Welcome to Annual Conference 2011
Friday 11 - Saturday 12 March 2011 Thinking leaders... thinking learners Manchester Central Convention Complex
ASCL annual conference is one of the highlights of the academic year say the many regular attendees who come every time!
The days at conference are stimulating and thought provoking offering many insights into the important issues that face us as senior school and college leaders. The programme offers both an overview from the general secretary and the other plenary speakers and also in depth analysis at the many workshop sessions. Then, of course, there are the valuable opportunities to network with others facing the exact same problems but from all over the UK and beyond.
This year’s conference is perfectly timed to allow us to look more deeply at the policy that the coalition are likely by then to have determined for us. Their emphasis on “freedom” and trusting the schools is in many ways welcome; but with greater freedom, of course, there comes greater responsibility. We must be sure what it is we are seeking to achieve, not only for our own schools and colleges, but also for the system as a whole.
Coming to the conference will help all of us clarify our own minds as together we reflect on the challenges and opportunities opening up.
The programme also offers many opportunities to explore curriculum models and assessment practice. For the youngsters we teach need to develop the skills and wisdom, as well as the knowledge, to think critically through the challenges and opportunities that they will face in due course.
Hence my theme: Thinking leaders... thinking learners
The Manchester Central Convention Complex and the hotels lie in the heart of the civic grandeur of one of Britain’s most historic cities. The first class facilities, a splendid venue and an array of inspiring speakers mean that this is an event not to be missed. Come! Bring your colleagues too, so that together you can continue the dialogue in your school or college. I look forward to seeing you there.
John Fairhurst ASCL President