Julian Coy // Room IT4

The session will look at how Microsoft 365 (Formerly Microsoft Office) can be used effectively by support staff, focusing especially on cloud-based apps such as One Drive and Teams. We will explore how files can be shared and worked on by different groups people and how Teams can be used for communication and collaboration on specific projects. We will be using computers during the session and will include time for questions at the end to explore particular queries and issues.

Nicola Bond and Andrea Todd // Room 212

This session will explore how teachers can use AI to better support students with SEND.  We will look at using AI to reduce cognitive load created by longer worksheets/booklet tasks, reducing the reading age of complex texts, producing worked examples or notes as additional SEND resources and look at how AI can be used to generate podcasts to support students with ADHD to access longer texts.  Please bring a laptop and headphones and ensure that you have some lesson material that you would like to adapt as this will be a practical session. 

Michael Gowar // Room IT1

Can robots really help 6th Form teachers improve literacy in the classroom? The answer might surprise you. This session explores the potential of AI tools, effective classroom routines, EAL-specific strategies, and the challenges of integrating AI in education. We'll also dive into what the future holds: will AI reshape our roles as teachers—or just make marking a bit easier?

Sotonye Odugbemi // Room 101

What do Oprah, Mr. Bean and Sherlock Holmes have to do with teaching? In this practical session we’ll explore the Culture of Error classroom. What does it mean for teachers to create psychological safety and for students to fearlessly embrace their errors? Can making space for mistakes and misconceptions really facilitate more effective teaching and learning?

Claire Foley // Room 151

Are you a Year 1 or 2 ECT or trainee teacher? If so, in this session you will be given practical tips to support you in keeping on top of your workload, to manage your time both in and out of school. and to make time for wellbeing and a work-life balance that is healthy and productive. Bring along your teacher planners, school calendars, deadlines and questions about life as an ECT and beyond.

Peter Baumann Winn and Paul Arthur // Room 153

This session will explore the challenges that underpin our most difficult relationships with parents and families. It will identify your most common fears when engaging with some families and outline a range of strategies that can prevent hardened lines and instead lead to de-escalation and greater trust. The session will explore models of conflict resolution and perceptions of power and privilege. You will be asked to come with a case study in mind which can be explored later in the session. This is most relevant for staff in positions of pastoral leadership, but suitable for and may be of interest to all staff who are family-facing. 

Jim Brittain // Library Computer Room

This session will cover how to get the best out of Class Charts and Sims. I was thinking of starting with dashboards and reports in Class Charts but would like the session to be attendee led. I welcome suggestions about what people would like clarified, please email me if there is a topic/process that you would find useful - jbrittain@carshaltongirls.org.uk.

Fiona Crump // Room 106

This session will offer some practical strategies for managing difficult conversations at work.  We will explore some of the challenges that we face in delivering clear messages, learn to pre-empt different types of responses, and use a model to plan what we need to say.

Winnie Bhasin // Room 207

As teachers, we sometimes assume that students know how to talk; it is a social skill that does not need to be taught in school. Nothing could be further from the truth! Oracy is one of the key building blocks for academic progression and will support young learners on their journeys towards living fulfilling adult lives. It is a skill that must be integrated into every subject. This session will focus on how we can teach oracy (speaking and listening skills) in the classroom. By the end of the session, you will hopefully gain a deeper understanding of how students can learn to talk and through talk.

Lucie Funnell and Vincent Niland (TPS Expert) // Main Hall

This session focuses exclusively on the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), providing clarity on current and historical changes that impact its benefits and options. Participants will gain insights into how amendments to pension legislation influence both immediate and future benefits for members of the scheme.

The structured, online presentation is designed to meet the needs of all TPS members, offering guidance on:

• For All Members: A comprehensive understanding of the TPS at any stage of your career.
• Pre-Retirement for Staff Aged 50+: Guidance on when and how to retire, what to consider, and the retirement options available within the scheme.
• Leadership and Senior Management: A breakdown of annual and lifetime allowance limits, the potential impact on pensions, and the necessary steps for HMRC reporting or protection applications.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and can also arrange free, no-obligation one-to-one consultations to explore personal requirements in more detail.

Rachel Green // Room 204

This session will equip participants with practical, easy to apply project management techniques and strategies that improve project outcomes, mitigate risks and foster confidence in managing projects effectively. It will engage participants in applying the core concepts of project management to relatable scenarios within a school setting and provide a taster of project management techniques. The session will cover how to manage a programme and risk, working with stakeholders, handling issues and staying on track. This session is suitable for anyone interested in project management or developing their skills to more effectively deliver projects.

Thomas Flynn // Room 200

This session will provide a comprehensive guide to creating a strong business case, essential for securing resources and driving impactful projects in education. Participants will explore why business cases are critical, including their role in funding allocation, strategic and stakeholder alignment, and risk mitigation. Through practical examples and top tips, attendees will learn to avoid pitfalls like vague language, excessive jargon, and lack of data.  This session is suitable for all staff.

Andrew Elstone // Room IT2

This session will focus on the basic skills needed to be proficient at using spreadsheets. We will be looking at how to format in Excel as well as the use of formulas, tables and printing. We will then move onto conditional formatting, pivot tables and other charts. However, the session content will depend on the level of proficiency of participants but will be aimed at beginners and intermediate abilities.

Fiona Coppard // Room 107

External menopause adviser, Fiona Coppard, with provide a general guide to menopause symptoms and how these can impact both home and work life, including some tips on how to manage symptoms. Suitable for anyone wanting to learn more about this stage of a woman's life. Session includes time for questions.

Alexis Williamson-Jones // Room 102

This session is designed for middle-leaders who are considering a move into senior leadership. It will focus on the practicalities of securing a senior leadership role—how to identify the right opportunities, craft a strong application, and navigate the interview process with confidence. You'll also gain insight into what schools look for in senior leaders and how to position yourself as a strong candidate. There will be time for questions and advice to support your next steps. This session is suitable for middle leaders aspiring to be senior leaders.

Jacqui Green // Room 109

Teaching is a job that is never 'done' and this can make managing our workload particularly challenging. This session will look at some helpful strategies to manage workload through key organisation tips, working norms and setting out clear parameters for our roles to support a positive mindset. 

Charlotte McGullion and Coralea Haskins // Room 202

This session will explore the importance of the form tutor within all three key stages.  We will be evaluating the purpose and value of the role as well as providing opportunity for current tutors to discuss key scenarios and consider strategies for support.

Emily Jones // Room 111

This session will consider the reasons behind why students may face cognitive overload in the A Level classroom. Drawing on evidence, the session will examine how you could adapt lessons to combat issues of cognitive overload and will enable you to reflect on small changes that might make a big difference to the students in your classes.

Chanelle Beaumont // Room 206

This workshop invites staff to explore emotions through colour, lines and imagery in a non-verbal and relaxing way. Led by Integrative Psychotherapist Chanelle Beaumont, discover how creative journaling can support your well-being and help you reflect on your emotions through creative prompts. Leave the session with practical tools to support your well-being or inspire your work with students. 

Melissa Horton // Room 210

A session for those looking to move away from PowerPoint and towards teaching using a visualiser.

Jessica Thomas Cole // Room 209

This session will discuss the benefits and challenges of being a working parent in education. We will look at trust policies, discuss strategies to manage work load, parental commitments and family wellbeing.

Luke Sanderson // Room 150

Suitable for anyone who is interested in using onenote as a platform for teaching or organising notes and resources for a class. We will learn: How to set-up a class onenote from MS Teams. What the different sections of one note are and how to use them. Some tips for effective use in the classroom. Some tips for using it outside of the classroom.

Instructor // David Lloyd

Take a break from the busy school day and join this calming yoga session designed to help you relax, reset, and re-energise. Suitable for all experience levels, this session will focus on simple stretches, breathing techniques, and mindfulness to support both physical and mental wellbeing. No special equipment needed—just comfortable clothing and an open mind!

Susannah Osborne // Room 112

This session will address the most recent findings on the prevalence of student anxiety in schools. It will provide teachers and support staff with confidence to identify early signs of anxiety in their students, strategies to use when supporting students through anxiety and knowledge of when to escalate.