The real value in teacher training: Education experts lead CPD at NBH

The mention of CPD can rouse a staff room full of sighs in many schools. And groans from parents needing to arrange another day of childcare, unconvinced they’ll see any impact on their child’s education. There is no denying however, that inspired teachers deliver the most inspirational learning: the key principle behind the second annual ‘festival’ of professional development at North Bridge House.

The NBH Staff Development Day saw some of the most forward thinking and experienced practitioners in education explore CPD, thought leadership and effective learning with over 230 teachers. Themes touched upon included teacher identity and embedding growth mindsets, as well as building comprehension skills in the early years and sixth form preparation for higher education, to name but a few.

The event motivated staff embarking on the summer term and proved that inset days need not be schools’ equivalent of teacher detention – a lecture in the school hall or time to catch up on paperwork – but a celebration of education which impacts on both teachers and their pupils.

An initiative led by North Bridge House Canonbury’s Headteacher, Jonathan Taylor, the day was a huge success, bringing together a highly diverse and accomplished selection of speakers to provide individualised and wide ranging professional development for all five of the NBH campuses.

David Weston, founder and Chief Executive of the Teacher Development Trust, began the day with a truly inspiring keynote, reminding his audience that:

“Every teacher needs to improve, not because they are not good enough, but because they can be even better.”

The best CPD recognises that teachers are professionals with valuable insights of their own; hence, the vast majority of speakers at the NBH Development Day were experienced classroom practitioners. From Heads, Assistant Heads and a lead Ofsted inspector to international education consultants and doctors in psychology and working memory, the day provided a variety of workshops, panel discussions and advanced research for teachers of all ages.

Each session was tailored to teachers of different interests and key stages (Early Years to KS5) to accommodate and benefit everyone from the five unique NBH campuses. Whilst the training was therefore specific to the individual, it was also a great opportunity for staff to collaborate with colleagues from other NBH sites and really enhanced the group’s sense of community. Furthermore, staff were able to connect and share ideas with the impressive guest speakers and educationalists.

Simon Camby, the Director of Education for Cognita Schools Europe, brought the day to an inspirational close, reminding staff that “The very best teaching is usually simple, uncluttered and clear-sighted.”

For more videos and content from the day, visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.