Bett brings together teachers, providers, and suppliers from across the UK and further afield to network, share best practice, showcase the latest developments in technology, discuss policy insights, best practice and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
During the show there will be a variety of practitioner-led CPD sessions focusing on education policy, innovations, and developments from across the world. There will also be a series of more “hands-on” workshops.
So, what does this year’s show have in store?
The Bett Arena
The main arena at Bett plays host to a variety of keynote talks and presentations. On Wednesday, March 29, sessions include:
- Dame Darcy Bussell who will be sharing how dance and dance fitness can help promote and improve student and teacher wellbeing.
- BBC presenter Amol Rajan and Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett will discuss Steven’s educational journey and how he became an accomplished entrepreneur who is inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and creators from diverse backgrounds.
- Dr Sally Uren will discuss supporting sustainability and creating a more just and regenerative future. Dr Uren is chief executive of Forum for the Future, which explores the massive transformation that education institutions need in order to hit the government’s goals of all schools and colleges being carbon neutral by 2030.
On Thursday, March 30, presentations in the Bett Arena include a focus on STEAM education:
- Steve O’Connor, director of IT from Aston Martin, will discuss the role of technology innovation and STEAM-focused expertise in industry and the importance of student programmes to widen awareness and access to STEAM-based careers in engineering and design.
- Mathematician and STEM advocate Anne-Marie Imafidon will draw on 10 years of work at the non-profit organisation Stemettes as she explores what can be done to promote equality within the science and technology industries.
And on the Friday, March 31, the Bett Arena will host John Solomon, vice-president and general manager of Chrome OS, and Andria Zafirakou, winner of the 2018 Global Teacher Prize, art teacher and CEO of Artists in Residence, who will share trends and insights from Google's Future of Education research.
The global study across 24 countries explores insights from 94 educational experts, two years of peer-reviewed academic literature, and a media narrative analysis across the education sector. The session will deep-dive into trends that will influence the future of education, including how AI is making learning personal and the role of technology in helping to “elevate the teacher”.
Bett Academy Live
On day one, attendees at Bett Academy Live can learn about the digital divide and the fact that it is now about more than just connectivity and devices – it is about the choices we make in our teaching and learning. A team of experts will explore a new mindset that moves edtech forward by putting pedagogy firmly in the driving seat of all our decisions. Featuring contributions from lead practitioners at the LEO Academy Trust this session will share practical classroom examples and research evidence and insights from leaders and teachers.
In the same afternoon, Naace will be partnering with Elston Hall Learning Trust to talk about its Self-Review Framework and how it can support school improvement. Meanwhile, LGfL will be providing attendees with 10 steps to an effective online safety audit.
On day two, Bett Academy Live will explore “developing a cost-effective digital strategy for wellbeing in education” and will focus on how edtech can enhance a whole-school approach for wellbeing.
And then on the final day of Bett, sessions include “Using technology to engage learners with SEND” and “Careers in tech: The visible and invisible tech roles”, which will explore how we can support students to pursue a career in technology.
Other show features
Teachmeet: At 4:15pm on day two of the show there is chance for educators to join Bett’s Teachmeet – an informal platform for teachers from different countries to gather together and share their ideas, enthusiasm, and examples of best practice.
Tech in Action : For those interested in the implementation of technology, the Tech in Action area of Bett will feature sessions on various strategies and how-to guides. This includes a session on equipping non-specialist educators to teach computer science and programming, led by Digital Schoolhouse and software developers Scirra.
Other areas: The Global Showcase stage at Bett will offer spotlights on regional and country practice and strategies. Other specialised areas include the Leaders@Bett stage, the Teaching and Learning Hub, the Futures Theatre, and Esports @ Bett.
The exhibition: And of course, there will be the usual Bett exhibition with hundreds of companies and organisations showcasing their products, services, resources, and support for schools. Within the exhibition, Bett Futures is usually worth a visit to see new and emerging companies and their innovations.
Connect @ Bett: This year, Bett will launch Connect @ Bett, a tech-enabled meetings programme that aims to connect teachers with solutions and providers.
To take part, visitors will need to register their interests and needs on the Connect @ Bett website (see further information). Connected parties will receive the opportunity for a 15-minute on-site meeting. All meetings are double-opt in (both people want to meet each other).
Further information & resources