Opogo Community

Creating An Inclusive Classroom
2023-04-17 18:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London)
Join us on Monday 17 April at 6pm – 7pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Creating an inclusive classroom’
There are some many varying needs throughout a classroom. Creating a classroom that is inclusive for all students gives you the best chance of meeting the needs of each child. When children or older students have their needs met, you will find learning, behaviour and general classroom environment will all improve.
Our presenter is Nicola Musgrove, an experienced practitioner of children with SEND and also a parent of two children with autism. Nicola is a passionate advocate of children with SEND and has spent a great deal of time studying towards effective teaching and learning in this area.

Register now

Introduction to the Opogo School Business Manager Course
2023-03-23 18:00 - 19:00
Join us on Thursday 23 March at 6pm – 7pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Introduction to the Opogo School Business Manager Course’
This webinar is for school business managers who already work with Opogo or would like to undertake this free School Business Manager course. There will be an outline of the course from the facilitator, Annette Southworth & an opportunity to ask questions.
Annette is an experience school business manager who has worked in a variety of schools and across large school trusts. She is a national speaker in areas such as maximising budgets, procurement, health & safety and other key areas of school business management.

<

Register now

Trauma Informed Education Pt 1
2023-03-08 17:30 - 18:30
Join us on Wednesday 8 March at 5.30pm – 6.30pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Trauma Informed Education Pt 1’
Join a two part series regarding trauma informed education. Trauma has a significant on the lives and learning of young people. As an educator, our understanding of trauma is crucial if we are to meet the needs of the students we work with. Unpicking the impact of trauma is crucial and exploring the strategies you can utilise to best meet the needs of young people. As an educator, you will not be able to reverse the trauma but you can certainly create a learning environment and offer tailored support in order that supports the students you encounter. It could make all the difference to their educational and personal development.
We will be joined by Louise Egan who is an experienced Clinical Psychologist and Senior Fellow of The Higher Education Academy with over 16 years experience. Louise has delivered training to multidisciplinary professionals in statutory and independent services over the past 16 years. Louise currently works as a Director of Clinical Excellence and Safeguarding Lead at Hello Self.

<

Register now

Understanding the Role of the School Business Manager
2023-03-07 17:30 - 18:30
Join us on Tuesday 7 March at 5.30pm – 6.30 pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Understanding the Role of the School Business Manager’
In this series of webinars to support school business managers, Annette Southworth offers her experience and skills to give insights into the role of a school business manager. Annette will talk through the key aspects of the role for leaders to understand. Whether you are school leader looking to gain more knowledge of successful budget use or you are a business manager, this webinar is for you.

<

Register now

Making use of assessment to support children with SEND
2023-02-27 18:00 - 19:00
Join us on Monday 27 February at 6pm – 7pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Making use of assessment to support children with SEND’
Using documents such as an EHCP can be complex and challenging. In this webinar we will explore the ways you can use assessment to make best use of the guidance given in SEND documents. Assessments can include visual, audio and written forms of communication. We will explore how these assessments can be interpreted and then utilised to support you planning for children with SEND.
Our presenter is Nicola Musgrove, an experienced practitioner of children with SEND and also a parent of two children with autism. Nicola is a passionate advocate of children with SEND and has spent a great deal of time studying towards effective teaching and learning in this area.

Register now

Generating Income for Your School
2023-02-21 14:00 - 15:00
Join us on Tuesday 21 February at 2pm – 3pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Generating Income for Your School’
In this first of a series of webinars to support school business managers, Annette Southworth offers her experience and skills to give insights into successful budgeting. Annette will talk through the issues and opportunities that are available for schools. Whether you are school leader looking to gain more knowledge of successful budget use or you are a business manager, this webinar is for you.

Register now

Trauma Informed Practice
2023-02-13 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on Monday 13 February at 4pm – 5pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Trauma Informed Practice’
Trauma has a significant on the lives and learning of young people. As an educator, our understanding of trauma is crucial if we are to meet the needs of the students we work with. Trauma informed practice is an area of specialism for our guest, Lucy Coy. Lucy is an experienced school leaders and currently the CEO of HT Chat. Join us to enhance your understanding of this area. It could make all the difference to your practice and in turn, the lives of the young people you work with.

Register now

Understanding the needs of children with SEND in the classroom
2023-02-06 08:00 - 18:00
Join us on Monday 6 February at 6pm – 7pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Understanding the needs of children with SEND in the classroom’
Supporting children with SEND is a key focus for schools and educators. Nicola Musgrove is an experienced educator with a wide knowledge of supporting children with SEND. Join this webinar to broaden your understanding and support the development of your practice.
Nicola Musgrove is a qualified Early Years Practitioner and Further Education Early Years Teacher. She is a parent to two children with a diagnosis of ASD. Nicola is interested in PhD research in Autism provision within mainstream school.

<

Register now

Maximising Your School Budget
2023-01-30 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on Monday 30 January at 4pm – 5pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Maximising your school budget’
In this first of a series of webinars to support school business managers, Annette Southworth offers her experience and skills to give insights into successful budgeting. Annette will talk through the issues and opportunities that are available for schools. Whether you are school leader looking to gain more knowledge of successful budget use or you are a business manager, this webinar is for you.

<

Register now

Is working in Alternative Provision for you?
2023-01-23 18:00 - 19:00
Join us on Monday 23 January at 6pm – 7pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Is working in Alternative Provision for you?’
AP settings are places that provide education for children who can’t go to a mainstream school. There are many opportunities to work in AP and it can be an incredible experience. James Lowe, CEO of GroLife and leader of several AP schools, will talk us through how AP differs from mainstream. The webinar will also increase your knowledge of this sector and help you gain an understanding of this pathway for students.

<

Register now

Maximising Your School Budget
2023-01-09 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on Monday 9 January at 4pm – 5pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Maximising your school budget’
In this first of a series of webinars to support school business managers, Annette Southworth offers her experience and skills to give insights into successful budgeting. Annette will talk through the issues and opportunities that are available for schools. Whether you are school leader looking to gain more knowledge of successful budget use or you are a business manager, this webinar is for you.

<

Register now

Autism : A parent/ teacher’s insight
2022-12-05 18:00 - 19:00
Join us on Monday 5 December at 6pm – 7pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Autism : A parent/ teacher’s insight’
Are you an educator, parent or both who is keen to learn more about support a child or your child with autism? If you are then this is the webinar for you. We will discuss the signs, symptoms and strategies with qualified SENCO and parent of a child with autism, Nicola Musgrove. Nicola will share her experience and expertise in a one-off webinar will have a really positive impact on your practice and/or parenting.
Nicola Musgrove is a qualified Early Years Practitioner and Further Education Early Years Teacher. She is a parent to two children with a diagnosis of ASD. Nicola is interested in PhD research in Autism provision within mainstream school.

<

Register now

Working in Catholic Schools
2022-11-14 17:30 - 18:30
Join us on Monday 14 November at 5.30pm – 6.30pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Working in Catholic Schools’
In this webinar, Mark Dumican, Headteacher of St Edmund Arrowsmith in Wigan, will speak to us about what we need to be aware of when working in Catholic schools. While the day to day teaching and learning will be very similar, there are some preparations you can make, through increased awareness, that help you be successful in such a school setting. Whether you are in a Catholic school at the moment, training to work in one or considering the possibility, this will be a great opportunity to learn more.

About Debra Mark Dumican
Mark has been a senior leader in Catholic schools for over 20 years. For nearly 10 years, he has led St Edmund Arrowsmith to become one of the strongest schools in the Archdiocese of Liverpool. His experience and servant leadership approach, is widely shared in Catholic circles. Mark is the lived reality of a set of values which are indicative of Catholic education.

Register now

An Introduction to Multi-Sensory Needs
2022-11-07 18:00 - 19:00
Join us on Monday 7 November at 6pm – 7pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Introduction to Multi-Sensory Needs’
You will work with students that have a variety of needs. Some are visible and some are invisible. Often these students are the most vulnerable and the ones who need our help, as educators, the most. In this webinar Phil Denton will discuss the variety of needs that can impact upon the learning of children with SEND. A greater awareness of these needs and the ability to adapt teaching and learning approaches can make a real difference to the students you are working with.

About Phil Denton
Phil Denton is an experienced school leader with many years experience working with children with multi-sensory needs. He will explore nature of these needs and the support that you can offer as teachers to support the needs of these students.

Register now

Introduction to Dyslexia
2022-10-10 18:00 - 19:00
Join us on Monday 10 October at 6pm – 7pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Introduction to Dyslexia’
Many of the children you teach will live with dyslexia. Some will be aware while others will not have had a diagnosis. The rates of prisoners diagnosed with dyslexia is shocking and a frustrating school experience is often a significant factor in their life choices. We must do more to know more and adapt more to children with dyslexia. This introduction will help you understand more about this topic so that you can adapt your practice to help children who desperately need your support.

About Debra Harris
Debra Harris is a qualified SENCO with over 20 years’ experience in education. Debra is also a very experienced safeguarding lead with a wide range of experience in many other aspects of education. Debra will explain what dyslexia is and how you can support children who need your support in and out of the classroom. If you need upskilling in this area, you cannot afford to miss this webinar.

Register now

An Introduction to Mental Health Awareness in Schools
2022-10-03 18:00 - 19:00
Join us on Monday 3 October at 6pm – 7pm for the LEARN LIVE webinar ‘An introduction to Mental Health Awareness in schools’
Do you need to know more about the mental health of your students?
Mental Health awareness is crucial in schools. As educators, we often spend more time with the children we teach or care for, than any other significant adult. Being aware of the signs, symptoms and support that we can offer our young people is imperative.
Hear from the experts
In this session we will hear from Mr Kevin Egan and Dr Louise Egan. They will be sharing their expertise and experiences so that you can support the young people you work with to the best of your ability.
Register now for what will be a fascinating evening.

Register now

Want to know more?
Why should you join the webinar:
· The prevalence of mental health difficulties in children is rising at an alarming rate within the context of a global physical and mental health pandemic.
· There are not enough specialist services and resources to meet increasing need.
· Schools are expected to meet the complex social, emotional, behavioural, developmental and safeguarding needs of those they educate and support within the context of an under resourced social welfare system.
· Enhance your knowledge and skills to support the mental health needs of children in school.
· Children need to be socially and emotionally secure to make best use of their learning, enhancing your knowledge and skills in how to support positive emotional wellbeing may help children to reach their academic potential as every child rightly deserves.
· There is an emotional impact to caring for others. Who cares for you? We’ll help you care for you too.
· The trainers are senior specialists with extensive experience working in primary and secondary schools; special educational needs and NHS/independent/charitable mental health services across the age range.
· Present a unique balance of clinical and classroom knowledge and skills.
· They are compassionate, relatable and highly engaging trainers with outstanding training feedback.

What you’ll get out of it:
• Knowledge of the importance of a systems and whole school approach to understanding and supporting mental health needs.
• Insight & appreciation of the importance of your own and your colleagues’ psychological wellbeing.
• Knowledge of the common presentations and causes of a wide range of mental health difficulties of primary and secondary school aged children
• Attachment issues, Anxiety, Trauma, Depression, Low self esteem, Self-Harm, Suicidal thinking/behaviour, Eating Disorders and Grief/loss.
• Understanding of how to enlist the help of statutory agencies and work jointly in partnership.
• Knowledge and skills in supporting the mental health needs of children in school.
• Reminder of Ofsted’s framework regarding personal development/emotional wellbeing.

How it might help their practice:
· Strengthen confidence in your ability to identify and support children with mental health needs.
· Take home practical skills and resources to implement straight away in the classroom.
· Enhance your own self care in order to best care for others.

Register now

Who looks after the supply teachers? Put your oxygen mask on first! - webinar
2022-09-26 18:00 - 19:00
Join us on Monday 26 September at 6pm – 7pm for our second LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Who looks after the supply teachers? Put your oxygen mask on first!’
Life on supply can feel lonely at times and you may feel that you do not get the same level of support that permanent members of staff receive. You need to make sure you are looking after yourself and as they say during airplane safety announcements, ‘Put your own oxygen mask on first’. Patrick Ottley-O’Connor is one of the UK’s leading speakers and influencers in the world of self-care in education.

About Patrick Ottley-O’Connor
A headteacher & CEO for over 20 years, Patrick describes well-being as being his super power. In this webinar, Patrick will offer advice and guidance around how you can ensure you look after yourself in while you are temporary roles or if life on supply is your chosen career path. Make sure you tune in and get involved to get your blast of oxygen!

Register now

Introduction to Autism webinar
2022-09-12 18:00 - 19:00
Join us on Monday 12 September at 6pm – 7pm for our first LEARN LIVE webinar ‘Introduction to Autism’.
In this webinar Debra Harris will discuss how working with children with autism can be as rewarding as it is challenging, and how having a basic knowledge can really help with those early interactions when fostering long term relationships with individuals with autism.

About Debra Harris
Debra Harris is a qualified SENCO with over 20 years’ experience in education. Debra is also a very experienced safeguarding lead with a wide range of experience in many other aspects of education. Her experience of working with many children with autism, as well as leading several training sessions on this very topic, will be invaluable as you look to work with children with autism.

Register now

Stress Expressed with Steve Carr
2021-03-09 17:00 - 18:30
About this Event

The value to mental health of simply sharing our thoughts
The value of talking circles for teachers cannot be overestimated. Teachers need to be able to think clearly. They deal in transferring knowledge from their minds into the minds of those they teach. More importantly, they do this most successfully when they navigate the maelstrom of emotions they encounter in every classroom and create connected relationships with pupils. These relationships need to be as free as they can be from any negative debris.

Talking about our challenges and verbalising our feelings to friends has been a source of relief for centuries.
Studies show that simply talking about our problems and sharing our negative emotions with people we trust can profoundly reduce stress, and strengthen our immune system. (Pennebaker, Kiecolt-Glaser, & Glaser, 1988). We can also experience a healing effect by simply noting and labelling our emotions (sad, angry, confused, ashamed, scared). By naming our more negative feelings, we can watch them fade from our minds. We can become more mindful, centred, and at peace (Lieberman et al, 2007).
Neuroscience studies by Lieberman et. al. (2007) and Vago and Silbersweig (2012) have found that labelling our feelings reduces activation in the amygdala, our brain’s alarm system that triggers the fight-or-flight reaction.
When we give words to our emotions, we move away from limbic reactivity by activating those parts of the brain that deal with language and meaning in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (Lieberman et al, 2007).
We become less reactive, more mindfully aware and more able to think clearly.

You have been invited to join Steve on Tuesday 9th March from 5pm – 6:30pm.
Please register your attendance below:

Register Now

Covid-19 Testing – Onboarding Webinar #2
2021-01-19 12:00 - 12:40
About this Webinar
Opogo is running a series of onboarding workshops for those registered to become a Covid-19 Tester in primary and secondary schools across London. These workshops will detail the necessary steps to become a Tester and how to work effectively with students and school staff to facilitate the testing process.
What will be covered:

Types of testing roles and areas we cover
What to expect on the job and in a school setting (demonstration by one of our school-based testers)
Eligibility requirements:

Soft skills
Certifications
Compliance
Onboarding and securing work via the Opogo app

About Covid-19 Testing with Opogo
The education sector is under immense pressure with school closures and an uncertain return date for pupils and staff. What is clear, when schools do return they will need a huge amount of help to carry out mass Covid-19 testing on pupils on a weekly basis. To become a Covid-19 Rapid tester you are required to complete the NHS Covid-19 National Testing Programme. Training is FREE, quick and carried out online from the comfort of your own home. Complete training takes just 35min – 2hrs 30min depending on the role.
You have been invited to join us on Tuesday 19th January 2021 at 12pm. Please register your attendance below:
Register Now

Covid-19 Testing – Onboarding Webinar
2021-01-18 12:00 - 12:45
About this Webinar
Opogo is running a series of onboarding workshops for those registered to become a Covid-19 Tester in primary and secondary schools across London. These workshops will detail the necessary steps to become a Tester and how to work effectively with students and school staff to facilitate the testing process.
What will be covered:

Types of testing roles and areas we cover
What to expect on the job and in a school setting (demonstration by one of our school-based testers)
Eligibility requirements:

Soft skills
Certifications
Compliance
Onboarding and securing work via the Opogo app

About Covid-19 Testing with Opogo
The education sector is under immense pressure with school closures and an uncertain return date for pupils and staff. What is clear, when schools do return they will need a huge amount of help to carry out mass Covid-19 testing on pupils on a weekly basis. To become a Covid-19 Rapid tester you are required to complete the NHS Covid-19 National Testing Programme. Training is FREE, quick and carried out online from the comfort of your own home. Complete training takes just 35min – 2hrs 30min depending on the role.
You have been invited to join us on Monday 18th January 2021 at 12pm. Please register your attendance below:
Register Now

FREE LTSA Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Course in January 2021
2021-01-16 09:00 - 16:00
Opogo are working with Lambeth Teaching Schools’ Alliance in collaboration with King’s College London and would like to invite you to attend the FREE Teacher Training for GCSE/A Level Portuguese & Spanish.
The Course consists of 5 Sessions starting on January 16th, 2021.

All sessions take place on a Saturday via online platform 09.00 – 16.00.
Each session includes 6hrs teaching time.
Total Number of Hours in London: 5 sessions x 6 hours per session = 30 hours
Course Cost – The course is FREE for Secondary MFL qualified teachers who are currently teaching or planning to return to Teaching. The Department of Education is funding the course with the support of the LTSA and it is delivered by the MLC.

This course will help Portuguese and Spanish teachers to develop the delivery of their Teaching and Learning, providing them with insights and strategies to make lessons more engaging, productive and relevant for today.
You should attend this course if you would like to:

To obtain a CPD as part of the training course
Familiarise yourself with the new GCSE/A level structure, content and assessment pattern
Familiarise yourself with cutting-edge theories and practice in a Second Language
Refresh and consolidate language competence and skills in Portuguese & Spanish
Reflect on the target language grammatical and lexical structures to be taught as part of the GCSE/A level programme
To be taught by experienced tutors in Secondary and HE education
Designing materials for online class delivery, focusing on creating a virtual learning community

Please click here to book your place.
If you have any further questions please contact Raj on 0330 058 6700.

HeadsUp4HTs #Hopes4Ed #2: Young People Thrive in Life, Not Just in Exams
2020-12-09 19:00 - 20:30
Join the HeadsUp4HTs community to discuss issues around the future of education. This event will focus upon our #Hopes4Ed #02

About this Event

HeadsUp4HTs invite you to join us in discussing the #NewNormal and a vision for a better Education.
This event will focus upon our #Hopes4Ed theme #02:
All young people are set up to thrive in life, not exams: Renew the curriculum in line with the OECD 2030 Learning Framework, which focuses on agency and the attitudes, knowledge and skills that learners need to fulfil their potential and contribute to the well-being of their communities and the planet
With the 2021 exams on many Headteachers minds now is the time to discuss the relevance and impact of testing our young people.
We will continue to focus our HeadsUp4HTs discussions for this event around 3 key points:
– a conversation about how our education system can prepare children for life, not just exams
– a conversation about where and how learning takes place – as well as who is involved in it
– a conversation about the need to tackle inequalities outside, as well as inside, the classroom.
We will refer to The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Learning Framework, and determine what we can understand and learn from this in order to shape a better future for education.
We will challenge you to create actionable change using our #Hopes4EdPledge and opportunities to write HeadsUp ThinkPieces of your intentions.
Let’s re-imagine and shape the conversation to collectively find the best way forward!
Join us on Zoom on 9th December at 7:00pm. The Zoom link will be emailed to you after registering for the event.
Register here

Whole School Mental Health & Wellbeing - Best Practice Q&A panel
2020-12-02 16:30 - 17:30
We know that better mental health and wellbeing in a school results in better academic outcomes, reduces staff absence and turn over and can reduce pressure on external services.
About this Event
This webinar will consider how schools can start to embed a whole school approach to Mental Health and wellbeing, how they can make the changes meaningful, measure the impact and make a difference to the whole community. It will give attendees a variety of actions to start the ball rolling in their school, help them to build a business case for a whole school approach and enable them to understand what it means to create a whole-school approach.
Whole School Mental Health and Wellbeing looks different in every school. Three mental health leads from 3 very different schools which have been recognised for their excellent provision are coming together to discuss best practice in secondary schools. This will be an interactive session and the audience are encouraged to ask questions of the panel

Lucinda Powell (Host)
Lucinda Powell supports teachers to use evidenced-based psychology in all aspects of their classroom practice. She has a BSc in Philosophy and Psychology, an MA in Special and Inclusive education is a qualified teacher and taught psychology from 2002-2017. Since September 2017 she has been working as an Education Consultant specialising in mental health and wellbeing but is now focusing on how to apply psychology to classroom practice. As well as presenting at numerous conferences and running staff training in schools, she has worked closely with the AnDY Clinic at Reading University, as a coach on the School Mental Health Award at the Carnegie School of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools and leads the Oxfordshire Schools mental health and wellbeing network and is course author and associate lecturer for ITT at Coventry University. As a mother of 3 boys, the eldest (16) of whom has ADHD & ASC and youngest (12) of whom is severely dyslexic, she has plenty of personal experience of supporting young people through their school career.

Delyth Lynch – Deputy Head (Safeguarding and Mental Health), Wellington College
Delyth has been on the Senior Leadership Team at Wellington College for 10 years, having previously been Deputy Head (Pastoral). This followed a long career in boarding as a Director of Extra-Curricular activities and Housemistress at two schools.
In 2018 she was awarded the BSA Research Fellowship; Delyth conducted her research on ‘Abuse in Boarding Schools, probing into an area where there was little research or literature available. Her paper won the National Research Award (2019). Her innovative work in the pastoral education of parents saw her winning the TES ‘Boarding Initiative of the Year’ award (2016) and in 2020 the inaugural Wellington College ‘Community Mental Health Day’ was recognised with them winning the BSA ‘Wellbeing and Mental Health Initiative of the Year’. Wellington College currently holds the Gold Status in School Mental Health through the Carnegie Centre of Excellence.
Delyth is the Safeguarding Governor and Vice Chair of Governors at a local school, leads the Local Independent Schools DSL cluster group and sits on the BSA South East Safeguarding Forum. In her spare time she enjoys running around with her 4 year old daughter and triathlon.

Rob Vaughan
Rob qualified with B.Ed (hons) in Primary PE, after 5 years in the classroom in one of the most deprived areas of Merseyside, he became the Partnership Development Manager/Advisory Teacher of PE for 6 Secondary, 28 Primary and 5 SEN schools in the St Helens School Sport Partnerships. During this period, the partnership won 4 national awards for his work utilising sport as a tool to motivate pupils with barriers to learning. The partnership was also the first in the country to have an entire cluster of SEN schools.
After 9 years in this role and a great deal of success working with SEN, Rob decided to move back into the classroom to work alongside SEMH students who had been permanently excluded. Whilst in this role he started to focus more on supporting child mental health prior to crisis, rather than dealing with behaviour at crisis.
After 2 years back in the classroom Rob was offered the role of Head of Tuition Services, within Alternative Provision to support a unit of 17 students struggling with medical and/or complex needs. Within five years this unit has grown to accommodate 35 students with a variety of medical and complex needs that have prevented them from accessing mainstream education.

Zelia Munnik
Zelia started her teaching career in the UK in 2006 after relocating from South Africa. She spent a couple of years as Head of Geography whilst completing her SENCO Award at Roehampton University. She jumped at the opportunity to join the Senior Leadership team at Epsom and Ewell High School as Inclusion Lead and quickly developed strategies and procedures for ensuring rapid progress for all students with disabilities. She has a passion for changing the lives of young people and in 2013 stepped in as Headteacher of Pyrcroft Grange primary school. During her time at Pyrcroft, the school was acknowledged as the most improved primary school in Surrey and moved from the lowest-performing school in Surrey to the 2nd highest achieving school within 3 years. Zelia wanted to broaden her experience as a Headteacher and when the opportunity came to start a new Free School, she could not resist. She set up Chertsey High School in 2017 and continues to strive for better life chances for the children in Chertsey. The school’s strapline of ‘Enlightening minds; changing lives’ is what she lives by and therefore Mental Health plays a core part of everyday decisions and practice at Chertsey High.
Join us on 2 December 2020, at 4:30pm.
Register Now

#Hopes4Ed Theme #01: A New Public Conversation About Education
2020-11-25 19:00 - 20:30
HeadsUp4HTs invites you to discuss the first in the #HeadsUp4HTs #Hopes4Ed series: a 10 part events series focusing around 10 aspirational conversations for a better Education.
About this Free Event
HeadsUp4HTs invite you to join us in discussing the #NewNormalEdBook and a vision for a better Education.
This event will focus upon our #Hopes4Ed theme #01: There is a new public conversation about education: Launch a commission on the future of education and learning in England that unites the needs and ambitions of learners, educators, employers, and parents.
To tackle the challenges of the future, we need to design education systems with a broader set of outcomes that support ‘whole child’ development and help young people develop the capability to thrive through change and become agents of change themselves.
The HeadsUp4HTs community are dedicated to this! Now is the time to discuss what the future of education should look like and what needs to change in order to make this happen.
Big Change have recently published a report in collaboration with IPPR detailing how Covid-19 has disrupted learning in an unprecedented way, and how we might rethink educational priorities to build back better. This means preparing children for life, not just exams & tackling inequalities outside, as well as inside, the classroom.
Have a read here: https://www.ippr.org/research/publications/the-new-normal
We will focus our HeadsUp4HTs discussions for this event around 3 key points:

a conversation about how our education system can prepare children for life, not just exams
a conversation about where and how learning takes place – as well as who is involved in it
a conversation about the need to tackle inequalities outside, as well as inside, the classroom.

Let’s re-imagine and shape the conversation to collectively find the best way forward!
Join us on Zoom on 25th November at 7:00pm. The Zoom link will be emailed to you after registering for the event.
Register now

Routes Into Teaching
2020-11-23 16:00 - 17:00
About this Webinar
Amy Lesik of LTSA presents an information event to explain the different routes into teaching, teaching in London, fees and finance, course eligibility, and how to make a successful application for the differing programmes.
We will look at both the national picture and also discuss the programmes we offer in the inner London borough of Lambeth through our lead training schools Wyvil Primary and Lilian Baylis Technology School.
You should attend this webinar if:

Routes into teaching
Why teach in London?
Eligibility
Fees and Finance
Applying to teach

About Amy Lesik
Amy Lesik has co-ordinated initial teacher training across 30 primary and secondary schools in central London since 2014, working in partnership with three universities. She is based at School Direct lead school Wyvil Primary School and also works closely with SD lead Secondary Lilian Baylis Technology School.
Join us on 23rd November at 4pm.
Register Now

What Should Education Be? #HeadsUp4HTs discuss the #NewNormalEdbook.
2020-11-11 19:00 - 20:30
HeadsUp4HTs invite you to discuss the #NewNormalEdBook and a vision for a better Education.

About this Event

#HeadsUp4HTs invite you to join us in discussing the #NewNormalEdBook and a vision for a better Education.
Our #HeadsUp4HT’s voices are so important to us. We are a diverse and dedicated community who know that the educational system needs to change and that school leaders deserve more support to enable them to thrive and be the leaders they intend to be.
Opogo have collaborated with leading experts and #HeadsUp4HTs members and partners including, Diana Osagie, James Pope, Kate Smith, Hannah Wilson, Arv Kaushal and Dr Emma Kell to launch the the ‘New Normal EdBook’. This event is an opportunity for our community and school leaders across the UK and beyond to discuss their views on what the New Normal in education should be.
Today’s education system and curriculum does not meet the challenges of tomorrow’s reality and the rapid changes in technology and our socio-political environment will change the classroom forever. The HeadsUp Community regularly discuss the challenges they face in education, and in the role of Headteachers. This is an opportunity for leaders to have their say, discuss their ideas and listen to other school leaders.
Let’s re-imagine and shape the conversation to collectively find the best way forward!
Join us on Zoom on 11th November at 7:00pm. For the Zoom meeting details, please write to us at community@opogo.com.

Returning to School After COVID-19
2020-10-01 16:30 - 18:30
Hosted by the British Psychological Society, Facilitated by Lucinda Powell

This webinar aims to give teachers an evidenced-based toolkit they can rely on to support the young people in their classrooms as well as the adults in their community, without adding to their workload.

The ramifications of the COVID-19 lockdown for the wellbeing of young people are currently unpredictable.

So, as schools returned in September to a different format everyone is feeling unsure and concerned about what will happen. The need to provide a sense of safety and security will be paramount.

Teachers will be at the front line for identifying and signposting those who are struggling with their mental health. At the same time, these teachers may be struggling themselves and they often feel ill-equipped to support the young people in their care. However, there are simple things that teachers can do in their classrooms and understanding how to identify and support young people who are struggling could make all the difference.

This is a paid for event: £48.50

Creating a Whole School Approach to Mental Health & Wellbeing
2020-09-24 16:00 - 17:00
We know that better Mental Health and Wellbeing in a school results in better:

Academic outcomes
Reduces staff absence and turn over and
Can reduce pressure on external services

This webinar will consider how schools can start to embed a whole school approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing, how they can make the changes meaningful, measure the impact and make a difference to the whole community.

You should attend this webinar if you:

Want a variety of actions to start the ball rolling in your school
Need help to build a business case for a whole school approach
Would like to be enabled to understand what it means to create a whole school approach.

Register here

About Lucinda Powell

Lucinda Powell supports teachers to use evidenced based psychology in all aspects of their classroom practice. She has a BSc in Philosophy and Psychology, an MA in Special and Inclusive education, is a qualified teacher and taught psychology from 2002-2017.

Since September 2017 she has been working as a Education Consultant specialising in mental health and wellbeing but is now focusing on how to apply psychology to classroom practice.

As well as presenting at numerous conferences and running staff training in schools, she has worked closely with the AnDY Clinic at Reading University, as a coach on the School Mental Health Award at the Carnegie School of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools and leads the Oxfordshire Schools mental health and wellbeing network and is course author and associate lecturer for ITT at Coventry University.

As a mother of 3 boys, the eldest (16) of whom has ADHD & ASC and youngest (12) of whom is severely dyslexic, she has plenty of personal experience of supporting young people through their school career.

The First 100 Days for Educators with Phil Denton, Micky Mellon, Drew Povey & Justyn Randall
2020-09-14 16:00 - 17:00
Your first 100 days as a new teacher, middle leader, senior leader or headteacher are the most important days.
They set the course for your tenure in a new role or even your direction for the new school year. Hear from Phil Denton who has researched this key period for over 2 years with leading football managers, educators and leaders from the business world.
You will hear practical advice, learn about real-life examples and you will be energized by inspirational stories. A successful first 100 days is not an accident. It is consistently due to a series of factors that can be learnt and utilised to give you the best chance of success. We hope that this session will inform, engage and offer you the chance to ask questions.
Save the date: 14 September 2020 at 4pm.
You should attend this webinar because you will:

Receive practical advice on how to give yourself the best chance of success in the first 100 days from leaders in:

Education: Phil Denton – Headteacher of St Bede’s Catholic High School
Sport: Mickey Mellon – Dundee United Manager
Business: Drew Povey (Educating Manchester & Leadership Coach) and Justyn Randall (Opogo CEO & Entrepreneur)

Hear real-life examples from education, sport and business to illustrate these points
Engage with an energetic discussion to help you get in the right mindset for your new leadership role or new school year

Don’t miss this opportunity to get ahead for the new school year!
Register here

About Phil Denton
Phil is currently the Headteacher of St Bede’s Catholic High School and he began his career in education by teaching history. Phil has worked across schools in the North of England and Saudi Arabia. In addition, he is an experienced sports coach. Phil’s professional interests include driving the aspirations of students. He has had several articles published in the SecEd magazine.
As Headteacher, he is responsible for strategic leadership of St Bede’s including; vision, educational development, financial planning, building enhancement, administration and logistical management.
His purpose is to lead schools through a vision that strives for excellence and values of love, faith and hope. This entails putting students and staff first before himself through servant leadership. His vision, values and approach to organisation leadership adapts to the culture that he’s a part of and cultivates commitment from colleagues.

About Drew Povey
Drew Povey has over twenty years of professional experience in multi-sector executive-level leadership across a wide range of sectors including within elite sport, corporate, non-profit and Government settings. This extensive experience has afforded Drew a broad and far-reaching leadership viewpoint and an ability to catapult leaders into their next level of personal and professional performance.
Drew is continually exploring and developing the latest thinking and practice to best prepare and empower individuals, teams and organisations for this ever-changing and brave new world in which we live.
His purpose really is quite simple – to develop people and inspire excellence. Key to this is supporting people to achieve their short and long-term goals by being the best possible leaders they can be; therefore maximising impact for both themselves and their organisations alike.

About Micky Mellon
Micky is one of the most successful managers in lower league English football. Now, he has deservedly earned his opportunity to lead a side on a bigger stage. That stage is the Scottish Premier League with Dundee United. Prior to this appointment, he has 5 English promotions as manager before making the move back to his native Scotland.
Micky is a master of the first 100 days. He has an adaptive style, built on emotional intelligence and a drive to be successful. He has refined his approach after working with Phil over the last two years to become experts in the first 100 days.
Micky’s other great attributes are talent spotting and player development. Most notably, he took a chance on Halifax Town striker, Jamie Vardy who yielded 34 goals in 40 games and took Fleetwood to 29 games unbeaten and to reach the Football League for the first time in their history. Mellon has also nurtured the likes of future £50m defender, John Stones.
