Professor Gervase Phinn opens the University’s Education Partnership Conference

​Author and education consultant, Professor Gervase Phinn, gave a keynote address at the University of Northampton’s Education Partnership Conference on Wednesday 1 July.

Professor Phinn taught in schools for 14 years and is now an education adviser and school inspector, as well as freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer. In his keynote speech, he discussed the value of the teaching profession and the unique and shared contributions both schools and universities can make to the initial and continuing education, training and development of teachers at different stages of their careers.

The aim of the conference was to build on the University’s very strong existing work with schools and develop our collaborations further. The keynote speech was followed by a range of workshops on topics such as critical thinking, the wellbeing agenda in schools, good practice in assessment in schools and using iPads in Maths, Science and English teaching.

Helen Scott, Deputy Dean of the School of Education, commented: “Professor Phinn addressed an audience of teachers from partnership schools, current students and staff and spoke with a mixture of humour, candour and seriousness on a range of issues very relevant to the work of the School of Education. For example, he noted the importance of having high expectations of all children, whatever their backgrounds and highlighted the crucial role teachers have in changing pupils’ lives for the better, not just in their teaching, but in their attitudes and relationships with children and young people.

“He also strongly argued the case for schools in the locality building on existing very successful partnerships with the University of Northampton and the central role we have in supporting the development of beginning and experienced teachers. Participants and staff in the School were very positive about the conference and it is likely to become an annual event.”