Bryanston Education Summit 2023: Inspiring teachers and parents to help pupils to Learn to Love their Mind

The Summit, held with the aim of providing new insights and best practice on teaching and learning to address the challenges of modern education, was a resounding success.

Richard Jones, Head of Bryanston, opened the Summit with an inspiring address that highlighted the importance of nurturing creative thinking and fostering a love for learning in children. Mr Jones emphasised the need for adaptability in the face of the evolving job landscape, driven by advancements such as Artificial Intelligence and the metaverse. Teachers were encouraged to equip the next generation with the essential skills required to thrive in this rapidly changing world.

A highlight of the event was the keynote speech delivered by Daljit Nagra, a distinguished poet, creative writing lecturer, and Chair of the Royal Society of Literature. Nagra, renowned for his poem read by James Nesbitt during the coronation celebration for King Charles III, emphasised the role of cultural and linguistic diversity in nurturing creativity. He highlighted how embracing diverse perspectives enables imaginative storytelling and cultivates well-informed world views.

In a ground-breaking move, the day before the Education Summit, Bryanston pastoral team introduced a 21st Century Parenting event for the first time. Over 100 parents attended this inaugural event, benefiting from the expertise of professionals who provided valuable insights on pressing issues such as self-harm, eating disorders, gambling, drugs, and bullying. This addition reflects our commitment to supporting parents in navigating the challenges of modern parenting.

The Education Summit’s theme was "Learn to Love Your Mind," and focused on developing creative thinking, highlight best teaching practice and understanding equality and inclusion for all learners. The event featured a diverse range of speakers, including education specialists, child psychologists, inclusion experts, and senior executives from the creative industry. Interactive workshops and immersive activities by CreativeHut, an official partner of LEGO Education, showcased innovative teaching methods designed to ignite creative thinking.

Bryanston English teacher and Houseparent Stephen Davies is the Director of the Education Summit. "Events like the Bryanston Education Summit are vital for the educational community. Our Summit provides a platform for sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and igniting inspired thinking. In an ever-evolving world, it is essential to come together, learn from one another, and collectively shape the future of education. These gatherings celebrate innovation, nurture creativity, and empower educators to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead." 

Throughout the day, music scholars from Bryanston entertained attendees during the lunch period, adding a vibrant touch to the Summit's atmosphere.

Prominent educator, designer, and author Peps Mccrea highlighted the decline in student motivation as they progress through their school years. Mccrea stressed the importance of implementing behavioural and structural routines, nudging community norms, and fostering a sense of belonging to boost motivation levels.

The Summit also featured renowned speakers such as David Price OBE, author of the Amazon best-seller "How We'll Work, Live, and Learn in the Future," and Rob Coe, Visiting Professor of Education at Loughborough University. They echoed the need for a transformational approach to education, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment that allows creativity to flourish. 

Education reformer Bill Lucas underscored the significance of embracing curiosity, ingenuity, and respect for differences.  Bradley Busch, an expert in cognitive science and advanced learning techniques, challenged traditional notions of learning. He advocated for interweaving concepts between different subjects to enhance the learning process and promote critical thinking.

Equality, inclusion, and individualised learning needs were recurring themes throughout the summit. Speakers such as Elly Chapple, Dr. Pippa Busch, Hannah Hamid, and Dr. Preetpal Bachra highlighted the importance of thinking beyond convention to meet the diverse needs of students. Ruth Moyse, a visiting Fellow at the University of Southampton, called for reframing the narrative around autism and celebrating the strengths of individuals on the spectrum.

The summit also welcomed speakers from various fields, including Paralympic athlete Sam Ruddock, poet and memoirist Hannah Lowe, and award-winning Creative Director Paul Kitcatt, Sascha Evans, and Gareth Morewood.

Will Bridges, Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) at Bryanston, described the Summit as a celebration of diversity and ingenuity, noting the positive feedback received from delegates. “Attendees appreciated the opportunity to learn about inclusive classrooms, upskill themselves, and deliver the best possible learning experiences to their students. The thought-provoking presentations provided fresh ideas and tools to help every child fulfil their potential.”

The Bryanston Education Summit once again proved to be a catalyst for inspired thinking among parents and teachers, ensuring a brighter future for the education sector.  We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated and contributed to the success of this exceptional event which we will be hosting again on Wednesday 5 June 2024.

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