Head teachers’ conference shares bright new ideas

A book that shares teaching ideas and encourages collaboration between schools in Portsmouth has been showcased this week.

The Bright Sparks Book, created to celebrate ten years of the Portsmouth Education Partnership, was featured at a head teachers’ conference organised by Portsmouth City Council.

The Portsmouth Education Partnership Head Teachers Conference was held on Wednesday 8 July and brought together school leaders from across the city to share ideas, celebrate good practice, and see examples featured in the publication.

Introduced by James Doherty, principal at UTC Portsmouth, the conference gave attendees the opportunity to see the Bright Sparks book and hear more about the projects that have made a real difference to children and young people across the city.

Earlier this year, schools were invited to submit projects to be included in the book. This brought together practical examples for school leaders and staff. Each entry highlights a successful approach and includes the contact details of the “Bright Spark” behind it, making it easy to connect and learn from others.

Teachers from local schools also presented projects in the book. Lizzi Agius from Milton Park Primary School presented about the outdoor play and learning initiative that has been in place at the school for nearly two years.

She said: “Outdoor play has been transformed at Milton Park since we embraced the outdoor play and learning principles. We would never go back to how we used to do it.  I’m honoured to be included in the book and excited to share my learning with other schools.”

Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council, said: “Seeing the range of projects and ideas being shared by schools across the city is inspiring. Bright Sparks is a great way to celebrate what is working well in Portsmouth and help schools learn from each other.”

Hard copies of the publication have been sent to all Portsmouth schools so that staff can be inspired and learn from each other. It is also available online The Bright Sparks Book – Portsmouth Education Partnership