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The Twilight Collection

A selection of cost effective practical twilight CPD sessions on a range of important topics for schools everywhere

We know money's tight in schools currently.

But we also know the need for high quality CPD hasn't gone away.

That's why we've put together this new fixed-price collection of Twilight sessions from some of our top Associates.

From practical classroom ideas for teaching and learning to approaches to support the well-being of all staff and much more in between, there is something for every school.

Each twilight session last for around 90 minutes and, of course, comes with our satisfaction guarantee. Your staff will stay awake, we promise!

The price is £750 plus expenses plus VAT and we have also included the Associate's home location to give you an indication of what the mileage might be.

The idea is there are no accommodation costs, except with prior consultation with you.

That said, as they are often out and about on the road, it's worth checking with us to find a date when they might be in your area anyway.

What's more, if it suits you better, we can also deliver any of these session live and online at a time to suit you or even pre-record them.

Have a look though the list below (we are adding more as the weeks go by), choose who and what you like the look of, then give Dave Harris a call on 01267 211432 or drop him an email.

He will then put you in touch with the Associate directly to plan the session in more detail and ensure it is tailored to your specific needs. 

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you make the most of what little CPD budget you have.

 

NB If there is any CPD topic your schools needs that isn't on the list, let us know by emailing us here so we can put something bespoke together for you.

 


 

Using AI Safely in Your School

Mark Anderson
Mark Anderson
Location
Bristol (within 100 miles)
Audience
All StaffAll KS

Most staff are already using AI in some form, often without being sure what is safe and what isn't.

In this practical session Mark will help colleagues understand what should never go into an AI tool, how to check what it gives back and how to protect pupils' personal data. Built around your school's own policy and the tools you provide, staff leave clear on what good, safe use looks like in your setting.

Getting More from the Technology You Already Have

Mark Anderson
Mark Anderson
Location
Bristol (within 100 miles)
Audience
All StaffAll KS

Schools have spent a great deal on devices and platforms, yet most staff use only a small part of what they offer.

Drawing on more than twenty years of teaching and school leadership, Mark will show colleagues the underused features of Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace that make the biggest difference to teaching, learning and workload, from accessibility tools to quick ways to check understanding and give feedback. Every idea starts with the teaching, and staff can try it the next day.

Teaching Children About AI

Mark Anderson
Mark Anderson
Location
Bristol (within 100 miles)
Audience
All StaffPrimary

Children meet AI long before anyone teaches them what it is: it chooses their next video, finishes their sentences and answers their questions in a voice that sounds sure of itself.

In this session Mark will show primary staff how to help children understand how AI works, question what it tells them and keep themselves safe, using practical activities that need no pupil devices or AI accounts. Staff leave with lesson ideas they can use straight away, from Year 1 to Year 6.

Finding Peace in the Chaos

Nathan Arnold
Nathan Arnold
Location
Lincs
Audience
All staffAll KS

For educators who feel they are constantly firefighting, this practical session explores what creates calm, connection and a sense of control when school life feels relentless.

Nathan will help colleagues look at how to sustain themselves, maintain perspective and find meaning in their work, without 'well-being' becoming simply another task to fit in.

Creating Classrooms That Engage

Nathan Arnold
Nathan Arnold
Location
Lincs
Audience
All StaffKS2–5

A practical look at engagement and motivation – what makes students want to attend, participate and learn?

In this session Nathan will draw on personal experience to helps schools reexamine relationships, belonging, environment, challenge and curiosity to create a culture that helps all learners feel interested, connected, capable and willing to engage.

Adaptive Teaching

Lisa Jane Ashes
Lisa Jane Ashes
Location
Tyne & Wear
Audience
All StaffKS2–5

This practical session will look at the protocols for teaching that make adaptation a seamless part of every day practice.

With ideas for use across the curriculum, Lisa will draw on her experience working in all sorts of schools to show how adaptive teaching done well can improve engagement, behaviour and outcomes.

Embedding Literacy Across the Curriculum

Lisa Jane Ashes
Lisa Jane Ashes
Location
Tyne & Wear
Audience
All StaffKS2–5

Another practical session, this one explores how improved reading, writing, speaking and listening can be embedded across the school to improve outcomes in all subjects.

Along with instant takeaways for all classrooms, Lisa will help colleagues will also look at curriculum design to ensure high level literacy skills can be introduced, practised and developed with all ages and abilities.

Peer Coaching for All

Jackie Beere
Jackie Beere
Location
Northants
Audience
All StaffAll KS

A practical research-backed session to introduce all teaching staff to the purpose, practice and benefits of coaching each other, as well as peer-to-peer coaching between students.

Jackie will help colleagues explore how peer coaching can help improve behaviour, belonging and relationships to create an inclusive culture of allies.

Preparing for the SEND Reforms

Ginny Bootman
Ginny Bootman
Location
Northants
Audience
All StaffAll KS

An interactive, practical session focused on what the SEND reforms will mean for class teachers and how schools can begin preparing now.

Rather than simply seeing SEND as what the SENDCo does, Ginny will show colleagues how to translate the reforms into effective classroom practice, whilst building teacher confidence and identifying practical actions that staff can take.

Who Does What with Regard to SEND?

Ginny Bootman
Ginny Bootman
Location
Northants
Audience
All StaffAll KS

A highly practical and interactive session designed to answer a deceptively simple question - who actually does what when it comes to SEND?

By asking class teachers, the SENDCo and senior leaders to independently consider what they believe sits within each person's role and responsibilities, Ginny helps schools think about what the class teacher should be doing, when the SENDCO should become involved and where does responsibility of senior leadership lie.

Throughout the session, decisions are captured and used to collaboratively create a bespoke 'SEND Delegation Matrix' that ensures colleagues leave with an agreed and practical framework setting out who leads, who contributes, who needs to be consulted and when responsibilities should be escalated.

Introducing Relational Practice

Patrick Cozier
Patrick Cozier
Location
London
Audience
All StaffAll KS
Drawing on experience introducing relational practice into a multicultural north London secondary school, Patrick will help schools examine what relational practice is, how it impacts behaviour, inclusion, relationships and outcomes and how to make a whole-school shift away from more punitive approaches.

Working Smarter, Not Harder - Getting More Out of Learners, Without Giving More of Yourself!

Mark Creasy
Mark Creasy
Location
London and South East
Audience
All StaffPrimary
In the practical, entertaining and 'life-saving' session, Mark shares countless strategies, tips and techniques proven to get more out of the children in your classrooms without staff working harder or spending hours planning or marking.
Drawing on many of the ideas from his book Independent Thinking on Primary Teaching, he will not only show how to save time, money and energy on a daily basis, but also how games and thinking challenges can engage, motivate and increase independence for all learners.

Play-based Learning in Key Stage One – and Beyond

Tina Farr
Tina Farr
Location
Oxford
Audience
All StaffPrimary

We're not quite sure why, but play-based learning seems to be controversial in EYFS these days.

But what happens when you extend this approach into Key Stage one and beyond?

In this practical and inspiring session, Tina will describe how she had done exactly that in her Oxfordshire primary school. Where do you start? What are the challenges? What do the parents say? And, of course, what is the impact on attainment, attendance and engagement?

Creating Curious Learning in Your School

Dave Harris
Dave Harris
Location
Midlands
Audience
All StaffAll KS

Interactive and enjoyable, full of hands-on wonders and curiosities, Dave's highly popular session considers the neuroscience of learning and how curiosity and wonder are the perfect 'hooks' to improve motivation, engagement, behaviour and outcomes.

Colleagues will explore how wonder can be part of their regular classroom practice and also how it can be used to improve transition at all stages of school life.

Leadership Dialogues: What Works and Why

Dave Harris
Dave Harris
Location
Midlands
Audience
Middle and Aspirant LeadersAll KS

A practical session drawing on Dave's award-winning Leadership Dialogues books with Professor John West-Burnham, it will focus on helping middle and aspirant leaders become the sort of leader who makes a difference across the school.

It is suitable for anyone either taking first step on their leadership journey or simply wanting to reflect on and improve how they lead.

Why learn a language in an AI world?

Crista Hazell
Crista Hazell
Location
South West and Wales
Audience
MFL Teachers and Coordinators

A practical and inspiring session in which Crista will explore many ways to help you promote language learning in the classroom and across your school

Understanding the many reasons to continue language learning in an AI world will aid critical thinking, language development and linguistic dexterity, key skills as we future-proof learners for the next decade.

Oracy – The Superpower for All Learners

Crista Hazell
Crista Hazell
Location
South West and Wales
Audience
All TeachersAll KS

Harnessing the power of effective listening and speaking will support learners in the classroom and beyond it, boosting their confidence, mental health and creativity.

In this practical, research-based session on oracy and its transformative impact, Crista will share strategies for teaching learners to speak and listen as well as show colleagues how to create tasks where learners have the opportunity to practice and improve their oracy skills, synthesise knowledge and wow you with their work.

A Learning and Revision Masterclass

David Hodgson
David Hodgson
Location
Tyne & Wear
Audience
All StaffAll KS

A practical session that combines insights from David's best selling book The Brain Box: The essential guide to success at school and college,
along with research with Warwick University involving top-performing GCSE students.

The session highlights the seven top strategies proven boost motivation, learning and outcomes for all students.

Understanding Yourself and Others for Improved Health and Well-being

David Hodgson
David Hodgson
Location
Tyne & Wear
Audience
All StaffAll KS

An interactive session that helps colleagues explore their personality strengths and preferences to improve communication, relationships, culture and well-being.

David will also show how an understanding of the personality profiles of students and parents can help teachers feel happier and more effective inside and outside the classroom.

Teachers as Storytellers

Martin Illingworth
Martin Illingworth
Location
Yorkshire
Audience
All StaffAll KS

The neuroscience is finally catching up with what humans have known for millennia – you can't beat the powerful effects of a good story well told.

In this informative and useful session, Martin draws on his skills as a highly experienced English specialist, teacher trainer and author to show colleagues how to tap into the power of storytelling to engage, motivate, inspire and teach.

And use stories to make sure the learning sticks.

Engaging the Disengaged

Martin Illingworth
Martin Illingworth
Location
Yorkshire
Audience
All StaffAll KS

Drawing on his experience as a teacher, teacher trainer and researcher, Martin will explore with colleagues the conditions that lead to students switching off and disengaging.

Drawing on his best-selling books Forget School and Think Before You Teach, he will share insights and strategies to improve engagement and achievement in any classroom, with a focus on the need we all have for contribution, agency and being heard.

Engaging the Disengaged

Martin Illingworth
Martin Illingworth
Location
Yorkshire
Audience
English StaffKS 3,4

As an educator who has not only taught Shakespeare in challenging schools but also written for exam boards, Martin is well placed to support colleagues who are looking for new, inspiring and effective approaches to bring the Bard's writings to life.

For Martin, the important thing is to teach Shakespeare not as a linguistic code to crack but as what it is – a play that is designed to provoke as it seeks to entertain.

Touching on seven of Shakespeare's most important plays, this interactive session will include transferable skills that will also help significantly in the exam hall.

I Care You Care We Care

Nina Jackson
Nina Jackson
Location
South Wales
Audience
All StaffAll KS

What is the link between belonging, well-being and being your best at school?

Nina is one of the best education figures in the country to help schools answers that question, drawing on her experience working with schools across the UK and further afield.

And it all starts with how we care for ourselves and others.

Navigating Neurodiversity

Nina Jackson
Nina Jackson
Location
South Wales
Audience
All StaffAll KS

It's taken a while to get there but schools – and wider society – are waking up to the fact not all brains were created equally.

And that's a great thing.

Nina is an expert in the area of neurodiversity, both professionally and through lived experience. She will take colleagues through what neurodiversity is and the implications and benefits of embracing difference across the school.

Adaptive Teaching for Every Classroom

Nina Jackson
Nina Jackson
Location
South Wales
Audience
All StaffAll KS

We've come a long way when it comes to ensuring all learners receive the appropriate level of support and challenge in every classroom.

The latest iteration is 'adaptive teaching' and it's something Nina has been practising and sharing for many years.

What simple strategies can you employ to create a 'leaning buffet' offering choice, variety and impact for the whole class?

Dare to Dream

Dave Mc Partlin
Dave Mc Partlin
Location
Lancashire
Audience
Primary

How do you raise hope, expectations and aspirations not only across the school, but also across a whole community?

Drawing on Dave's lived experience at his school in Flakefleet, near Blackpool, the session will be full of practical examples – from Royal Weddings to Britain's Got Talent – and the opportunity to explore what 'daring to dream' could look like in your school.

Celebrating the Art of Primary Pedagogy

Will Ryan
Will Ryan
Location
Yorkshire
Audience
Primary

In recent years there has been a big push to focus on the science of pedagogy. However, it's now time to shift our attention to recognising and developing the art of pedagogy.

Will's fun and interactive session will focus on the features of charismatic teaching, how to create hair-tingling lessons, and the power of taking an unusual idea and running with it – all cross referenced to the most recent Ofsted evaluation schedule.

Tackling Homophobia: Building a Culture of Belonging

Ian Timbrell
Ian Timbrell
Location
South Wales
Audience
All KS

A practical session exploring how schools can challenge homophobic language and behaviour and create an environment where every pupil and family feels valued.

Ian will cover age-appropriate approaches, confident responses to incidents, and everyday language and practice that all help to build an inclusive school culture.

Creating an Inclusive Curriculum: Representation and Belonging

Ian Timbrell
Ian Timbrell
Location
South Wales
Audience
All KS

In this engaging and challenging session, Ian will show how the curriculum can help pupils see themselves reflected in their learning as well as broaden their understanding of others.

For primary schools, this can mean a focus on books, role models and meaningful representation in everyday teaching.

For secondary schools, it draws on 'Currents of Belonging' to explore inclusion throughout the curriculum.

How to Talk so Children Listen

Andy Vass
Andy Vass
Location
Kent
Audience
All staffAll KS

In this interactive and thought-provoking session, Andy explores how adult language shapes children’s experiences and how our communication influences behaviour and classroom culture.

He will share practical communication skills and influential language to build safety, confidence, trust and a thriving culture of learning.

Fit Your Own Mask First!

Andy Vass
Andy Vass
Location
Kent
Audience
All StaffAll KS

In this realistic and pragmatic session, Andy will take colleagues through a variety of skills and insights designed to help them better handle adversity in a demanding profession.

With ideas grounded in school life, the session will help educators thrive in a volatile and unpredictable environment while protecting their all-important well-being.

Conversational Coaching and the Power of Great Questions

Andy Vass
Andy Vass
Location
Kent
Audience
All StaffAll KS

Often, improvements in behaviour, attitude, outcomes and well-being start with knowing the best questions to ask.

Drawing on his many years' wisdom working with educators around the world, Andy will demonstrate how supportive curiosity and well-focused questions build confidence, professional influence, independence, creativity and optimism.

 


 

Remember, when you've worked out who and what you the like look of, simply give us a call on 01267 211432 or drop us an email and we'll help you from there.

With budgets tight and no sign of things improving in the near future, we hope our new Twilight Collection will help you access the CPD you need, when you need it.

Without breaking the bank.

Enjoy a free no-obligation chat.
Haggle a bit. Make a booking.

Call us on +44 (0)1267 211432 or drop us a line at learn@independentthinking.co.uk.

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