doctorates and received a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. A House of Lords appointment in 2008 and a Dame Commander honour in 2019 further underscore her indelible mark on sports. Sue has also been acknowledged with numerous prestigious awards, including the recent 2023 Sport Industry Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sir David Carter was the product of a comprehensive school in South Wales and became the first member of his family to go to university where he studied a Music degree at London’s Royal Holloway College. Commencing as a music teacher in 1983, he ascended through roles - Local Authority music advisor, headteacher, and CEO of Bristol’s Cabot Learning Federation - motivated by wanting to make a difference to the lives of children. Appointed South West’s Regional Schools Commissioner in 2014, he assumed the National Schools Commissioner post in 2015, emphasising capacity building for sustained school improvement. His tenure at Ambition Institute preceded advisory roles for schools and trusts.

Sir David Carter, His book, “Leading academy trusts: Why some fail but most don’t,” Former National Schools hit 4,000 sales in 2022, showcasing his expertise. As a trustee, he Commissioner supports charities combating youth homelessness, overseeing Teaching Awards, and fostering opportunities for disadvantaged children through the Talent Foundry Trust. He was knighted in 2013 for his educational services.

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WAT Conference Programme

Jaz Ampaw-Farr, CEO, Be Human First Limited

Peps Mccrea, Director of Education, Steplab

Jenny Webb, Founder of Funky Pedagogy

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Jaz Ampaw-Farr is an emotive force, who effortlessly transitions audiences from uproarious laughter to heartfelt tears within two sentences. As CEO of Be Human First Limited, Jaz guides aspiring leaders in fostering team engagement to propel business growth and establish enduring legacies. Her journey from a tumultuous childhood to acclaim as a TV presenter, TEDx Speaker, stand-up comedian, and reality TV luminary imbues her teachings with profound insights. Harnessing authentic candour and wit, Jaz empowers individuals to reshape their leadership paradigms, fostering fresh perspectives on self-leadership and guiding others.

Her compelling blend of sincerity and humour consistently catalyses transformative thinking in individuals and teams alike. Jaz’s talk contains some content of a sensitive nature that may be upsetting for some individuals. Should this affect you, there will be a trained professional on hand to talk with you should you wish.

Peps Mccrea, an award-winning teacher educator, designer, and author, spearheads educational innovation as the Director of Education at Steplab. Renowned for the High Impact Teaching series, he holds three Masters degrees and prestigious Fellowships from the Young Academy and University of Brighton. Peps immerses himself in diverse roles, empowering schools through Steplab’s instructional coaching platform. Beyond his directorial duties, he dedicates time to Evidence Snacks, compact educational publications, insightful Twitter threads, and family life in Brighton.

Peps is formerly a Dean at Ambition Institute, where he oversaw the design of programmes for teachers and teacher educators, a Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education at Brighton University, and teacher and leader at various schools.

Jennifer Webb is an accomplished English teacher, Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, and Research Lead at Trinity Academy Cathedral in Wakefield. As the founder of www.FunkyPedagogy.com, she has curated an expansive CPD library for English educators and leaders. Jennifer generously shares her classroom-based resources and insightful blogs on the platform.

Passionate about diversifying school libraries and English curricula, she spearheads ‘The Reading List Project’. Jennifer is a best-selling author, renowned for titles like How to Teach English Literature: Overcoming Cultural Poverty (2019), Teach Like a Writer (2020), The Metacognition Handbook (2021), and Essential Grammar (2023), coauthored with Marcello Giovanelli.

WAT Conference Programme

John Jones, Royal Grammar School, Worcester

Matt Warne, Royal Grammar School, Worcester

Anji Barker, CEO Newbigin Community Trust

John Jones, Director of Innovation at the Royal Grammar School (RGS) Worcester Family of Schools, is an Apple Distinguished Educator and classroom teacher, integral to the Senior Leadership Team. He spearheads cutting-edge digital strategies across the four Apple Distinguished RGS schools, championing world-leading digital pedagogies. With diverse experience spanning state, independent, and international education, John delivers impactful presentations on AI, EdTech, CPD, digital strategy, leadership, and management to global audiences. A regular writer for publications like TES, BETT Newsletter, and Independent Schools Magazine, he holds an MA in Educational Leadership and Management. John has a firm understanding of the incredible difference leadership, research and innovation can make to teaching and learning and has a proven track record of successfully project managing shifts in culture to ensure meaningful change.

Matt Warne, Head of Computing and Digital Learning at RGS The Grange, part of the Royal Grammar School (RGS) Worcester Family of Schools, is a dynamic education professional dedicated to driving the integration of technology with the learning environment. A key part of the Senior Leadership Team, Matt shapes digital strategy and fosters innovation. Additionally, he serves as a Computing and Digital Innovation IAPS National Advisor, guiding 650+ schools in the field of computing. His influence extends nationally, shaping education. Awarded EdTech50 in 2020, Matt champions educational technology, pushing boundaries and adopting cutting-edge tools for dynamic learning. His dedication to excellence reflects in reshaping teaching methods for an evolving educational landscape.

Anji Barker, after dedicating 25 years to urban mission work in Australia and Thailand alongside her husband Ash Barker, made a significant move to Winson Green in Birmingham in 2014.

Residing in Newbigin House, Anji and Ash founded the Newbigin Community Trust, establishing it as an anchor organisation in the area. Their charity operates numerous community hubs throughout Winson Green, fostering an environment of inclusivity, hospitality, and social unity for local families. At the heart of their endeavours, the Newbigin Community Trust stands as a beacon of welcome, facilitating social cohesion within the neighbourhood. Newbigin Community Trust is also a key civic partner of Windsor Olympus Academy, and has played, and will continue to play, an instrumental role in helping shape our civic endeavours in Winson Green.

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WAT Conference Programme

Tina Costello, CEO Heart of England Community Foundation

Jonathan Coyles, Partner, Barker Associates

Paul Turner, Education Lead, Ministry of Eco Education

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Tina Costello has been Chief Executive of Heart of England Community Foundation since 2013. Tina is responsible for developing and implementing high-level strategies, building effective relationships with stakeholders, developing major corporate partnerships and managing the overall operations and resources of the charity. She has over 24 years’ experience in senior positions as Head of Awards for all of the West Midlands region at Big Lottery Fund and managing external funding at Coventry City Council, with a lengthy track record of delivering successful community investment and grant making programmes as well as working with donors to develop new funding streams.

Jonathan Coyles joined Barker following a successful career working in management consultancy within the education sector both at central government and local level. This culminated in the formation of his own company, EO Consulting, which became part of Barker in 2018. Jonathan builds strategic partnership with clients. He presents practical and innovative solutions to the complex challenges faced by clients in estates and energy management. By combining his vast sector knowledge with data and analysis he helps organisations to achieve their sustainability goals, deliver organisational transformation and improve operational effectiveness.

Paul Turner is a radical geographer and teacher as well as social and environmental activist. Paul is a presenter for AimHi Earth, the education-to-action organisation activating, inspiring and empowering changemakers around the world, and education lead for the Ministry of Eco Education, a charitable project providing innovative sustainability education for children across the country.

The Ministry of Eco Education is a collaboration of teachers who have brought together free resources from hundreds of organisations into a holistic sustainability curriculum. MEE embeds environmental opportunities within lessons linked to the national curriculum, and supports teachers in hundreds of schools to engage every pupil in every lesson about sustainability, so that they can be a catalyst for change in their local community.

WAT Conference Programme

Hannah Wilson, Founder and Director of Diverse Educators

Sid Madge, Founder of Meee

Hannah Wilson is a multifaceted Leadership Development consultant, coach, and trainer, co-founded #WomenEd and #DiverseEd. Her impactful roles include Co-Editor of ‘Diverse Educators: A Manifesto’ and DfE coach for the Women Leading in Education initiative. With a focus on flexible working, she pursued an MA in Education, specialising in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

A collaborative networker, Hannah leads and co-founds various networks, delivering tailored training. As the Co-Founder and Director of Diverse Educators, she embodies resilience as a Leaders Elements Coach and C-Me activator. Hannah serves as an Associate Director for Whole Education and a Consultant at Leeds Beckett University. Her extensive career includes pivotal roles like Head of Secondary Teacher Training at the University of Buckingham and Founding Executive Headteacher at Aureus School and Aureus Primary School under GLF Schools.

Sid Madge is an esteemed and influential speaker with a rich tapestry of life experiences. Spanning boardrooms, classrooms, and even prisons, he has traversed diverse landscapes, embodying a breadth of experiences. Having ventured globally, collaborating with major corporations to the most modest entities, Sid’s journey encompasses PLCs, SMEs, PRUs, universities, townships, and campuses. In 2015, his encounter with young students spurred the inception of Meee, driven by a vision for a brighter world. Led by Sid’s dedicated team, Meee has become a pioneer of enduring positive change. Meee’s mission is to inspire and cultivate innovative thinking in every individual. It aims to quietly revolutionise education, organisations, communities, and societies, fostering widespread transformation. Through audacious thinking and outrageous creativity, Meee leverages our most abundant resource, our minds, to unlock limitless potential for all.

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WAT Conference Programme

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Masterclasses Session

Synopsis

Hall

The Science of Motivation Peps Mccrea (Director of Education, Steplab)

What is motivation for learning? How does it work? How can we influence it in the classroom? This session will offer a framework of 5 big ideas from the evidence on motivation plus 5 key strategies we can use to boost attention, effort and engagement in the classroom.

Hall 1

Metacognition and Feedback Jenny Webb (Founder, Funky Pedagogy)

Metacognition: what it is, what it isn’t and how we can make the most of our knowledge of cognitive science, motivation and self-regulation in the classroom.

Hall 6

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education John Jones & Matt Warne (RGS Worcester)

John Jones, Director of Innovation and Matt Warne, Head of Computing and Digital Innovation at RGS The Grange, Worcester, will share practical approaches to harnessing the power of Large Language Model (LLM) Artificial Intelligence, which are now widely accessible online.

Hall 11A

Thriving Communities, Thriving Planet Panel Discussion - Anji Barker (CEO of Newbigin Community Trust), Tina Costello (CEO of Heart of England Community Foundation), Jonathan Coyles (Partner at Barker Associates)

A compelling panel discussion to gain practical insights from experts in the fields of civic and sustainability leadership on developing collaborative and inclusive strategies, leading effective community engagement and implementing successful sustainability practices.

Hall 11B

Creating a Culture of Belonging for All Hannah Wilson (Founder and Director, Diverse Educators)

Join Hannah Wilson, the Founder and Director of Diverse Educators, to explore what it means to truly belong. In this masterclass there will be opportunities to: reflect and discuss what it means to be proactively vs reactively inclusive; unpack what we mean by power and privilege; consider what it means to be an inclusive ally.

Hall 10B

Thrive: A Masterclass Beyond Words and Methods Sid Madge (Founder, Meee)

By understanding and satisfying our core needs, we lay the groundwork to thrive, evolving into our best selves while positively impacting the world around us. But how do we do this every day? And, how do we encourage ourselves and others to adopt this life changing attribute beyond just a set of words and a methodology? Join Sid Madge in this masterclass to explore the wonderful concept of ‘Thrive’.

Hall 9

The Future of the School Trust Sector Sir David Carter

The academy trust system has made a significant impact on standards for children. As with all strategic innovation, change and growth is an evolution. So as we approach an election at some point in the next 12 months or so, what are the challenges and opportunities for the sector? What will be sitting in the in-trays of the new government when they begin their term of office. In this session, Sir David Carter will try to explore what some of those themes might be and how the trust sector can develop solutions that embed collaborative practice even more deeply into and between schools.

Hall 10A For Invited guests

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WAT Conference Programme

Big Moves In Practice Zone Name of stand

Activity Description

Sponsored by

Lead

Location

Big Move One

Develop high performing schools where every student unlocks their academic and personal potential

Secondary: ‘Landing the Plane for Y11 and Y13’ Maths

Making homework purposeful.

Karen Finch, Gemma Rayson

Hall 4 - Table 1

English

What role can a mental model play in encouraging written resilience?

Gaurav Dubay

Hall 4 - Table 1

Science

I do, we do, you do - scaffolding to success

Erica Harper

Hall 4 - Table 2

Humanities

Powering up paragraphs - breaking down the cognitive barriers to long answer questions.

Matt Child

Hall 4 - Table 2

MFL

Levelling up language, strategies to upskill knowledge

Sally Dunn

Hall 4 - Table 3

Computing

How Question Level Analysis can help a teacher to identify areas of reteach as well as support students with revision

Nik Rowlands

Hall 4 - Table 3

Art

How interactive presentations can offer another dimension to improve retention of component knowledge

Reina Guttridge

Hall 4 - Table 4

Social Sciences

Becoming Exam Ready

Sarah Pedley

Hall 4 - Table 4

History

Championing Cardsorts: reducing the cognitive load to improve extended writing in Ancient History.

Amy Whitehead

Hall 4 - Table 5

RE

Revision Alternatives - Do students revise from books anymore?

Revision Burst Videos - Screencast

Ayshea Ravenscroft

Hall 4 - Table 5

PE

Google form starters & homework’s (embedding and interleaving past topics) and GCSE booklets to support SEND learners with “apply it” exam style questions to stretch and challenge

Sarah Holder

Hall 4 - Table 6

Primary Maths

Mathematics Mastery: Developing Conceptual Understanding for Pupils and Staff

Matt Plant

Hall 4 - Table 7

Primary English

The Write Stuff: Moving Writing from the Abstract to the Concrete

Georgina Golden

Hall 4 - Table 7

Primary

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WAT Conference Programme

Primary Early Years

Developing early writing and creating writers.

Lydia Williams

Hall 4 - Table 8

Primary Science

Physics Units in KS1 - How do we exceed the national curriculum? 5Es too.

Emma Morgan, Max Wakeman

Hall 4 - Table 8

Big Move Two

Build staff talent by developing inspiring, research informed staff Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

Find out about our Initial Teacher Training offer at WAT in partnership with the National Institute of Teaching.

Nathalie Gotting, Jenny Naujeer

Registration Zone - Table 6

Practitioner Research

What do parents of secondary SEND students value from a positive parentschool partnership?

Natalie Allsop

Hall 4 - Table 6

Practitioner Research

How effectively can we teach sustainability through our primary school senate?

Alex Jones, Laura Wilson

Hall 4 - Table 10

Practitioner Research

How does using a digital exercise book impact the structure of students’ formal answers in a Year 7 History class?

Josh Hamilton

Hall 4 - Table 13

Practitioner Research

To what extent can digital technology promote self-regulated learning in KS3 MFL?

Leanne Adderley

Hall 4 - Table 13

Practitioner Research

How can using adaptive application tasks through dictation improve progress in a Year 10 French group?

Alex Sidiropoulou

Hall 4 - Table 14

Practitioner Research

Can the use of iPads for multiple choice and longer mark questions improve students’ understanding of component knowledge at KS3 in ADT?

Luke Mroczko

Hall 4 - Table 14

Practitioner Research

How does implementing technology based AfL apps such as Whiteboard.fi and self marking in mathematics impact the engagement of learners at KS3?

Tom Painter

Hall 4 - Table 15

Practitioner Research

How can the use of AfL through whiteboard.fi improve student understanding in mathematics at KS3?

Emma Salter

Hall 4 - Table 15

Practitioner Research

How could primary staff utilise digital technology to address teacher workload and use it as a scaffold in order to raise the status of tier 2/3 vocabulary?

Clair Yates

Hall 4 - Table 16

Practitioner Research

How can targeted interventions and digital learning improve progress in learning times tables?

Honor Bridgman, Scott Wells

Hall 4 - Table 16

Practitioner Research

Can the Flipped Learning Method improve students’ retention of key knowledge in Year 7 Spanish?

Carmen Alonso

Hall 4 - Table 17

Practitioner Research

To what extent can using ‘Question Level Analysis’ assessment feedback improve progress in a Year 10 History group?

Liz Chambers

Hall 4 - Table 17

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WAT Conference Programme

Practitioner Research

How can LPA students with SEN be supported to access high challenge for all in key stage 3 mathematics?

Jon Winfield

Hall 4 - Table 18

Practitioner Research

How far can a focus on oracy in the KS3 history classroom improve understanding?

Hannah Bonsall

Hall 4 - Table 18

Practitioner Research

How does using explicit vocabulary instruction within English lessons impact our SEND learners in Year 7?

Charlotte Barnett

Hall 4 - Table 19

Practitioner Research

Will the implementation of low stakes questioning in RE smart starts improve the retention of RE knowledge in Year 1 children over a half term.

Melissa Milner, Leah Nock

Hall 4 - Table 19

Practitioner Research

Can a focus on reading for pleasure and reading aloud increase engagement and attainment in secondary school?

Kerrie Tinson

Hall 4 - Table 20

Practitioner Research

Can reading comprehension strategies be applied to disadvantaged Year 10 biology students to improve understanding and use of tier 3 vocabulary in extended writing tasks?

Katey Hampton

Hall 4 - Table 20

Practitioner Research

Assess the extent to which implementing reading and comprehension strategies can increase understanding and outcomes for KS3 geographers.

Ellis Hodnette

Hall 4 - Table 21

Practitioner Research

How does the incorporation of coreknowledge in KS3 library lessons impact our students’ perception of themselves as readers?

Greg Dimmock

Hall 4 - Table 21

Practitioner Research

Should tier 2 language be focused on in KS3 mathematics to help LPA students to access word rich questions in KS4?

Sophie Newton

Hall 4 - Table 22

Practitioner Research

Can a SEMH intervention enable primary children with low level anxiety to manage and understand their emotions?

Vicky Shuker, Faye Hunt

Hall 4 - Table 22

Master’s Research

The impact of Saturday School on disadvantaged students’ performance and motivation in the classroom.

Asim Ali

Registration Zone - Table 11

Master’s Research

How can CPL programmes increase teacher engagement in professional development?

Rob Killeen

Registration Zone - Table 11

Big Move Three

Drive education for the greater public good to create social value and deliver civic impact.

Civic Leadership

How Windsor Olympus Academy is working in partnership with Newbigin Community Trust to become an anchor in the community it serves.

Louise Jones, Anji Barker

Registration Zone - Table 13

WAT Community Foundation

Find out more about the WAT Community Foundation, how to get involved and our partnership with Heart of England Community Foundation.

Claire Gething, Tina Costello

Registration Zone - Table 14

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WAT Conference Programme

Big Move Four

Instil an ethos and ability to care for the natural environment, now and in the future to become carbon neutral and one of the most sustainable school trusts in the country

Sustainability

Sustainability across the curriculum.

Dominic Simpson from Colley Lane Primary Academy along with Paul Ingles and Jennie Twells from Goldsmiths Primary Academy, share their examples of how they have integrated sustainability into their existing curriculum.

Dominic Simpson, Paul Ingles, Jennie Twells

Hall 4 - Table 10

Ministry of Eco Education

The Ministry of Eco Education saves teachers time and energy by bringing together the best free resources and opportunities into a sustainability framework and approach. Visit us for fun games and analogies to communicate the fundamentals of the climate and nature emergency.

Paul Turner

Hall 4 - Table 9

Big Move Five

Expand the WAT family reach through support for other schools and school trusts and through sustainable growth Hear from the headteachers at two of our newest schools about their experiences of joining the WAT family.

Becky Bailey, Jemma Garside, Leanne Bridgwood

Hall 4 - Table 11

Finance

Professional Services staff will have the opportunity to learn more about their pensions and where/how to seek pension support.

West Midlands Pension Fund

Registration Zone - Table 12

Marketing & Communication

From the classroom to the community.

How our marketing leads open the digital door to our communities through effective use of online platforms.

Clair Drummond, Jenna Sumner, Ash Jones

Hall 4 - Table 12

Digital Technology

How Digital Technology can be used to augment Teaching and Learning, enabling students to achieve their academic and personal potential across our primary and secondary schools.

Michelle Nugent, Sal Khan

Hall 4 - Table 12

Governance / LABs

Strategic governance is one of the defining characteristics of Multi Academy Trusts.

Strong governance provides a key enabler for school improvement. Find out more about governance in Windsor Academy Trust, and the roles and responsibilities of those involved in decision making.

Sally-Anne Chidwick

Hall 4 - Table 11

Joining the WAT Family

Enablers

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Exhibitors

Getech

Getech is exploring the integration of Lego Education solutions, aiming to enrich learning experiences with hands-on, creative approaches that complement their existing technological initiatives and further advance educational innovation.

Registration Zone - Table 7

Barker Associates

Barker, a property consultancy renowned for its sustainable space design, offers a comprehensive range of services, including surveys and major redevelopment projects, with a focus on the multi-academy trust sector. They have significantly aided Windsor Academy Trust in achieving their net-zero carbon goals through successful funding acquisition and project execution, exemplifying their commitment to sustainable development and strong partnership values.

Registration Zone - Table 8

JPL

JPL, based in Halesowen, excels in providing bespoke print solutions for educational institutions, offering a range of products from vibrant wall coverings to custom printed materials, all designed to enhance the academic environment and brand identity, as demonstrated in their successful projects with Windsor Academy Trust.

Registration Zone - Table 9&10

Wave ED

Wave Ed, a Birmingham-based printer and proud partner of Windsor Academy Trust, specialises in a variety of design and print and videography projects for schools across the UK and beyond. Known for their bespoke design service and personal touch through dedicated account managers, Wave Ed excels in everything from postcards to complete signage rebrands. Their sister company, Clarkeprint Ltd, complements this with customisable exercise books, enhancing student engagement with vibrant, tailored designs.

Registration Zone - Table 1&2

Smile

Smile Education, an experienced education recruitment agency, offers tailored staffing solutions for primary, secondary, and SEN schools across the Midlands, North West, and South Yorkshire. Committed to understanding the unique needs of each school and teacher, they excel in matching schools with passionate teaching and non-teaching staff, while also actively participating in community events.

Registration Zone - Table 3

Aperture

With over two decades of expertise, Aperture excels in delivering high-quality, professional school photography services, catering to a diverse range of needs and budgets.

Their commitment to flexibility and the use of state-ofthe-art technology ensures satisfaction among a growing portfolio of happy schools nationwide.

Registration Zone - Table 4

OCR

As a leading not-for-profit UK Exam Board and part of Cambridge University Press and Assessment, we offer expertly developed general and vocational qualifications, tailored to meet learner needs. Our collaboration with Windsor Academy Trust emphasizes our commitment to a diverse curriculum and quality education. Visit our stand to learn more.

Registration Zone - Table 5

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Visit as many Big Moves in Practice hosts as possible, collect a raffle ticket from each host, write your name on the back and drop it into the raffle to be in with a chance to win £100 Amazon voucher.

£100 ER CH VOU

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Awards

Sponsored by

Windsor Academy Trust is committed to their most precious resource, their staff. The purpose of this year’s awards is to recognise those staff that have gone beyond the call of duty in the achievement of the Windsor Academy Trust 5 Big Moves.

Unlocking Academic Potential Award (Big Move 1)

Nominees: Syeda Ahmed, Louise Barlow, Charlotte Barnett, Jacqui Cox, Hannah Grace, Emily Griffiths, Amie Hill, Katie Jukes, Rachel Nixon, Rebecca Shephard, Meg Thompson, Thomas Toulson The Unlocking Academic Potential award recognises individuals that have demonstrated outstanding dedication to fostering academic growth and achievement of students within the WAT family.

Nominees should have a proven record of inspiring students to excel academically, implementing innovative educational practices.

Unlocking Personal Potential Award (Big Move 1)

Nominees: Gemma Gleeson, Edward Griffiths, Catherine Hall, Rachel Leonard, Karen Oakley, Chrissie Parsons, James Perrin, Jamie Stephenson, Jayne Townley, Kat Wilkins, Jon Winfield The Unlocking Personal Potential award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to unlocking personal potential of students within the WAT family. Nominees should have a track record of supporting personal growth, fostering a positive environment for selfimprovement, and inspiring students to reach their full potential on a personal level.

Empowering and Growing Our Staff Award (Big Move 2)

Nominees: Emma Burrows, Heather Down, Nathalie Gotting, Zoe Hampson, Susan Hutchinson, Salman Khan, Lauren Martin, Sarah Moseley, Gavina Raindi, Chelsea Stone, Sarah Whiteley The Empowering and Growing Our Staff award recognises individuals that have made significant contributions to the professional development and well-being of staff members within the WAT family. Nominees should have shown dedication to nurturing talent, promoting a positive work environment, and enhancing the skills and morale of colleagues.

Civic Leadership Award (Big Move 3)

Nominees: Asim Ali, Samantha Boden, Sophie Propratnjak, Judith Silvers, Kerry Spooner, Jenna Sumner, Sally Taylor-Janes The Civic Leadership award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exemplary civic leadership, within the communities served by the WAT family and beyond. Nominees should have a proven track record of actively engaging in community initiatives, advocating for social change, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and others through their civic involvement.

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Sustainability Award (Big Move 4)

Nominees: Greg Barwick, Jonathan Carroll, Beth Ellerton, Claire Holmes, Matt Marr, Isabel McKeever, Georgina Peters, Elain Smith, Jennie Twells The Sustainability award recognises outstanding efforts in promoting sustainability practices within the WAT family. Nominees should have contributed significantly to instilling an ethos of caring for the environment, reducing the school or trust environmental footprint, fostering sustainability awareness, and implementing initiatives that support eco-friendly and responsible living.

Working in Partnership, Beyond the Academies of WAT Award (Big Move 5)

Nominees: Sarah Ayres, Scott Evans, Jo Gibbons, Clark Gould, Laura Parry, Vicky Shuker, Kirsten Tinsley The Working in Partnership, Beyond the Academies of WAT award recognises individuals that have successfully collaborated with external organisations, institutions or partners to develop relationships and extend the WAT family reach. Nominees should have demonstrated effective partnershipbuilding skills and achieved mutually beneficial outcomes beyond WAT family boundaries.

Pride in Excellence Award

Nominees: Karen Barker, Gemma Brough, Heather Davies, Gamila Edhah, Georgina Golden, Amy Hudson, Fran Johnson, Alexandra Jones, Marie Newman, Pete Walters, Sarah Westwood The Pride in Excellence award recognises individuals who consistently embody and promote a culture of excellence, high expectations and hard work. Nominees should exemplify a commitment to high standards, continuous improvement, and a dedication to upholding the WAT moral purpose.

Leadership Award

Nominees: Laura Brettle, James Brown, Sophie Cotterill, Andy Cox, Rosie Etheridge, Emily Griffiths, Ash Jones, Helen Kinsey, Matti Rehman, Max Wakeman, Beth Wilkinson The Leadership Award honours individuals who have displayed exceptional leadership qualities and accomplishments within the WAT family. Nominees should exhibit visionary leadership, effective decision-making, and a proven ability to inspire and guide others towards achieving organisational goals.

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Sponsors Headline Sponsor Barker is an integrated property consultancy that creates inspiring, sustainable spaces where people learn, work and play. Barker’s award-winning team of building surveyors, architects and engineers provide a complete range of services from condition surveys and energy strategy to major projects and redevelopment of entire sites. They maintain a detailed knowledge of funding streams, government policy, education guidelines and initiatives related to the multi-academy trust sector. Barker has a 35-year history in supporting education clients throughout the UK. They are passionate about helping our clients make best use of their estates and buildings.

Barker has worked in partnership with Windsor Academy Trust (WAT) on a successful programme supported by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, to help WAT achieve their aspirational aim of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Barker supported the Trust to secure funding from the Low Carbon Skills Fund to undertake energy audits and assessments of their estate’s infrastructure. This work led to a successful bid to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, where Barker played a crucial part in the bid submission, working alongside Trust colleagues acting as technical advisors from feasibility to execution of the projects delivered. The successful collaboration of Barker, Windsor Academy Trust and appointment contractors resulted in circa £2million worth of decarbonisation projects delivered across the Academies.

Barker have supported Windsor Academy Trust in both a professional and technical capacity, sharing knowledge around infrastructure, renewable energy technologies and decarbonisation strategies. A strong partnership between Windsor Academy Trust and Barker has been formed over the years due to their aligned values of attitude and commitment to working at pace.

Barker look forward to continuing to support Windsor Academy Trust on their journey of building and maintaining sustainable infrastructures and hope that together a more sustainable future can be created, leaving the world in a better place. www.barker-associates.co.uk

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Headline Sponsor JPL…Print made simple. Based in Halesowen, with years of experience, we specialise in print solutions for schools, colleges and universities.

In today’s academic world, it is more important than ever to have a professional, polished appearance. We will help you achieve this effortlessly with our tailor-made solutions.

We can offer you exciting flyers, posters, pull up banners, exercise books, vinyl banners and inviting prospectuses and more. As well as all this we’d love nothing more than transforming your bare walls, corridors and windows with bold, inspiring custom printed coverings – the additional colour and content will stimulate and motivate your students whilst truly adding the wow factor!

All our solutions are created to reflect and strengthen your unique identity, helping to build your brand recognition as they are totally customised to meet your needs. We pride ourselves on quality and service, always putting you at the centre of everything we do to insure you achieve your goals. We will take the stress away and be with you every step of the way.

We’ve helped the Windsor Academy Trust fulfil many exciting print projects in the past, such as the foamex corridor panels at Windsor Olympus Academy, Kingswinford Academy and the whole school signage rebrands at Greenways and Milton Primary Academies, and look forward to continuing this thriving working relationship.

To find out more come and see our stand, or to chat through your needs call one of our friendly team on 0121 561 5020 or email: info@jplprint.com Or for inspiration, ideas and to see our transformations as they happen follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin. www.jplprint.com

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Headline Sponsor Getech and Windsor Academy Trust have established a strong partnership to empower educators and students with the latest Google for Education and Lego Education solutions. Through this collaboration, Getech provides comprehensive support to the trusts schools, ensuring they are fully equipped to harness the transformative power of technology in the classroom.

Getechs expertise in Google for Education encompasses a wide range of services, including: • Implementation and integration: Getech guides Windsor Academy Trust schools in seamlessly integrating Google Workspace for Education, Google Classroom, and other Google tools into their existing learning environments.

• Professional development and training: Getech offers tailored professional development programs for educators, enabling them to master Google for Education tools and effectively incorporate them into their teaching practices.

• Technical support and troubleshooting: Getech provides ongoing technical support to Windsor Academy Trust schools, addressing any technical issues promptly and efficiently.

• Google AI tools: Getech collaborates with educators to explore and integrate Google AI tools into their teaching and learning practices, leveraging the power of AI to enhance student engagement, personalization, and feedback.

In addition to Google for Education, Getech also supports Windsor Academy Trust schools with Lego Education solutions. Getech's expertise in this area includes: • Curriculum and lesson planning: Getech assists educators in integrating Lego Education resources into their curriculum, creating engaging and hands-on learning experiences.

• Teacher training and workshops: Getech provides training and workshops for educators on using Lego Education tools effectively in the classroom.

• Classroom management and support: Getech offers guidance on managing Lego Education resources and effectively implementing Lego-based learning activities.

Through this comprehensive partnership, Getech empowers Windsor Academy Trust schools to create a dynamic and technology-rich learning environment that fosters student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Getechs expertise in Google for Education and Lego Education ensures that Windsor Academy Trust schools are at the forefront of educational innovation, preparing their students for success in the 21st century. www.getech.co.uk/LEGO/

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WAT Award Sponsor IRIS Connect’s market leading video technology and integrated professional development platform has been at the heart of Windsor Academy Trust’s school improvement strategy for many years - providing teachers with opportunities for effective self reflection, coaching and trust-wide sharing of good practice. Having worked together for over 7 years, WAT and IRIS Connect have formed a close reciprocal relationship where together they’re working developmentally to improve outcomes for young people and share their valuable experiences with the wider education community.

The IRIS Connect solution contains all of the PD mechanisms (EEF) that have been shown to lead to sustainable, positive change in teaching practice. One adaptive, centralised and secure platform across the trust that enables tailored PD for every teacher at every experience level. Enable targeted selfreflection, trust-wide sharing of good teaching practice, improve collaboration and deliver impactful coaching without timetabling constraints or location limitations.

Having worked with 2,500 schools in over 50 countries worldwide and 400+ MATs in the UK, IRIS Connect’s tools combine everything that the research shows is needed to bridge the gap between teaching theory and classroom practice. Speak to us to find out more! www.irisconnect.com/uk/

Big Move in Practice Zone Sponsor At Bigfork, we believe that creating a website is more than just a task; it’s an art and a science. We’re not just website designers; we are creators of digital experiences that empower your academy to excel. Our commitment goes beyond aesthetics and functionality; we focus on delivering solutions that genuinely enhance your academy’s performance.

Our approach is centered around understanding and collaboration. We know that the key to a successful digital product lies in the conversation before the code. It’s about understanding your unique challenges, your goals, and your vision. We take the time to listen, to question, and to engage with you, ensuring that every solution we offer is tailored to meet your specific needs.

As proud sponsors of the Big Move in Practice Zone at the WAT Conference, we’re excited to showcase our partnership with the Windsor Academy Trust. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to the education sector, where we strive to bring innovation and excellence to every project.

Our team of experts brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, but more importantly, we bring a passion for helping educational institutions thrive in the digital age. Whether it’s a website that captures the essence of your academy, a user-friendly portal for your staff and students, or a bespoke digital tool that simplifies complex processes, we’re here to make it happen.

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WAT Conference Programme Join us at the conference to see how we blend creativity, technology, and strategy to create digital products that not only look great but also deliver measurable results. Let’s explore how we can work together to make your digital presence as dynamic and forward-thinking as your academy.

At Bigfork, we’re more than just a digital agency; we’re your partner in driving digital innovation for a brighter educational future. bigfork.co.uk

Lunch Sponsor EPM is an accredited and award-winning education services business, with unparalleled sector-specific experience. For over 30 years, we have been at the forefront of helping schools and trusts to improve their performance and achieve more.

We help schools and trusts of every kind, supporting them by acting as their dependable partner and empowering their decision-making. Through offering a number of services ranging through HR, Finance, Safer Recruitment and more, we are able to support schools with the day-to-day tasks as well as the critical moments.

Our software and services work seamlessly together as a complete package of support, while our advisory services help our clients to deal with finance, recruitment, HR and compliance issues. Additionally, our expert consultancy supports complex challenges like conversion, capital projects and growth. We’re proud to be able to ease the burden of routine tasks and reduce human error while helping schools to navigate the education landscape.

We have the expertise, experience and creative ideas to help schools excel in all that they do – whether they are a small village school or a big national MAT. Driven by integrity, resourcefulness and initiative, we are on hand to provide bespoke support.

We provide a comprehensive solution by bringing together best-in-class advice with market-leading technology to power schools and trusts nationwide. Our team of experts deliver proactive and actionable insights, based on data, to empower you to implement pre-emptive measures and interventions with maximum effectiveness.

We have been happily providing support to Windsor Academy Trust since 2017 with our HR and Payroll services. www.epm.co.uk

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Exhibitors Smile Education are a team of dedicated education recruitment experts covering schools and their staff across the Midlands, North West and South Yorkshire.

Having supported primary, secondary and SEN schools for well over a decade, Smile Education understand that every teacher and school is different, doing our very best to find teaching staff, non-teaching staff and school leaders a job that they’ll love.

We don’t just place staff in schools – we go above and beyond, considering ourselves an extension of not only the schools we work with but also the communities we work within. Whether it’s supporting at university careers fair, school sports day or local fundraiser, our schools, candidates - and, most importantly, the children they teach - can count on us to be there to support in whatever way we can.

The safety of children and young people underpins everything we do at Smile, and with a score of 100% in our latest APSCo audit, our compliance processes reflect this. We carry out rigorous checks of all candidates to make sure they are suitable to work within each school, and take the time to carefully choose each member of staff to match them up with the right role.

We’re immensely proud to be working with Windsor Academy Trust to add value across every stage of their recruitment process. Our team are dedicated to supporting the trust in its mission of unlocking academic and personal potential by matching schools to talented staff who are passionate about what they do. www.smile-education.co.uk

We are a leading not-for-profit UK Exam Board. As part of Cambridge University Press and Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge, we have access to unrivalled expertise and research capacity across assessment and examinations.

Our general and vocational qualifications equip learners with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their full potential. These qualifications have been developed by working closely with teachers, industries, subject professionals, and higher education institutions.

We are proud to work in partnership with Windsor Academy Trust leaders to achieve a diverse curriculum offer and drive quality teaching and learning. www.ocr.org.uk

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Wave Ed are a proud print partner of Windsor Academy Trust. Wave Ed are a Birmingham based printer, specialising in a wide range of design and print projects, we assist schools and educational institutions all over the UK and have recently stretched as far as Gambia! From a postcard to a full scale signage rebrand, Wave Ed covers all bases. Wave Ed is unique for many reasons, we offer a bespoke design service, enabling schools to control and deliver precisely their message to their audience. Accompanied with a dedicated account manager for each school / trust, Wave Ed provides service on a personal basis making the ordering experience a smooth and trustworthy process. You can count on your account manager to understand your needs and help to bring them into the fold.

We are pleased to be joined by our Sister company Clarkeprint Ltd who specialize in Bespoke Exercise Books. Clarkeprint Ltd offer fully customisable books and reading records which can be designed to benefit your students, staff and parents. With vibrant covers in any colour of your choice and your full colour school logo on the front, they look fantastic and are particularly popular with students. You can choose a ruling from our range (125 size and ruling combinations as standard!) or request your own and even add your custom content, such as maps, marking criteria, times tables, school rules, learning objectives, kit lists and much more!

Please stop by at the conference and say hello, we will be thrilled to meet you and of course if you would like to make an enquiry or need some advice on any upcoming projects, we will be happy to help! www.wave-ed.co.uk

Aperture Portraits, boasting over 20 years of experience, stands out as a premier provider of school photography services, known for their high-quality products and flexibility to accommodate various budgets. They have cultivated a robust portfolio of satisfied schools across the country, a testament to their professional excellence and client-focused approach. In addition to traditional photography, Aperture has expanded their offerings to include amazing virtual tours, enabling schools to showcase their facilities in an immersive and engaging way. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and technology, they not only capture moments but create experiences, making them a trusted partner in visually representing the essence of educational institutions. Their commitment to quality and innovation makes them a notable exhibitor, ready to meet diverse photographic needs and bring school environments to life. www.aperture-portraits.co.uk

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Building Futures Together Barker are a trusted Estates Partner to Windsor Academy Trust. We are proud to support the WAT conference.

• Chartered Architects • Chartered Surveyors • Education Property Consultants • Energy & Sustainability Specialists

www.barker-associates.co.uk

No matter what they build, they always build confidence

Aim for higher prepares them for university and beyond.

FIND OUT MORE teach.ocr.org.uk/cambridge-advanced-nationals

www.getech.co.uk/LEGO LEGO, the LEGO logo and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. Used with permission. © 2023 The LEGO Group.

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