Developing leaders

Over 150 teachers, consultants and physics practitioners gathered at The Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon this month to celebrate physics in our partner schools, all sharing ideas, enthusiasm and expertise at our annual conference.

We welcomed new schools to the Trust as part of our Induction programme, focusing on developing impactful physics partnerships. A presentation on inclusive physics pathways by Afiya Romain-Bains from The Blackett Lab Family and The Ogden Trust’s Accessibility and Inclusion panel resonated with everyone, as she shared practical strategies for inclusion.

“Afiya spoke to my heart. I think her messages will have the most impact on me.”
Delegate

For our established partner schools, the focus was on leaders of physics in line with the findings from our ‘Working Through Others’ project with the EEF. Sessions covered both pedagogical approaches and planning for purposeful enrichment. The programme was put together by the Trust’s Teaching and Learning team, headed by Jackie Flaherty.

“Being able to bring teachers together in this forum to share best practice and meaningful physics CPD is a real privilege,” says Jackie. “We know how hard it is for teachers to get time away from the classroom and we hope the conference offered professional development that will bring value to their classroom practice and their growth as physics leaders.”

“I found all of the speakers valuable but in particular the talks on EEF implementation and inclusive teaching were really useful and provided a different perspective. The event was fantastic to network with colleagues.”
Delegate

Isaac Physics sessions were hosted by Ingrid Murray and Professor Lisa Jardine-Wright, and Jane Turner gave her an insightful keynote: Teachers make a difference. All the sessions were well-received and provided food for thought with evidence-informed content, and time for reflection and action planning for the teachers to share and implement back in school.

The event culminated with an inspiring presentation from Professor Becky Parker, encouraging schools to submit an application for the Project Earth competition, Pitch for the Planet 2026.

“Thank you to all those who attended and presented,” adds Kirstin Greygoose, Head of School Partnerships. “It was a truly inspirational few days providing insight and sharing of expertise, and celebrating the achievements and continued commitment of our partnership leads; we hope they found the conference valuable and enjoyed the food and facilities on offer as another busy school year comes to an end.”

Key take aways from the conference?
“Helping teachers to see themselves as change agents and keep on revisiting aims and vision with collaborative approach.”
Delegate

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