Inspirational guest inspires school leaders
Primary school leaders were inspired by an internationally renowned educationalist during a special visit to North East Lincolnshire.
Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust’s Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown (right) welcomes Chris Quigley to Pilgrim Academy in Immingham.
Chris Quigley, whose books and software packages have supported thousands of teachers across the world, was hosted by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust at Pilgrim Academy in Immingham.
More than 30 leaders from 19 schools took up an invitation from the Trust, formerly Tollbar Multi-Academy Trust, to attend the curriculum seminar.
Martin Brown, Chief Executive Officer at Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, thanked Chris and those attending the event.
“We have not just changed our name,” he said. “We are focused on a more collaborative approach with colleagues locally to ensure all children receive an outstanding education.
“This region deserves to hear from, and have access to, the best practitioners in the country. Chris Quigley is one of those.
“Our primaries have used his resources for years and this was a chance for others to see the benefits.
“It was a pleasure to be able to bring him to Immingham to support and inspire school leaders.”
Andrew Clark, Executive Principal at Pilgrim Academy on Allerton Drive, said: “It is important we learn from each other and share good practice.
“We have had excellent feedback from colleagues who attended the seminar. It was a chance for discussion and sharing of ideas as we all strive to deliver an outstanding curriculum for our pupils.
“Our academies would love to delve deeper into Chris Quigley Education’s resources at all different stages in the curriculum.”
Chris, who gives inspirational talks around the world, addresses his audience.
Chris has been a teacher, headteacher, lead inspector and trainer of school inspectors. He created Chris Quigley Education with his wife and now leads a team of specialists, delivering inspiring training and talks all over the world.
At the Immingham seminar, Chris looked at judging the quality of education through lesson observations and went on to discuss cultural capital and powerful knowledge. He presented latest evidence-based approach to curriculum design.
He encouraged everyone to differentiate between skills and knowledge and spoke about progress being defined as remembering more and knowing more.
“The route to independence is knowledge,” Chris said. “It’s important to have a broad curriculum, which students need to develop a depth of knowledge.”
One of those attending was Damian Davey, headteacher at Huttoft Primary School.
He thanked Andrew, Martin and the team for an “inspirational morning” and looked forward to “forming a great working relationship” over the coming months.
Rachel Stephenson, Headteacher at Holme Valley Primary School passed on her thanks.
“The team really enjoyed it and came away with lots to think about,” she said.
Jennifer Steel, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Head of Pupil Support (Wellbeing and Safety) also appreciated the invitation.
“It was a prime example of how effective collaboration can be, and the opportunity for networking was certainly appreciated by everyone I managed to speak to,” she said.
“I felt it was a perfect example of the Together for All ethos, and one I know other school leaders would welcome.”
After the seminar, Chris delivered a session to teachers and teaching assistants across the Trust’s three primaries, Pilgrim Academy, Reynolds Academy and Theddlethorpe Academy.
Local leaders listen intently to the seminar.
The main focus was a practical guide for teachers on retrieval, ensuring pupils learn and can recall deep knowledge.
Victoria Edwards, Key Stage 2 teacher at Theddlethorpe Academy, said: “It was inspiring listening to Chris Quigley’s enthusiasm with regards to retrieval.
“Watching ‘retrieval’ work its magic through the session was definitely the proof needed that it works. I have put it to work with the children and the effect is exciting, even in this short space of time!’.
Key Stage 2 teacher at Pilgrim Academy Gabrielle Gray described the event as informative, engaging and enjoyable.
“It included lots of participation which helped to see how our pupils, like us, retain information,” she said.
Anybody interested to know more about Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust should email enquiries@lincolnshiregateway.co.uk or call (01472) 310335.