As we emerge from the shadow of lockdowns, remote learning and delivering the curriculum online, we quickly realise the huge impact of this crisis on schools, educators and suppliers. 

The impact of the pandemic will be one of the defining features in the coming years with the growing need to provide avenues of support to schools and educators. 

As a response to the pandemic and the challenges of Covid-19 on education, the government announced a financial recovery package accompanied by the National Tutoring Programme. Other Initiatives Included the DfE's Get Help with Technology Programme, EdTech Demonstrator Programme and the Oak National Academy. In turn, Ofsted published a report into remote education and started a new series of subject reviews.  

Join BESA's Curriculum Conference to understand the impact of the pandemic on the curriculum, understand the assessment measures, explore diversity and Inclusion Issues. The event will also look at the next steps for Ofsted and what they mean for your organisation.  

The conference will provide a forum through which key policymakers, education research bodies, parliamentarians and suppliers can meet to discuss what lies ahead. The Conference will see keynotes and panel sessions hosted at a venue in Waterloo.  

Agenda:

09.30-10.00: Registration 

10.00-10.10: Welcome from BESA and the Chair, Andrew Lagden, Education Consultant

10.10-10.40: Keynote address: Understanding the curriculum and adapting to changing times
Speaker: Richard Vaughan, Curriculum Strategy Division, Department for Education

• Rebuilding a ‘new normal’ in the education system and adapting the curriculum.  
• The Government Education Recovery Plan: lessons learnt and key priorities moving forward. 
• The future role of technology in schools to improve social mobility and accessibility.

• Assessing government policy for education recovery: the National Tutoring Programme, catch up initiatives and funding support.
• Building mental health, wellbeing and resilience into your curriculum.
• Assessing the use of resources and EdTech during the pandemic.
• Working with parents and the wider community: a constructive context for teaching and learning.

11.40-12.10: Coffee break

12.10-12.40: Assessment measures under the curriculum 
Speaker: Ian Bauckham CBE, Chair, Ofqual  

• Impact of Covid-19 on exams: adapting the system for awarding grades for GCSEs, AS and A-levels, to meet the challenges created by the pandemic
• Looking ahead: Proposed changes to the assessment of in 2022
• Assessing the future role of technology and tech-driven changes in the qualifications market
• Exploring challenges for specific subject areas and options for new approaches

12.40-13.30: Improving diversity and inclusion in the curriculum design and delivery
Speakers: Jill Duffy, Chief Executive, OCR
John Galloway, Advisory Teacher For ICT/SEN and Inclusion
Mo Wiltshire, Director of Education & Youth and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Stonewall
Suha Yassin, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead, Pearson

• Ensuring diversity and inclusion: designing and delivering subjects within a broad and balanced curriculum
• Tailoring a curriculum to SEND and LGBT pupils
• Developing soft skills and coherent approach: the importance of debating, working in teams and critical thinking
• Keeping safe online and offline: safeguarding and the importance of dialogue

13.30-14.30: Lunch

14.30-15.05: Next steps for Ofsted: measuring quality, raising standards and improving outcomes
Speaker: Heather Fearn, Senior Her Majesty’s Inspector leading the Curriculum Unit, Ofsted

• Exploring the impact of school closures the experience of remote learning
• Understanding the changes to the Inspection Framework post-Covid-19
• Ofsted subjects reviews: Purpose and content

15.05-15.55: Moving forward: the future of the curriculum
Speakers: Stephen Adcock, Deputy Director of Secondary Academies, United Learning 
Dr Jennifer Blunden, Chief Executive, Truro and Penwith Academy Trust  
Andrew Hammond, Senior Director of Learning and Community, Discovery Education 
Lord Jim Knight, Former Minister of State for Schools, Chair of trustees E-Act Multi-Academy Trust

15.55-16.00: Closing remarks from the Chair

This event is open to BESA members, Launchpad companies and non-members

Purchase your ticket below: