27th June 2025
On Friday 27th June all the staff from Coastal Academies Trust came together for their annual CPD day at Dane Court grammar school. The key notes speakers were Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner who are famous for their podcasts and books on teaching, particularly around inclusion and the ‘Mind the Gap’ strategies.
As well as workshops delivered by Tom and Emma there were over 30 different one hour sessions the staff could attend throughout the day. The workshops were run by staff across the Trust and included such topics as challenging the most able, having difficult conversations, talk less teaching and how to manage stress . There was something for everyone and staff enjoyed being together as a Trust to celebrate the many achievements it has had this year.
The weather was glorious so lunch was enjoyed outside where there was a choice of a cold buffet or buckets of chilli from the famous chilli van.
Kate Greig, the CEO of the Trust described the day as inspiring and exciting, ‘we work closely together as a Trust and our schools constantly share ideas and visit each other in order to discuss good practice but today is special as we celebrate the achievements of all our schools and enjoy time together planning how we can make things even better for our wonderful youngsters’.
The staff really enjoyed being together with one member of staff commenting ‘it is like the Glastonbury of teaching – what a wonderful, day’.
Particular thanks must go to Sally Jellett for being the lead organiser of such a big event and Dane Court for hosting it all. 600 people getting excited about teaching and what we can do next year creates a fabulous atmosphere and being together as a community focuses each mind about what we can achieve if work together.
9th February 2024
10th February 2023
On Friday 10th February, Coastal Academies Trust hosted its first groundbreaking conference at Dane Court, bringing together over 400 delegates from its five member schools. David Didau – renowned education expert, teacher, author and self-professed provocateur – captivated the audience with his keynote speech, challenging myths and misconceptions, and promoting innovation in teaching.
Twenty five speakers from Trust schools and external organisations delivered inspiring presentations on topics ranging from pedagogy to mental health. The conference served as an invaluable opportunity for educators to expand their networks and learn from the experiences of their peers, with delegates and speakers engaging in lively discussions, exchanging ideas and sharing best practice.
This event showcased the commitment of Coastal Academies Trust to excellence in education, as it continues to create a supportive and progressive environment for its member schools. With a focus on fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, the success of this conference highlights the Trust’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of academic achievers in Thanet. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.
“High quality speakers and excellent ideas and challenges to help move us all forward.”
“Lovely to spend time talking and swapping ideas with different members of your own setting, rather than just your year group. Good to meet colleagues from other schools and hear their perspectives. Loved the Key Note speech.”
“I felt the collaborate and supportive atmosphere of a CAT wide CPD day was excellent.”
“It was lovely to have all trust schools in one place, it encouraged so many conversations where people want to go and visit the other schools for certain collaborations. Brilliant!”
