Trust staff inspired by specialist speakers

Staff from across South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust started the term on an upbeat note with inspiring talks from two specialist education speakers.

More than 300 teachers and support staff packed the theatre at The Forum in Barrow to listen to international speakers Anthony Bennett and Shonette Bason-Wood.

Caroline Vernon, education advisor to SCMAT who organised the event, said she was delighted at the response from staff.

“We had two speakers with very different styles but one goal and that was to inspire and motivate our talented staff to be the best they can be.

“Anthony told his very powerful story of incredible resilience which, in turn gave our staff the confidence to share their stories, why they are in education, career highlights and hopes on what they can achieve in the future.

“Meanwhile Shonette spread a ray of sunshine, getting us involved in energetic ways that certainly broke the ice for our members and gave them an enjoyable shared experience.”

Anthony, a renowned global keynote speaker for the education sector, specialises in teamwork, wellbeing and mental health drawing on his near-death experience after a school trip. Shonette has 30 years’ experience as a teacher and encourages educators to embrace positive change and put their happiness first to impact on the children they work with.

Professor Andrew Wren also addressed the event to outline the Trust’s vision and support for staff as three new schools join this term.

Chetwynde, Ormsgill, Vickerstown are joined by South Walney Juniors, Cambridge Primary and Newbarns Primary and Nursery School.

Professor Wren spoke about the aim of the Trust to work collaboratively to raise standards in education by sharing best practice.

“Excellence in education starts with happy, motivated and enthusiastic staff and we wanted to start the term on a really positive note.

“We value what each school brings and are looking forward to working as a Trust, rather than individual schools, sharing the strengths for the benefit of all our pupils and the wider education community.”

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