On Wednesday 2 November we held our very first Learning and Research Lunch. This was an opportunity for colleagues to gather together in order to share and celebrate best practice, allowing us to learn from one another in a conversation and informal setting.

Six colleagues each gathered together in the Murray Centre’s Auditorium, each with a strategy or tip that they wanted to share. Colleagues were then free to come along, wander around and strike up conversations about what was being displayed and how it might be used. Colleagues presented on topics as varied as feedback, a strategy called Before, Before, After, using video in lessons, start of lesson routines, retrieval practice, and other ideas.

As it was open to all colleagues, it became a great opportunity to share ideas across different subjects and Departments, thinking about how one idea might work across multiple contexts.

Teacher of Biology, Mr Josh Kersley, who had attended the event, shared his reflections:
‘The event was great as it allowed me to explore and discuss strategies in detail. Speaking to other departments made it clear that their methods wouldn’t translate into science, but due to it being an open space we were able to explore ways to implement them and tailor to my subject. It was a great idea; I was able to take away some great techniques that I have since implemented into my own practises’