Festival of Learning 2026 – York College & University Centre
Monday 30th June 2026

York College & University Centre, Sim Balk Lane, York, YO23 2BB

Inspiration  ·  Innovation  ·  Curiosity

Scroll

Welcome from Abby Parkin

Head of Teaching & Learning

I am delighted to welcome you to the third Festival of Learning at York College. Whether you are a member of our community, a visiting guest, or a prospective colleague, your presence is truly valued, and we hope you find the day inspiring, thought-provoking, and enriching.

This year, we celebrate the themes of inspiration, innovation, and curiosity, qualities that are at the heart of great teaching and learning. Our programme brings together an exceptional array of external and internal speakers who embody these principles in diverse and powerful ways.

In a time when change continues to shape our sector from the transformative power of artificial intelligence to the evolving needs of learners this festival is a space for meaningful reflection and shared learning. It is also an opportunity to showcase the wealth of talent, creativity and dedication within our own York College community.

Please make the most of the day: connect with colleagues, ask questions, share ideas, and above all, be curious.

Keynote Speaker

Hywel Roberts

Hywel Roberts

Educational Innovator & Author

Hywel Roberts is a renowned teacher, author, and speaker who has dedicated his career to making learning irresistible. Known for his dynamic approach to education, Hywel champions the use of creativity, imagination, and 'hooks' to engage learners of all ages.

As an advocate for outstanding teaching, Hywel has authored several influential books including "Oops! Helping Children Learn Accidentally" and "Botheredness: Stories, Stance and Pedagogies for Powerful Learning." His work emphasizes the importance of teacher passion and the transformative power of bringing wonder into the classroom.

Hywel's presentations are known for their energy, humour, and practical wisdom. He draws on decades of classroom experience to inspire educators to be bold, creative, and unapologetically enthusiastic about their craft.

Hywel's keynote will inspire us to rediscover the joy and magic of teaching and learning.

Schedule

Monday 30th June 2026

08:45 – 09:15 Registration
Welcome & Registration
09:15 – 09:45 Keynote
Keynote — Hywel Roberts
Educational Innovator & Author. Renowned for making learning irresistible through creativity, imagination and unforgettable hooks.
09:45 – 10:00 Break
10:00 – 10:45 Session A
Hywel Roberts — Session
Hywel Roberts
Teacher, author, and speaker known for bringing energy, humour and practical wisdom to every room.
How Maths & English Can Support Across the Curriculum
Lisa Ashes
Author of Teaching in Challenging Circumstances. Lisa shares how FEM can unite Maths and English to strengthen learning across the curriculum.
Jamie Peacock MBE — Session
Jamie Peacock MBE
Rugby League legend and leadership expert. Former captain of Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls, now a sought-after speaker on high performance and team dynamics.
Innovation, Risk and Reinvention: What I Have Learnt Along the Way
Karen Anderton
Innovation, Risk and Reinvention — sharing what Karen has learnt along the way.
Inclusion as Practice: Recognising What Learners Already Bring
Peter Shukie
Writer, Educator, Filmmaker and Creative Education Consultant — inspiring perspectives on learning and creativity.
Embodied Cognition
Mike Tyler
Exploring Embodied Cognition — connecting mind, body and learning in powerful ways.
Competitive Pedagogy
Berta Rodrigues & Tom Cullen
Sharing expertise from within our own community.
Enhancing Employability with the Brilliant Futures Pledge
Hannah Johnson
Sharing expertise from within our own community.
Belonging
Sian Mantovani
Sharing expertise from within our own community.
The Demography of York College Students and Why It Matters
Victoria Lindberg
Sharing expertise from within our own community.
Communication Using Transactional Analysis
John Cooper & Calem Dent Jones
Sharing expertise from within our own community.
Checking for Understanding
Greg Perry
Sharing expertise from within our own community.
10:45 – 11:15 Break
11:15 – 12:00 Session B
Hywel Roberts — Session
Hywel Roberts
Teacher, author, and speaker known for bringing energy, humour and practical wisdom to every room.
How Maths & English Can Support Across the Curriculum
Lisa Ashes
Author of Teaching in Challenging Circumstances. Lisa shares how FEM can unite Maths and English to strengthen learning across the curriculum.
Jamie Peacock MBE — Session
Jamie Peacock MBE
Rugby League legend and leadership expert. Former captain of Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls, now a sought-after speaker on high performance and team dynamics.
Innovation, Risk and Reinvention: What I Have Learnt Along the Way
Karen Anderton
Innovation, Risk and Reinvention — sharing what Karen has learnt along the way.
Inclusion as Practice: Recognising What Learners Already Bring
Peter Shukie
Writer, Educator, Filmmaker and Creative Education Consultant — inspiring perspectives on learning and creativity.
Embodied Cognition
Mike Tyler
Exploring Embodied Cognition — connecting mind, body and learning in powerful ways.
QTLS / ATS — Talk Description TBC
Tom Cullen & Gordon Train
Sharing expertise from within our own community.
Enhancing Employability with the Brilliant Futures Pledge
Hannah Johnson
Sharing expertise from within our own community.
The Demography of York College Students and Why It Matters
Victoria Lindberg
Sharing expertise from within our own community.
Maximising Your ETF Membership
TBC
Sharing expertise from within our own community.
Qwikr: Making Feedback Easier
Charlie Barnes
Sharing expertise from within our own community.
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch

Afternoon sessions coming soon…

Featured Speakers

Hywel Roberts

Hywel Roberts

Educational Innovator & Author

Hywel is a renowned teacher, author, and speaker known for his work on engaging learning and bringing creativity into the classroom. His approach focuses on making learning irresistible through hooks, imagination, and wonder.

External
Lisa Ashes

Lisa Ashes

FE Specialist

Experienced teacher, author and consultant who has worked with schools across the UK and beyond — championing creative, cross-curricular approaches to learning in challenging circumstances.

External
Jamie Peacock MBE

Jamie Peacock MBE

Rugby League Legend & Leadership Expert

Jamie is one of rugby league's most successful players. As captain of Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls, he became known for exceptional leadership. Now a sought-after speaker on high performance and team dynamics.

External
Karen Anderton

Karen Anderton

Innovation & Reinvention Expert

Innovation, Risk and Reinvention — what Karen has learnt along the way.

External
Peter Shukie

Peter Shukie

Writer, Educator, Filmmaker

Writer, Educator, Filmmaker, and Creative Education Consultant — sharing inspiring perspectives on learning and creativity.

External
Mike Tyler

Mike Tyler

Embodied Cognition

Exploring Embodied Cognition — connecting mind, body and learning in powerful ways.

External