Institute of Teaching and Learning

Past Events

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The ITL hosts a number of regular events to share the findings of research, put them into practice and encourage a learning culture that is driven by research.

The institute’s flagship event is its biennial conference. Aimed at teachers and educators from the independent and state sectors both local and further afield, the conference provides plenty of scope for networking and informal dialogue. The next conference will be held in Autumn 2027.

Educating for meaning and purpose Conference 2025

This year’s event focused on meaning and purpose in education.

A wide range of expert speakers shared their knowledge including:

  • Bradley Busch, Bradley Busch is a Chartered Psychologist and Director at InnerDrive
  • Dr Claire Badger, Head of Teacher Professional Development at InnerDrive
  • Martin Robinson FRSA: Author of Curriculum Revolutions, Speaker, Consultant, Teacher

Find out more about the recent conference here.

“The theme of Educating for Meaning and Purpose focuses on  the ‘why’ of learning, and encourages students to engage independently, as well as apply knowledge more effectively – both of which are increasingly important in our technology-driven world.” Mark Beverley, Director of the Institute of teaching and Learning at Sevenoaks School

Supporting Flourishing in Schools Conference 2023

The ITL held the Supporting Flourishing in Schools Conference in October 2023, in association with the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard and Research Schools International.

The conference held over two days was an inspiring and practical event for teachers, school leaders, education professionals and practitioners. It gave insight into pedagogical research and provided interactive workshops from leading thinkers on the topic of practices to promote flourishing in schools. Speakers addressed the challenges and rewards of implementing flourishing practices.

A wide range of expert speakers shared their knowledge including:

  • Dr Christina Hinton, from the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard and CEO for Research Schools International
  • Dr Laura Taylor, Deputy Director at the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford
  • Dr Jim Reese, Director of the Professional Development Collaborative at Washington International School

ITL themed weeks

The ITL, in collaboration with Sevenoaks’ Student Education Committee, organised an annual themed week for the whole school. Themes were based on evidence informed education practices associated with student flourishing, identified in our research project with the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard.

Connecting with Nature week 2024 included:

  • A Lower School and service groups walk in Knole Park
  • Workshops from a natural history artist
  • Assemblies and workshops from a nature sound expert
  • Individual subjects focusing on nature or taking a lesson outside
  • A photography competition
  • Fund raising for a local wildlife charity

Creativity Week 2023 included:

  • Creative tutor time activities
  • Lunchtime workshops including gothic calligraphy and lino printing
  • National poetry day talks
  • A photography competition

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