Following a key note address, this free conference will provide the opportunity for participants to attend a variety of presentations to reflect upon the wide ranging work that colleagues from Edge Hill University and partner schools have been undertaking to research developments within the Primary and Early Years curriculum.

We will reflect upon:

• Developments within the curriculum
• Alternative approaches to teaching and learning
• The impact of change within the curriculum
• The importance of Partnership - researching together

The key note speaker is Ian Thompson, Visiting Professor at Northumbria University with a speech titled 'Evidenced-based Frameworks: Myth or Reality?'. 

Ian will question the ‘evidence' underpinning recommendations for the teaching of number to be found in the Primary National Strategy Revised Framework and the Early Years Foundation Stage Practice Guidance.

Other presentations and workshops will be led by Primary and Early Years Lecturers from Edge Hill University, including:

• The Rose Review by Val Chamberlain, exploring the challenges, benefits and opportunities in subject-specific placements for pupils, teachers, trainee teachers, Local Authorities and ITT providers.
• Partnership Development Schools Project by Marion Hobbs and Cait Simpson, discussing the perspectives of the key stakeholders involved in the project.
• Professional Collaboration by Ann-Marie Gordon, addressing the question, 'What Do Primary Trainee Teachers Need To Know About Professional Collaboration?'
• The External Environment by Maureen O'Shaughnessy, revealing how personal learning and thinking skills can be developed through 'Learning Outside Classroom.'
• Every Child Counts by Nick Dowrick, outlining the work of Edge Hill University and Lancashire County Council in developing a 1-1 support programme for Year 2 children falling behind in mathematics and a professional development programme preparing Teacher Leaders and Intensive Support Teachers to implement Every Child Counts nationwide. 
• Developments in Technology and Their Potential Impact on our Expectations of What Children Can Do by Matt Ferdinand, exploring the extent to which technology can transform the ICT curriculum. 
• ICT and the Creative Curriculum: A Sound Approach? by Sian Onions, taking a creative approach to the teaching and learning of ICT through the use of sound recording and podcasting at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.  
• The Key Skills and Thinking Skills Curriculum by David Barker and Carol Darbyshire, exploring the use of a generic framework for the development of a thinking and problem-solving curriculum- TASC (Thinking Actively in a Social Context).
• Creativity by Anita Chamberlain, exploring the links between Art and Religious Education.
• Music in Schools by Professor Martin Ashley, discussing the National Singing Programme, exciting opportunities for Professional Development in singing leadership and a new digital archive of children's singing games created by Edge Hill University.

For more information or to book your place at this event, please contact Janine Fawcett on fawcettj@edgehill.ac.uk.