Staff from across our Trust came together for a dynamic and inspiring CPD Day focused on the power of technology in education. The day built on feedback from the digital survey completed at the end of the summer term and centred around two key themes: technology to support accessibility and artificial intelligence to enhance everyday work.
The day began with a warm welcome from Stuart McGhee, CEO of Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, who set the tone for collaboration and innovation. Reflecting on the importance of the event, Stuart shared:
“Days like this are such an important opportunity to pause, to connect and to learn together.”
“By using technology effectively, we can make learning more accessible, more personalised and more inclusive for every child that we serve.”
A digital workbook guided staff through the day’s sessions, encouraging active engagement and reflection. The first session focused on accessibility, exploring tools such as immersive readers and deepening understanding of additional needs and their impact in the classroom. The second session unlocked the potential of Microsoft Copilot, showcasing how it can support staff in planning lessons, drafting emails, and creating resources more efficiently.
Expert trainers from Tablet Academy, Microsoft's official training partner, led engaging sessions across five secondary venues, while primary colleagues joined their cluster groups for a similar format. The morning provided hands-on learning, and the afternoon gave staff time to reflect and apply their insights within school teams.
A highlight of the day was the debut of our brand new Trust song, Today, played in front of all staff. This powerful piece was created to unite our schools and celebrate our shared values, reinforcing the sense of belonging and togetherness across the Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust.
Lunch offered a valuable opportunity for staff to mingle with colleagues from other schools, share best practices, and build stronger connections across our Trust.
The day reinforced our commitment to meaningful professional development, equipping staff with practical tools to support inclusive learning and streamline their work.
