Leading educational publisher Twinkl has launched a ‘Think Space’ forum to bring together forward thinking teachers, practitioners and academics to contribute to and positively influence the learning experience of children and young people.
The first meeting was held at Sheffield Hallam University, where the session focused on movement, sport and exercise in education.
Jon Seaton, CEO and Founder of Twinkl said: “Through the forums we hope to provide teachers and other educators with a voice and a platform that can be used to not only discuss issues, but make changes.
“The subject for our first event was chosen after being identified as a topic at the forefront of teachers minds and one that was often raised in the online support communities we host on social media.
“With funding for physical education and sport provision being doubled to £320 million for primary schools in 2017 and reports that the proportion of 10 to 11 year-olds with severe obesity has reached an all-time high, the issue couldn’t be more topical.”*
Dom McDermott, a PE Leader at Hinde House Primary school in Sheffield, spoke about how his school is incorporating exercise through trips to local woods and parks and having scooters, wave boards and bikes available during play time.
“It’s really important that teachers are involved in what’s coming into schools,” said Dom.
“Often initiatives are introduced but teachers are the missing link as they haven’t been involved in the process.”
Along with Dom, presentations were delivered by Dan Gooding, Executive Producer of BBC Super Movers, Rob Copeland, Professor of Physical Activity and Health at The Centre for Sport & Exercise Science and Sarah Williams, Course Leader for the PGCE Primary PE Specialist programme at Sheffield Hallam University.
The presentations were followed by roundtable discussions and the event ended with all attendees agreeing on key actions that would be carried out as a result of the event.
“The Think Space allowed people to discuss and advocate their views and gave teachers and educators a new platform to make their views known,” said Jon.
“But it’s also important that the forum isn’t just a talking shop but leads to concrete actions and tangible results and this will be a part of the future events we are now planning.”
Twinkl is an online educational publisher that helps those who teach by providing instant access to a range of teacher created learning materials. With customers in 168 different countries Twinkl works with a vast community of teachers and educators.
If you are interested in taking part in future Think Space forums please email think.tank@twinkl.co.uk
For more information, please visit www.twinkl.co.uk
