One of the most important experiences offered to our postgraduate students is the opportunity to organise and take part in our own School of Education student conference. Here students are able to present a paper (often their first), in a welcoming and supportive environment. Further, the conference gives School of Education students the opportunity to become a part of the organising committee, to chair sessions or conduct their own workshops, which are important skills when developing an academic Curriculum Vitae.

The conference in December 2012 built on the success of previous years and attracted an impressive audience of students from Birmingham and other universities, as well as staff from the School. In 2012, the keynote speaker was Professor Michael Young of the Institute of Education, University of London. The topic for the Expert Panel was linked to the conference theme Championing research, educating professionals: how compatible are elitism, inclusion and social justice? and the panel attracted a number of interesting and pertinent questions.

Look out for the advertising for next year’s conference which is most likely to take place in November/December.

For more information please contact Denise Lees d.p.lees@bham.ac.uk