Future Fwd

🚀 Our mission of #EnablingNextGen is rooted in a commitment to improving the way in which education is designed and delivered, so that young people are given the tools that they need to succeed. In order to do that, we need to listen to the perspectives of all of those who have a vested interest in the future of education - including young people, education providers, and parents. 🤝 After coming on board as partners for Future Fwd 2024, Muddy Stilettos have detailed their thoughts from a parent's perspective - something that is invaluable if we are to work towards an improved education for all. Make sure to give it a read! ➡ https://lnkd.in/eKb6UAFs

Once again at this year's conference, roundtable discussions were integral; they allowed delegates to continue to the positive conversations from day 1 of the conference and consolidate the insightful takeaways from the talks that were heard during the stream sessions. The roundtable discussions were thought-provoking; it was great to hear delegates collaborate, but also challenge each other in order to determine which steps they thought could be taken next to make a true impact. Following the discussions, we welcomed all delegates to listen to our roundtable discussion leads, as they fed back on their stream’s discussions and outlined the next steps that their group committed to in order to make positive change. 🚀

🤩 For the first time at Future Fwd, this year's conference hosted a series of skills-based workshops - ran by industry experts - that aimed to instil delegates with a set of skills that they can take away and implement now that the conference has ended in order to enact positive change. This included Jonathan Harper FRSA's (from conference partners Future Foundations) workshop for students on 'Mastering Leadership of Yourself as a Foundation for High-Impact Social Leadership'. During the workshop, Jonathan discussed the characteristics that make a good leader - and stated that attitude is the most important thing. 💡 Jonathan also stated that “leadership is not simply about ‘what you did’, but ‘who you empowered’ and ‘what legacy you left’”. A truly invaluable session for the students who attended!

🚀 We kicked off day 2 of the conference with keynote speeches for both delegates and students. This included James Uffindell and Stephanie K.'s fantastic interactive session with with students - 'A Founder's Journey - Using an Entrepreneurial Mindset to Power Your Career'. Amongst other things, they spoke about the importance of soft-skills; the ability to build connections and relationships; and the ‘90/30 rule’ - the idea that the first 30 seconds makes up 90% of first impressions.

🗣 At this year's conference, we welcomed over 40 passionate speakers to speak on topics that they are passionate about - more than ever before. In the afternoon of day 1 of the conference, our six stream sessions took place, which saw each of these speakers produce truly insightful talks on each of their topics. This included Fran Wilby's talk on 'I am More Than Just My Grades: How Can Learner Profiles Evidence a Breadth of Skills and Strengths?'. In her talk, Dr Wilby spoke about how learner profiles as a means of unlocking student experiences within school. She also discussed the pilot work that has been carried out in the UK, and stated that the best embedding of learner profiles is when it is used as a reflective tool - for example, for student self-reflection and coaching. Further, Dr Wilby also noted that it has also been used as a means of providing a snapshot of holistic student development, enhancing parent reporting and communication, and acting as a vehicle to increase digital literacy. 🌟 This was just one of this year's truly inspiring speaker talks - each of which allowed us to make further progress towards a future-ready education.

As a conference, we are wholly committed to giving young people the tools to succeed. In order to do that, we need to listen to them directly. At Future Fwd 2024, we did exactly that, as we welcomed our Ignite Gen Z student panel - presented by Catherine Nyman and Mark Ashfield, founder at lime - on stage. 🎒 The students were given backpacks, with symbolic gifts that may help them to succeed in their future. Members of the audience were then asked to put forward some of their gift ideas. 🤔 What would you put in their backpacks?

🚀 Once again at this year's conference, we were energised by the shared enthusiasm for educational improvement that speakers, delegates, and students demonstrated. As we reflect on the success of Future Fwd 2024, let's look back to some of the key parts of this year's conference... On day 1, after hearing the opening thoughts of Richard Nicholson, we heard from Rachel Sandby-Thomas CB, Labour Skills Advisor, who discussed the new government’s commitment to education: 🤝 ‘Breakdown barriers to opportunity by reforming our childcare and education systems to make sure that there is no glass ceiling on the ambition of young people in Britain.’

FutureFwd 2024 has been a whirlwind of inspiration: insightful talks, thought-provoking discussions, and the unifying passion of delegates working to better education. If you missed it, here's a glimpse of what was on offer – full video coming soon!

🌟 Day 2 of Future Fwd has now come to a close, marking the end of another fantastic conference filled with innovation, inspiration, and collaboration. Over the last two days, we have listened to some truly insightful talks from passionate speakers; observed some thought-provoking discussions; and have been enthused by watching speakers, delegates and students come together, united by their desire to improve the provision of education. Despite having built on the progress of the last two years, we must not rest on our laurels - we remain committed to making continuous improvement 🚀 Thank you once again to this year’s partners: University of Warwick Noble + Eaton Warwick Castle Big Education Muddy Stilettos Widgit MTM Consulting Warwickshire College and University Centre Future Foundations Chatsworth Schools Anthony Millard Consulting Bounce Forward Clive Mark Make sure to look out for this year’s report coming soon, and see you in 2025! 🤩

Today marked a powerful start to our journey at Future Fwd 2024. We were energised and inspired by our visionary speakers who shared fresh perspectives and actionable insights on empowering the next generation. The rooms were buzzing with enthusiasm as we explored innovative ideas through thought-provoking keynotes and dynamic discussions. Our shared commitment to inspiration, innovation, and collaboration is driving real change, and we’ve started a movement to prepare young people for the future like never before. As we look ahead to Day 2, we’re excited to continue this momentum and forge new paths in education, business, and beyond. Here’s to another day of making a tangible difference together! #FutureFwd