One Vision of NST: A CPD Day of Inspiration and Collaboration
On the last Friday of June, colleagues and educators from across the trust gathered at North Liverpool Academy for a day of professional development. The CPD Day’s theme was "One Vision – The Future of NST," and designed to share best practices, and align on a vision for the future.
A Warm Welcome
The day began with a warm welcome as attendees arrived, greeted by coffee and a breakfast spread. This initial gathering allowed colleagues from various schools to reconnect and catch up.
Nigel Ward kicked off the day with a heartfelt welcome and introduction, setting the tone with his emphasis on the significance of the trust's shared vision. Following him, our new Chief Education Officer Paul Smith provided an insightful session on "Our Educational Philosophy," highlighting the importance of fostering a nurturing and challenging environment for all students.
Raising Aspirations
Paul Smith introduced himself and spoke about his journey from a student to where he is today using his early career as a case study, emphasising that a child's aspirations are affected by the roles you have in your immediate environment. He shared the importance of letting children expand their horizons and experience professionals in many fields.
Paul Smith, Mark Robinson, and Ian Mooney then introduced the "Raising Aspirations Programme," underscoring the trust's commitment to broadening students' horizons and empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Keynote Speaker
The afternoon began with a talk by David Scales, Principal of Astrea Academy, Woodfields.
His talk on "Creating a Scholarly Culture" was nothing short of inspiring, sharing powerful stories and practical strategies for cultivating a culture of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity within schools despite the previous bad behaviour and low Ofsted rating.
After a brief coffee break, Ian Mooney led a comprehensive session on "Assessment Strategies & Practices," sparking thoughtful discussions with their innovative approaches designed to enhance student learning and achievement.
Celebrating Success
Emily Vernon and Jill Davies Principals of North Liverpool Academy and Liverpool Life Sciences UTC and The Studio School then shared "NST Dividend – Success Stories," celebrating the achievements across the trust and highlighting the benefits of NST's collaborative efforts and innovative practices.
As the day drew to a close, Nigel Ward expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees for their active participation and reaffirmed the trust's commitment to continuous improvement and shared success. Attendees departed with renewed enthusiasm, ready to implement the insights gained and contribute to the bright future of NST.
Looking Ahead
The "One Vision – The Future of NST" CPD Day was a resounding success, embodying the trust's spirit of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to educational excellence. As we move forward, the shared vision that was so vividly articulated will undoubtedly guide us towards even greater achievements.