21 Jun 2016
Delegate feedback was overwhelmingly positive for the first of this year’s Cambridge Schools Conferences, held in Johannesburg in April 2016. The majority of the 210 delegates were in school management or senior management roles, with classroom teachers also well represented, and for over 80 per cent, this was their first time at a Cambridge Schools Conference.
Feedback showed a satisfaction rate of over 90 per cent, with delegates finding the conference informative and useful, and enjoying both the presentations and breakout sessions which delivered new insights into the role of a leader in education, and practical ideas to implement in school. A conference app, developed specifically for the event, was also widely welcomed, and its interactive format was very popular as it allowed delegates to share photos and comments in ‘real time’.
Delegate feedback has also provided valuable guidance on how our future conferences could be even more effective. There were calls for longer breakout sessions, and the inclusion of more practical strategies for classroom implementation. There was also strong support for a 2017 Cambridge Schools Conference, with over 80 per cent of delegates saying they would return.
The next Cambridge Schools Conference will take place in Cambridge, UK in September 2016.
What delegates said:
- 'Excellent atmosphere to meet and discuss issues with educators.'
- 'Exactly what I needed professionally – I have left inspired and reinvigorated.'
- 'Cambridge Schools Conferences are very important as they help teachers and school leaders to acquire knowledge and skills that will enable them to teach learners and build their school.'
- 'Overall a great and useful experience – well organised – thank you!'
- 'A wonderful experience that was incredibly beneficial. The learning experience of our students (across the whole school) will be enhanced as a result of this conference.'