NCFE's Professional Development Week
The third instalment of our Professional Development week took place 16-20 December 2024.
If you’re a teacher, assessor, senior leader or support staff, catch up on our week of free informative sessions, where experts from across NCFE and some of our external partners delivered a range of workshops and taster sessions.
Watch our December sessions below:
Live sessions
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Title |
Originally held |
Time |
Activity description / outcomes |
Registration link |
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Building rapport in education: trauma-informed approaches to support student success |
Monday 16 December |
10:30 – 11:30am |
This session explores essential strategies for educators to build effective rapport with students, particularly those facing challenges such as neurodivergence, adverse childhood experiences, challenging behaviours and personal hardships that may impact their academic performance. Through a trauma-informed lens, we’ll delve into techniques for fostering supportive relationships, de-escalating conflict, and addressing the complex dynamics of interpersonal interactions. Participants will gain insights into key principles of rapport-building, with a focus on understanding and managing transference, countertransference, and emotional triggers, to create a more inclusive and empathetic learning environment. This workshop aims to equip educators with tools to better support all students on their educational journey. |
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T Level curriculum resources to enhance delivery |
Tuesday 17 December |
4 – 5pm |
An interactive webinar to showcase new and existing teaching resources from Gatsby's Technical Education Networks (TEN) programme, including our new Skills Builder teacher guides to embed essential skills into T Levels. This webinar will provide opportunities for attendees to interact on a range of topics to inform future materials produced. |
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Effective questioning in maths |
Wednesday 18 December |
10 – 10:30am |
Incorporating maths into vocational programmes can often pose challenges for teachers. A training session on effective questioning in mathematics would empower vocational teachers to enhance student engagement and deepen understanding, fostering critical thinking skills essential for real-world problem-solving. |
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AI prompting essentials for education: intro to NCFE’s block and chat method |
Wednesday 18 December
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3:30 – 4pm |
This introductory session offers a "taster" experience of NCFE’s innovative "block and chat" method, providing a foundation in effective generative AI prompting. Through this engaging overview, participants will explore essential techniques, helping educators create meaningful and relevant AI interactions to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. Following this taster session, attendees will be invited to register for an optional, paid workshop for hands-on practice, where participants will dive deeper into topics. |
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Effective online learning: strategies for overcoming barriers and engaging learners |
Wednesday 18 December
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1 – 2pm |
Join us for a virtual CPD workshop designed to equip educators with practical tools to enhance online learning experiences across diverse educational settings. This interactive session will delve into common barriers to effective online learning, explore strategies to overcome these challenges, and provide actionable techniques to foster learner engagement in virtual environments. Educators will leave with a toolkit of approaches to support student success and engagement in any online learning scenario. |
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Discover Padlet’s new sandbox feature: a game-changer for classroom engagement |
Thursday 19 December |
2:30 – 3:30pm |
Explore Padlet’s newest addition—the Sandbox feature—in this virtual CPD session designed to help teachers create more interactive and engaging classroom experiences. Learn how this exciting new tool supports collaborative activities, boosts student engagement, and fosters creativity in real-time. We’ll guide you through practical methods to set up and integrate the Sandbox into your teaching, enhancing classroom participation and knowledge sharing |
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Maths actually |
Thursday 19 December |
10 – 10:30am |
‘I count it on my fingers, I count it on my toes, |
Recorded sessions
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Title |
Activity description / outcomes |
Recording link |
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Generative AI and assessment vulnerability: insights from the Open University’s research |
In this one-hour recorded webinar, we explore the key findings and insights from The Open University's latest research. Speakers from the Open University research team present their conclusions, offering valuable perspectives on assessment vulnerability and the detection of generative AI in learner work.This study, funded by NCFE’s Assessment Innovation Fund and conducted by researchers from The Open University, addresses the challenges and opportunities posed by Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools, particularly large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, for assessment in further and higher education. |
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Industry inside: turning your classroom into a real-world experience |
In this bitesize session, discover creative and practical ways to bring the world of industry directly into your classroom. We’ll explore engaging strategies, real-world examples, and expert tips to help you connect your students' learning with the skills and knowledge used in today’s workplaces. From incorporating guest speakers to using real-life industry projects, this recording will equip you with fresh ideas to inspire your students and make their lessons more relevant and exciting. Get ready to bridge the gap between education and the world of work!" |
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Assessment and feedback hacks: boosting student success in bite-sized steps |
In this bitesize recording, we’ll explore practical and effective strategies for assessment and feedback that you can easily implement in your classroom. From quick-win techniques to more in-depth approaches, this session is packed with tips to help you enhance student engagement and performance. Learn how to streamline your feedback process, make assessments more meaningful, and boost your students’ success—all in bite-sized, actionable steps! Perfect for teachers looking to make an immediate impact. |
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Getting started with the NCFE exam Portal: a quick guide |
This bitesize recording offers a step-by-step introduction to the NCFE Exam Portal, designed to help you navigate key features with ease. Learn how to register learners, check for approved products, submit marks, and access essential reports. Perfect for new users or anyone needing a refresher, this guide provides the basics to get you up and running smoothly on the NCFE portal. |
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SMART moves: using EHCP outcomes to drive meaningful target setting for SEND students |
In this recording, we’ll explore how to transform the outcomes outlined in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) into actionable, measurable targets that support SEND students in reaching their full potential. Learn how to develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) targets that are aligned with individual needs and aspirations, ensuring that each student’s EHCP is not just a document, but a dynamic roadmap to academic success. |
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The key benefits |
The importance of being prepared for the future, keeping your future self in mind when working, and how to stay organised within your own calendar. Colour coding, keeping notes and knowing how to support yourself to focus in the moment and some key equipment that may help. |
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Teaching, |
An exploration of teaching, learning and assessment activities from the perspective of a learner: what do we think they need, versus what do they need from us as teachers and assessors? Including an interview with an apprentice to get their view on what we do! |
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Contact us
For further enquiries on Professional Development Week, please contact our Provider Development team at [email protected].