One of the great things about the BETT show is the amount of free advice and products that can be picked up! If this sounds like good news, then the best place to start will be the range of supporting and government organisations including Becta, which will be located in the Supporting Next Generation Learning zone in the National Hall (near the main entrance).
“In my opinion, BETT is the best education show around and I have been going for the last 16 years. BETT gives me the chance to have a first look at the technology that will affect teaching in the next couple of years, and I am able to find out about Government initiatives and issues, as well as learn about new ways of teaching.
I used to go on a Saturday but now my school allows me to visit on a weekday. With over 700 stands there is so much to see and I am unable to visit every exhibitor, so I make sure I plan my visit well in advance so that I make the most out of my time there. I pre-plan by customising the virtual floor plan on the website (My BETT planner) and by using the maths route planner that is available at the show. This details the exhibitors that are showcasing maths resources.
If I don’t get round to a stand that I want to see, or only have time to stop and pick up a brochure, the showguide contains exhibitor contact details that I can look up afterwards. Similarly the scanners work well as the exhibitor will scan your badge and this allows them to contact you post show.
At BETT you can pick up demos of products to try at home before you buy. Last year we were sourcing a learning platform provider and BETT was the ideal place to compare systems and ask questions. My deputy briefed me on the questions I needed to ask before I went, to ensure we chose the right provider. I make sure I visit the Government bodies to find out about particular new initiatives or issues and collect information packs. It is also good to visit the providers we already work with to speak with the reps we know and talk about upcoming products and give feedback for future features.
BETT is a good source for learning new teaching tips. The best seminars to go to are the subject specific ones and the ones run by associations, and they are a great chance to expand on CPD. You can normally get free tickets on the day but they do go quickly, so it is good to book in advance.” Adam Creen Head of Maths at Salesian School Chertsey
“I have not missed BETT in 14 years, and I don’t intend to overlook any further shows as it keeps me up-to-date with new, innovative devices that are available in ICT for education. I look forward to each and every BETT in relation to what it can teach me and how it can develop my school further.
With BETT being such a bustling show, I attend each year with a focus in mind about what I want to see, and the BETT website and pre-show publications are read carefully to plan my day(s). I tend to target the many new innovations that the exhibition showcases. To complement the large amount of individual stands that are on offer, seminars are held in different theatres, and these are both very useful and interesting.
I normally visit the show during weekdays however, over the past few years as the exhibition has become bigger and better, I now plan to attend BETT over 2 days. This is because it enables me to see everything in detail – one day at BETT is simply not enough! I would encourage all teachers to visit the show, if only on the singular occasion, as it is a completely unique, free event enabling you to truly improve your school for the future.” Anthony Witte headteacher at Rosebrook Primary School in Mansfield
“Head teachers are constantly facing challenges with how to best run their school environment. How should you address personalised learning? How do you smoothly implement your school’s learning platform, if you’ve even got around to procuring one?
Whether facing issues with funding, new initiatives or procurement, these challenges need solutions and BETT is a great place to discover some of these.
I am an experienced visitor to BETT, having attended the show for the last 20 plus years. A world-class exhibition, BETT is packed full of interesting exhibitors as well as inspiring seminars, and it has never failed to help me learn about how to move my school forward. As a school leader, you are under pressure to make good procurement decisions and BETT can help ensure you make the right ones.
The advice that I would offer to other primary head teachers is to think carefully about what you want to get out of the show and make sure you and your team pre-plan beforehand. The BETT website enables you to create your own personal route around the show by creating an individual floor plan highlighting the exhibitors that match your interests, so take advantage of this.” Christine Terrey, Headteacher at Grays Infants School, Newhaven.
For more information, visit the Becta stand at BETT and the website on www.becta.org.uk
