HEADS OF SIXTH FORM AUTUMN CONFERENCE ONLINE - strategic planning and practical guidance 2024-2030
Date:
Friday 01 December 2023
Location:
Online
STRATEGIC PLANNING FROM 2025 TO 2030: KEY CHALLENGES AND PRACTICAL GUIDANCE
MESSAGE 4 DECEMBER 2023
Thank you to all the 40+ speakers. Over 200 attended on the day and lots more on catch-up.
Materials and recording links sent out to delegates on Monday 4 December at 1.37pm. Look for an email and check junkmail. Email subject line 'UPDATED & IGNORE PREVIOUS - Conference follow-up: materials and recordings (netsixthform)'
Any problems email michael@netsixthform.co.uk
Have a well-deserved festive break when it arrives. Best wishes. Michael
POST-16 POLICY UPDATE 2023-2026: WHAT DO HEADS OF SIXTH FORM NEED TO KNOW?
Kevin Gilmartin, Post 16 specialist, ASCL
We have asked Kevin back for another really informative briefing given, so much is happening at post 16!
Topics include Provider Access Legislation (PAL), Inspection and funding, 'English Bacc', maths to 18, Defunding and possible Labour Party policy for post 16 and defunding.
The content will be guided by the latest announcements as we get close to the conference date and will reflect the thinking of not just the government but also Labour Party policy so that delegates can get a picture of where there could be policy shifts and where there might not be any significant shift at all - in the situation of there being a change of government after the next election.
UCAS BRIEFING - UPDATE ON REFORM, 2025 ENTRY AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Sam Sykes, Customer Success Manager, UCAS
Sam always provides an extremely helpful update for delegates on what heads of sixth need to know about developments at UCAS.
Topics include personal statements, evaluation process of the new reference format, future developments and role of UCAS in searching for apprenticeships.
Sam will share where UCAS are at with the proposed new personal statement format as well as what tutors need to know about the way the UCAS Hub is becoming even more helpful for students.
UCAS should also be able to share their latest developments with apprenticeship support
HIGH QUALITY POST 16 TEACHING AND LEARNING: WHAT CAN VERY BUSY SIXTH FORM TEACHERS DO TO HELP
Michael Senior, Founder, Net Sixth Form and former Director of Sixth Form
What can heads of sixth do to help support the development of teaching and learning at post 16 through without it being yet another area to add to workload?
This session will outline some practical approaches that will help heads of sixth have an input to T&L at post 16 without being an onerous task...and yet can have a huge impact on spreading good practice.
'JOURNEY TO A MILLION BY 2030': WHAT DOES IS IT MEAN FOR YOUR STUDENTS AND YOUR CAREERS GUIDANCE?
Speaker: Elliot Newstead, Head of UK Student Recruitment and Outreach, University of Leicester
The session will feature data on the increasing number of students who are projected to be making post 18 choices over this decade & beyond 2030 as that in itself has implications for what takes place up to 2030.
The implications are significant and will have an impact on competition for places and therefore on the need to advise students accordingly, especially as the HE sector is unlikely to expand and so many students might well be left without university places.
We will be attempting to provide a presentation that delegates can re-use in their centre with their tutors, staff and students.
UNIVERSITY PANEL: ASK YOUR QUESTIONS TO A RANGE OF EXPERIENCED RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS OFFICERS
Various University Panellists from 10+ universities
Ask your questions to nearly 20 universities from all over the country and different tariff tiers. What is their position on T Level entry to their university?
What are they expecting in terms of increased levels of competition? How can they support schools under their bespoke Access and Participation Plans?
DO HEADLINE-REACTIVE ASSEMBLIES GENUINELY HELP US SUPPORT BOYS AND YOUNG MEN TO SAFELY NAVIGATE THEIR WAY THROUGH HARMFUL MISOGYNISTIC INFLUENCES?
Speaker: Michael Conway, Founder, Men at Work
How we should really be engaging our sixth form boys and young men in constructive dialogues - a shift in cultural approach.
This session explores creating conditions for positive and constructive dialogues with boys, as opposed to reactive and accusatory interactions.
The approach frames poor choices as ones made amidst the powerful normative socialising influences of a wider a misogynistic culture and so invites boys to better understand the choices they are making, apply critical thinking and empathy - and support their peers in doing the same.
Michael explores the pitfalls, what-not-to do and clarifies what it is that we actually want to achieve, with safeguarding and self-realisation at the core.
SETTING UP A LEARNING TO LEARN PROGRAMME AT POST 16 TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP META-COGNITION
Speaker: Zaynab Bharuchi, Senior Vice Principal (Standards & 16+), Sidney Stringer Academy
Zaynab will outline the programme her centre has developed which has been carefully designed with the KS4-KS5 transition curriculum in mind, that centres around building learners understanding and ability to use meta cognitive strategies to maximise learning.
Delegates will be taken through an overview of the programme and will receive helpful resources to set up the programme in their own centres.
HOW CAN WE BETTER SUPPORT STUDENTS TAKING SINGLE VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS WITH 2 A-LEVELS AFTER LARGE BTEC PROGRAMMES ARE DEFUNDED IN 2025?
Find out what centres are doing in this collaborative session
How will centres be supporting students who, unable to under-take a large BTEC programme from 2025, are left with very little alternative but to take a BTEC National Certificate (or the like) along with two A-Levels?
What curriculum model and entry criteria will be developed to maximise success? What systems of support will need to be in place?
Find out from various centres who will outline their approaches to address the issues.
HELPING SCHOOLS SUPPORT THE WELLBEING OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Speaker: Leah Iles, CEO mdeducational foundation
mdeducational foundation is a charity that provides support to students in schools across the UK and Ireland and they have partnered with Net Sixth Form to help promote a fully funded Wellbeing Lead across post 16 centres throughout the UK
Funding the placement of Wellbeing Leads into post-16 settings will provide much needed support for student wellbeing through such a vital stage of their education and beyond.
POST 16 FUNDING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AND HOW TO MAXIMISE IT
Speaker: Matt Fletcher, AHT Post 16 and Funding Specialist
With his role within a MAT supporting a range of post 16 centres as well as being a consultant to centres around the country advising them about their census Matt is well-placed to provide an up-to-date picture of post 16 funding.
Key issues that cause centres to lose money on their census will be shared, based on his experience of working with other centres.
Finally, Matt will explore curriculum models that help to widen student choice but also add more revenue to the sixth form.
HAVING AN EYE ON OFSTED: ADVICE FROM CENTRES WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED AN INSPECTION
Speaker: Ed MacLeod Vice Principal, Beal High School and Tania Grigg, AHT, Head of Sixth, Torquay Girls Grammar School
Ed and Tania will share what they have learned from recent inspections.
Every centres has its own challenges and an outline of centres judged as RI will also be outlined and the reasons why.
This session is always well-received by delegates who appreciate the practical advice from different centres.
FUTURE PROOFING SKILLS: WHAT YOUR STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WORLD OF WORK
Speaker: Claire Merriman, Careers Consultant, Aston University
Aston University are well known for their careers guidance which is even embedded within the undergraduate curriculum so Claire is well placed to share advice to pass on to sixth form students.
What are the skills that employers look for and how can students demonstrate them?
Claire will share some helpful resources with delegates to re-use with students and the session can be re-used as part of your employability programme.
LEADING THE WAY: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR UNIVERSITY APPLICATION MANAGEMENT
Speaker: Victor Bamigboye, Area Manager, Unifrog
Insights into application management processes and how to raise student engagement to achieve better destination outcomes.
We will cover how Unifrog's tools can give you complete oversight of students' application research and progression, simplify your work experience strategy, and provide your students with opportunities for meaningful interactions with universities and employers.
DEVELOPING YOUR UCAS AND APPRENTICESHIP SUPPORT PROGRAMMES
Speaker: Jeni McClean, Assistant Headteacher, Post 16
THIS WILL NOW BE A CATCH UP RECORDED SESSION SLIGHTLY LONGER THAN CONFERENCE FORMAT ALLOWS
Do you set up both UCAS and apprenticeship pathways so that both routes are viewed as credible choices?
How involved are parents early on in the process?
Do you capture the data needed to target opportunities sensitively and effectively?
There are many interesting features of the support programmes that Jeni McClean will outline, reflecting years of experience so delegates who are either new to post as well as longer serving will benefit.
UCAS 'PLUS'... HOW ADDING INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES CAN HELP DE-STRESS THE UCAS PROCESS
Speaker David Hawkins, Founder and Director of The University Guys
David Hawkins will outline how students, by adding a small number of international university applications to their UCAS plan, can lead to successful university outcomes.
As UCAS becomes ever more competitive, students and advisers would be wise to consider how 6th, 7th and 8th options beyond the UK can make the process a much broader and potentially successful one.
David will outline opportunities across popular subject areas that students could consider.
HIGH FLIERS PROGRAMME: PRACTICAL IDEAS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS IN YOUR CENTRE
Speaker: Ed MacLeod, Vice Principal, Beal High School
Ed will outline the programme he has set up in his centre to provide plenty of food for thought that delegates can take away to develop their own support for students aiming for highly competitive courses and universities.
The session will also share some of the resources used as part of the programme
PLEASE MIND THE GAP: ADDRESSING ATTAINMENT GAPS AND LEARNING LOSS POST-PANDEMIC WITH ONLINE TUTORING
Online tutoring is proven to make impact on closing attainment gaps for your pupils. Hear from tutoring expert, Natalie Hewison, on how providing personalised support builds confidence and boosts grades.
Drawing on evidence from our 1300+ partner schools and expertise from our Teacher Advisory Board, this talk will be full of actionable advice on how to close the gap once and for all through online tutoring.
HOW CAN SCHOOLS HELP TO
RECRUIT MORE TEACHERS?
Speaker:
Professor David Aldridge, Edge Hill University
What
can schools as institutions do to help students consider teaching as a
profession? What messages are teachers giving about the rewards and challenges
of a career in teaching?
In
this session, David will outline some suggestions on what schools can do (and
what to avoid) to help students consider teaching.
HOW WORRIED SHOULD WE BE ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE?
Speaker: Professor Naomi Vaughan, Associate Professor in Climate Change, University of East Anglia
Given the importance of this topic, we have asked for a highly respected speaker from a university with a renowned climate change centre to deliver a session that can be replicated with your students back in your centres.
Students are often exposed to news via social media which can lack credibility and can include messages that deny that climate change is even a concern. So where do students get reliable sources of evidence?
This session will help you raise the issue of climate change with your students drawing on scientific sources of evidence from a world class centre of excellence.
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR OUR FUTURE: ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COURSES AND CAREERS
Speaker: Carl Mansell-Griffiths, Head of Student Recruitment, Harper Adams University
As a specialist provider, Harper Adams University's courses and research have been designed to contribute to a sustainable future for the inhabitants of, and habitats across our living planet.
Carl will provide insight into the kinds of courses that are on offer to prepare not only our students for their future careers, but to help them become specialists in fields that prepare them to be integral parts of all of our futures.
This will give insight into the range of courses that might meet the interests of those students interested in wildlife, conversation, sustainability, environment and related-sciences.
Over 15 sessions and 30 speakers added over the coming weeks
SPEAKERS CONFIRMED SO FAR
Zaynab Bharuchi, Senior Vice Principal (Standards & 16+), Sidney Stringer Academy
Sam Sykes, Customer Success Manager, UCAS
Mike Nicholson, Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Participation, University of Cambridge
Michael Conway, Founder, Men at Work
Kevin Gilmartin, Post 16 Specialist, ASCL
Michael Senior, Founder NetSixthForm
Elliot Newstead, Head of UK Student Recruitment and Outreach, University of Leicester
Leah Iles, CEO mdeducational foundation
Charley Fowler, UK Education Lead and Area Manager, Unifrog
Ed MacLeod, Vice Principal, Beal High School
Professor David Aldridge, Professor of Teacher Education, Edge Hill University
Claire Merriman, Careers Consultant, Aston University
Matt Fletcher, funding consultant andAHT Post 16, Notley High School
David Hawkins, Found and Director, The University Guys
Professor Naomi Vaughan, Associate Professor in Climate Change, University of East Anglia
Carl Mansell-Griffiths, Head of Student Recruitment, Harper Adams University
Alex O'Conner, Talent Lead, Zero Gravity
Victor Bamigboye, Area Manager, Unifrog
Tania Grigg, AHT and Head of Sixth Form, Torquay Grammar School for Girls
The session by Jeni McClean, Assistant Headteacher Post 16, will be delivered via a recording at a later point and will be longer than the conference format usually permits.
SPONSORS
Unifrog
Applicaa
MyTutor
Pathway CTM
Zero Gravity
UNIVERSITIES
University of Cambridge
University of Leicester
University of Winchester
Goldsmiths, University of London
University of Warwick
The London Interdisciplinary School
Middlesex University
Swansea University
Lancaster University
University of Lincoln
Royal Holloway
University of Gloucestershire
University of Exeter
Edge Hill University
Harper Adams University
'Fantastic past-paced conference covering every aspect of Sixth Form advice and guidance that any Head of Sixth Form, whether in post or new to the role, could need.' Head of Sixth Form, Vyners School, Summer Online Conference 2023
'Always the best annual CPD I attend for Heads of Sixth Form and Senior Leaders with responsibility for 6F. A quick-paced and varied programme of relevant talks from knowledgeable practitioners.' Head of Sixth Form, Wolverhampton Girls' High School, Summer Online Conference 2023
'A one-stop shop for updating and improving your sixth form practice. Fast-paced with a choice offering excellent value for money. As a Sixth Form lead and teacher for over 28 years I would say if you can only attend one CPD then this is it. Attending this CPD is a deal breaker for me in terms of support for me leading my sixth form in the best way possible.' Head of Sixth Form, Bournemouth School for Girls, Summer Online Conference 2023
'This was my first online NetSixthForm conference and it was a fantastic event. Well organised, with a variety of expert speakers. My team will enjoy receiving my notes and next steps!' Head of Sixth Form, Heart of England Academy, Summer Online Conference 2023
'My first year as head of sixth from and this has by far been the best CPD session that I have attended. I have learned so much and gained so many ideas and areas of knowledge.' Head of Sixth Form, Epsom and Ewell High School, Summer Online Conference 2023
'Really great to be able to get signposts to so many amazing resources and organisations in one place. Opened up opportunities I would not have found on my own.' Head of Sixth Form, Magdalen College School, Summer Online Conference 2023
'A huge thank you - an intense day but really useful to get all the updates in one place.' Head of Sixth Form, Fallibroome Academy, Head of Sixth, Epsom and Ewell High School, Summer Online Conference 2023
'Exceptional value and excellent practice on display. Another superb programme.' Head of Sixth Form, St James Senior Boys' School, Head of Sixth, Epsom and Ewell High School, Summer Online Conference 2023
'All killer content no filler. My yearly top up on all things sixth form which it takes me the year to digest and action. Fantastic, reassuring and inspiring.' Head of Sixth Form, Chadwell Academy, Autumn Online Conference 2022
'I always leave feeling enthusiastic and better equipped for the improvements the Sixth Form needs to make.'Head of Sixth Form, Longsands Sixth Form, Autumn Online Conference 2022
'Fantastic fast paced course with some brilliant sessions which will really help me in my leadership of post 16.'Head of Sixth Form, Aldercar HIgh School, Autumn Online Conference 2022
'Hands down the best teaching conference I have ever attended. Every session was informative and directly relevant to my role as head of sixth form. The fast-paced format meant there wasn't a single wasted minute. Thank you so much!' Head of Sixth Form, The Charter School North Dulwich, Autumn Online Conference 2022
'Broad range of resources spanning the breadth that Heads of Sixth are expected to manage, from experts. Also vital reassurance that we are on the right track and abreast of issues which will affect us shortly.' Head of Sixth Form, TSC Academy, Autumn Online Conference 2022
'Just wow really! I was a bit concerned about it being online but I shouldn't have worried. It was really relevant and really informative. Will definitely be signing up for the next one.' Head of Sixth Form, St Peter’s Academy, Summer Online Conference 2022
'An AMAZING conference, I am new to post and found the day very useful. Thank you.' Head of Sixth Form, Boston High School, Summer Online Conference 2022
'The best Sixth Form CPD I have ever attended! Snappy, informative and your questions do get answered, despite the large numbers in attendance.' Head of Sixth Form, Greatfields School, Summer Online Conference 2022
'So much packed into one day with the opportunity to view again at leisure makes this conference fantastic value for money. In addition all the ready to go resources are invaluable in addition to the on going support of NetSixth. I could not do the job without you.' Head of Sixth Form, Bournemouth School For Girls, Summer Online Conference 2022
'First time we have attended a Netsixthform conference and it feels like a game changer for us. Excellent speakers, quick fire bite-sized sessions full of great quality info and variety - we are buzzing with ideas now and feel much more confident about how to prepare for the next OFSTED and support our next cohort!'Head of Sixth Form, Alderbrook School, Summer Online Conference 2022
'The Netsixthform conference is an excellent way of keeping up to date on issues that affect us and it is always fast paced- you always find at least one gem of an idea (if not more) as a result of attending.'Head of Sixth Form, Ralph Allan School, Summer Online Conference 2022
'I have now attended two online conferences. The addition of breakout rooms to raise more detailed questions this time was even better. Well worth attending.' Head of Sixth Form, Trinity School Croydon, Autumn Online Conference 2021
'I've attended quite a few of these conferences and each time I am reminded why - it such fantastic CPD! I always come out buzzing with ideas and refreshed with new knowledge about post 16.'Head of Sixth Form, Northwood School, Autumn Online Conference 2021
'My first conference with netsixthform - just great. I really appreciated the flexibility of the online Zoom options, quick and dynamic sessions, the ease with which you can move into break-out rooms and the active use of the chat, and the range of topics discussed. I've got more out of this today, than normal conferences. Well done and my thanks.' Head of Sixth Form,The Long Eaton School, Summer Online Conference 2021
'I have attended in person and on-line now, both great but on-line makes it more manageable if you have to travel a long distance to attend.'Head of Sixth Form, Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Summer Online Conference 2021
'This is the third conference that I've attended and I take more and more away from them every time. Loads of questions answered, tonnes to think about and plan a strategy for implementing. Brilliantly organised and very knowledgeable speakers. Love the short, snappy format. Thank-you.' Head of Sixth Form, Thornleigh Salesian College, Autumn Online Conference 2021
'Can't recommend this course enough. Thank you Michael and all the speakers, really appreciated.' Head of Sixth Form, Presdales School, Autumn Online Conference 2021
'By a country mile – the best CPD I’ve ever had. 18, yes 18 sessions on a huge variety of meaningful, relevant and contemporary areas for any Head of Sixth Form. Outstanding – this will be an annual event in my development.' Rutlish School, Head of Sixth Form, Autumn Conference
'After all these years - fresh vibrant and inspiring - as always you come away with 5 things you will do tomorrow.' Director of Post 16, Redhill Academy Trust, Autumn Online Conference 2021
'Exceptional quality and is the best value CPD I have attended in recent years...fast-paced activities including a wide range of speakers and the ability to choose certain sessions rather than others. This meant you could cater your day to suit the needs of your sixth form. An excellent day.' Head of Sixth Form, Sawtry Village Academy, Summer Online Conference 2021
'If you are a head of sixth then this is the best conference you will ever attend. Up to the minute information, loads of practical resources, an annual must do!' Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form Centre, Head of Sixth Form, November Online Conference, 2020
'The Swiss Army Knife course for new sixth form leaders.' South Wolds Academy and Sixth Form, Head of Sixth Form (November Online Conference, 2020)
'Probably the best value CPD and resource base I have experienced as a Sixth Form lead.' Ribston Hall High School, Head of Sixth Form (November Online Conference, 2020)
'I really liked the practicality of online - I would have had to leave the house before 5am and wouldn't have got home until 8.30pm if it had been in London.' St John Talbot's School, Head of Sixth Form (November Online Conference, 2020)
'Excellent. I would definitely prefer not to travel.' Herschel Grammar School, Head of Sixth Form (November Online Conference, 2020)
'Loved it. Was able to give it my full attention without having to dash out before it ended to make a train back home! Great quality presentations and a lot of timely information' St Edmund Campion Catholic School. Head of Sixth Form (November Online Conference, 2020)
The NetSixth annual conference is an essential part of my CPD toolkit, helping me keep connected with sixth form leaders up and down the country, the latest developments in post 16 and post 18 education and training whilst also giving me the headspace to reflect on my own practice. The virtual online version was no different - great and varied programme. Thank you! Fallibroome Academy, Head of Sixth Form (November Online Conference, 2020)
'An incredibly useful day, jam packed full of resources and information with lots of pointers that are useful for a busy Head of Sixth Form. Thank you so much!' Sir John Leman High School, Head of Sixth Form (November Online Conference, 2020)
'I really enjoyed the online conference which covered the many facets of being a head of sixth form . All the speakers were engaging and informative and I came away with plenty of food for thought.' King Richard School, Cyprus. Head of Sixth Form (November Online Conference, 2020)
'As ever, brilliant range of insightful resources and talks to keep you ahead of the game.' Wood Green School, Head of Sixth Form (November Conference, 2019)
'It was well worth travelling 1000 miles to join this event! Thank you.' Almunecar International School, Head of Sixth Form (November Conference, 2019)
'Don’t miss this conference. I am invigorated and inspired – armed with a huge number of practical ideas and tweaks. I feel much more informed and ‘useful’.' The Duchess's Community High School, Head of Sixth Form (November Conference, 2019)
'By a country mile – the best CPD I’ve ever had. 18, yes 18 sessions on a huge variety of meaningful, relevant and contemporary areas for any Head of Sixth Form. Outstanding – this will be an annual event in my development.' Rutlish School, Head of Sixth Form (November Conference, 2019)
'Excellent resources, super presentations and a broad variety of material – I will be back! Thank you.' Cheadle Hulme Grammar, Head of Sixth Form (November Conference, 2019)
'Extremely useful session. Great resources.' Chadwell Heath Academy, Head of Sixth Form (November Conference, 2019)
'Fantastic CPD – thank you for all the new ideas! Varied speakers, thought provoking, practical and applicable. Great format.' Hellesden High School, Head of Sixth Form (November Conference, 2019)
'Inspirational and very useful and practical. Amazing speakers.' St Teresa’s School, Head of Sixth Form (November Conference, 2019)
'Where else would you get varied presentations?' Another fantastic conference. Where else would you get rich and varied presentations, along with countless practical ideas and resources? I cannot recommend the Heads of Sixth National Conference enough!Head of Sixth Form, High Storrs School. 21 June 2019
'Insightful and speakers carefully thought through'. Thank you for providing a well organised event. Resources being printed, speakers carefully thought through, as well as excellent housekeeping, has made this a great day. Timings have really benefitted the pace and inclusion of a multitude of aspects. Thank you! Head of Sixth, Townley Grammar School, 21 June 2019
'My third conference.' I have chosen this over Pixl6. Worth every penny for CPD and plenty to take back, use and share. Thank you.' Head of Sixth, Higham Lane School. November 2018
Please click on a photo for a larger version.
Thank you to all the 40+ speakers. Over 200 attended on the day and lots more on catch-up.
Materials and recording links sent out to delegates on Monday 4 December at 1.37pm. Look for an email and check junkmail. Email subject line 'UPDATED & IGNORE PREVIOUS - Conference follow-up: materials and recordings (netsixthform)'
Any problems email michael@netsixthform.co.uk
Have a well-deserved festive break when it arrives. Best wishes. Michael
