AUTUMN ONLINE CONFERENCE, FRIDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2021

Key Update for delegates

The video of the conference is currently being prepared and will be issued to delegates shortly. We hope later this week by Friday 03 December at the latest. Each delegate will receive an email with the details so you can replay each session. 

Thank you for completing the evaluation form at the end of the day. Here's a flavour of the reviews

REVIEWS

'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.' 

'Can't recommend this course enough. Thank you Michael and all the speakers, really appreciated.'

'Great range of resources and something for everyone. Fast-paced with options to explore further through breakout spaces.'

HEADS OF SIXTH FORM NATIONAL AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2021 : 'DEALING WITH THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC & PREPARING FOR CHANGES TO THE POST 16 LANDSCAPE'

Book Now
  1. UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE 'FOUNDATION YEAR': WHAT HEADS OF SIXTH FORM NEED TO KNOW
    1. Dr Alex Pryce, Foundation Year Course Director, University of Cambridge
    2. Available in 2022, Alex will provide additional information on the Foundation Year at the University of Cambridge.
    3. The session will help Teachers/Advisors identify and support potential Foundation Year candidates
    4. How the Foundation Year contributes to Widening Access at the University of Cambridge
  2. UNIVERSITY BRIEFING: 'PQA AND OTHER NEW DEVELOPMENTS' - WHAT HEADS OF SIXTH NEED TO KNOW
    1. Mike Nicholson, Deputy Head of Education Services (Admissions and Participation), University of Cambridge
    2. What might Post Qualification Applications (PQA) look like and what might be the impact for schools to consider?
    3. Mike will also explore any key issues relating to entry to university Summer 2021 which might help Heads of Sixth support their students through the clearing process.
    4. Typically, Mike will respond to whatever seems most pertinent at the time to Heads of Sixth about university preparation and support
  3. RECRUITING STUDENTS INTO YOUR SIXTH FORM: LEARNING FROM INNOVATIONS UNDER LOCKDOWN
    1. Kate Johnston, Deputy Headteacher, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School
    2. Covid-19 drove huge technological innovations in schools and a host of remote strategies were adopted
    3. Kate will provide solutions to some of the challenges centres will continue to face when recruiting students
    4. A blended approach to recruiting students will be outlined so delegates can gather plenty of ideas to take back into their centres.
  4. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR SIXTH FORMS FROM SEPTEMBER 2022+?
    1. Kevin Gilmartin, Post 16 Specialist, ASCL
    2. Although Sixth Form Leaders will be understandably absorbed with UCAS applications, inducting Year 12 and recruitment for 2022, but it is important to lift our sights to the medium and long-term issues impacting on post-16.
    3. This session will look at examinations 2022, funding issues, the changing university application process, level 3 curriculum review and post-Covid blended learning approaches.
    4. In addition, some looking into the future by exploring the implications of the Skills for Jobs FE White Paper and post-level 3 curriculum review landscape.
  5. T LEVELS - IS YOUR CENTRE PREPARING FOR THEM?
    1. Kevin Gilmartin, Post 16 Specialist, ASCL
    2. It is timely for centres to get acquainted with T Levels as the government has announced a programme of defunding Btec, leaving very few expected to be left which are not 'overlapping' or 'duplicating' A Levels or T levels.
    3. For centres already offering T Levels, we will run a break-out for you to share challenges and solutions.
  6. PERFECTIONISM AND IT'S IMPACT ON STUDENTS: WHAT CAN TUTORS DO TO SUPPORT STUDENTS?
    1. Stephen Thomas, author and NetSixthForm Resources Editor
    2. Perfectionism is a common trait that often causes anxiety, exam stress and can sometimes prevent students from handing in work.
    3. What can be done to help? Supported by some resources specifically created for this session, Stephen will provide a research for Heads of Sixth Form so they can be better informed about how to tackle the issue.
  7. OFSTED 2021-22: POST-16 REVIEWS AND HOW YOU CAN USE THEM TO GET READY FOR OFSTED THIS ACADEMIC YEAR
    1. Susan Sharp, Trust Director of Post 16, Redhill Academy Trust
    2. So what will inspections be like in 2021-22 with results no longer a key focus? Our speaker has just been through several recent inspections to draw on.
    3. The session will take delegates through the key Ofsted areas 2021-22 including PSHE and specifically sexual harassment, careers and work experience.
    4. Delegates will find the session highly useful in not only developing an action plan to be prepared for external scrutiny but also helping to quality assure their own centre's post 16 experience.
  8. OFSTED PANEL: ASK THE PANEL ABOUT THEIR MOST RECENT EXPERIENCE OF AN INSPECTION
    1. Susan Sharp, Danielle Thurlow + more TBC
    2. Ask your questions to the panellists to help you better prepare for external scrutiny.
  9. WHAT'S NEW AT UCAS? ADVISERS' UPDATE 2022/23 ENTRIES
    1. Samantha Sykes, 
Lead Digital Learning Developer, UCAS
    2. Clearing+ developments for 2022 entry: what your students need to know about the new changes
    3. Developments at UCAS and strategies to support advisers
    4. What your students need to know about the new student changes to Apply and Track for 2022-3 entries
  10. 'CATCHING UP AND DEALING WITH GAPS': STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU RAISE ATTAINMENT FOR THOSE WHO WERE IMPACTED DURING THE PANDEMIC
    1. Michael Senior, Director of Sixth Form, Kingsbury High School
    2. The session will focus on practical strategies sixth form leaders can use to better support Year 12 students who suffered an uneven Key Stage 4 experience as well as those in Year 13 who were disrupted in both Year 11 and 12.
    3. As ever, Michael will provide a range of practical strategies and resources which can be re-used and adapted.
  11. HOW TO TALK TO YOUR STUDENTS ABOUT FOUNDATION YEARS
    1. Joy Hawkins, Admissions Director for Humanities Foundations Years, University of East Anglia
    2. Foundation years can be an excellent choice for students who might otherwise find the transition to university challenging. However, some may still feel unsure about them: whether it's adding another year to their studies, what their certificate might say and how this is viewed by employers, or thinking they'll miss out on the 'real' university experience.
    3. In this session, the University of East Anglia (UEA) will provide information and guidance to help you talk to your students positively about foundation years. You will also be provided with a PowerPoint deck to take back to your sixth form for use with your students.
  12. EPQ IN THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM: BENEFIT TO STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND POTENTIAL
    1. Jennifer Obaditch, Curriculum Development, AQA
    2. AQA have embarked an an ambitious project to support EPQ co-ordinators and to help sixth form leaders persuade senior school leaders to introduce it where there is reluctance.
    3. EPQ has been shown to be genuinely helpful to students in terms of getting offers from universities as well as coping well on their degree course.
    4. Not an easy qualification to manage, this session should help sixth form leaders return to their centre and brief EPQ co-ordinators on how AQA can help them with in their role.
  13. UNIVERSITY PANEL: ASK YOUR QUESTIONS TO A RANGE OF EXPERIENCED RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS OFFICERS
    1. Various panellists to be announced
    2. This panel session worked brilliantly on Zoom back in June when we first added it to the programme.
    3. We managed to field lots of questions that often take a more nuanced answer which can be delivered well in this Zoom format.
  14. PSHE: ECONOMIC AWARENESS & EMPLOYABILITY - A PROGRAMME YOU CAN ADAPT IN YOUR CENTRE
    1. Joe Follows, Director of Sixth Form, Seaford College
    2. Joe has generously offered to share his scheme of work for employability skills as well as a range of ready-to-use and adaptable materials.
    3. This session should help centres develop further their own employability programme given how many resources Joe has provided for immediate use.
  15. APPRENTICESHIPS: HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR STUDENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING APPRENTICESHIPS
    1. Max Trapani, Outreach Manager, Pathways Careers Training and Mentoring
    2. Pathway CTM will talk you through their free Programme for Schools & Colleges to help support your students more easily.
    3. This session will provide some up-to-date tips and advice that centres need to pass on to students
  16. T LEVELS ACTION PLAN: ADAPT AND USE IN YOUR CENTRE
    1. Emma Milsom-Ansell, T Levels Co-ordinator
    2. Emma will present his work in progress of an action plan which centres can use to help them set up T Levels in their centres
    3. Peer support will be offered for all those embarking on the journey so delegates do not feel alone when they return to their centres
  17. KEY UPDATES ON INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS
    1. David Hawkins, The University Guys
    2. An increasing number of UK students are applying to international universities, with requirements and policies changing regularly.
    3. David will give an update on key update on key changes for the current cycle and tips on how to stay up-to-date
  18. REDUCING NEETS: WORKING TOGETHER TO CLOSE THE GAP AND RAISE ASPIRATIONS
    1. Charley Fowler, UK Education Lead, Unifrog
    2. Unifrog will prevent 4,000 students from becoming NEET across our partner schools this year.
    3. Join us to explore how the Unifrog platform helps level the playing field when it comes to students finding and applying successfully for their best next steps.
    4. We'll also look at how Unifrog supports schools and colleges with tailored CEIAG programmes, CPD opportunities and best-practice events, as well as through building a global community of education experts to share their knowledge and expertise with teachers and students.
  19. EXPLORING THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOUNDATION (ETF) T LEVEL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (TLPD) OFFER
    1. Clare Appleby, Relationship and Development Lead in the ETF
    2. The Education and Training Foundation will share the T Level Professional Development (TLPD) offer, highlighting the traditional and wider CPD opportunities available to your school to support readiness for delivering T Levels.
    3. This session will highlight the support for T Level strategic leaders to establish what they need to know before delivery, and the ongoing training and advice available for teams and teachers, specific to their chosen route and T Level course.

Date:
Friday 26 November 2021

Location:
Online

Speakers

More speakers to be confirmed 

Dr Alex Pryce, Foundation Year Course Director, University of Cambridge

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

Samantha Sykes, Lead Digital Learning Developer, UCAS

Kate Johnston, Deputy Headteacher, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School

Charley Fowler, UK Education Lead, Unifrog

Stephen Thomas, NetSixthForm Resources Editor

Michael Senior, CEO NetSixthForm 

Joe Follows, Head of Sixth Form, Seaford Independent School

Danielle Thurlow, Director of Post-16 & Careers - Odyssey Trust for Education 

Susan Sharp, Trust Director of Post 16, Redhill Academy Trust

Kevin Gilmartin, ASCL Post 16 Specialist

Jennifer Obaditch, Curriculum Development, AQA 

Joy Hawkins, Admissions Director for Humanities Foundations Years, University of East Anglia

Max Trapani, Outreach Manager, Pathways Careers Training and Mentoring

Emma Milsom-Ansell, T Levels Co-ordinator

Clare Appleby, Relationship and Development Lead in the ETF

Gallery

Please click on a photo for a larger version.


Conference Reviews

'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

'Always an informative annual conference. 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

'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

'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