Teachers and support staff share their experiences at conference
HUNDREDS OF teachers and support staff shared their experiences at an educational conference organised by a group of schools.
The biennial Red Kite Day event, held at Harrogate Convention Centre, was the biggest conference for school staff in the country this year.
It was organised by the Red Kite Alliance, a partnership of primary, secondary and special schools from West and North Yorkshire.
It was the fifth Red Kite Day and was attended by teaching staff from 18 schools. Keynote speakers included leading educationalist Steve Munby and Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).
Richard Sheriff, chief executive of the Red Kite Alliance, said: “Red Kite Day is a fantastic celebration of the power of collaboration and wonderful talent and skill among the schools in our partnership.
“At a time when teacher and school staff workload is ever increasing and time is limited, having a day to focus on continued and collaborative learning is a valued commodity.”
Red Kite Day, launched to help education staff share knowledge and experience, was first held in 2008, when five schools were represented.
The event has since grown as more schools joined the alliance.
The conference last Friday was attended by 1,200 headteachers, teachers and support and operational staff.
Those at the latest conference were treated to two performances by the Red Kite Alliance Choir.
The Harrogate-based Red Kite Alliance is a group of 21 schools from inner city and rural parts of Leeds, Harrogate and North Yorkshire.
The alliance includes 21 primary and 15 secondary schools, along with one special school and three “all-though” schools which offer both primary and secondary education.
The Red Kite Alliance also has a partnership with the University of Leeds.