This academic year sees the SSAT’s (Special Schools and Academies) first regional sister event to The Achievement Show, The North West Innovation Show. UPDATE SSAT has a new website, check it out here 

I first attended The Annual Achievement show in London in 2010, along with 3 colleagues. The day was fantastic as leading professionals shared their ideas, tactics and led delegates through exciting and thought provoking sessions. The event is split into several areas for example; numeracy, literacy, leadership, pupil voice. Each area has a number of sessions delivered by leading professionals throughout the day. Delegates can choice which area and sessions they attend on the day, allowing for flexibility depending upon their need.
Since this event in 2010 we not only return each year with more colleagues to the national event but we have also introduced our own successful All Saints achievement show. This is held within house and plays a huge role in the continuous professional development programme.
The SSAT now looks to increase the opportunities for teachers to attend such events in these increasingly difficult financial circumstances as many schools face budget cuts. So the Innovation show will be held in the North west, reducing travelling costs and attendance is £75 per delegate, with 10% off for multiple delegates from the same institute. Either way it is a great price compared to some courses that are available.
The following seven areas will be delivering 32 sessions during the North West Innovation show; Literacy, Numeracy, Baccalaureate, Leadership, New Technology, Inspiration, Enterprise. Further details are available here Innovation Show Sessions website, registration is needed but very easy. Of course myself and Number Loving’s co-author Laura Rees-Hughes will be presenting in the numeracy area at the show, sharing our ideas and experiences that helped to acquire a special mention in the latest ofsted report for All Saints Catholic CfL.
The show will be held on Monday the 20th of February 2012 at All Saints Catholic Centre for Learning. All Saints Catholic CfL has now established itself as a leading school within the community and has been in the newly built Building Schools for the future building for two years in January. With the schools break out spaces and home base organisation, it is also a great opportunity to see innovative education spaces at the forefront of the profession.

I hope to see you there!