TES Connect 2026 Summer

Cover Story Lifelong Learning

From Workshop to Professional Community

When the opportunity arose to present at the CATES conference, I chose to lead a session for aspiring mid dle leaders titled “So You Want to Be a Head of Depart ment?” Effective middle leadership plays a crucial role in schools; Heads of Department shape both the curric ulum students experience and the professional culture within teams. Yet many teachers step into leadership positions with limited opportunities to explore what the role truly involves before applying. The session aimed to provide participants with a realis tic and reflective introduction to department leadership. Together, we explored the dual nature of the role: lead ing people and leading curriculum. Participants consid ered the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that effective middle leaders draw on, reflected on their own strengths and aspirations, and discussed the opportunities and challenges of leadership in schools. Importantly, the session created space for honest conversation, practical questions, and shared reflection among colleagues at different stages of their professional journey. One of the most rewarding aspects of the workshop has emerged since the conference itself. Many partic ipants made the conscious decision to stay connected, I feel very fortunate to have attended and to learn alongside educators from across the island. I attend ed the conference with three clear goals in mind: to explore how technology and AI can enhance learning, to develop strategies for supporting students of all lan guage backgrounds, and to deepen my understanding of how to foster creativity and a sense of belonging in the classroom. A particular highlight was Peter Gamwell’s session on “Seeds of Brilliance.” He emphasised the importance of recognising every student’s strengths, involving all learners, and creating opportunities for students to try new things. His story of a school musical that united an entire community, with students, staff, and families contributing through performance, costumes, and set design, powerfully illustrated how shared purpose cre ates belonging and ensures everyone has a role to play. Other workshops provided helpful strategies that I have already begun applying in my classroom. Sessions on AI, belonging, coaching, and EAL support offered practi cal ideas to strengthen student voice, improve accessi bility, and create more inclusive learning experiences. I have also planned to meet again with colleagues I con Ideas into Practice

and we have since established an online professional learning space where members continue to share re sources, seek advice, ask questions, and learn from one another’s experiences, wherever we are on our leader ship journey. Professional learning opportunities such as the CATES conference matter because they extend beyond a single day of workshops. They create opportunities for educa tors to connect across schools, develop new ideas, and strengthen the professional relationships that foster great teaching and leadership. At TES, we believe deep ly in growing leadership capacity within our community, and it has been encouraging to see those conversations continue long after the conference concluded.

Ms Leica Burley - BSHS Assistant Head

nected with during the conference to continue sharing resources and developing our practice collaboratively. Overall, the conference was both inspiring and practi cal. I left with new ideas, stronger professional connec tions, and a renewed focus on inclusive teaching and fostering a strong sense of belonging for all learners. As a Theatre teacher, I am especially excited to see these ideas reflected in our TES school musical next year, where teachers, parents, students, and the wider community will come together to create a truly shared celebration of learning.

Ms Katie Leahy - BSHS Teacher

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