Celebrating the power of education – inspirational guests headline ATLP staff conference

More than 1,000 staff and volunteers from 14 schools and one teaching school joined three distinguished speakers and an international recording artist this week (6 January) at the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership’s (ATLP) second staff conference.

Rosie O’Sullivan, Richard McCann, Musharaf Asghar and Jaz Ampaw-Farr joined teaching and non-teaching staff, governors, trust board members and other guests at the respected multi-academy trust’s biennial training day. The event, which took place at the prestigious Solihull National Conference Centre, also provided staff with the opportunity to visit a number of exhibitors to find out more about a range of services available to them.

ATLP CEO and chair of the Teaching Schools Council, Richard Gill, introduced the high profile guests to an audience comprising staff from primary and secondary schools in Birmingham, North Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

The conference began with three powerful performances by acclaimed singer-songwriter and Britain’s Got Talent star, Rosie O’Sullivan, a former student and current staff member at the outstanding Arthur Terry School.

Rosie said:

It was an honour and privilege to sing for the ATLP Staff conference. The day was such an inspirational and incredible start to 2020. It has been a pleasure not only to be taught by, but also work alongside such a wonderful group of staff that not only believe in you, but also your aspirations.

I was once asked by a staff member as a young 17 year old before leaving Arthur Terry as a student: ‘do you want to be a player or a spectator?’ Of course, you can imagine what my answer was.” 

Internationally-renowned speaker and bestselling author, Richard McCann, spoke about overcoming adversity and embracing a positive mindset. Like his fellow speakers, Richard’s life was shaped by one dedicated teacher – Mr Hill – whose legacy continues to have a profound impact on others.

Richard said:

It’s about having an ‘I can’ attitude and finding the positive in everything you do, developing a mindset to achieve more. Being optimistic and positive is vital when going through challenges and remember, it could always be worse

Mr Hill encouraged me all those years ago and gave me that confidence to believe that I could achieve more. The potential to win was always there but as educators, you have to uncover that. For some children, you might be all that they’ve got and the difference you can make benefits their future, along with the lives of friends, colleagues and all those around you.”

Musharaf Asghar shot to fame when viewers of TV’s Educating Yorkshire witnessed a school boy overcome his stammer and gain confidence – thanks to the dedication of English teacher Mr Burton. Since he appeared on the show, Mushy has carved out a career as a motivational speaker and author and is even the inspiration for a smash hit musical.

He said:

With the right mindset you can achieve whatever you want. There were times when I thought that giving up was the only option I had, but I was so fortunate to have Mr Burton in my life. The teacher and student relationship is so important – you have such an impact on the young people around you and can help them to achieve whatever they want. I thank you for all that you do.”

Former teacher and star of TV’s The Apprentice, Jaz Ampaw-Farr, reflected on “how unique and significant the passion and commitment was at the conference.” She talked about ‘everyday heroes’ and the huge difference schools can make to children’s lives. She also overcame hardship in her life and credits her achievements and outlook to her primary school teacher, Mrs Cook.

Addressing the audience, Jaz said:

Mrs Cook made you feel like you could do the impossible – she changed everything. All that I have is because of people like you and I am extremely grateful for everything. School taught me about family, belonging and the power of relationships. Teaching starts with ‘R’ – relationships.”

ATLP CEO Richard Gill said:

What an incredible start to the year! I was honoured to join our staff and volunteers for a day of learning, sharing and inspirational thinking – it was a privilege to be part of such an impactful and meaningful event.

Thank you to everybody for ensuring this event was such a success. Seeing our family come together under one roof shows that together we really are stronger and can make a greater difference to all our children and young people. Many thanks to our special guests for being part of this memorable day and for motivating our teams to be the very best they can be. These are stories about the transformative power of education and the impact just one individual can have to the future lives of others.”

One of our core themes for the following year is to encourage positivity and self-care for staff and students alike. We are a trust that listens and cares about others and it’s important that everybody in our family feels wanted and loved. We’ve built this partnership on those fundamental values and I am proud to be part of such a wonderful learning community.”

For further details on the ATLP and keynote speakers/performer please visit:

www.atlp.org.uk

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUezOQKkpYG8OAlOyuMUV_g

https://www.jazampawfarr.com/