RiseFest - Teaching Made Fun!
Rise Multi Academy Trust, a leading educational institution, recently hosted their teacher training day with a twist; RiseFest. The event took place on Thursday 24th August and was attended by educators, staff, and stakeholders from across the 21 schools, and the 5 schools joining the family.
The day was a well-balanced mixture of exceptional external keynote speakers and Rise staff sharing best practice and their expertise. There was a strong focus on improving the life chances of vulnerable pupils and inclusivity. Rise teachers had almost 30 sessions to choose from over the day. RiseFest aimed to rejuvenate traditional professional development by infusing it with a festival spirit. The event featured multiple stages dedicated to innovative teaching methods, engaging workshops, and collaborative sessions. Attendees were treated to an immersive learning experience that showcased the latest advancements in pedagogy and curriculum development.
One of the highlights of RiseFest was the festival-themed setup, which included a photo prop station, music, and an array of flavoursome food vans. The incorporation of locally donated hay bales and creative decor transported attendees to an environment of relaxation and inspiration.
The key speakers: Peps Mccrea; Dr Adam Brett and Dr Krish Kandiah were the headliners across various 'stages' delivering talks on key topics.
Dave Ellison-Lee, Director of Education, ‘We wanted to get the RiseFest balance right. We wanted the 250 attendees to get great professional development, while trying to make the day not feel like the usual teacher training day.’
The day was a huge success, with great feedback from Headteachers such as;
‘ A really good first day back’
‘such a valuable experience for professional development, reflection and conversations with other colleagues’
‘inspiring speakers’
‘ the afternoon was full of help and advice’
‘we are the coolest trust’
The event's success was visible through the engaged conversations, networking opportunities, and the sheer enthusiasm of all participants. RiseFest exemplified the Trust's commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning while recognising the importance of a balanced work-life dynamic for educators.
Rise Multi Academy Trust extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees and partners who contributed to making RiseFest a memorable experience. A special thanks to our speakers and staff who also presented. The Trust remains dedicated to pushing boundaries and exploring new avenues for educational excellence.
Planning is already beginning for RiseFest 2024.