Berkhamsted School IT Conference November 2024

Bringing like-minded schools together

to discuss best practice

Register for your place here

Monday 18th – Tuesday 19th November 2024

Delta by Marriott, Stratford Road, Budbrooke, Warwick, CV34 6RE  

Berkhamsted School is proud to invite you to our upcoming conference, where we will once again push the boundaries of technology in education. After the resounding success of our November 2023 conference, where we opened up the stage to other innovative schools, this year we’re increasing our reach by spanning across a day and a half, hosting the conference more centrally in the historic town of Warwick. This conference promises to be a dynamic and collaborative event, bringing together educators, thought leaders, and visionaries from schools across the country. Together, we will explore the cutting edge of technology in education, sharing insights, successes, and challenges that have shaped our educational journeys.

New Location for 2024

Centrally located in the West Midlands, the town of Warwick is well served by rail from Birmingham, London Marylebone and Stratford-upon-Avon. By car Warwick is located just off J15 of the M40 making it easily accessible by car.

New and exciting for 2024, delegates can now stay at the venue the night before the full conference where you can network with colleagues and sponsors and hear from our evening speakers.

Delegate Options

Full Delegate Agenda | £360

18th Nov 2024 

From 14:00 | Arrival and check-in 

14:00-18:00 | Full Delegate Registration 

18:00 | Drinks reception 

19:00 | Networking Dinner inc. evening Speakers and entertainment 

19th Nov 2024 

07:00-09:00 | Breakfast 

09:30 | Conference Start inc. Keynote 

Morning sessions 

12:00 | Checkout 

13:00 | Lunch 

Afternoon sessions 

16:30 | Conference Ends 

 

Day Delegate Agenda | £120

19th Nov 2024 

08:00-09:00 | Day Delegate registration 

09:00 | Refreshments

09:30 | Conference Start inc.. Keynote 

Morning sessions 

13:00 | Lunch 

Afternoon sessions 

16:30 | Conference Ends 

Digital Device Provision

In 2018 we embarked on an ambitious 1:1 device programme which now underpins teaching and learning at Berkhamsted. Hear from those at the heart of the thought process, the proposals, pedagogical and technical strategy as well as understanding successes and failures along the way.

Co-pilot vs ChatGPT

Both so powerful yet so different. At this conference we will be asking experts in the field to help answer practical questions about which tool is right for which job!

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform has been transformational for many schools. See real working examples of Power Automate workflows that frees up masses of time and admin overhead. Hear about PowerApps that allow teachers to spend less time undertaking admin and more time engaging with pupils.

 

Find out more

Watch this video to find out more about how we use devices in our classrooms

Keynote Speaker

Laura Knight, Consultant

Amplifying your vision for education: purpose, disruption, and digital innovation

In this keynote, Laura Knight will explore the why of digital innovation in education. Drawing on her twenty-year experience as a teacher and expertise as an educational technologist, she will demonstrate how a compelling digital strategy unlocks positive disruption, supercharges excellence in teaching and learning, and amplifies creativity. She will address the challenges and opportunities of balancing change with tradition in the AI era, and provide a principled and pragmatic framework for thinking about educational purpose and vision through a digital lens.

Keynote Speaker TBC

Speakers

Anna Chatwin

Deputy Head: Teaching, Learning and Innovation, Berkhamsted Schools Group Read

Anna Chatwin

Deputy Head: Teaching, Learning and Innovation, Berkhamsted Schools Group Close

Anna Chatwin serves as the Deputy Head of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation at Berkhamsted School, leveraging a wealth of experience from her extensive career in education. Before stepping into her current role, Anna acted as an Assistant Head Teacher, where she played a pivotal role in supporting the transition to an evolved system of pastoral care in the Sixth Form.

Anna’s journey at Berkhamsted School began in September 2018 when she took on the role of Deputy Head of House. Her leadership skills and dedication quickly propelled her to the position of Head of Department in January 2019, where she successfully led the Politics department for over four years. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in implementing innovative teaching strategies and enhancing student engagement. This has included designing and leading on the delivery of the Learning Pathways Programme, a Key Stage 4 curriculum initiative.

Before her time at Berkhamsted, Anna was a Teacher of History and Politics at Presdales School from September 2015 to July 2017. Her passion for these subjects and her ability to inspire students have been evident throughout her career.

With seven years of progressive experience at Berkhamsted School, Anna Chatwin remains a driving force in educational innovation and leadership. She is dedicated to advancing educational practices and fostering a dynamic, engaging learning environment.

Jo Hughes

Group Director of EdTech, Berkhamsted Schools Group Read

Jo Hughes

Group Director of EdTech, Berkhamsted Schools Group Close

Jo Hughes joins Berkhamsted School as the new Group Director of EdTech in September. With a robust background in educational innovation and technology integration, Jo brings a wealth of experience and a passion for enhancing learning through digital tools.

Jo’s most recent role was at Northwood College for Girls GDST, where she served for nearly six years. As the Assistant Head of Innovation and Learning, she led initiatives to incorporate innovative teaching methods and technologies. Prior to this, Jo was the Head of Cognitive Learning, focusing on strategies to boost student engagement and cognitive development.

Before her tenure at Northwood, Jo was the Head of Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics at Sandringham School for four years. Her career in education began at Brislington Enterprise College as a Teacher of Humanities, followed by a brief period as a Teaching Assistant at Cathays High School.

Jo holds a strong commitment to advancing educational practices and is excited to bring her expertise to Berkhamsted School, aiming to further develop their EdTech capabilities and foster a cutting-edge learning environment.

Mo Tanweer

Academic Associate at Pembroke College, Cambridge Read

Mo Tanweer

Academic Associate at Pembroke College, Cambridge Close

Mo Tanweer is an accomplished academic and professional with a diverse background in economics, international politics, banking, and finance. Currently, he serves as an Academic Associate at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he teaches courses on International Politics, Banking and Finance, Macroeconomics, and Artificial Intelligence.

In addition to his role at Pembroke College, Mo is a Lecturer in Macroeconomics at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, contributing to the MBA program with his expertise in Macroeconomics in Business. He has also been a Teaching Associate at Cambridge Judge Business School for over six years, focusing on the Executive MBA program and specializing in Macroeconomics and International Business.

Mo is the Director of Access Economics, a role he has held for seven years, providing economic consultancy services. His academic journey includes supervising undergraduates at the University of Cambridge, specializing in Development Economics, and guiding thesis projects.

Before his academic career, Mo gained valuable industry experience as an Investment Banking Analyst at UBS and RBS, where he focused on TMT companies, LBOs, and M&A. His early teaching career includes roles as Head of Economics at Eton College and Oundle School, and as a Teacher of Economics & Politics at Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood.

Mo has also published several papers on topics such as public goods, economic rebalancing in the UK, and China’s economic sustainability. His comprehensive experience and contributions to both academia and industry make him a respected figure in his fields of expertise.

Sarah Buist

Head of Digital Strategy at Royal Grammar School, Newcastle Read

Sarah Buist

Head of Digital Strategy at Royal Grammar School, Newcastle Close

With a passion for digital innovation and education, Sarah Buist currently serves as the Head of Digital Strategy at Royal Grammar School Newcastle. In this capacity, she is driving the school’s digital evolution into the future.

Prior to her role at Royal Grammar School Newcastle, Sarah spent over five years at Durham School, where she served as a Teacher of Geography and also held the position of Head of Digital Learning. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in integrating digital technologies into the teaching and learning process.

Sarah is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience through technology and is committed to ensuring that students have access to cutting-edge digital resources.

Dan Raymond

Director of IT at St Catherine’s School, Bramley Read

Dan Raymond

Director of IT at St Catherine’s School, Bramley Close

Dan Raymond currently holds the position of Director of Digital Technologies at St Catherine’s School, Bramley, with an impressive tenure of over 11 years. He has been in this role since January 2016, spearheading digital innovation. Dan is deeply committed to revolutionising education through technology. Prior to his current role, he served as the Network Manager, responsible for the management of the school’s digital infrastructure.

Before joining St Catherine’s School, Dan spent seven years at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, where he held the role of ICT Operations Manager, focusing on operational excellence. His journey in the education sector commenced as an ICT Technician, and he spent four years and three months in this capacity.

Dan’s true passion lies in harnessing technology to empower both students and educators, ensuring their success in an increasingly digital world.

Prad Samtani

Director of IT at Berkhamsted Schools Group Read

Prad Samtani

Director of IT at Berkhamsted Schools Group Close

Prad Samtani is the Director of IT at Berkhamsted Schools Group and the technical architect behind the institution’s pioneering 1:1 device program. Since joining Berkhamsted in December 2017, Prad has been instrumental in deploying a comprehensive Windows-based 1:1 device strategy from year 5 through to year 13, utilising Microsoft Surface. This initiative is widely regarded by industry experts as one of the most innovative and well-executed programs in the educational sector.

In September, Prad will be leaving Berkhamsted School but will stay on to oversee the successful completion of the upcoming conference. His departure marks the end of a significant era of technological advancement and innovation at the school.

Prad will very much remain in the Education sector working for FreedomTech as Senior EdTech Consultant

Carl Pepper

Power Platform Developer, Berkhamsted Schools Group Read

Carl Pepper

Power Platform Developer, Berkhamsted Schools Group Close

Carl Pepper is a skilled Power Platform Developer currently working full-time at Berkhamsted School and Berkhamsted Enterprises Consultancy. With a tenure beginning in October 2023, Carl has been instrumental in leveraging the Power Platform to enhance educational technology solutions within the school and beyond. His role is hybrid, allowing him to blend on-site and remote work effectively.

Before joining Berkhamsted, Carl served as the Lead Consultant at SchoolsBi for over two and a half years, from April 2021 to October 2023. Based in Somerset, England, he played a crucial role in guiding schools through the implementation of business intelligence solutions. Carl’s expertise in data analytics and his dedication to improving educational environments make him a valued consultant for various educational institutions.

In his consultancy work, Carl focuses on optimising the Power Platform to streamline administrative processes and enhance data-driven decision-making in schools. His commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in education underscores his passion for empowering institutions to achieve their goals efficiently.

If you missed our last conference

You can hear from the following Berkhamsted colleagues covering the same topics

Sessions

The future of onscreen assessment

Pearson will showcase the initiatives and endeavours we have undertaken in collaboration with Berkhamsted. Additionally, we will address and provide insights into prevalent inquiries concerning onscreen assessment, including security considerations.

Exploring Generative AI in Education: Reflections and Futures

There has been extensive discussion in 2023 about the potential and risks of using generative AI technologies in education. Almost a year on from the launch of ChatGPT, what has been achieved and considered so far? Where could we direct our efforts next? How can we leverage this technology to benefit all learners – and teachers – safely and effectively? In this session, Rachel will offer reflection and horizon scanning, and offer an opportunity for sharing of practical examples and emerging platforms and use cases

Academic and Pastoral Tracking using Power Bi

A chance to see how real-time data allows teachers and senior leaders track the whole pupil journey from both an academic and pastoral viewpoint.

Developing a Digital Strategy in a Prep School

This session will focus on the key ingredients of developing a successful strategy for Prep aged children. This involves prioritising staff training and developing a culture of sharing and innovation.

Teacher panel

Discuss with the teacher panel how 1:1 devices really work in the classroom.

The reality of AI in the classroom: from strategy to implementation

This session explores the steps taken to get a school on the front foot to explore the value of AI in the classroom, some examples of what works (and what doesn’t) and what might be coming next in this space.

Digital Device Strategy, Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Learn about how we manage filtering, monitoring, digital wellbeing and safeguarding in a 1:1 environment.

1:1 Device Strategy at RGS

Learn how Sarah has transformed device provision at RGS and adopted Surface devices throughout their school.

The Power Platform

A deep dive into the possibilities of the Power Platform with a live demo of “SCAM” – the St Catherine’s teacher app developed in-house with low code since 2020. A synergy of Power Apps, Power Platform and Power BI provides daily assistance to pastoral, academic and operational workflows.

Technical | Power Bi Overview

This presentation will provide an overview of how features and elements interact, and how Berkhamsted has managed the roll-out of Power BI reports.

Who should attend?

This conference is aimed at senior leaders of independent schools and IT personnel who are responsible for strategy, adoption, or deployment. Data specialists both academic and non-academic.

Register your place now

We look forward to welcoming you to our IT Conference. To register your Full Delegate or Day Delegate place, please click the link below.

Register here

If you have any further questions, please contact us at events@berkhamsted.com

Location

 

This year, our conference is being held off-site, at Delta by Marriott Hotel Warwick.

10 minutes

from Warwick Train Station

Easily accessible

from the M40

Hotel stay

available for Full Delegates

Delta by Marriott

Stratford Road
Budbrooke
Warwick
CV34 6RE

Sponsors