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On Saturday 15th November Teach First brought together over 500 participants, Ambassadors, speakers, tutors, staff and guests in our largest and most successful conference to date.
Compered by Teach First participant President Rhys Parry (’06) and Cator Park pupil Nisa Cooper, the Conference was kicked off by a lively keynote panel. Delegates were addressed by Teach First Chair Dame Julia Cleverdon, Former Education Secretary Baroness Estelle Morris and Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder of the charity Kids Company. Over the course of the day, delegates attended over 50 workshops covering topics ranging from the influence of street culture on the classroom, to motivation and communication in the workplace and a workshop on the leadership lessons garnered from tribal societies.
The conference also saw Teach First bid a fond farewell to Reuben Moore, who has served as Teach First National Programme Director at Canterbury Christchurch University. Reuben’s inspiration and guidance will certainly remain with those he worked with. Reuben is returning to teaching in a challenged school and will be sorely missed by all those participants, tutors and Teach First staff who had the privilege of working with him.
The conference culminated in an inspiring performance by the pupils of Marylebone and Woodside schools. Their performing arts piece, These Times, was first performed at Camden’s famous Roundhouse and was a finalist in the 2007-8 Learmonth School Project Competition. These Times reflects on the dilemmas faced by young people crossing the threshold into adulthood. The quality of the performance was testament to the fact that hard work pays off. It was also an example of how Teach First teachers are going above and beyond expectations, pushing pupils to achieve and aspire. | 
