Russell Group Teacher Conferences
23 April 2018
Two Russell Group universities are expecting school teachers from across the country to join them for the biennial Teacher Conferences today and Tuesday. The conferences will give teachers from state schools and colleges the information they need to help pupils from all backgrounds to apply to the UK’s leading universities
The conferences are open to all interested teachers at state schools and will have particular benefits for those teaching at schools and colleges with historically low levels of participation in higher education.
Imperial College London, will host the first conference today (Monday 23 April) and tomorrow a similar event will be held at the University of Leeds. The materials used will be released as an online resource for teachers who are unable to attend. The Conferences are jointly delivered by all 24 Russell Group universities and form a part of their commitment to widen participation to their institutions.
The Conferences will provide advice on: personal statements, academic references, course and university choices, and supporting students with research and study skills.
Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive, at the Russell Group said:
“We look forward to welcoming hundreds of teachers to our Russell Group Teacher Conferences being held at the University of Leeds and at Imperial College London.
“The advice and guidance teachers provide their students is absolutely vital in helping support their progress to leading universities. We want every student to have the best possible chance of success when they apply to our universities and, importantly, we want to see all students with the potential to succeed making applications in the first place. Our Teacher Conferences are a way for our expert admissions specialists to share the latest insights and practical advice with teachers so they can help their students succeed.
“The Teacher Conferences complement the work our universities do throughout the year supporting students with outreach activities and a wide range of advice and guidance. Our universities have also designed an online pack of resources for teachers, which is accessible through the Advancing Access website. Here, teachers and advisers can find out more about how to apply to university, how the admissions process works and how to support students in making important choices.”
Dr Annalisa Alexander, Head of Outreach and Widening Participation, Imperial College London said:
“Imperial is looking forward to welcoming around 200 teachers to our campus on today. This is the first time that Imperial has hosted the Russell Group Teacher Conference.
“We are delighted that Lord Robert Winston will be giving our opening plenary talk. Lord Winston has been a continual champion of our outreach work and commitment to STEM education for many years and he will be sharing his passion for educating young minds.
“Teachers will be encouraged to share best practice with each other and take what they have learned back with them to their schools and colleges.”
Sarah Stephenson, Educational Outreach, University of Leeds said:
“We're delighted to be welcoming over 150 teachers and advisers to the Conference at the University of Leeds. It's a unique event to have all 24 Russell Group universities under one roof sharing information, advice and guidance concerning applications and our outreach efforts.
“Russell Group universities are determined to widen access to under-represented groups and the high numbers of attendees are testament to the commitment of teachers to ensure the best outcomes for their students.
“Just as importantly, the Conference allows us to build relationships with colleagues in schools and colleges - who are integral to our work - so we can respond to their feedback as we continually evolve and improve our provision.”
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