With the new focus in the Ofsted inspection framework on curriculum 'intent, implementation and impact', many schools are now considering in more detail not just what they teach, but how and why they teach it. This presents educators with a real opportunity to re-frame teaching and learning around the environmental and social issues that are most relevant to our time - and to our children's futures.
In response to this, the first Harmony in Education Conference, a collaboration between the University of Winchester and The Harmony Project takes place on Friday 1 May 2020 at the University.
The day-long conference provides an opportunity for educators, school leaders and others with an interest in transforming the curriculum we offer our young people, to explore how this might be achieved.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester, Professor Joy Carter CBE, DL, will open the conference, alongside Richard Dunne of The Harmony Project. Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, will give a keynote address.
"As the university for sustainability and social justice, I am very proud that Winchester is hosting the first-ever Harmony in Education Conference in May," said Professor Carter.
"Winchester is already leading the way in climate change education, which is embedded across all our courses, inspiring students and staff to learn about the wide range of issues generated by this pressing global issue. In particular, as a sought-after provider of teacher education, the environment and sustainability are really important parts of how we train future primary and secondary teachers. By educating children about these crucial issues, we will enable them to be responsible citizens of the future and this conference is an exciting step towards achieving this aim."
The Harmony Project's Richard Dunne said: "Currently, the education system in this country is not fit for purpose in enabling our children to learn about and respond to the issues of our time."
"We need to consider how we can best ensure that issues of sustainability run through all learning and how we can equip our young people with the necessary skills to take a lead role in responding to them."
In his 30-year career in education, most recently as the headteacher of an Ofsted-graded 'Outstanding' school, Richard Dunne has developed an approach to curriculum learning that is based upon issues of sustainability and informed by Nature's principles of Harmony. This is now being taken up by schools across the UK.
The programme of talks and workshops at the conference will provide practical examples of how this approach can be planned and delivered. Session themes will include 'Creating a Harmony curriculum', 'Researching Harmony in action' and 'Developing new leaders in sustainability'.
In line with the ethos of The Harmony Project, fresh, locally-sourced, seasonal and organic produce will be served at the conference and attendees will be given a copy of the Harmony Teachers' Guide, included in the ticket price of £50.
To book your place at the Harmony in Education event, visit winchester.ac.uk/harmonyineducation
For further information email bonniewelch@theharmonyproject.org.uk or telephone 01179871467.
Press Office | +44 (0) 1962 827678 | press@winchester.ac.uk | www.twitter.com/_UoWNews
Back to media centre