Festival of Learning 2026 | York College & University Centre

08:45 – 09:15 Registration

Welcome and Registration

09:15 – 09:45 Keynote

Keynote: Hywel Roberts

Educational Innovator and Author. Renowned for making learning irresistible through creativity, imagination and unforgettable hooks.

09:45 – 10:00 Break

10:00 – 10:45 Morning Session 1

Champion Teams: Making Good Decisions Following the 12 Principles of Winning Teams

Jamie Peacock MBEHE Centre

Jamie is joining us for a follow-up from his keynote Champion Teams delivered on our February training day. This will be an interactive session to build on the principles and an opportunity for Q&A.

Botheredness in Action: Relevance and Stance

Hywel Roberts2F103-104

Focusing on relevance and stance, Hywel will challenge us to reflect on the messages we send to learners through our curriculum, our relationships, and our everyday interactions. How do we make learning feel purposeful? How do we position ourselves as educators who are genuinely invested in the success and stories of our students?

Making English and Maths Matter: Embedding Core Skills Through Vocational Learning

Lisa Ashes1F105

This interactive 45-minute workshop will explore how English and maths can be meaningfully embedded within vocational curriculum areas, moving beyond standalone delivery to become an integral part of students' learning experiences. Through practical activities, collaborative discussion and shared problem-solving, participants will explore strategies for contextualising English and maths within vocational subjects, identify common challenges, and co-create solutions that can be adapted to their own settings. Expect a hands-on session packed with examples and ideas.

Innovation, Risk and Reinvention: What I've Learned Along the Way

Karen AndertonJorvik Suite

In this reflective session, Karen Anderton explores what innovation really means in education and leadership. Moving beyond "new ideas," the focus is on questioning assumptions and rethinking systems that support staff and students. Designed for leaders at all levels, this session will resonate with anyone navigating change and seeking to better support their organisation.

Pedagogy of the Body: Innovative Strategies for Teaching and Learning from Embodied Cognition Research

Mike Tyler1F108

This session will introduce some key developments in embodied cognition research and will help you make clear links between concept and classroom. The session will consider the use of gesture and movement as instructional tools, and will give you opportunities to try out some innovative approaches in a low stakes environment.

Inclusion as Practice: Recognition, Participation and Everyday Educational Practice

Peter Shukie3F090-091

This discussion-led session explores inclusion beyond policy language and institutional terminology, focusing on the everyday realities of classrooms, learner experience and professional practice. Drawing on educational thinkers including Paulo Freire, Gert Biesta and bell hooks, the session examines how learners already bring forms of knowledge, resilience and capability that shape their participation in education.

Keeping Students on Task in a World of Distractions

Greg PerryLecture Theatre

Every hour with 20 students contains 1,200 minutes of potential learning time. Right now, some of those are being lost to phones, off-task chat, and drift. In this session, you'll use interactive simulations to test the most effective interventions for winning them back. No extra workload. Just small, strategic moves that work with human attention, not against it. Small shifts, big wins.

Create Your Own Escape Room Activity!

Rich Hind1F024

Tips on how to create an escape room style exercise to engage your students in team work, problem solving, lateral thinking and real-world application of their skills. A great activity for T-level students as they start preparing for their occupational specialism.

Understanding Anger in Young People

Jack Wilson3F113

This CPD session explores the causes and triggers of anger in young people and how it can affect behaviour and learning. Teachers will gain practical strategies to respond effectively, de-escalate situations, and support learners in managing their emotions positively.

Competitive Pedagogy

Berta Rodrigues and Tom Hicks3F021

Inspired by WorldSkills UK - This session looks into helping students improve own performance, resilience, problem-solving, and professional behaviours in an engaging and motivating way, aiming to achieve their own personal best.

10:45 – 11:15 Break

11:15 – 12:00 Morning Session 2

Botheredness in Action: Relevance and Stance

Hywel Roberts2F103-104

Focusing on relevance and stance, Hywel will challenge us to reflect on the messages we send to learners through our curriculum, our relationships, and our everyday interactions. How do we make learning feel purposeful? How do we position ourselves as educators who are genuinely invested in the success and stories of our students?

Winning the Wellbeing Game with Jamie Peacock

Jamie Peacock MBEHE Centre

Join rugby league legend and leadership expert Jamie Peacock for an inspiring and practical session on building a strong foundation for both personal and professional success. Drawing on his experience at the very top of elite sport, Jamie will explore the key pillars of wellbeing: developing a positive mindset, fuelling your body with the right nutrition, understanding the power of quality sleep, and staying physically active to perform at your best.

How Maths and English Can Join Forces: Embedding FEM Across the Curriculum

Lisa Ashes1F105

This interactive 45-minute workshop will explore how English and maths can be meaningfully embedded within vocational curriculum areas, moving beyond standalone delivery to become an integral part of students' learning experiences. Through practical activities, collaborative discussion and shared problem-solving, participants will explore strategies for contextualising English and maths within vocational subjects, identify common challenges, and co-create solutions that can be adapted to their own settings. Expect a hands-on session packed with examples and ideas.

Innovation, Risk and Reinvention: What I've Learned Along the Way

Karen AndertonJorvik Suite

In this reflective session, Karen Anderton explores what innovation really means in education and leadership. Moving beyond "new ideas," the focus is on questioning assumptions and rethinking systems that support staff and students. Designed for leaders at all levels, this session will resonate with anyone navigating change and seeking to better support their organisation.

Pedagogy of the Body: Innovative Strategies for Teaching and Learning from Embodied Cognition Research

Mike Tyler1F108

This session will introduce some key developments in embodied cognition research and will help you make clear links between concept and classroom. The session will consider the use of gesture and movement as instructional tools, and will give you opportunities to try out some innovative approaches in a low stakes environment.

Inclusion as Practice: Recognition, Participation and Everyday Educational Practice

Peter Shukie3F090-091

This discussion-led session explores inclusion beyond policy language and institutional terminology, focusing on the everyday realities of classrooms, learner experience and professional practice. Drawing on educational thinkers including Paulo Freire, Gert Biesta and bell hooks, the session examines how learners already bring forms of knowledge, resilience and capability that shape their participation in education.

From Practice to Recognition: The QTLS and ATS Experience

Tom Cullen, Lynn Wood and Vicky Joyce3F113

Aimed at teaching staff, support staff, teacher educators and practitioners across further and higher education who are interested in inclusive practice, learner participation and reflective educational approaches.

The Demography of York College Students and Why It Matters

Vicky LindbergLecture Theatre

This session will provide an opportunity to gain an insight into the make-up of one of our feeder secondary schools in the city and understand some of the challenges this presents. You will find out more about how the school is adapting its practices to support students in a changing environment, and how this may impact transition to college. The session will also explore some of the adverse childhood experiences that young people are presenting with at school, and current trends in behaviour and safeguarding. Particularly useful for those working with Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 students, and those involved in the wider support we offer to students.

Maximising Your ETF Membership

ETF ColleaguesStaff Room- Drop in

Unlock the full potential of your Education and Training Foundation membership in this practical and informative session designed specifically for teachers. Discover how to make the most of access to high-quality CPD opportunities, and utilise the extensive range of resources available to support your professional practice. You'll also be guided through navigating the ETF website with ease, ensuring you can quickly find the tools and support you need.

Feedback That Sticks: Using Qwiqr to Enhance Learner Engagement

Charlie Barnes3F021

This session explores how to use Qwiqr to deliver focused, individualised feedback efficiently while saving time. You'll learn how audio, written, or QR-linked feedback can be easily accessed and revisited, particularly supporting learners who need more processing time or experience memory challenges. By simplifying and enriching feedback through Qwiqr, you'll discover how to promote student independence, deeper reflection, and meaningful engagement across FE, HE, and adult learning contexts.

Becoming a Microsoft Elevate Educator

Abby Parkin1F024

The Microsoft Elevate Educator programme recognises teachers who use technology to improve their practice and support others to do the same. The pathway moves through three stages: Explorer, Expert and Fellow, each building on the last with greater responsibility, recognition and opportunity at every level. This session will give you an overview of what each stage involves and help you work out where you are on the journey and what your next step looks like.

12:00 – 13:00 Lunch

13:00 – 13:45 Afternoon Session 1

Just One Thing: Ideas Worth Stealing

2F103-2F104

Join this engaging session with Chantelle Pulleyn (Design and Media), Darron Piercy (Construction) and Jane Morrell (Science), in which they will showcase their 'Just One Thing' - the focused area they have developed this year as part of their professional growth. Hear real examples from across the college, explore the impact on teaching and learning, and take away ideas to inspire your own next step. A great opportunity to reflect, connect and spark your next 'Just One Thing'.

Digital Boost: Teams: Clear Up Ahead of Next Year and Quick Wins

John Jackson1F024

Are your Teams a bit of a mess? Can your students and colleagues find what they need? Let's set up and manage a Team that works for you, and your students and colleagues.

Digital Boost: Cube 360 Demo: From Curiosity to Classroom

Sarah Hargreaves and Joe HopperCube 360

Curious about what's possible with Cube 360? This introductory session showcases how teachers are using Cube 360 creatively with students to enhance engagement, collaboration, and immersive learning experiences. Explore real examples of classroom practice, see the technology in action, and gain ideas and inspiration for using Cube 360 in your own teaching.

Digital Boost: Help! How Do I Use CleverTouch?

Gilly Fraser-Rees1F105-1F106

New to CleverTouch? This beginner-friendly session will help you build confidence using the basics of the interactive screen.

Digital Boost: Work Smarter with Notebook LM

Andy Higgs, Mark Smith and Dawn Benn3F090-91

This session introduces Notebook LM and explores how it can be used to support teaching, planning, and resource development. Designed for colleagues who are new to the platform, the session will provide a live demonstration alongside hands-on opportunities to explore the tool with guidance and support. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for using Notebook LM to enhance efficiency, creativity, and learner engagement in their own practice, ready for September.

Digital Boost: Beyond Google and AI: Unlocking Online Books and Journals

Amy Helliwell1F001

Discover how to access and make the most of the college's electronic books, online journals, and academic articles to enrich teaching and learning. In this practical session you'll be guided through the key platforms available, learn how to find high-quality, credible resources, and explore simple ways to integrate them into your sessions.

Implementation Lab: Activity Based Learning for Active Classrooms

Tom Cullen3F030

This session explores the principles and impact of activity-based learning and its value in promoting active engagement in the classroom. Tom Cullen, who is completing his ATS Professional Formation and has been researching the effectiveness of activity-based learning, will share key insights and practical ideas drawn from his research and practice. By the end of the session, you will have collaboratively designed an activity that you can confidently use with your groups from September.

Implementation Lab: Competition Pedagogy in Practice

Hayley Smith-Herman and Neil Wilkinson3F031

As part of the lead-up to Competitions Week in December, this practical session will support staff in creating engaging competitive learning activities and resources that can be embedded into everyday teaching. With guidance and support throughout, colleagues will have dedicated time to develop ideas they can take straight into the classroom, helping to build learner confidence, skills, and readiness for competition-based opportunities.

Implementation Lab: Using Technology for Inclusion (Read and Write)

George Pickard3F032

Join George Pickard, the college's Assistive Technology Lead, for a practical session on using Read and Write tools in your lessons. You'll learn how to use overlays on whiteboards, understand the difference between speech-to-text and text-to-speech, and discover how to support students in using Read and Write confidently and independently in the classroom. Bring your laptop so you can practise the tools yourself.

Implementation Lab: The 5-Point Scale for SEMH

Imogen Ockenden3F033

The 5-point scale helps students recognise and communicate their emotions, giving staff and students a shared understanding of emotional dysregulation. You'll learn how to use this versatile tool across situations like stress, overwhelm, and problem-scaling, and discover strategies that support self-regulation and help students feel calm and ready to learn. You'll explore how the scale builds emotional awareness, promotes consistent support, and empowers students to manage their own feelings while encouraging early intervention.

Table Talks × 4

Cafe 1827

Table Talks are 45-minute peer discussions connecting groups of 5-8 educators from local schools and colleges, based on selected topics of interest. They are designed to reflect what matters most to our community. Topics: Sustainability: Green Goals and Growing Impact; People, Performance and Wellbeing; Confidence for Inspection; Supporting our HE and Adult students.

Just One Thing: Professional Services

3F097

Join this engaging session where colleagues showcase their 'Just One Thing' - the focused area they have developed this year as part of their professional growth. Hear real examples from across the college, explore the impact on teaching and learning, and take away ideas to inspire your own next step. A great opportunity to reflect, connect and spark your next 'Just One Thing'.

Curiosity Beyond the Curriculum

Clare Kirton2F127

Join Clare Kirton as they discuss how they manage to expand their curriculum with external speakers and trips. This session will include a member of the Health and Safety team to showcase how they can help with the risk assessments these activities require.

13:45 – 14:00 Break

14:00 – 14:45 Afternoon Session 2

Just One Thing: Ideas Worth Stealing

2F103

Join this engaging session with Andi and Andrea (Travel and Tourism) and Helen Perry, Dale Osborne and Shannon Collins (a collaboration of UPS and Personal and Professional) in which they will showcase their 'Just One Thing' - the focused area they have developed this year as part of their professional growth. Hear real examples from across the college, explore the impact on teaching and learning, and take away ideas to inspire your own next step. A great opportunity to reflect, connect and spark your next 'Just One Thing'.

Just One Thing: Professional Services

3F097

Join this engaging session where colleagues showcase their 'Just One Thing' - the focused area they have developed this year as part of their professional growth. Hear real examples from across the college, explore the impact on teaching and learning, and take away ideas to inspire your own next step. A great opportunity to reflect, connect and spark your next 'Just One Thing'.

Digital Boost: Teams: Clear Up Ahead of Next Year and Quick Wins

John Jackson1F024

Are your Teams a bit of a mess? Can your students and colleagues find what they need? Let's set up and manage a Team that works for you, and your students and colleagues.

Digital Boost: Cube 360 Demo: From Curiosity to Classroom

Sarah Hargreaves, Laura Heward and Greg HardyCube 360

Curious about what's possible with Cube 360? This introductory session showcases how teachers are using Cube 360 creatively with students to enhance engagement, collaboration, and immersive learning experiences. Explore real examples of classroom practice, see the technology in action, and gain ideas and inspiration for using Cube 360 in your own teaching.

Digital Boost: Help! How Do I Use CleverTouch?

Gilly Fraser-Rees1F105-1F106

New to CleverTouch? This beginner-friendly session will help you build confidence using the basics of the interactive screen.

Implementation Lab: Pecha Kucha: Concise Presentations and Peer Learning

Charlie Barnes3F031

This session supports staff in using Pecha Kucha effectively with FE, HE, and adult learners. Using a flipped learning approach, learners prepare content in advance through independent research. In class, peer learning is central as learners collaborate, present, and evaluate each other's work. Timed slides develop communication, note-taking, curiosity, and problem-solving. You will be given a framework for how to create and implement Pecha Kucha in your lesson, along with activities to promote excellent peer learning and reflection.

Digital Boost: Beyond Google and AI: Unlocking Online Books and Journals

Amy Helliwell3F030

Discover how to access and make the most of the college's electronic books, online journals, and academic articles to enrich teaching and learning. In this practical session you'll be guided through the key platforms available, learn how to find high-quality, credible resources, and explore simple ways to integrate them into your sessions.

Digital Boost: From Paper to Digital: Using OneNote with Students

Guy Craven1F113

Tired of students losing their paper notes? This session shows how OneNote can replace paper notebooks with a digital version they can't misplace. Students can snap photos of the board and their work straight into their notebooks, keeping everything in one place. Tutors can also share notes and resources with the whole class in seconds, so anyone who misses a lesson can easily catch up.

Implementation Lab: Using Technology for Inclusion (Read and Write)

George Pickard3F032

Join George Pickard, the college's Assistive Technology Lead, for a practical session on using Read and Write tools in your lessons. You'll learn how to use overlays on whiteboards, understand the difference between speech-to-text and text-to-speech, and discover how to support students in using Read and Write confidently and independently in the classroom. Bring your laptop so you can practise the tools yourself.

Implementation Lab: The 5-Point Scale for SEMH

Imogen Ockenden3F033

The 5-point scale helps students recognise and communicate their emotions, giving staff and students a shared understanding of emotional dysregulation. You'll learn how to use this versatile tool across situations like stress, overwhelm, and problem-scaling, and discover strategies that support self-regulation and help students feel calm and ready to learn. You'll explore how the scale builds emotional awareness, promotes consistent support, and empowers students to manage their own feelings while encouraging early intervention.

Implementation Lab: Visual Word Lists and Widgit Symbols

Emily Nogan and Annette Ward3F021

Visual word lists combine key vocabulary with images, symbols, and diagrams to make abstract concepts concrete, particularly valuable for EAL learners and students with communication needs. In this session, you'll collaborate with the Learning Support team to create visual word banks that boost curriculum access and student independence. You'll also explore how tools like Widgit can support students in classrooms and exams, helping non-verbal students or those with learning difficulties communicate their needs, emotions, and ideas more effectively.

Table Talks × 4

Cafe 1827

Table Talks are 45-minute peer discussions connecting groups of 5-8 educators from local schools and colleges, based on selected topics of interest. They are designed to reflect what matters most to our community. Topics: Ethical Use of AI; Cybersecurity for Students; Curriculum Reform Ready; Making Data Work For You.

14:45 – 15:00Cafe 1827 Break

15:00 – 15:45 Afternoon Session 3

Just One Thing: Ideas Worth Stealing

2F103

Join this engaging session where Heather Turner (Science), Corinne Pearson and Martha Cook (English) and James Absolom (Engineering) showcase their 'Just One Thing' - the focused area they have developed this year as part of their professional growth. Hear real examples from across the college, explore the impact on teaching and learning, and take away ideas to inspire your own next step. A great opportunity to reflect, connect and spark your next 'Just One Thing'.

Just One Thing: Professional Services

3F097

Join this engaging session where colleagues showcase their 'Just One Thing' - the focused area they have developed this year as part of their professional growth. Hear real examples from across the college, explore the impact on teaching and learning, and take away ideas to inspire your own next step. A great opportunity to reflect, connect and spark your next 'Just One Thing'.

Digital Boost: Teams: Clear Up Ahead of Next Year and Quick Wins

John Jackson1F024

Are your Teams a bit of a mess? Can your students and colleagues find what they need? Let's set up and manage a Team that works for you, and your students and colleagues.

Digital Boost: Ready to Take Your CleverTouch Skills Further?

Gilly Fraser-Rees1F105/1F106

Ready to go beyond the basics? This intermediate session explores advanced tools and features to help you create more interactive, engaging lessons with the CleverTouch screen.

Digital Boost: Wayground: From First Click to Classroom Ready

Oli Hall, Richard Brown and Cedric Cotilleau1F108

New to Wayground or just getting started? Join this practical session led by our top users to see how Wayground can support teaching and learning in your classroom. Watch a live demonstration of key features, explore how it can engage students, and gain simple tips to get up and running. You'll then have time and support to create your first Wayground, ready for September.

Digital Boost: Beyond Google and AI: Unlocking Online Books and Journals

Amy Helliwell1F113

Discover how to access and make the most of the college's electronic books, online journals, and academic articles to enrich teaching and learning. In this practical session you'll be guided through the key platforms available, learn how to find high-quality, credible resources, and explore simple ways to integrate them into your sessions.

Implementation Lab: Using Technology for Inclusion (Read and Write)

George Pickard3F030

Join George Pickard, the college's Assistive Technology Lead, for a practical session on using Read and Write tools in your lessons. You'll learn how to use overlays on whiteboards, understand the difference between speech-to-text and text-to-speech, and discover how to support students in using Read and Write confidently and independently in the classroom. Bring your laptop so you can practise the tools yourself.

Implementation Lab: Visual Word Lists and Widgit Symbols

Emily Nogan and Annette Ward3F031

Visual word lists combine key vocabulary with images, symbols, and diagrams to make abstract concepts concrete, particularly valuable for EAL learners and students with communication needs. In this session, you'll collaborate with the Learning Support team to create visual word banks that boost curriculum access and student independence. You'll also explore how tools like Widgit can support students in classrooms and exams, helping non-verbal students or those with learning difficulties communicate their needs, emotions, and ideas more effectively.

Implementation Lab: Competitive Pedagogy in Practice

Peter Harrison and Dan Needham3F032

As part of the lead-up to Competitions Week in December, this practical session will support staff in creating engaging competitive learning activities and resources that can be embedded into everyday teaching. With guidance and support throughout, colleagues will have dedicated time to develop ideas they can take straight into the classroom, helping to build learner confidence, skills, and readiness for competition-based opportunities.

Table Talks × 4

Cafe 1827

Table Talks are 45-minute peer discussions connecting groups of 5-8 educators from local schools and colleges, based on selected topics of interest. They are designed to reflect what matters most to our community. Topics: Powering Curriculum Through Partnerships; Apprenticeships Unlocked; Making Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Real; Money Matters: The College Edition.

15:45 See you next year

End of Festival of Learning 2026

Thank you for attending. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Welcome from York College Learning and Innovation Team

Keynote Speaker

Hywel Roberts

Schedule

Featured Speakers

Hywel Roberts

Lisa Ashes

Jamie Peacock MBE

Karen Anderton

Peter Shukie

Mike Tyler