An overview of Creating Gifts and Developing Talents Inclusively in Bath and North East Somerset 2008-2009 Programme  

To take our work to the next level, the programme for 2008-2009, will comprise

• a year long programme of half day workshops,
• day events,
• twilights, including evening groups to support masters work for those prefer to, or can only, work outside of the school day 
• collaborative enquiries
• and web based information and conversations.

Through a values base action research approach the focus will be on improving teaching and learning and developing and understanding practice that relates to our educational values. Some of the transformational work of our teachers can be seen here.

The programme will focus on helping leading teachers and teams improve their responses to questions such as – How do I improve inclusive gifted and talented educational experiences for my pupils and in my school? By developing:

• our professional knowledge base of our quality inclusive gifted and talented educational practice and theory
• student voice in their own learning, that of their school and the authority
• supportive cultures which value people and their contributions as they generate, reveal, develop and share their gifts and talents
• collaborative and networked learning communities
• creative, interconnecting engagement with the challenges offered by the various DCSF strategies and agendas, including Gifted and Talented Education, Personalisation of Learning, Every Child Matters, Inclusion, from the bedrock of our educational values and theories

The programme will support participants to develop teaching and learning through a living values approach, to develop values based standards of judgment, relevant forms of evidence, and create accounts that show their educational influences in pupils’ learning and communicate to the school community.

These accounts will inspire those who want to improve their own practice, and contribute to improving inclusive gifted and talented educational practice of their school, and our community.

The CPD work of teachers who engage with the full programme of workshops will be at masters level and can be accredited for teachers who register through this programme tutored by Jack Whitehead (University of Bath). TDA funding have been made available.

References etc

Up Close and Personal Learning - about what matters to me!

A Collaborative, Creative, Enquiry Day

This is a one day workshop for children, young people and educators who are able and willing to work collaboratively to contribute to their own learning, that of others and a convivial community of enquiry.

Our day together will focus on sharing stories about our learning experiences so that we all get a better idea of what really matters to each of us, how we might improve our own learning and contribute to the learning of each other. We will be using an approach that will be recognisable to teachers and pupils who are familiar with improving their learning through action research approaches such as TASC.

  Jack Whitehead (University of Bath) is leading and facilitating the day. He may be most familiar to you for his books on action research co-authored with Jean McNiff. He is well known internationally for his innovative, creative approach to improving educational research in practice. To find details of his work explore his website http://www.actionresearch.net

Wednesday 16th July 08

9.30 am to 3.00pm

Banqueting Room Guildhall, Bath

Refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided.  

There will be no cost for participants from B&NES schools.  Participants from beyond B&NES will be asked to contribute £10 per person.

Any pupils participating must be accompanied by a member of school staff. All staff are welcome with or without pupils.

Contact apex@bathnes.gov.uk for details and booking form by 30th May 2008