Landau Forte College Derby is delighted to be hosting a conference for students, by students entitled “What’s the Point of School?”. It seems to us that whilst some politicians and educationalists have plenty to say, it is rare that young people are invited to contribute their ideas to what they think we should be doing on their behalf; since it is their future that we are preparing them to live – not ours.
The day will begin with Schools Commissioner, Frank Green putting forward his views on the point of school, followed with a response from Professor Guy Claxton, Centre for Real World Learning at the University of Winchester. Chief Executive of Landau Forte Charitable Trust, Stephen Whiteley, Sally Cabrini, Business Services Director United Utilities and Tom Tryon, Recent Cambridge Graduate will then each put their own perspectives to the delegate audience.
Delegates come from a range of schools across England from afar afield as Durham, Birmingham and Devon. 120 students (aged 16-17 years old) will gather together to put forward their views, opinions and pose challenging questions to the guest speakers.
Discussion groups in the afternoon will be led to generate debate and healthy argument around a range of themes. This will be an opportunity to spark ideas, creativity and thought for our young people.
- What should be examined in the 21st Century School and how?
- Does work-related learning help me in the real world?
- How can schools keep up with new technologies?
- Key habits for 21st Century learner; flexibility, resilience and creativity
- Schools without boundaries; new kinds of school for a new kind of future
- What is the role of students in shaping and leading schools?
Students will create a film based on their experience before, during and after the conference which charts their journey with the driving question. Thus, creating a digital footprint encapsulating young people’s response to “What’s the Point of School?”.