It all starts with A-B-C, and as easy as 1-2-3…except for a large proportion of learners this isn’t the case.
AELP held its sold-out Maths and English Conference on Wednesday 24 April at The Studio in Birmingham, with over 180 attendees. There was certainly a buzz in the somewhat chilly (but sunny) Spring air as we discussed how to develop English and maths systems that work for all.
The day started with a presentation from the event’s headline sponsor, Learnbox. We were delighted to welcome Lucy Dunleavy to the stage to speak about her experience of managing English and maths and other learning programmes in prisons. In fact, this is what sparked the idea for setting up Learnbox, as she tried to find ways to keep people in prison learning. Her view is that if the learners stick around, then everything improves whether that’s for the individual, the provider or society more broadly.
The main part of the morning focused around two excellent panels which really showed the passion we have for delivering better maths and English provision. The first was our Stakeholders in Conversation panel chaired by AELP Policy Director, Simon Ashworth, and featuring representatives from the Department of Education, Ofqual and the Education and Training Foundation (ETF). This focused on recent policy changes and Ofqual’s evaluation of functional skills.
The second session turned to ‘The Big Maths and English Debate’, again chaired by Simon Ashworth with Rachel Bradford from MTC Training, Christine Edwards, Creating Excellence, Zoe Fox, Aspiration Training and Century’s Tom Thacker. The panel covered a wide range of topics including technology, entry requirements, staff recruitment, functional skills contextualisation, ESOL and SEND amongst many other areas. It was great to hear how providers are supporting learners and being innovative with the system we have, even when its far from perfect.
In the afternoon the format switched from whole group sessions to workshops. These had a practitioner focus with sessions ranging from reflections on the functional skills, send flexibilities pilot, and Ofqual’s functional skills evaluation. There were also sessions on Multiply and the use of technology in maths delivery. It was striking and pleasing to see how many of the DfE/Ofqual officials who came for panel sessions stayed on in order to meet delegates and attend workshops – giving us an opportunity to have some really positive discussions with policymakers as well as other providers who attend on the day.
We are looking forward to carrying the momentum of the Maths and English Conference into our National Conference in June, we hope to see you there to continue the conversation!
AELP Maths and English Conference 2024
It all starts with A-B-C, and as easy as 1-2-3…except for a large proportion of learners this isn’t the case.
