The Teaching Differently Summit

Open Theatre is hosting the Teaching Differently Summit, where we will be sharing the findings from our three-year research project, Teaching Differently.

Funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, this research project explored how Open Theatre’s methodology can be used as an effective teaching pedagogy. The project examined how the Teaching Differently programme has supported teachers and teaching assistants from a range of training backgrounds to build stronger connections with students, deliver learning more creatively, and rethink the role of the teacher in the classroom. Ultimately, the research focused on how these approaches can enhance the quality of education and improve learning experiences for all students.

The Teaching Differently Summit, taking place on 23 November, aims to bring together professionals from across education, teacher training organisations, local authorities and the wider SEND sector. It will be an opportunity to learn, share and collaborate as we explore new approaches to teacher development and consider how the findings from Teaching Differently can help shape future practice.

• Share the impact that Teaching Differently has had on how young people access education in special schools.
• Explore the impact on teachers, including confidence, creativity, curriculum delivery and wellbeing.
• Examine how Open Theatre practice and the Teaching Differently programme can support schools within the new Ofsted framework.
• Offer new ways of supporting staff development and retention.
• Give practical advice and real examples of how building relationships can support learner engagement and curriculum delivery.

• Teachers who have participated in the programme.
• Senior leaders who have seen the impact on staff and students, as well as the challenges of implementation and the strategies used to overcome them.
• Keynote speaker Peter Imray, who will explore the value of adaptive approaches in response to increasing student complexity within schools.

Most importantly, this summit is a space to connect, reflect and collaborate. We hope to bring together a wide range of perspectives, research and experiences to further develop teacher training and educational practice across the SEND sector.

We would be delighted if you could join us.