Delegate Feedback

The response of delegates to the Summer School was extremely positive. All delegates agreed (94% of them strongly) with the statement “I found attending the Summer School a valuable experience”; 97% of delegates agreed (51% of them strongly) that within six months this approach would be having an impact on their pupils; 95% of delegates agreed (45% of them strongly) that as a result of the course they would have new skills and confidence to be better teachers. The Science delegates reinforced the strong message of support that came from last year’s Summer School, and the enthusiastic response from the Geography delegates showed how pleased they were to have their subject included in the Summer School for the first time.

Here is a selection of comments made by delegates:

"I think that the content of the course has been thoroughly thought through to give an outstanding balance between subject content and the wider issues that affect the teaching of science in the current climate"

"The course has been inspirational for me. Having left university 15 years ago this is the first opportunity I have had to reignite my interest and love of science and recognise the importance of harnessing a new generation of scientists"

"World authorities on geographical issues - a privilege to learn from genuine leaders who presented the information brilliantly"

"A superb four days; the most productive CPD in my whole career of teaching"

"An inspiring, exciting week that will have impacts in the classroom"

"I can’t thank the Institute enough for the chance to attend. I have wanted to be involved in subject-specific CPD for years"

"I feel reinvigorated about my subject – a more passionate Geographer"

"No teacher who attends can claim that support and inspiration is lacking in the teaching profession"

"Subject knowledge in Science is vital, to have something to make connections with. Skills can be taught alongside a rich content"

"The course has given me time to reflect on my teaching and department, and also get excited about improvements we can make"

"I feel refreshed and reinvigorated in my ability to teach confidently and enrich the learning of my students"

"Before going on this course, I wasn’t sure if teaching was the profession for me… Now I feel inspired and can’t wait to get back in the classroom"

"It was wonderful to be treated like a professional. I have left this course knowing why I went into teaching – a love of my subject, enthusiasm, zest, and a desire to change young people’s lives. This week has allowed me to rediscover all of these"

"A course that is not about targets and results but about teaching the subject that stimulates and excites us"

"I feel like a flower that can now go away and bloom fully in the sun, that had previously been in the shade"

"The idea of teachers furthering their subject knowledge is far more beneficial than many types of CPD"

"Amazed by the programme - so much content, such a wide audience yet so relevant and interesting. I have relished the opportunity to be a geographer for 4 days and have truly appreciated the subject lectures - course design and content from my perspective has been perfectly pitched"

"This course has reminded me of the reasons I studied Physics in the first place. On reflection, I have spent the last 2 years learning to be a teacher with my subject almost a necessary evil. I am now determined to re-ignite my subject at the core of my teaching"

"Thanks to all for a brilliant week"

"The course has given me time to reflect on my 25 years in the classroom and how I can challenge my pupils. However, more importantly it has shown how I can influence and develop young members of my team to do the same in their teaching"

"I have thought carefully between the debate between skills and content in a way I had not done before. Contact with academics has been the single greatest factor in re-connecting me with my subject"

"Outstanding! A real opportunity for professional reflection and development of the quality of what we deliver in our own classrooms - and within our departments"

"Very comfortable and welcoming"

"I will be braver in teaching beyond the curriculum and use my own judgment that we are hitting QCA 'targets"

"Subject knowledge - fantastic - great balance between physical/human/environmental geography"

"I think I will feel less constrained by the curriculum/syllabus, recognising that it is possible to both nurture budding geographers while still enabling students to have the knowledge, skills and understanding required to pass the tests"