From 22 to 24 January, Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Conway, Ms. Reid, and Ms. Field represented Richmond Park School at the prestigious BETT Conference in London. This global event, hosted at the bustling ExCeL Centre in East London, brought together educators, innovators, and changemakers to explore the latest advancements in education technology and drive improvements in teaching and learning worldwide.

For those unfamiliar with BETT, it’s one of the world’s leading education technology exhibitions, bringing together innovators, educators, and industry leaders to explore the future of learning and teaching.

The conference provides a platform for educators to discover cutting-edge tools, technologies, and methods that can revolutionize the classroom experience. From interactive displays and virtual reality tools to streamlined software for better communication between schools and parents, BETT offers an inspiring glimpse into the possibilities of modern education.

Our teachers attended a range of talks and workshops led by experts in the field, gaining valuable insights into the latest trends in EdTech which will impact teaching and learning at Richmond Park. These included sessions on:

  • Personalised learning: Technologies that adapt to each student’s individual needs, helping them achieve their full potential.
  • STEM in action: Tools that make science, technology, engineering, and math subjects more engaging and accessible for students of all ages.
  • Well-being tools: Digital resources designed to support students’ mental health and promote positive classroom environments.

They also explored a wide variety of innovative products, from interactive whiteboards to AI-driven learning platforms, all designed to enrich the way students learn and teachers teach.

Day one: Inspiration from industry leaders

The conference began on an inspiring note with keynote addresses by Sir Stephen Fry and Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon, who shared compelling insights into the transformative role of AI in education. The energy at the venue was electric, as our teachers joined packed workshops and peer discussions, gaining invaluable knowledge about trends in IT and AI. The CPD-accredited Tech User Labs and TableTalks provided dynamic opportunities for learning, with hands-on sessions that equipped attendees with practical skills to bring back to their schools.

Day two: Innovation and big ideas

The highlight of the second day was Bett’s Big Assembly with Tech She Can, where Rose Luckin explored how AI is reshaping education and unlocking the potential of new learning technologies. Our teachers delved deeper into the possibilities of EdTech through Tech User Labs, discovering tools and strategies to enhance the classroom experience. The day was filled with insightful workshops and discussions, leaving attendees inspired and ready to embrace innovation.

Day three: Collaboration and celebration

The final day of the conference was a celebration of collaboration and progress in education technology. Our teachers participated in enriching TableTalks discussions, attended workshops led by industry leaders such as Intel, Microsoft, and Kahoot, and explored innovative products and platforms designed to improve student outcomes. A highlight of the day was attending Bett’s Big Assembly alongside KS2 and KS3 students and educators, which fostered excitement about the future of education. The event concluded with a Women in EdTech Mentoring Circle, celebrating the achievements of women leaders in the field and inspiring the next generation of educators.

By attending the BETT Conference, our teachers are bringing back fresh ideas and strategies to ensure Richmond Park School remains at the forefront of educational excellence. We are excited to explore how these new technologies can be incorporated into our school community to make learning even more engaging, inclusive, and effective for every child. The Conference provided Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Conway, Ms. Reid, and Ms. Field with valuable knowledge, ideas, and connections to bring back to Richmond Park School. Their participation underscores our commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies and practices to enrich our students’ learning experiences. We look forward to seeing how these insights will shape our classrooms in the months to come.

The BETT Conference reinforced the importance of embracing innovation in education while staying true to our core values of fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We look forward to sharing more about how these experiences will shape future developments at Richmond Park School.