Telford College hosts learning day with some of the best teaching minds in the country
More than 200 lecturers and tutors at Telford College spent a day sharpening skills with six of the country’s foremost education specialists
Telford College has given its entire teaching workforce a day of learning with six of the country’s most respected education specialists.
The end-of-year Teaching and Learning Conference, held at the Telford Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, covered artificial intelligence, inclusive practice, mental health support, active participation and classroom behaviour.
Principal and chief executive Lawrence Wood said the day reflected the college’s determination to maintain high standards for staff as well as students.
Mr Wood told more than 200 colleagues: “We ask our students to be ambitious learners. It’s only right that we hold ourselves to the same standard. This day was about bringing together some of the best thinking in the country and giving our tutors the space and opportunity to challenge and develop their own teaching skills.”
He highlighted post-Covid learning gaps, the rapid rise of AI, economic pressures and structural barriers facing young people.
Keynote speaker Ben Whitaker argued that teachers must help students develop skills AI cannot replicate, such as critical thinking and creativity.
Danielle McKernan, a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, stressed the value of designing classrooms free of barriers from the outset.
Workshops were also led by Isabella Wallace, Dr Claire Badger, Luke Zwalf and Dr Anna James.
Mr Wood said: “Our students deserve teachers who are still learning and I’m grateful to our fantastic line-up of guests for challenging us and bringing fresh perspective to the ongoing challenges we face. The quality of our teaching is the single biggest determining factor in what our students go onto achieve in life and because of that we’ll keep on investing in our staff.”
The college takes in nearly half of all 16- and 17-year-old school leavers across Telford and Wrekin and is preparing to open its new sixth-form centre in September.