Neurodiverse Artist/Filmmaker from South London. Specializing in Illustration & Writing
Currently, a facilitator at Mouth That Roars working with SEND young people and a young member at Fully Focused/MYM.
Looking to create films and content that empowers Disabled people.

Instagram: @conoroffciel
Twitter: @conorsw11films

Both Wired and The Guardian have described Nick as a ‘man on a mission’ after his career change from the world of marketing and innovation, which Nick says was “nice”, but as a just a dad, it was being nominated for a 2017 TED Fellowship by Sir Ken Robinson and a hand written cheque for £1.00,000 (sic) from a child in a primary school in Sunderland that really make it all worthwhile.

Nick now advocates for the power of art: creativity, tools and people to engage children in their learning, innovate business and connect communities through the non-profit community enterprise STEAM Co. which he co-founded and now leads to help connect our kids with their art and our communities with their schools.

His talk today will include content from a talk he gives to primary children in schools across the county which include cameos by Sir Elton John and Nile Rodgers for fellow disco dads in the audience.

Most recently Nick was delighted to be asked to be the UK Country Champion for the UN World Innovation and Creativity Week/Day 2021 which kicked off STEAM Co.’s #InspiredToLearn21 Summer Term Live and Live Streamed Tour as part of their #InspiraNation21 Year.

Gary Spracklen is Headteacher at The Prince of Wales School: Dorchester, Former Digital Educator of the Year and a member of UK Government’s – Department for Education ‘ETAG’ (Educational Technology Action Group). Named on the #Edtech50 – ‘People of 2020’ list by the Education Foundation, during the COVID-19 Lockdown Gary was named a BBC News ‘Lockdown Community Hero’ for his work supporting the #InspiredToLearn Community both physically and online with three live broadcasts every day.

Gary tweets @Nelkcarps.

After many years of teaching and leading languages and business studies in secondary schools across the Eastern region, Suzanne is now a part-time Research Fellow, teacher educator and coach. She undertook her Masters in Education at Cambridge University and was then awarded a PhD studentship with the School of Education at the University of Hertfordshire. Her research interests include teacher wellbeing, what it means to be struggling as a teacher, coaching and mentoring (especially Early Careers Teachers) and educational leadership. She has a particular interest in arts-based methods and has used collage extensively in research projects and in professional learning workshops. She is currently working on an Erasmus+ funded research project – ENABLES – exploring the use of arts-based and embodied approaches to leadership development. Suzanne is blog editor for BELMAS and a committee member for IPDA England; she is also a CollectivED Fellow. She tweets at @SuzanneCulshaw and @EnablesUH.

Xenia Horne has worked across a range of participatory settings using her background  in music and theatre as starting points for creative projects. She is currently researching sonic environment and is interested in how we can ensure that everyone feels that they have a place in the space.

Twitter: @uk_harpists

Fiona Leadbeater graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 2005 and followed her love of education and young people into art and design teaching. She is Principal Teacher of art&design and photography at Kirkintilloch High School and is passionate about learning, teaching and the power of arts to transform lives. Find her on twitter @TeachArtDesign and her blog is www.fleadbeater.wordpress.com

Jen Blackwell is Creative Founder and Director of DanceSyndrome. Jen has Down’s syndrome but at no point has that got in the way of her aspiration and determination. Ever since leaving mainstream school she wanted to be a community dance worker, but after more than 10 years of searching she never found appropriate training.
In 2009 DanceSyndrome was started and in 2010 Jen found 14 dancers to work with, half of whom had learning disabilities. Together they have grown into a dedicated, inclusive group of learning-disabled Dance Leaders. In 2013 DanceSyndrome became a charity.

Jen is living a fulfilled life, immersed in her passion for dance. She does so alongside other dancers with learning disabilities who also have opportunities to explore their gifts as leaders, dancers, team players, soloists and contributors to society. In doing so, they become role models for others.

Jen is now a well recognised and respected role model and this has been recognised through a number of awards. In September 2015 Jen was thrilled to win “Inspirational Woman of the Year” at the Enterprise Vision Awards 2015. Jen has gone on to be included in the Shaw Trust Power 100 2018 & 2019 and was chosen as the recipient of the Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award in October 2018.
Jen said “Dancing is my life, I am passionate about dance and about supporting people like me to have opportunities in the dance world. Winning awards shows that people with learning disabilities can do amazing things with their lives if given a chance”.

Anna has been a volunteer and dance artist with Dance Syndrome since 2016. She became interested in the company after seeing a performance whilst at university and wanted to be involved. She contacted DanceSyndrome Managing Director Dawn Vickers who invited her to join in with a sponsored dance event. She was also invited to the filming of Orbit at Crosby Beach and enjoyed it so much that she became a regular volunteer for the Wednesday sessions at Plungington Community Centre.

Since graduating, Anna now co-leads that Everybody Dance session with Jodie Turner and also delivers a Contemporary Dance technique session. She has also joined the DS Collective for performance work. Anna has performed with DanceSyndrome in lots of exciting places including Enrich Festival in Watford, The Lowry in Manchester and one of her personal favourites was the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 & 2018!

Anna was also proud to be part of an exciting Arts Council England project in 2019 called “Co-create”. This project explored the dynamics of working collaboratively. Like DanceSyndrome’s approach to co-leading sessions, the project explored co-production between choreographers with and without learning disabilities working together to develop a performance piece.

In 2020 when face-to-face sessions had to close due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Anna proved her adaptability by helping the DanceSyndrome team to adjust to a new way of dancing by delivering online sessions as well as supporting the delivery team with admin duties.

Intermission Youth is a charity helping transform the lives of young people who are ethnically diverse, living in deprivation and lacking opportunities. We believe that constant support, nurture and care in a young person’s life can give them the confidence and belief to make positive choices and change the course of their lives.

For the past twelve years, Intermission Youth has been helping young people to reach their full potential. We use theatre – particularly Shakespeare – as a vehicle to raise self-esteem, confidence and aspirations. Intermission Youth runs a 10 month youth theatre programme and a Community Engagement programme in schools, PRUs, prisons, and community groups. We deliver workshops, motivational talks, touring productions and long term residency projects.

Intermission Youth uses Shakespeare as a mirror to young people’s lives, exploring issues that are relevant and challenging, such as peer-pressure, knife crime, relationships, gang violence, rivalry, family breakdown, jealousy and rage. We make Shakespeare’s works uniquely accessible by exploring the issues, reimagining the plays in a contemporary setting and fusing Shakespearean text with street language.

For more than a decade, Intermission Youth has been using Shakespeare as a vehicle for change, successfully transforming young people’s perceptions and empowering them to be ambitious.

Currently, Aini Butt is working in the role of a primary school teacher and Philosophy for Children (P4C) Lead in an Inner-London primary school in Year Five. She is passionate about developing children’s critical thinking skills through P4C. Furthermore, she aims to create a classroom environment where children are given opportunities to develop Emotional Intelligence. Reflecting on her lived experiences through Art, her blog and poetry has allowed her to become more self-aware; therefore, she endeavours to motivate others to recognise the importance of Emotional Intelligence, especially in educational settings.

TWITTER: @aini_butt
WORDPRESS: https://ainireflects.wordpress.com/

As an ISTE Certified Educator, a Google for Education Certified Trainer & Innovator (#VIA20), an Adobe Education Leader & Creativity Crew Founding Member, a Microsoft Innovative Educator, and an Apple Teacher, Georgina’s goal is to offer creative digital integration support to education communities around the world. Georgina is a visionary education leader, an inspiring writer, podcaster, and keynote speaker, and is keen to impact creative innovation across Europe, Middle East & Africa, where she has been fostering change in education for over a decade. She empowers learners and educators with the 21st century skills, tools, and the confidence they need to be successful members of a global community, to thrive in tomorrow’s competitive job market. Georgina’s especially excited about joining the epic Code Breaker Leadership Team, empowering the leaders of tomorrow with the creative strategies which will fuel their Teams with the innovation spark-to-success (bit.ly/GDBio)

Bob Cox has been presenting ideas about high quality learning and English at regional, national and international conferences for thirteen years. Bob was a teacher for 23 years, before moving into educational consultancy. He is the award-winning author of the ‘Opening Doors’ series of books.

Bob has now supported about 500 schools, encouraging approaches using quality texts to quality writing routes. Developing the skills and knowledge of the teacher is at the centre of this process and how this in turn releases the energy of young writers to excel!

Recent briefs have included online presentations at the Osiris World Summit and ongoing work with Trusts, LAs and schools on creative approaches to a rich English curriculum. He has previously presented at the Education Festival in the UK and for The National Association for the Teaching of English.

The most exciting part of Bob’s work are the links with a growing network of schools and the resulting pupils’ work. Do join us!
Pupils’ Work: Bob Cox – Author Details – Crown House Publishing : link to pupils’ work via each book

Twitter: @BobCox_SFE

Website: www.searchingforexcellence.co.uk

Free online modules: Opening Doors Online Learning Resources – YouTube

Link to Bob’s recent blog: Principles into Practice – Searching for Excellence

Amy has been in secondary education for 18 years. She trained at Liverpool John Moores University gaining a 2:1 degree in BA HONS Physical Education & Dance with QTS. Dance has been part of Amy’s life since the age of 3, where she studied RAD Ballet, Tap and Modern and then at A-level was introduced to the expressive world of contemporary dance. As well as teaching in secondary schools, Amy has taught as an outreach and freelance dance practitioner at Ks1 & 2 and has also taught both Ballet & Tap for local dancing schools. Previously she has been a GCSE Dance moderator for the previous specification AQA. Currently she is a Lead Practitioner on extended SLT.

Working in a borough where deprivation is high and access to the Arts can be very limited Amy has made it her mission to allow pupils to experience the Arts as a performer & choreographer as well as the visiting theatres to see live performances. In current times where Arts are under threat she feels that teachers within her secondary schools need a voice to be heard at various levels whether it be to the professional bodies or those who lead the dance companies. Understanding the time and money constraints placed on those within schools networking and attending courses can be difficult, yet she feels this needs more of a focus and be bespoke to what other dance teachers need.

Amy tweets at @MrsAPreedy

Richard Jeffries is a highly experienced music practitioner, who specialises in choral and vocal work, as well as classroom music. He also composes and arranges music for choirs. He is known for his infectious enthusiasm and an underlying belief that everyone should experience the joy of music. Working with children, young people and adults of all ages, his passion is evident, bringing a memorable music experience to all, whatever their ability. He works regularly with a team of music directors, accompanists and teachers.

Richard is in high demand as a vocal animateur, directing many vibrant choirs and leading workshops. He is Artistic Director of the Singing Community of Choirs, a choral organisation in The Midlands that boasts five choirs of varying ages from 4 to adult and supports schools with curriculum music.

In 2019 Richard was awarded a Churchill Fellowship, which enabled him to travel to Finland, America and Canada for two months to research the impact of music education on young people. Richard is now sharing and implementing his findings in webinars, workshops, talks and music training. He is a member of ISM and the Association of British Choral Directors. Find out more on his website: www.richardjeffries.co.uk. Richard tweets at @richmjeffries.

Imrana Mahmood is a Creative Producer and Arts Educationalist who is committed to redefining the arts scene by enhancing participation, collaboration and inclusivity. She is passionate about working with diverse communities at a grassroots level, with a particular focus on creating a platform for underrepresented voices. As a qualified teacher, Imrana aims to inspire young people by providing creative spaces to enable self-empowerment through arts engagement. Her previous projects include Beyond Borders and Echoes of the Diaspora; she was previously the Community Activist at Revoluton Arts and is currently the Project Officer for Hertfordshire Cultural Education Partnership led by the University of Hertfordshire and supported by Royal Opera House Bridge.

After working as an English and Drama Leader and Curriculum Co-ordinator, Liz has worked for the past 17 years at a N.W. University as a Senior Lecturer. Liz has supported undergraduate and postgraduate students within both ITT and Education Studies programmes through her workshops, lectures, resources and Programme Leadership. Liz’s research has explored drama and its benefits through engaging schools with varied CPD.

After working as both a Drama and English Subject Leader, Clare has worked for the past 18 years with a huge number of schools as an Education Consultant, providing training and CPD in all areas of the curriculum but with a strong focus on English and Drama. She has helped schools to develop subject knowledge, plan their curriculum and lessons, achieve good or above grades for Ofsted, and impact on pupil progress.

Teakster is a child of two different worlds and he uses his artwork to display his experiences.

His work has been featured in publications and exhibitions across the USA, UAE, Europe, and the Far East for over a decade. He has exhibited his work to a diverse range of audience’s, including various world leaders and Middle Eastern royalty.

His artistic style is a fusion of Middle-Eastern artistic traditions and modern techniques inspired by his British upbringing. Weaving together traditions from different artistic spheres, Teakster is known for his symphonies of vibrant colours and designs. He has been continuously evolving his work across multiple disciplines from fine pieces of art to urban street murals. His distinctive style of art and designs are highly sought after by private collectors and design businesses.

His efforts as a mentor and role model have been recognised by UK Prime Minister and he received the Alhambra Award for Excellence in Arts, which recognises the best of Muslim contributions to British society.
His ultimate aim is to bridge different communities and cultures by promoting peace, unity and greater social tolerance, through the serene universal language of art.

Website: www.teakster.co.uk

Instagram: Teakster_art

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teakster/12263502750

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Teakster

Carl is the Learning and Access Officer for Careers for All at Leeds Museums and Galleries. He studied Primary Education at York St. John University and took an advanced professional focus module on AEN (additional educational needs). Carl has worked in museums and heritage education for over 10 years including roles at York Museums Trust, the Royal Armouries Leeds and, most recently, Leeds Museums and Galleries, managing the Careers for All project.

Careers for All is a learning programme which creates career aspiring opportunities for young people with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities). This programme was successful enough to earn the “Learning Programme of the Year 2020” at the Museums and Heritage Awards. Since then Carl has been a guest speaker at several events to promote similar work to be initiated in the wider sector. Carl has also recently consulted for the Natural History Museum and its partners to create a more accessible learning programme for their upcoming “Urban Nature Project”.

You can find Carl on twitter.

“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it, and what you do simply proves what you believe” Simon Sinek

After spending forty exciting years in arts education as a teacher and in leadership roles I carry a passion flag for aspiring talent. My ambition is to give something back to future generations who aspire to follow careers in the visual and expressive arts.

Creative Portal is a talent pool, a place to showcase portfolios and connect with the arts sector, careers and education.

My inspiration is driven by the belief that the arts bring huge benefits to our society and our well being.
Creativity and talent is everywhere, in everybody but opportunity is not. I hope Creative Portal can play a part in making it possible.

It is a work in progress. where our users are invited to help us shape the platforms future at every step of what is a journey.

Kate wants to change the whole world for the better… but she’ll start with Leeds for now! She has worked with object based learning in museums for 17 years for a range of organisations from the National Trust, to Harewood House and IWM North, and is currently the Head of Learning and Access for Leeds Museums and Galleries. She was the 2010-11 Learning Fellow on the Clore Cultural Leadership Programme. Kate is currently the Chair of the Group for Education in Museums (GEM) Yorkshire and Humberside and the Yorkshire Accessible Museums Network, a trustee for Artlink West Yorkshire, and is an Artsmark assessor. Along the way, she has met and worked with many wonderful, amazing people, has learnt so much and is still learning.

@KateHFellows | @LeedsMuseums | @mylearning_org

https://www.mylearning.org/

https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/

Rupinder Sandhu is a Further Education College Lecturer and course leader, she has been teaching for 8 years at Sandwell College in the West Midlands. Rupinder graduated from University with a BA honours in Fine Art and a PGCE in Post Compulsory Education.

Rupinder is a passionate and ambitious educator, she is dedicated to being an advocate for every student’s success. Rupinder’s main goal as an educator is to make the classroom a space for growth, collaboration and inclusion. Majority of Rupinder’s learners come from a deprived area, it is her mission to engage her students providing them with the experiences, opportunities they wouldn’t always have access to.

Rupinder’s passion for young people’s growth is demonstrated through her teaching experience and educational accomplishments. Mental health and well-being have been a key area that Rupinder has dedicated her time to by ensuring students and staff are supported. Outside her job, Rupinder does voluntary talks about careers within the Art Industry. Rupinder is currently studying a CMI qualification in leadership and management in the aim to become a leader within the education sector and introduce new teaching strategies and contribution to student’s performance and experiences towards their future.

Email: rupy_sangha@live.co.uk

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rupinder-sandhu-8322161b6

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5OSbSudforPy6o5ToxVZBA

Sandwell College Instagram: @sandwellart

Sean Dingley is the Director of Music for Ridgeway Education Trust, a multi-academy trust based in Didcot, Oxfordshire, comprising two secondary schools and a primary school. He is also a specialist leader in education and the music subject specialist for the Oxfordshire Teaching Training SCITT.

Rachel Higginson is a passionate advocate for improving the educational experience and outcomes for both teachers and students. She is an education consultant, has been a teacher for 20 years, is a qualified Headteacher and has a wide range of professional experience.

After writing the DFE approved curriculum for a South West free school, Rachel became a consultant to apply her deepened knowledge of curriculum concept and design to supporting Schools and Colleges. She leads professionals in social innovation practice and promotes the value of divergent thinking to bring about change.

Rachel still loves working with young people and designed the ‘Finding my Voice’ project based in Devon. This supports young people to physically and metaphorically ‘find their voice’ and is now running in partnership with Exeter University’s Northcott Theatre. She is currently expanding this project to support vulnerable young people on transition from Primary to Secondary provision.

Her methods combine motivational, inspiring presentation and collaborative working to coach professionals to take a creative approach to innovating their practice. Rachel’s aspiration is to inspire thoughtful, intelligent, meaningful change in the education system to create an engaging experience for students and a better future for all.

Twitter: @creativeHigg
Website: https://higginsoncreativeeducation.com/

Lucy Williams has over 23 years’ experience of teaching in the arts, including national and local museum and gallery settings and challenging secondary schools. Initially working as an Art Historian, Lucy trained to teach Art to bring her love of all aspects of art, inclusion and access to the arts to more young people. She is a passionate supporter of out of classroom learning experiences. Her approach to art has always aimed to be global and over recent years, well-being and mental health have become implicit in her approach to teaching. Providing young people with a voice and a platform for discussion through the arts is at the centre of her work and she firmly believes art can be a vehicle for change. She is passionate about out of classroom learning and the value of the arts in a global and national economy and cultural capital. Lucy tweets as @ms_williams100.

Cate Knight is the founder of EWAN in schools, a creative company that specialises in bringing real world learning into school settings. She has 15 qualified years experience of teaching Creative Arts, Humanities and PSHE in Mainstream schools, has been head of A level and BTEC Swift Performing Arts in Stratford.

Upon Avon and has over 30 years of practical musicianship and theatre performance and direction at her disposal. Cate is passionate about wellbeing, mental health and human rights and has led Unicef Global Issues Conferences for 1,000’s of delegates on current affairs issues, character education and other pastoral topics. She is LGBTQ Safe Space trained and has a qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She is currently researching for her Masters in Character Education with Birmingham University whilst working with young people as a child counsellor with an online youth therapy service. She was the International Baccalaureate Service Learning coordinator for a top tier International school in Beijing and has proven impact in instigating and sustaining social entrepreneurial ventures with young people and building solid and vibrant community links between schools and their local areas. Cate has experience of working with young people in mental well-being and is trauma trained and ACEs instructed. She has been working along side young people aged 10-19 during the pandemic, offering therapeutic guidance, coaching and crisis management. Cate was introduced to Global Citizenship in 2010 when she worked in Malawi, East Africa and, since then, has worked to ensure that all learners have an understanding of the broader world they belong to. She has a bank of international contacts in schools around the globe and has been instrumental in creating schools links on several continents. As part of her dedication to International Cohesion, Cate has undertaken qualifications in all areasof the UN Sustainable Development Goals and can confidently help schools to embed these in their practice. @missymusician81

Since May, 1996, Jessan has been the Founder|Owner of Jessan Dunn Otis, Writer, collaborating with well-funded clients to create custom content for a variety of readables and collaterals, including proofreading, editing, product descriptions, email blasts, news releases, website content; and, much more.

Prior to founding her own company as an independent, freelance strategic writer, Jessan was an Adjunct Professor at Bryant University (Smithfield, Rhode Island) and the Community College of Rhode Island (Providence and Lincoln, Rhode Island campuses), primarily teaching undergraduate writing and literature courses.

With a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English from the University of Rhode Island (Kingston, Rhode Island) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Poetry from the Graduate Programs in Literary Arts, Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island), Jessan’s poetry has been published in various literary journals since Spring, 1988. In addition, Jessan has given readings of her work in Rhode Island, Boston, MA; and Bellagio, Italy.

Jessan lives and works in Rhode Island with her husband, Al.

Jessan Dunn Otis’ website/blog: http://JessanDunnOtis-Writer.com
Jessan Dunn Otis on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/JessanDunnOtis
Jessan Dunn Otis on Twitter: @JessanDunnOtis

Since May, 1996, Jessan has been the Founder|Owner of Jessan Dunn Otis, Writer, collaborating with well-funded clients to create custom content for a variety of readables and collaterals, including proofreading, editing, product descriptions, email blasts, news releases, website content; and, much more.

Prior to founding her own company as an independent, freelance strategic writer, Jessan was an Adjunct Professor at Bryant University (Smithfield, Rhode Island) and the Community College of Rhode Island (Providence and Lincoln, Rhode Island campuses), primarily teaching undergraduate writing and literature courses.

With a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English from the University of Rhode Island (Kingston, Rhode Island) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Poetry from the Graduate Programs in Literary Arts, Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island), Jessan’s poetry has been published in various literary journals since Spring, 1988. In addition, Jessan has given readings of her work in Rhode Island, Boston, MA; and Bellagio, Italy.

Jessan lives and works in Rhode Island with her husband, Al.

Jessan Dunn Otis’ website/blog: http://JessanDunnOtis-Writer.com
Jessan Dunn Otis on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/JessanDunnOtis
Jessan Dunn Otis on Twitter: @JessanDunnOtis

Zohab Zee Khan is a performance poet, motivational speaker, life coach and YouTuber.Zohab has conducted over a thousand poetry and self- development workshops and performances across the globe in various international schools and writers festivals. Through his unique teaching style and self development writing techniques he has inspired learning and confidence in countless young people. Zohab regularly creates online self development and educational video content for his followers and has used his dynamic ability to connect with young people to provide tailored mentoring sessions.In 2014 he was crowned the National Poetry Slam Champion of Australian and was runner up at the International Poetry Slam in Madrid. He also co-founded The Pakistan Poetry Slam in 2015. His first poetry collection “I Write” reached best-seller status in Australia within months of its release. As a 4th generation Australian of Pakistani heritage and having been raised in regional Australia, Zohab has channelled his distinct life experiences into stories with the intent to educate. He seamlessly integrates Urdu and Punjabi into his work as he confronts a range of issues. Zohab’s energetic performance and powerful words have left countless inspired. www.zohabzee.com

After many years of teaching and leading languages and business studies in secondary schools across the Eastern region, Suzanne is now a part-time Research Fellow, teacher educator and coach. She undertook her Masters in Education at Cambridge University and was then awarded a PhD studentship with the School of Education at the University of Hertfordshire. Her research interests include teacher wellbeing, what it means to be struggling as a teacher, coaching and mentoring (especially Early Careers Teachers) and educational leadership. She has a particular interest in arts-based methods and has used collage extensively in research projects and in professional learning workshops. She is currently working on an Erasmus+ funded research project – ENABLES – exploring the use of arts-based and embodied approaches to leadership development. Suzanne is blog editor for BELMAS and a committee member for IPDA England; she is also a CollectivED Fellow. She tweets at @SuzanneCulshaw and @EnablesUH.

Jackie is an advisor, social enabler, and older dancer. In 2008, she left her fulltime management career (1976-1980, 1987-2008) at a vocational assessment organisation where she led teams developing Health & Social Care, Community Development and Creative Crafts qualifications. Previously, she had studied Creative Dance, Laban Art of Movement Studio, Addlestone and Trent Park College (1966-9); Sociology/Education (BEdHons 1975), Goldsmiths University, taught in schools (1969-1974) and dance adult-education tutor (1978-1987). In 2017, she graduated from Middlesex University with a doctorate (DProf). The research thesis/report was a transdisciplinary case study bringing together her dance, community and various work activities.

Some past and present activities:

• attending dance sessions
• performing in several older dancers’ companies and intergenerational projects
• founding/managing an older people’s dance organisation, after 6 years handing it to dance-artist entrepreneurs. It is now incorporated into a dance organisation for all ages.
• advising/mentoring ex-colleagues and younger artists
• chairing the development of a local Community Arts Centre. (1980-1987)
• co-chairing the DWP/Age Action Alliance creative arts and older people’s group. (2014-2017)
• TEDx Tottenham presenter.(2014)
• advising – Age UK London “Age Allies” Project about language and stereotyping. (2017-2019)
• member of Ransackers Association. (2006 onwards)
• Presenting and sharing ideas at conferences, seminars and committees.

Contact details and videos
Contact jackie134@btopenworld.com
Access to doctorate thesis report
Creative Dance London. www.creativedancelondon.org
Damn Fine Dance www.damnfinedance.com
It’s Only Ever Now – Damn Fine Dance https://vimeo.com/179453445
Farewell to Age Allies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTH3ADxUUGI
Move Dance Feel www.movedancefeel.com
TEDxTottenham Sing, Dance and Smile https://youtu.be/ksRWurOqr24

Jessica Austin-Burdett is an experienced art and design teacher and leader with a passion for creativity and interdisciplinary unison, holding a variety of educational positions in diverse inner-city schools over the years. An experienced teacher trainer and mentor she has had the pleasure of being involved in many interdisciplinary projects that have contributed to her pedagogical approaches and philosophy. Jessica participates in and contributes to many groups that promote and explore the benefits of an arts based or creative education and has always advocated for the arts playing a fundamental role in a child’s educational experience. A lifelong learner, Jessica completed an MA in education whilst having her first child and has presented at many educational events and conferences. Jessica tweets at @artteachjess.

Roz graduated in music from King’s College London, specialising in composition. She started her career in classical music artist management, supporting the work of musical artists and composers internationally. A move into the music education sector saw her lead the development of a London state primary school’s innovative music programme, including the planning, fundraising and construction of a designated music centre for the school and community. Most recently, after five years as Music Masters’ Learning Director, Roz became Chief Executive Officer in September 2020.

Roz is still a keen violinist and piano teacher and is a Trustee of the Manorfield Charitable Foundation, a charity attached to state primary school in Tower Hamlets. She holds a Certificate in Fundraising from the Institute of Fundraising and the ILM Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching & Mentoring.

www.musicmasters.org.uk
Twitter: @rozdevile & @ukmusicmasters
Facebook: @ukmusicmasters
Instagram: @ukmusicmasters

Virginia is an experienced actress and an early years and families theatre specialist with expertise in rights-based child engagement. She became Director of Wee Stories Early Years Project (2001-3), writing/directing/touring 5 plays: Hare & Tortoise; Wee Witches; Molly Whuppie; Quangle Wangle & A piece of Cake – NMS Promenade. Founded Licketyspit (2004), writing/directing 3 new plays – Heelie-Go-Leerie; Green Whale; Magic Spaghetti. All plays have teaching and family play resources. LicketyLeap (2008-now) innovative theatre as early intervention for 3-5’s, presented at international conferences. Studies show transformational impact on children’s confidence, social skills, emotional literacy, resilience, language, literacy in areas of deprivation, often 100% parental engagement. Licketyspit actor-pedagogues, expert in children’s rights-based drama-led play, lead work in Storyplay Schools programme, community settings & online – including intergenerational play and food sessions – Porridge & Play; Picnic & Play (Arts/cultural spaces); Bookplay; Porridge & Play Online – families share imaginary play via Zoom. Licketyspit’s Children & Families Network is a vibrant community of families who share Licketyspit’s ethos of children’s human rights, inclusivity and possibility. Recent developments include Have your Say Through Play children’s rights consultations. Virginia is on IPA Scotland Board & member of The Children’s Strategic Forum.

Website: https://www.licketyspit.com
Facebook: @LicketyspitTheatre
Twitter: @LicketyTweet

Ruby is the Creative Producer of the Children & Families Network and a Lead Actor Pedagogue at Licketyspit, who has facilitated Storyplay workshops in schools, community settings and recently in Porridge & Play Online. Ruby also leads on our Have Your Say Through Play project. Ruby studied languages, political activism and community autonomy.

Daniel Langley has worked as a drama teacher, Head of Year, Head of Department and is currently Head of Performing Arts Faculty at Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School. He works as an examiner and moderator for the Eduqas exam board and advises other drama departments as a Specialist Leader in Education. Daniel is an EdD candidate at UCL Institute of Education and his research has been published by the Chartered College of Teaching in their Impact journal and in their internationally focused Education Exchange Publication.

Before becoming a teacher, Daniel was an actor, working in venues such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Bath Theatre Royal and The Bush Theatre

Twitter @Daniel_Langley1

Andrew Bernard or Bernie to everyone who knows him, was an underachiever at school, preferring to be at the back of the class instead of using his brains. He left his Grammar School with an E and a U at A level which you could say was a wake-up call. UCAS Clearing and his mum were at hand to help and he decided he needed to leave his hometown and went away to college in North Wales.

After three successful years and a Distinction in HND in Business and Finance, one of his testicles tried to kill him. Following a delicate operation and a course of chemotherapy he went on to work in numerous jobs for 17 years he still felt something was missing. He did a fire walk at 38 years old and decided he needed to work with young people.

He started Innovative Enterprise in 2006 and the company has delivered more than 1,800 workshops and talks internationally, with 160,000 people in schools, colleges and universities with a professional team of facilitators. Sessions cover creativity and enterprise with Enterprise Soapbox, Stock Market Challenge is about risk and teamwork and LAUNCH is motivation for students. His book, The Ladder, was published Feb 2021.

Twitter: @EnterpriseSBox
Web: www.innnovativeenterprise.co.uk
Enterprise Soapbox page: https://innovativeenterprise.co.uk/portfolio/enterprise-soapbox-the-ultimate-enterprise-workshop/
Author page: https://innovativeenterprise.co.uk/author/

Nicole Ponsford FRSA is the Co-CEO and Founder of the GEC (Global Equality Collective), an online community of 15k+, a Collective of 100s subject matter experts and the world’s first app for diversity and inclusion in education and business. In 2005, Nic won a national Teaching Award for her use of new technologies and inclusive work across the South of England. She is a featured columnist and author for the Times Educational Supplement and The Guardian, and regularly speaks on educational inclusion, disadvantage, edtech and whole school change at national and international conferences. In 2014, her first book `TechnoTeaching; Taking Your Practice to The Next Level in a Digital World’ was published by Harvard. The GEC was formed in 2018 and is now an award-winning and disruptive force #SmashingStereotypes in homes, schools and workplaces.

@GECCollect

@GECFutures

@nicoleponsford

www.thegec.org

www.smashingstereotypes.co.uk

Vicky Wilkinson has been a teacher at Hays Specialist Recruitment since 2016. A fully qualified Drama teacher her current responsibilities include teaching and covering lessons, mainly at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, in a variety of settings across Merseyside and Cheshire. Vicky has had long-term assignments every academic year since qualifying in 2016 and has taught Drama, English, Music, Performing Arts and P.S.H.E to secondary students in mixed and single gender schools.

Prior to qualifying as a teacher Vicky had a varied career: performing professionally as part of Live Wire Productions, a theatre-in-education company; working in hospitality, retail, and engineering and, at one point, as a NHS receptionist. She is also a qualified pharmacy dispenser, skills she put to use at the beginning of the pandemic.

A keen and passionate lover of the arts Vicky has danced since childhood, is musical – sings, plays violin and guitar – enjoys performing and has written and performed her own work achieving an award for “Best Moment of Theatre” at the 2010 S.C.D.A Festival of One Act Plays.

A graduate of Staffordshire University, achieving her P.G.D.E at Liverpool John Moores University, Vicky considers teaching the most rewarding occupation she’s ever had.

Twitter: Miss. W. @vewilk213

Yvonne is an educator by profession and has experience working in the primary, secondary and further education sectors both in a voluntary capacity and paid employment. Her determination and passion for learning has awarded her a number of qualifications including her most recent 1st class honours degree in English. She sees lifelong learning as an important aspiration that everyone should endeavour to.

As a child, Yvonne was encouraged by her late grandmother to fulfil her potential for writing by having poems published in the local newspapers. Having been brought up in the Caribbean, much of her writing is influenced by the patois dialect of Jamaica. Yvonne is actively involved with her church where she uses her writing skills to create and edit plays and poems. She was a mentor for a sixth form college group that published creative writing and art – in which she has had some writing published. In addition, Yvonne uses social media as an avenue for her writing and has a blog site where she records her thoughts. She has a zest for life and all that it offers which is evident in her life writing. She continues to write her autobiography and other pieces which she hopes to have published in the future. Her experiences are her muse.

Dan Edwards’ experiences has led him from a world of teaching a timetable of GCSEs and A-Levels to an even more complex career of holding leadership roles in both secondary and primary sectors, notwithstanding a long spell working in various education units in adolescent residential social care, to a brief sojourn teaching post-graduates as a visiting lecturer at universities. To then, finally, a principal of a large primary school. In addition to his role as principal, I Dan is a regular columnist for both Teach Primary and The Headteacher magazine, where he shares his views and opinions on leadership, school culture and teaching and learning.

Mel Simpson (BA hons; QTS) is a choreographer, facilitator and dance education specialist, advocating equality and wellbeing for all. After training on scholarship at both Trinity Laban and subsequently Bird College, she graduated with a BA (hons) degree in Dance and Theatre Performance and in recent years has begun studying and teaching the anatomically mindful Simonson Technique (NYC). Mel has worked internationally with contemporary & physical theatre companies, with actors and singers in musical theatre and opera, and collaborated on numerous large-scale projects such as Secret Cinema, Opera Holland Park and the London Olympics 2012. Alongside choreographing, Mel designs and delivers diverse dance curriculum workshops and CPD to hundreds of schools/colleges annually, for Primary, KS3, GCSE, BTEC and A Level Dance Provision – currently online. During Lockdown, Mel founded the online global wellbeing communities ‘Dance Align’, for dancers and teachers and ‘Dance or Draw’, which brings both art and dance enthusiasts together with exuberant artistic experiences. Mel is a public speaker, featuring in podcasts, career talks and had her article on student/teacher wellbeing published by One Dance UK: https://www.onedanceuk.org/wellbeing-sessions-supporting-teachers-and-young-people-mid-pandemic/

Facebook @MelSimpsonDance | Twitter @MelSimpsonDance | Instagram @mel_simpson_dance
https://linktr.ee/melsimpsondance | http://www.melsimpsondance.co.uk/

Lucy Rycroft-Smith is a former maths teacher and a mathematics education researcher and designer. She currently works at Cambridge Mathematics, designing an international research-based Framework for mathematics learning 3-19. She is an international writer and speaker on mathematics education and gender/sexuality in education, and the co-editor of Flip The System UK: A Teachers’ Manifesto (Routledge, 2017) and writer of The Equal Classroom: Life-Changing Thinking About Gender (Routledge, 2019).

Lisa Stephenson is a Senior Lecturer in the school of Education at Leeds Beckett University. She is Course Leader for the MA Drama and Creative Writing in Education and teaches Creative Arts and Drama for Learning across all ITE Undergraduate and Postgraduate routes. Drawing on her background in Psychology and experience as a Primary School teacher and Senior Leader, Lisa has worked creatively with a range of vulnerable young people using targeted interventions. She is Founder and Director of Story Makers Company and Story Makers Press, a practice-based research social enterprise at Leeds Beckett University. Her research and practice explores the way in which drama processes can activate children’s learning, social and emotional development. Lisa also works with a wide range of Artist Educators, schools and communities, developing research opportunities in areas such as Social Change and positive Mental Well-being.

Annie started her career as a Nursery Nurse working across Early Years and the Primary sector before becoming a lecturer and has taught in both Further and Higher Education delivering Early Years through to Teacher Training, with one of her roles being a Professional Development Manager, before becoming Freelance setting up both Creating Educational Spaces Ltd and #ReflectConnect space over on Twitter. Follow @AnniePendrey

Annie has written several academic journals, has publications within books and writes regularly with her reflective practice book due to be released Sept 2021. As well as currently studying for her Doctorate in Philosophy Annie has a passion for and involvement in many creative research projects.

Lisa Fernandez Adams has been teaching Dance for 19 years and is currently Director of Teaching and Learning at a Sixth Form College in Southampton, UK. Lisa has taught in selected entry and mixed comprehensive schools as well as sixth form colleges. She was formerly Head of Performing Arts and has been privileged to teach Dance for every year of her teaching career. What inspires Lisa is allowing students achieve what they sometimes don’t know is possible! She strives to provide aspirational experiences for those she teaches and to allow students to work to the highest of levels, producing work that they are proud of. Through Dance Lisa has given students top quality performance opportunities, and they are encouraged in a safe environment to aspire to the highest standards. Lisa have produced, directed, choreographed 10 large scale musicals, 8 dance entries to a national dance competition which received huge success in the South of England as well as working with numerous successful dance companies to give students opportunities beyond their expectations.

Twitter @LisaFernandez78

Alfie Payne is an eighteen-year-old entrepreneur, company director and employer. The Managing Director of Ape Technology Solutions Ltd and Ape Event and Media Production Ltd, his companies employ seven people, and have – within just a year – worked with over fifty brands in three countries. Alfie puts down his interest in the industries he works in down to the extra-curricular activities he got involved with in school, such as running the sound and lighting for performing art events.

You can connect with Alfie on Twitter, at twitter.alfiepayne.me (@AlfiePayne5) and on LinkedIn, at in.alfiepayne.me. Ape Events – your technical event partners. www.ape.events Ape Technology Solutions – your partner through the jungle of technology. www.ape-technology.solutions

Dr. Penny Hay is an artist, educator, Reader in Creative Teaching and Learning, Senior Lecturer in Arts Education, School of Education; Research Fellow, Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries; Bath Spa University and Director of Research, House of Imagination. Signature projects include School Without Walls and Forest of Imagination. Penny is also a co-founder of Bath Cultural Education Partnership.

Penny’s doctoral research focused on children’s learning identity as artists. She is Co-Investigator on the AHRC Global Challenges Research project ‘Rethinking waste: Compound 13 Lab’ in Mumbai. Penny is a visiting Lecturer at Plymouth College of Art and co-designed their MA in Creative Education.

Penny coordinates the South West Creative Education Hub, is strand leader for Creative Pedagogy in the Policy, Pedagogy and Practice Research Centre, Associate Director of TRACE at Bath Spa University. She is on the Steering Group of the APPG for Art Craft and Design Education and on the Advisory Groups for the Cultural Learning Alliance, HundrED (Finland), Crafts Council Learning and Development and co-chair of What Next? West and RSA Bath Network.

Penny was awarded by Action for Children’s Arts for her contribution to arts education and by Creative Bath for her work in creative education.

Social Media Handles

Twitter @PenAHay @houseimaginatn @forestimaginatn @schwithoutwalls

Insta forestofimagination

Linkedin https://uk.linkedin.com/in/penny-hay-5982b01a

BA (HONS) Textile and Surface Design

PGCE (Primary)

MA Art Therapy with Distinction

Lucy trained as a primary school teacher in 2012. After working in primary education where she taught reception and year 5, she discovered the world of alternative provision. Lucy started working at Aspire Alternative Provision in 2015. She gained experience teaching English to KS3 and KS4 at Aspire’s pupil referral units and currently teaches at their Hospital Teaching Service at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and National Spinal Injuries Centre.

Passionate about art and mental health and with her heart set on becoming an art psychotherapist in an educational setting, she completed her Masters in Art Therapy and qualified in 2019. Whilst training she gained experience working with children at a primary school in London, at a secondary pupil referral unit in Oxfordshire and at a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Her current and first qualified role as an Art Psychotherapist started in 2020 at Aspire Alternative Provision. Lucy is a registered Art Psychotherapist with The Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) which is a legal requirement to practice and she is a full member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).

Instagram: wild_poppy_art_therapy

Wayne Roberts has had a lifelong passion for the arts. After completing his degree at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama he started his career in education. His career has spanned the last 20 years including working for Creative Arts Education, teaching within the adult sector for ‘Seasons Art’ as a Class Teacher and Art Subject Leader in primary schools. For the last 2 years he has taken on the role of Art Specialist Teacher at Dalmain Primary School in South East London, teaching the subject from EYFS to Y6. Within his recent appointment he has utilised his vast teaching experience to create access points for emerging artists of all ages. The art curriculum he has developed goes way beyond the knowledge and skills at the core of the National Art Curriculum, he implements a diverse set of techniques that promote challenge and aspirational outcomes for all children. His development of the art curriculum has received outstanding praise from Ofsted. Followers on social media have been inspired by the portfolio of his, and the children’s work, which has been celebrated within the local and wider community. His proudest achievement is instilling a love of art within his pupils.

Place of Work: Dalmain Primary School, London

Web Links:
Twitter: @dalmain_art
Instagram: dalmain_art

Steve Waters has over 45 years’ experience in education. He taught for 30 years in High Schools, holding the posts consecutively of Head of Drama, Head of English and Associate Principal, with responsibility for Literacy across the Curriculum. Between 2008-2010, he founded and ran a fringe theatre company in Manchester, performing an original play on the impact of PTSD on a war veteran returning from Afghanistan.

Steve is a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and an elected member of council. He is a First Aid Mental Health Instructor and a counsellor. He is now committed to supporting schools to develop a culture of staff wellbeing and mental health through his company, Teach Well Alliance. Steve has four grown-up children and lives on the edge of Salford Quays, a mile from Media City.

According to a Key Stage 2 child in London, “Bryn is a genius.” However, his friends and family know the truth.

Bryn worked in various UK schools for over 20 years as a teacher and school leader. In 2013, he founded Tagtiv8. His pioneering approaches to Physically Active Learning (PAL) help schools take learning beyond the classroom walls – crucial when challenging the increasing problem of sedentary lifestyles. 

Bryn is co-director of Move&Learn (CIC) – as well as advising the BBC and the Premier League on their education content.

Social Media

Twitter:

@tagtiv8

@moveandlearnuk

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Tagtiv8

https://www.facebook.com/MoveAndLearnUK

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/Tagtiv8_active_learning/

https://www.instagram.com/moveandlearn/

MCCT Education Consultant & Artist. Supporting the well-being of young people in education through creative practice. She is a content creator, writer and photographer. Flo has had over 10 years teaching experience in challenging and urban environments. She has a PGCE In Art and Design andan MA in Education. She talks about growing up in London to parents who came to England from Nigeria. Her positive Interaction and communication with students has helped her forge strong positive relationships in the education sector. She uses the power of art to help with early Intervention Strategies for young people, working to raise achievement in all learners, by encouraging them, raising their self-esteem, and aspiring confidence in them. Her fun loving and exuberant personality exudes a quiet confidence and steely determination to succeed in all things.A graphic designer by trade, as a textile designer, Flo now mixes oration, and communication within her work. She creates abstract compositions that hark back to West African traditions of using textiles as a means of commemoration and communication. They are pieces constructed from snippets of conversation through oral history, serving to maintain a rich cultural identity and heritage.

Twitter: @Maverikartz

Solo exhibitions
2017: Solo exhibition, Making Stories Telling Tales II, Gida Collective, London

2016: Solo exhibition, Making Stories, Telling Tales, Tafari Gallery, Bristol

2016: Solo exhibition, Making Stories Telling Tales, London

2016: Solo exhibition, Authenticity; Homage to Olapeju, London

2009: Solo exhibition, Linea, London

Group Exhibitions

2019: artsdepot Open Exhibition, London

2019: Black British Visual Artists [BBVA] Here & Now, Expressions of the Black British Experience, London

2017: ‘The Front Room’ Brixton Design Trail ‘Love Carnival’ London Design FestivalWorkshops

2018: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: Fabric Africa, Family fun