Yay!

Woohoo (punches sky!) We got a new grant, we got a new grant! So excited! Awards for All have given us a grant that kick starts our Putting Soul Into Education conference!

It's been a dream of mine for four years to have an event that brings together the most cutting edge, effective, engaging and meaningful work in the education field and show cases and shares it for the sector to learn from and celebrate. With Parliament recently passing ( like yesterday), legislation to enable the setting up of free schools, with Home Education increasing by 300% over the last year here in Sussex alone and with the debates ranging about Academies and the value and cost of a degree, this couldn't have come at a better time!

My vision is to create a conference that runs in real time as well as being virtual - so people all over the world can participate from their desks - both as speakers/workshop leaders and as participants. Luckily for me, Brighton is rich with the kind of geek that can make this happen!

How often do we connect education with soulfulness? And when we do, how much of that is tempered with fear and anxiety about religion/newage/heebeyjeebey not-the-place-for-it worries? But there are pioneers, who are bringing:

A deepening relationship with nature
A sense of freedom, fun and creativity
An exploration of meaning and purpose
A youth led curriculum

into their schools and environments.

Imagine what a soulful school would look and feel like? Maybe not for everyone, but very exciting to me!

Does anyone have any examples of practitioners, educational organisations, teachers, who ought to be on the rostra? Answers on a postcard!

Thanks Awards for All! x