As part of our commitment to ongoing professional development, Mrs Willetts, Miss Colquhoun, and Mrs Carnegie attended the renowned 2024 CTTL (Centre for Teaching, Technology, and Learning) conference through our involvement in the Global Alliance of Independent Learning (GAIL). The conference brought together educators from across the globe, providing a unique platform to explore the latest research-based teaching strategies, share experiences, and collaborate with like-minded professionals. 

Mrs Willetts, Miss Colquhoun, and Mrs Carnegie share more about their experience below.

Attending the conference was incredibly valuable for us and the school, Robert Gordon’s College. It was both engaging and thoughtfully organised, providing an ideal environment to learn, discuss, and connect.

This professional development initiative directly led to the creation of our in-house Professional Development Pathway, Cognitive Science. Running over the next 18 months, this programme forms a core part of our in-service training and focuses on the science of learning. By applying these proven, research based strategies, we aim to enhance teaching practices and pupil outcomes. We are also delighted to offer a dedicated session for parents and carers next month, focusing on practical ways to use cognitive science techniques to support revision and learning at home.

The conference content was affirming, reinforcing the progress we’ve made in becoming more researched-informed. The sessions provided valuable insights that aligned with our current initiatives, and this reassurance was both motivating and inspiring, encouraging us to continue our journey with renewed confidence. 

A particularly enjoyable feature of the conference was the opportunity to connect with another GAIL school, Kimball Union Academy. This cultural exchange deepened our understanding of the wider educational landscape, allowing us to share best practices and learn in a meaningful way. These interactions underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping a richer, more inclusive educational experience.

The unique opportunity to dedicate an entire week to professional learning was incredibly significant. As busy teachers, it’s rare to have the opportunity to step back, reflect, and fully engage with new ideas and strategies! 

Overall, the conference was a valuable opportunity for both personal and professional growth. We are grateful for the experience and excited to share it with the wider Robert Gordon’s community.  

Empowering educators: Inspiring innovation at the 2024 CTTL Conference