Time
Session
Details
08:00
Arrival
Arrival at the Marble Hall for refreshments and to collect badges
08:45
Welcome
Address by Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, Head of The Stowe Group, in the Roxborough Theatre
09:00
Transition
09:15
Keynote
Secondary School Staff David Didau “How Learning Happens”
If the mind were simple enough for us to understand it, we would be too simple to understand it. That said, this keynote attempts a glimpse inside our minds to better understand how students learn and why it sometimes feels like they don’t.
Prep/Primary School Staff James Nottingham “Celebrating Progress”
The value of focusing on pupil progress is well established. Black & Wiliam’s (1998) extensive review of formative assessment showed that considerations of growth can significantly enhance student understanding; Fredericks, Blumenfeld and Paris (2004)’s meta-analysis identified that students who track their own progress show higher motivation and better academic outcomes; and Suldo and Shaffer (2008)’s study indicated that students who perceive their progress positively are more likely to have higher emotional well-being and lower levels of anxiety. What, though, can be done on a day-to-day basis in every primary classroom to draw attention to, emphasise, and celebrate progress? That will be the focus for this opening keynote.
10:00
10:15
Breakout 1
10:40
Break
Refreshments served in the Sixth Form Centre
11:10
Breakout 2
11:35
11:40
Breakout 3
12:05
12:15
Lunch
12:15-12:45 Prep School Staff and Visitors
12:45–13:15 Stowe School Staff
13:30
All Staff James Nottingham “Small Shifts That Lead to Big Gains in Student Learning”
James Nottingham’s latest book, TEACH Brilliantly (2024) describes the small improvements that can significantly improve student learning. One of the themes is ‘feedback’ – an intervention filled with so much potential and yet, so rarely used to its maximum; indeed, one third of studies show negative outcomes. Other themes include questioning and engagement; unfortunately, however, research estimates show typical rates of engagement across a lesson are approximately 50% (Yair, 2000; Gallup, 2023) but when the most common form of questioning is used, this drops to one third! Change this to an exploratory approach and engagement lifts to approximately two-thirds (Cazden, 2001). During this closing keynote, James will pick up on some of these themes to demonstrate small adjustments that are likely to improve outcomes, emphasising how to reduce workload while boosting impact.
14:30
StoweEd Finishes
Stowe Group INSET Starts
Winchester House: Roxborough Theatre (and classrooms)
Swanbourne House: Ugland Auditorium (and classrooms)
Stowe School: Department Bases
17:00
INSET Ends
Code
Session Title
Speaker and Details
A
Guiding Pupils Through the Learning Pit
James Nottingham (Guest Speaker) James Nottingham created The Learning Pit to encourage his pupils to step out of their comfort zone and seek challenges that will deepen their learning. Today, the model is used around the world to enhance students’ language of learning, metacognition, resilience and curiosity. It also helps teachers identify when to move students from surface- to deep-learning, as well as providing a framework for effective questioning. In this short session, James will identify the key points of The Learning Pit and show you how it can foster a culture of learning for all pupils.
B
Attention, Meaning and Mastery: The Questions Teachers Need to Answer Every Lesson
David Didau (Guest Speaker) Too often, teachers are trained to use techniques without necessarily understanding their purpose. Instead, the focus should be on how a technique will give us more information about the progress students are making and what we should do as a result.
C
Maximising Memory
Aidan Harvey-Craig A collection of research findings about how memory does (or doesn't) work, including sleep, semantic networks, dual-task paradigms and retrieval cues.
D
Stretching the Most Academically Able
Dr Julie Potter The session will look at suggesting strategies for differentiating for the academically highly talented pupils across both prep/primary and secondary age ranges.
E
Myths, Legends and Realities of ADHD
Vlasta Pickering Pollakova The session aims to review some beliefs about ADHD (including some common misconceptions), to emphasise some of the strengths that individuals with ADHD often demonstrate, and to open up a conversation about the daily realities of learning for individuals with ADHD (for instance the prevalence of co-existing conditions, common hurdles and some useful strategies).
F
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education: Explore How AI can Support and Enhance Teaching
Daniela Hughes This session will provide a straightforward, non-technical starting point for teachers who would like to learn more about Generative AI. We will explore practical strategies and introduce emerging AI tools that can be effectively integrated into the classroom.
- Generative AI for Teaching and Learning – Discover how AI can streamline lesson planning and boost pupil engagement.
- Emerging AI Tools in the School Classroom – Explore the latest AI-powered resources that can enhance teaching and learning experiences.
G
The Power of Communication
Alice Tearle This session will be about how we can become more aware of how we communicate and improve our communication skills as a result. It will be based on Louise Evans' "5 Chairs - 5 Choices" theory which helps us to master our own behaviours and manage the behaviours of others.
H
Unlocking Success: Talk for Writing Strategies to Enhance Early Years Outcomes
Lucinda Geliot This session will discuss Talk for Writing strategies to enhance language development and early writing skills in the Early Years. The session will demonstrate how to plan for effective learning through storytelling, visual aids, and interactive techniques. Early Years colleagues will learn to create a language-rich environment that supports children’s understanding, creativity, and expression, fostering early writing development and setting the foundation for future success.
I
Unleashing Learning Potential through the Power of Curiosity
Ali Lewis Curiosity is often described as the spark that drives discovery and creativity. It propels us to explore, question, and seek answers to the unknown. But what exactly is curiosity, and how can we harness its power to enhance learning and boost intrinsic motivation?
J
The Superpower They Call Sleep
Leah Abbott The Science of Sleep: Why You Can’t Afford to Skip It
Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s a biological necessity. Evolution has hardwired sleep into our survival for a reason: it sharpens our ability to learn, refines decision-making, regulates emotions, clears out brain waste, and locks in memories. In this session, we’ll break down how sleep works, why it’s a non-negotiable, and what happens when we don’t get enough. If you’re serious about optimising your brain and body, understanding sleep is the first step.
K
Supporting Dyslexic Pupils in the Classroom
Sharon Carter This session will discuss strategies and techniques that can be used to support dyslexic pupils in the classroom. The session will provide teachers with knowledge of how dyslexic pupils experience the classroom along with tangible strategies to best support their progress.
L
Developing Critical Thinking, Communication and Digital Media Skills Through Student-Led Multimedia Magazine
Dr Gordon West, Eleanor Bell, Nicola Borman Join us for a session exploring Concord and Victory, Stowe’s dynamic student-led newspaper and media platform. This session will highlight how the publication helps students develop critical thinking, communication, and digital media skills, supports extra and supra-curricular activities, and strengthens university applications.
What We Offer:
Print Edition – News digests, political and business updates, exclusive interviews, and charity partnerships.
Stowe Radio – News analysis, talk shows, live music, DJ sets, stand-up comedy, and open mic sessions, available on-demand via Spotify and
YouTube Channel – Video interviews with employers, Stoics, and university staff, expanding our print and radio content visually.
Social media – Active presence on TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Spotify, providing real-time updates and community engagement.
Preview Our Work:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcordandVictory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/concord-and-victory-stowe/
Why Attend?
- Understand how this initiative enhances students’ analytical, creative, and leadership skills.
- Learn how students use Concord and Victory to enrich personal statements and university applications.
- Discover ways to integrate media and journalism into subject teaching and extracurriculars.
M
iPads in Key Stage One and Early Years
Danielle Evans Our focus will be to look at iPad programs suitable for KS1 and EYFS and how they can be used to maximise potential in the classroom.
Our main focus will be on a program called 'Busy Things'.
N
Guiding Able Students Towards Excellence
Kamaran Fathulla Delve in to balancing exam technique development and specification requirements whilst fostering a passion for your subject.
O
Inclusive Classrooms
Natalie Wilson Discussion based session looking at how simple changes to the classroom can maximise the potential of all students creating an inclusive classroom, which increases pupil confidence, achievements and fun in the classroom.
P
How to Deploy a TA in Your Classroom
Yvonne Connolly This session is for English, Maths or Science teachers who teach lower prior attaining classes that have in-class support. The aim of the session will focus on how to work alongside your teaching assistant to maximise the learning potential of your students.
Q
Writer’s Toolbox @wtbox.com
Juliana Montgomery-Miller Demonstration of Writer's Toolbox, explanation of pupil access and the support and feedback it allows children with their writing development across the subject curriculum but particularly in English. There are two Writer's Toolbox practitioners, Katharyn Harper-Quinn and Amy Froggett available for questions, queries and discussion.
R
Challenge for All
Charlotte Cowley How planning can aim high and challenge all students, moving away from the fixed mindset that can be associated with the language of 'Ability' and data use.
S
Early Years Networking Meeting
Lucinda Geliot This session is a space to share ideas, build connections, and collaborate on shaping brighter futures for our youngest learners
T
Using Film to Stretch and Challenge Secondary School Learners
Andrew Webber Film is often perceived as merely "entertainment," its place in the classroom often an "end of term treat" or simply an opportunity to watch the film adaptation of a set text.
In this session, cineaste Dr Andrew Webber, who has been teaching the subject for nearly 40 years, explains the allure of the movies and how they can be used in a wide variety of contexts to stretch and challenge more able learners
U
The Power of Digital Publishing
James Toyer Whether creating engaging, high-quality resources or facilitating pupils to demonstrate understanding. Digital publishing provides innovative tools which encourage and nurture pupils’ motivation and creativity.
V
What Cognitive Load Theory Tells us About How to Maximise the Impact of Worked Examples
Matt Teasdale Worked examples form a common and vital part of the delivery of new knowledge. This session will outline some basic principles of Cognitive Load Theory and how the use of worked examples can be maximised.
W
Using AI in Education: Sharing Experiences
Shelley Rowley As AI continues to evolve, it is becoming an increasingly integral part of the educational landscape. In this breakout session we will share experiences of how we are currently using AI in teaching, discuss how AI can enhance our pupil's learning and explore the challenges teachers are facing with AI in education.
X
High Impact Teaching Strategies
Tracylyn Stinson This session will focus on High-Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS)—proven methods that enhance student learning outcomes. We will explore key strategies such as explicit teaching, differentiated instruction, questioning techniques, and feedback, ensuring they are practical and adaptable across subjects. The session will include interactive discussions, real-classroom examples, and hands-on activities to help teachers effectively implement these strategies. By integrating HITS into daily teaching, staff can foster deeper student engagement, improve academic achievement, and create an inclusive learning environment. This professional development aims to equip teachers with actionable techniques to maximise their impact in the classroom.
Y
Coaching and Mentoring for Student Growth
Tracylyn Stinson This session will equip teaching staff with essential coaching and mentoring skills to support student growth and development. It will focus on building strong teacher-student relationships, using effective questioning, active listening, and goal-setting techniques to guide students toward success. Staff will learn how to provide constructive feedback, foster a growth mindset, and create a supportive learning environment. Through interactive activities and real-world scenarios, educators will develop strategies to motivate, inspire, and empower students, ensuring both academic progress and personal development.
To book to attend the event please complete the booking form.