On 30 October, LEO Academy Trust were delighted to welcome 500 guests, Trustees, Governors and members of staff to our 2023 conference, following the theme of ‘The Digital Future’. Throughout the day, we explored the ways in which technology is changing our world and how we can use it to better prepare our pupils for the future.

We were honoured to have Graphic Recorder and Facilitator, Eleanor Beer, with us to capture the day by illustrating the key messages that were discussed by keynote speakers and LEO Academy Trust staff.

Throughout the day, we heard from keynote speakers: Ty Goddard, Dan Fitzpatrick, Dean Stokes, Fiona Aubrey-Smith, Baasit Siddiqui, Lawrence Tijjani, and Jaz Ampaw-Farr. All of our prestigious speakers shared their expertise and insights on the rapidly evolving digital world, and how we can prepare our pupils for it. 

We were also joined by children from across LEO for a Pupil Panel facilitated by Ty Goddard. They explored how technology is used to enhance their learning, and which tools they utilise to support in lessons. It was wonderful to hear first hand how the implementation of our Digital Strategy has affected our pupils, and we are excited to continue providing them with opportunities to support their growth. 

Our afternoon workshop provided our guests with a firsthand opportunity to explore how technology can enrich our curriculum. They had the chance to delve into emerging tools they might not have previously encountered, while also getting their queries addressed. We were thrilled to host a diverse array of experts including Baasit Siddiqui, Dom Traynor, Dan Fitzpatrick, Fiona Aubrey-Smith, Julaan Govier, Matt Clements, Graeme Wood, Evo Hannan, Mark Bentley, Emma Dallimore, Lawrence Tijjani, Becca Harle, Jamie Lewry, Gustavo Ebermann, Lynda Wall, Deirdre Love, as well as teams from Canopy, Habitude, School Online, Amazing People Schools, Raising Robots, and Eduthing. Together, they conducted a wide range of workshops that facilitated our guests in embracing innovative digital concepts wholeheartedly.

LEO Academy Trust's vision is that Technology for Learning will enable children, staff, and parents to enhance their teaching and learning. Effective use of technology for learning will be seen when children are more engaged in their learning, can independently select the appropriate resources and as a result of utilising technology for learning, children’s outcomes and experiences are enriched and enhanced.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make our 2023 conference a huge success. The superb participation from all staff, governors, and trustees throughout the day was the perfect way to deepen our commitment to great Learning communities;  Excellence for all; and endless Opportunities.