English conference: Read and represent

This year's English conference will focus on securing ethnically diverse texts within your school. With input from fantastic keynote speakers and supported by our equality, diversity and inclusion team and the school library service providing you with a 'pop up' library experience within the exhibition area, the conference will provide a wide range of opportunities for discussion and development.

 ‘To be able to see yourself in someone else’s story can be life-changing. To know a goal is achievable can be empowering.” This is at the heart of why it’s so important for children to see role models that look like themselves in the stories they read. This kind of representation, in the books they’ve been assigned to read in school or the ones that they curl up with at night, offers children a reminder that they matter, and that there’s a place for them in this world. It shows them that they too can be the heroes, go on adventures and save the world.’ Vashti Harrison (Why representational role models in books matter (penguin.co.uk)

There will be an opportunity to purchase books from a wide selection provided by the Devon School Library Service and keynote speaker, Tola Okogwu will also be available on the day for a book signing.  

Payment options available, though if you'd like to purchase books for your personal collection, we would advise bringing cash. 

Keynote speakers

• Charlotte Hacking - Learning and Programme Director | Centre for Literacy in Primary Education  - exploring how to choose and use quality children’s literature to reflect all children
  

• Tolá Okogwu Books  - discussing representation through storytelling and much more! 
  

Conference programme

• View the programme here