IPC Past Events

The IPC team went in force to the ECIS Conference in Nice. As well as the IPC exhibition stand - where existing IPC members were able to meet and catch up with us and non-IPC schools could come and talk to us - we were involved in many other activities of interest.

IPC Director, Theresa Forbes presented a cheque for £1,570 donated by IPC member schools and the IPC organisation to WaterAid, our official charity for 2008-2009.

We also enjoyed our 6th annual ECIS Fun Run, organized by IPC in aid of WaterAid. Many thanks to everyone who participated in the run and to all those who made contributions to WaterAid as a result of the run. Another £281 was raised on the day as a result! The Fun Run culminated with a packed drinks reception at the IPC stand where everyone was invited to enjoy the first taste of the new Beaujolais.

Theresa Forbes, Martin Skelton and Steven Mark led two pre-conference sessions on Everything that matters about learning and nothing that doesn’t, and conference sessions on:

• The development of the IPC Middle Years

• What’s new in 2008 for IPC members

• A learning conversation

• and Can you be internationally minded if you are 8 years old?

Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed.

As an organisation we strive to keep in touch with the needs, issues and successes of all schools around the world. This year’s ECIS conference was hugely beneficial for our own learning as well as our sharing of experiences and advice.

November 10th and 11th saw more than 100 delegates attending the IPC European Regional Conference hosted by St Aloysius Catholic Primary School in Knowsley near Liverpool, England.

Over the two days, keynote speakers included Hetan Shah, chief executive of DEA, who spoke of the importance of global learning links, and Damien Allan and Elaine Ayre spoke of the education and service provision made for children by the Knowsley local authority. A range of training courses covered key aspects including the IPC Early Years Programme, developing International Mindedness, putting the IPC into practice, and using the IPC Assessment for Learning Programme.

Not only did delegates make connections with other IPC teachers from around the world but they were able to see, first-hand, the IPC in action in a school setting and be inspired by the contributions that the children and staff made to the two day learning programme.

It wasn’t all about work though as we managed to enjoy a memorable night at the Cavern Club with a Beatles Tribute band which saw many people taking to the dance floor.

All in all it was a very successful two days with everybody taking away new ideas, new friendships and great memories.

The IPC Leadership Conference 2008 was hosted by the International School of Geneva. This unique event drew together committed and passionate educators from around the world to consider the learning taking place in their schools whilst also helping shape IPC for the future. International keynote speakers shared their thinking on ‘World Class Learning: What do our children really need to learn?’ Nick Tate lead the way by speaking about the demands of providing the a curriculum fit for the 21st century, Martin Skelton asked the question ‘What does it mean to be interdependent?’ and Lin Marsh looked at the place of Expressive Arts within the Primary Curriculum. On Sunday Marc Prensky asked the question ‘Are we too focused on the past?’ and asked us to consider the impact of technology on children’s learning today and in the future. Vanessa Andreotti spoke about the concept of Internationalism and Sheree Speakman focused on the place of Spirituality in a curriculum fit for purpose. Each speaker also hosted learning conversations with delegates to explore their thinking in more depth and really inspired us to debate our understanding of curriculum; its place now and in the future; leadership and what it entails; cultural transmission and intellectual rights in designing a curriculum. An inspiring and thought provoking weekend for all. We are pleased to announce that our next IPC Leadership Conference will be held at St Matthew Academy in Blackheath, London on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th October 2009. We are delighted that Howard Gardner will be our Keynote Speaker for this event.

On September 24th 2008 the IPC team held a Professional Development Day in conjunction with the Science Museum in London. We are delighted that the museum's Educational Team is keen to support IPC Schools in this way and are able to provide their services at the museum, in schools and through their wonderful resources on their website. Thirty IPC teachers, from the London area, experienced how museum staff can support an IPC Unit and enhance children’s learning through fun, hands-on experiences. The day focused on ‘How Stuff Works’ and covered the science elements of IPC Units that incorporate structures, inventions and materials. The event helped teachers research oportunities for science teaching and learning, both at the museum and through the use of the museum’s resources back at school. As well as having an introduction to what the Science Museum has to offer, the day was also a great opportunity for delegates to share their IPC experiences and ideas. Thanks to everyone who attended and a huge ‘thank you’ to the entire Learning Team at the Science Museum! http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/ Any schools interested in attending a similar event in the future, please contact: Janice Ireland j.ireland@fieldworkeducation.co.uk

For several years now the IPC annual Summer School conference has taken place at the University of Greenwich in London. Keynote speakers included Robin Hammerton, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills who gave an inspiring presentation about curriculum innovation including learning outside the classroom, and Trevor Hawes of Optimal Learning who captivated everyone with his knowledge of brain-based learning. Delegates participated in a variety of IPC-related courses including How to Create an IPC Thinking School and Getting from Good to Great: applying Jim Collins’ Principles to Becoming an IPC Accredited School. Summer School is a great opportunity for delegates to share experiences and ideas with other IPC teachers, head teachers and educators from all over the world, all of who are at different stages in their career; from newly qualified teachers to seasoned leaders, and from schools big and small. Shahnaz Chowdhury, a teacher from St. Matthew’s Academy in London finished last year’s Summer School conference with these words: “It was a fun, exciting, important time with so many positive minds together. Even though it is in the first week of my summer holiday I want to do it again!”