HEADS OF SIXTH FORM ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE

Date:
25 November 2022
Location:
Online
HEADS OF SIXTH FORM ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE RECORDING WILL BE AVAILABLE WEEK 28 NOVEMBER 02 DECEMBER. we aim to try for late Monday 28th / early Tuesday 29th Nov.

We will email delegates as soon as they are ready. The recordings will be password protected which will be emailed to you on Monday 28th November.

Conference materials and recordings (when uploaded) - click here

If you have any queries email info@netsixthform.co.uk or call 020 3011 4451


FUNDING - CURRICULUM MODELS TO HELP CATER TO LOWER PERFORMING STUDENTS

Panellists include Lizzie Leek, Assistant Principal: Post 16, St. Peter's Collegiate Academy

What do centres offer lower performing students that cater to their needs and lead to positive outcomes and high retention?

By offering imaginative pathways, student recruitment can increase, offering genuine educational value whilst also helping contribute to a financially viable sixth form.


SAFEGUARDING: HOW ARE CENTRES MANAGING STUDENTS OFF-SITE DURING SCHOOL HOURS?

Speakers: Lizzie Leek, Assistant Principal: Post 16, St. Peter's Collegiate Academy and Jo Holgate, Assistant Principal KS5, Chelsea Academy

One area that appears to be of increasing concern, particularly with recent inspections, is managing post 16 students leaving and returning from the site during school hours.

Every centre has its own circumstances, so we have invited a range of Heads of Sixth Form to outline their processes.

Delegates will either gain some fresh ideas or will feel assured that their own systems are as good as anywhere else.


HIGHER EDUCATION BRIEFING FOR SIXTH FORM LEADERS: KEEPING UP-TO-DATE

Mike Nicholson, Deputy Head of Education Services, University of Cambridge as well as Vice Chair of Council, UCAS

So much is changing in the world of HE that we have invited Mike Nicholson again to start the conference with a summary of the key policy changes and areas of note of which Heads of Sixth Form need to be aware.


UPDATED CONTENT JUST ADDED!

THE CHANGING POST-16 LANDSCAPE 2022-3 AND BEYOND: WHAT DO HEADS OF SIXTH FORM NEED TO KNOW

Speaker: Kevin Gilmartin, Post 16 Specialist, ASCL

It is important to lift our sights to the medium and long-term issues impacting on post-16. In this extended session, Kevin will address:

What has been happening in sixth form education?

A round-up from summer 2022 results - what subjects are on the rise/fall? Implications?

What happened to the first cohort of T levels students. Implications?

What is happening over the next year?

The continued roll-out of T levels and the next stage in the BTEC defunding process. Implications for curriculum planning and funding?

Level 2 Review - outcomes and defunding of quals - implications for curriculum planning?

Accountability - return of performance tables. New legal obligations around CEIAG - so-called PAL (provider access legislation)

Results in summer 2023 -likely implications of new standards

UCAS & HE entry - update on competition for places, new code of practice in offer-making and personal statements

Funding update including the extra 40 hours

What might be happening longer-term?

What's on the government agenda - rise of the 14-19 English Baccalaureate?

What's on the opposition agenda? - shake-up at L2 and L3 on skills and apprenticeships, return of the EMA?


TEACHING CONSENT AND BOYS- SHARING RESEARCH FINDINGS EXPLORING BOYS' VIEWS ON THE TOPIC OF CONSENT

Speaker: Nicole Rodden, Co-founder Life Lessons and Dr Emily Setty, Programme Director for Criminology, University of Surrey

Everyone's Invited and the 2021 Ofsted report into sexual harassment in schools has helped to surface the normalisation of sexual harassment between young people with the majority of this abuse happening from boys to girls.

For things to change, boys must recognise that they are part of the solution. Life Lessons, in partnership with University of Surrey, carried out research to explore what boys are being taught related to consent, how they can change the current situation.

Hear from Life Lessons co-founder, Nicole Rodden, and Dr Emily Setty, University of Surrey, discussing the findings from the research and practical tips that schools can take away from this research to embed within their classrooms.


IMPROVING OUTCOMES AND THE POST 16 LEARNING EXPERIENCE: HOW TO HELP TEACHERS UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF THEIR STUDENTS

Speaker: Michael Senior, Founder NetSixthForm

How do Sixth Form Leaders support departments with lower value add? One key strategy is to improve the learning experience of students by helping the teachers better understand their students' needs - are the lessons too quick, too slow? is the homework helpful or not? are their resources that appeal more to some students than others?

Michael will share a practical way of implementing a 'learning conversation' between every teacher and every student that is quick to carry out and stays outside of any 'management tool' - so it is viewed by teachers and professional associations as 'safe' and non-controversial.

The session will provide the adaptable materials and guidance to help delegates implement it within their centre with relatively little need for extra work.

This practical strategy can be really helpful for supporting teachers who are finding it a challenge to deliver on outcomes or where there are relationship issues between the teacher and the students which we know can occur for a wide range of reasons and can be very hard to resolve.


UCAS UPDATE 2024 ENTRY - CHANGES TO PERSONAL STATEMENTS AND TEACHER REFERENCES

Speakers: Samantha Sykes, Digital Learning Manager and Kim Eccleston, Head of Strategy, UCAS plus Elliot Newstead, Head of UK Student Recruitment and Outreach, University of Leicester

Sam will outline the state of play with the developments at UCAS to change for format required of personal statements and references.

Sam will also brief delegates on other key matters at UCAS that will help ensure delegates stay up-to-date.


PERSONAL STATEMENTS: HELPING STUDENTS TO WRITE MORE SUBJECT-SPECIFIC SECTIONS

Speaker: Katie Barrow, Schools Liaison, University of Lincoln

Robotics, nursing, sociology (which has experienced and increase in popularity recently) are some of the areas which Katie will address in this resources-driven, practical session.

A former experiences sixth form leader, Katie has produced a powerpoint written in a student-friendly way which will be shared with delegates to re-use in your centre.

Tutors will appreciate the provision of the this helpful session and the resources that are provided with it.


NAILING YOUR YEAR 12 ENROLMENT DAY WITH A SMOOTH, DIGITAL PROCESS

Speaker: Antony Wambua, Applicaa Product Director

Sixth Form retention is key for all schools, so we have asked Applicaa to outline their cloud-based Admissions+ system.

There are a large number of centres using the Admissions+ and they report finding it to be a fast, accurate, online enrolment day management system.

The software also manages to auto-class balance and easily create timetables so that schools can issue them to students quickly.


TRANSITION FROM YEAR 11 INTO SIXTH FORM: ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS

Speaker: Danielle Thurlow, Deputy Headteacher, London South East Academies Trust

How do sixth forms discover the needs of students arriving in their sixth form?

What can centres do to address the range of needs to help bridge the gap between the advantaged and disadvantaged?

Having worked in centres from a grammar school, comprehensive and an alternative provision centre, Danielle is well placed to be able to focus sharply on the contrast of need.


UNIVERSITY PANEL: ASK YOUR QUESTIONS TO A RANGE OF EXPERIENCED RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS OFFICER

Panellists include a range of universities including Cambridge, Leicester, Lancaster, Lincoln, Gloucestershire, Winchester, Liverpool Hope, UEA, Swansea, Warwick, Royal Holloway and the London Interdisciplinary School.

Delegates find it incredibly helpful to hear responses direct from universities to their questions.


SUPPORTING DISADVANTAGED SIXTH FORMERS

Speaker, Alex O'Connor, Student Talent Lead at Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity offers completely free online mentoring support for disadvantaged sixth form students who have the potential to aim for the UK's top universities.

Alex will outline how to access the free mentoring, share what's involved to support students as well as show delegates how easy the process is to get your students involved.


SUPPORTING LOW ATTAINING STUDENTS - CHANGING STUDENT HABITS TO HELP THEM WORK HARDER AND SMARTER

Speaker: Michael Senior, Founder Net Sixth Form

The first few weeks of making friends in Year 12 will be over by November and all the non-study habits have set in by this stage. It is now a task to 'unlearn' the habits which get in the way of studying and start to create new, more successful habits.

Drawing on findings from 'Atomic Habits', Michael will present how he uses the research to inform the way in which habits are learned and changed to help low achievers develop the habits of high achievers.


HOW UNIVERSITIES ARE RECOGNISING STUDENT POTENTIAL USING NEW CONTEXTUAL ADMISSIONS DATA - UCAS MULTIPLE EQUALITY MEASURE (MEM) - FOR 2023 ENTRY

Speaker: Scott Knight, Head of Outreach, University of East Anglia

Contextual admissions is one way that universities are working to provide equal access to HE study for students, regardless of their background or experiences.

This session will give an overview of contextual admissions, how they can improve equality of opportunity for disadvantaged students.

UEA are also trialling the use of a new contextual data set UCAS MEM (Multiple Equality Measure) for 2023 entry, alongside a series of "value added" contextual admissions schemes linked to partnerships and long term outreach programmes. Given that MEM might be used more broadly, the session will briefly outline how UEA are measuring the impact to ensure that we support both access to HE and student success once students arrive.


WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE 2022 UCAS APPLICATION CYCLE? THE EXPECTATIONS GAP 2023 AND IMPLICATIONS FOR YOUR STUDENTS

Speaker: James Seymour, Director of Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment, University of Gloucestershire

With the number of applications on the rise, the climate of competition for under-graduate places is changing.

James will explore the 2022 UCAS application cycle and will outline the implications for Heads of Sixth Form in terms of supporting students with their expectations and HE choices for 2023/24

The session will also brief delegates on the 'reject by default' and 'decline by default' data 2022 and what we can learn from that in terms of the student experience this summer 2023.


GETTING THROUGH YOUR OFSTED INSPECTION: PRACTICAL ADVICE AND STRATEGIES

Speaker: Danielle Thurlow, Deputy Headteacher, London South East Academies Trust

Danielle has recently experienced an Ofsted inspection which was at the challenging end of the spectrum yet post 16 provision was well regarded.

Having led in both a grammar school and comprehensive, Danielle is well placed to share practical advice about how to prepare for inspection.

This session will also draw on judgements from a wide range of inspections to help provide a wider overview of the key areas to address to help you in your centre.


WHY DO WE NEED INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING?

Speaker: Ed Fidoe, Chief Exec at The London Interdisciplinary School

Currently, the school curriculum in the UK is constructed as if the goal is for everyone to become an expert in a single subject. Pupils are made to gradually narrow down the range of subjects they study, covering even fewer areas until they end up with one field of post-school study.

So, at LIS, we have designed a curriculum that allows students to explore multiple disciplinary perspectives in order to understand and tackle complex problems, like inequality, sustainability and the ethics of AI.

In this session, you'll hear from Ed Fidoe, Co-founder of The London Interdisciplinary School, and School 21, on how we're introducing students to interdisciplinary learning, and how you can do this within the classroom.


APPROACHING STUDENT FINANCE - KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRY IN 2023

Speaker: Carl Griffiths, UK Student Recruitment Manager, University of Lancaster

There are some key changes to expect from Student Finance for this year for students and supporters to be aware of.

Carl will be addressing when and how to apply, as well as some of the nuances of Student Finance for those with specific circumstances.

There will also be signposting for useful resources, and a full presentation will be available with key information on the processes and deadlines to expect.


MANAGING SAFEGUARDING FOR CHILD-ON-CHILD SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE IN POST-16 SETTINGS - THE ROLE OF ALL SCHOOL STAFF

Speaker: Laura Page, Education Consultant: SEND and Safeguarding whole-school improvement , Schools Supported

An exploration of the sensitive topic of safeguarding children involved in sexual harassment or violence in schools.

Supporting perpetrators and victims, working with authorities and understanding the law and guidance around unhealthy or abusive relationships between peers.

This session will point out some important dos and don'ts based on Laura's experience of dealing with these matters over many years.


HOW TO MAXIMISE THE IMPACT OF YOUR 16-19 TUITION FUNDING

Speaker: Cath Bryant, Head of Education Partnerships, MyTutor

With November resit results around the corner, there are likely to be a number who will still need to resit in the summer who will need more support to get over the line.

Sixth form and college leaders will also be looking for effective and targeted ways to support their under-performing students to help them reach their target grades and full potential.

MyTutor will give a brief intro to their online tuition platform, which allows A-Level students to get personalised support from university tutors with subject-level experience. Tutoring sessions also teach valuable study skills & exam techniques to boost confidence ahead of exam season.


BLOOM: A FREE MENTAL HEALTH RESILIENCE BUILDING PROGRAMME BY MENTAL HEALTH UK

Speaker: Lauren Quigley, Bloom Engagement Officer, North of England

Bloom is the largest FREE UK-wide programme for 14-18-year-olds which focuses on supporting young people's mental health resilience.

The programme launched in September 2019, thanks to fundraising efforts by colleagues at Lloyds Banking Group.

Delivered in schools and colleges, Bloom equips young people with the tools and knowledge to maintain their mental health through life's transitions, both now and in the future.

In this session, find out how Bloom can support both teachers and students in your schools, as well as the impact they have had so far.


CLOSING THE DISADVANTAGE GAP: DESTINATION RESEARCH TRENDS AND TOOLS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS IN FINDING THEIR BEST NEXT STEP

Charley Fowler: UK Education Lead and Area Manager at Unifrog

With 1.2million students using the platform, and 40,000 logins every day, Unifrog's data insights provide a unique view into the destination research trends of UK students.

With the disadvantage gap being evident in opportunity shortlisting, Charley explains how teachers and students can utilise tools on Unifrog to broaden student horizons, gain access to direct links with universities and employers, and receive tailored opportunities for them based on their interests.







KEY SPEAKERS

Mike Nicholson, Deputy Head of Education Services, University of Cambridge

Kevin Gilmartin, Post 16 Specialist, ASCL

Nicole Rodden, Co-founder, Life Lessons

Dr Emily Setty, Programme Manager for Criminology, University of Surrey

Lizzie Leek, Assistant Principal: Post 16, St. Peter's Collegiate Academy

Sam Sykes, Digital Learning Manager, UCAS

Kim Eccleston, Head of Strategy, UCAS

Ed Fidoe, Chief Executive, The London Interdisciplinary School

Alex O'Connor, Student Talent Lead, Zero Gravity

Michael Senior, Founder NetSixthForm

Stephen Thomas, Resources Editor, NetSixthForm 

James Seymour, Director of Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment, University of Gloucestershire

Max Trapani, Outreach Manager, Pathways Careers Training and Mentoring

Katie Barrow, Schools Liaison, University of Lincoln

Elliot Newstead, Head of UK Student Recruitment and Outreach, University of Leicester

Danielle Thurlow, Deputy Headteacher, London South East Academies Trust

Laura Page, Education Consultant, SEND and Safeguarding whole-school improvement

Scott Knight, Head of Outreach, University of East Anglia

Lauren Quigley, Bloom Engagement Officer, North of England

Antony Wambua, Applicaa Product Director

Carl Griffiths, UK Student Recruitment Manager, University of Lancaster

Jo Holgate, Assistant Principal KS5, Chelsea Academy

More speakers to be announced


UNIVERSITY PANELLISTS

Elliot Newstead, Head of UK Student Recruitment and Outreach, University of Leicester

Ruth Boyce, School & College Development Coordinator, University of Winchester

Elizabeth McCullough, School & College Liaison, Goldsmiths, University of London

Stephen Gray, Student Recruitment Officer, University of Warwick

Dylan Dunbar, School & College Liaison, Liverpool Hope University

Kiran Momi, School & College Liaison,  The London Interdisciplinary School

Nikki Jell, School & College Liaison, Middlesex University

Steve Minney, School & College Liaison, Swansea University

Nicola Marsden, School & College Liaison, Lancaster University

Katie Barrow, School & College Liaison, University of Lincoln

James Calcutt, School & College Liaison, Royal Holloway

Tom Smith, UK Recruitment and Outreach manager, Northumbria University 

James Seymour, Director of Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment, University of Gloucestershire

Susan Henderson, Head of Future Students, University of Winchester

Carl Griffiths, UK Student Recruitment Manager, University of Lancaster

Jonathan Hunter, Senior Student Recruitment Officer, University of Birmingham

SPONSORS

Unifrog

Zero Gravity

Applicaa

My Tutor

More speakers to be confirmed

'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 SchoolHead 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

AUTUMN CONFERENCE, FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2022 - ONLINE: 9.00 - 3.45pm

Welcome to the conference.

Programme - click here

Conference materials will go live throughout the day - click here

Afterwards go to RESOURCES then 'NOV 22 CONFERENCE' - click here

We will supply delegates with the details to access the materials during the event and will email access details to all delegates after the event.

The session recordings will be available (using the access information we will supply) early in the week 28th Nov-02 December.

Nearly everyone has registered on Zoom - amazing! - and Zoom will email a reminder link around 7.30-8.00am on Friday. You will be in a waiting room 8.00-8.50am. The link goes live at 8.50am and we start at 9.00am. 

If you have any queries email info@netsixthform.co.uk or call 020 3011 4451