At the 2024 Cambridge Schools Conference, the Acting Head of School and Head of Learning and Teaching were impressed and inspired by several notable presentations, showcasing innovative teaching strategies and successful student engagement practices.
These presentations underscored the commitment to academic excellence and the importance of fostering a dynamic learning environment. Notable examples include:
Oracy: becoming a good speaker
and listener by Professor Neil Mercer
Neil Mercer's work emphasizes the importance of teaching oracy, highlighting its role in enhancing students' cognitive, social, and academic development. By fostering effective communication skills, he argues, students become better thinkers and collaborators, which is crucial for their overall success and participation in society.
Multilingualism and identity: understanding others and communicating with confidence by Linda Fisher and Karen Forbes
Fisher and Forbes' work explores the interplay between multilingualism and identity, illustrating how language diversity enriches personal and cultural identity. They state that embracing multilingualism in education fosters a more inclusive environment, promoting better social integration, cognitive flexibility, and a deeper understanding of global perspectives.
When Second may be best…
by Simon Lind
Simon Lind is passionate about the critical importance of English as a second language, highlighting its role in global communication, economic opportunities, and educational access. He emphasizes that proficiency in English empowers individuals to engage more effectively in diverse professional and social contexts, enhancing both personal and collective growth.
How to use the new Cambridge leader and teacher standards to support continuous school improvement by Hema Mistry, Victoria Renfro,
Nivedita Bose
The new Cambridge Teacher and Leader Standards are crucial for school improvement as they provide a clear framework for effective teaching and leadership. These standards promote consistent high-quality education, professional development, and accountability, leading to enhanced student outcomes and overall school performance.
The four topics highlighted were just some of the wonderful presentations/workshops offered during the two day conference in Cambridge, UK.