Hosted at the Burlington Danes Academy – the country’s 9th most improved academy last year – the seminar will feature keynote addresses from:
- Sir William Atkinson, headteacher of Phoenix High School, discussing ‘what makes a good school’;
- Paul Harwood, the London Challenge Adviser for Behaviour and Attendance, addressing ‘behaviour issues: fact or fiction’;
- Brett Wigdortz, CEO and Founder of Teach First, providing delegates with recommendations on how to attract top teachers into challenging schools.
Each keynote address will be followed by a case study from headteachers or pupils from a turnaround school, who will discuss how to put the debate’s main themes in practice.
Graham Holley, Chief Executive of the TDA said:
“The TDA is delighted to be opening up the debate about the myths and realities of working in a challenging school. There can be damaging misconceptions about schools labelled as challenging. Often they can be inspirational and rewarding places to work and - with the right support and leadership – can overcome their particular circumstances. Schools that turn themselves around are built on the success of high quality teachers and leaders. We want to take on our own challenge – to bust the myths around challenging schools, and encourage more great teachers to work in one. We are asking educators - and pupils – how we can succeed”
The TDA welcomes public input into this debate via its online channels:
- Follow the TDA @TDANews, and #ChallengingSchools for seminar specific messages
- Post questions and join the online discussion forum – visit the TDA’s Challenging Schools: the fact and fiction website at: www.tda.gov.uk/challengingschools/seminar
