Day 1 began with a key note welcome, introduction and stimulating provocation from Jatinder Verma, co-founder and Artistic Director of Tara Arts, the pioneering cross-cultural theatre company which marked its 30th year in 2007 with a critically-acclaimed production of The Tempest. He first worked at the National Theatre in London in 1989, with his acclaimed version of Molière’s Tartuffe and in 2002 he produced Journey to the West for Tara, a trilogy of plays which traced the story of Asian migration and settlement in the West over the 20th century.

Day 2 introduced delegates to how the nature of the workforce in secondary schools has changed in the UK and demonstrated a number of examples with relevant professionals.

Day 3 involved delegates being taken to their host schools; meeting teachers and pupils, observing classes, discussing the daily life of that school and planning – where possible – for future exchanges.

Participating schools included:

All Saints Catholic Centre For Learning, Knowsley

Bleak Hill Primary, St Helens
Cowley Language College, St. Helens
Rainhill Media Arts College, St Helens

Mount Primary School, Wallasey
Oldershaw High School, Wallasey
St Josephs RC Primary School, Wallasey
Stanley Special Primary School, Wallasey
Weatherhead High School, Wallasey

Hayfield School, Upton, Wirral
Hilbre High School Humanities College, Wirral
Holy Trinity Primary School, Hoylake, Wirral
Wirral Alternative School Programme

Sir Thomas Boteler Music College, Warrington

Wade Deacon High School, Widnes

For more details about the local schools involved, see the schools page.

Day four enabled delegates to both review their experiences from day 3 and be introduced to those non-school based organisations who facilitate learning. Known as Settings Other Than Schools (SOTs) in the UK, they offer a range of experiences which support the work of schools. We will be focussing on the work of museums (such as the National Museum Liverpool) and other agencies.

Day 5 drew together all the learning from throughout the week. It also allowed for delegates to present the experiences of their own schools.

The final morning session also featured a seminar by Stephanie Davies, Director of Laughology. Stephanie has over 10 years experience working in the public and private sector designing and delivering interventions. Laughology is a unique concept that draws upon the thought process of humour, allowing individuals and organisations to look at challenges in a new light, enhancing emotional intelligence, well-being and improving performance.

The conference closed with a specially commission event from local pupils from a number of host schools:

Bleak Hill Primary School, St Helens: School Choir
Rainhill Media Arts College: Year 12 Dance Group
Oldershaw School: Arts exhibition and Dance performance