Teaching staff from across Abingdon & Witney College came together today for Edfest 2026, the College's annual teaching and learning festival dedicated to sharing ideas, celebrating great practice and inspiring innovation in the classroom.
A key part of the College's Teaching and Learning Academy, Edfest provides staff with the opportunity to learn from one another through a packed programme of workshops led by colleagues from across the College. From using AI simulations and Microsoft Teams to developing effective questioning techniques, learner engagement and inclusive teaching strategies, the day showcased the wealth of expertise that exists within our own teaching community.
The day began with breakfast in the College canteen before staff gathered for opening addresses from Vice Principal Jo Milsom and Jamie Green, Head of the Teaching Skills Academy.
The event was established by Helen Brown, Head of Learning Development, whose vision for Edfest continues to encourage collaboration, reflection and the sharing of highly effective teaching practice across all curriculum areas. This year's theme, "Ideas to Impact; Sharing What Works," focused on turning innovative teaching ideas into meaningful outcomes for learners. Rather than simply sharing new techniques, the day encouraged staff to explore why different approaches work, adapt them to their own classrooms and ultimately create a greater impact on student learning and success.
Helen encouraged staff to embrace new ideas and continue developing their practice.
“The theme this year is all about sharing what works. Be curious, be brave and be experimental. Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones, not when we keep delivering the same lessons in the same way, year after year."
Jamie Green reflected on the importance of turning inspiration into action, reminding colleagues that professional development only has lasting value when it is put into practice.
"Teaching is a profession built on continual improvement. Today won't change you. This speech won't change you. None of these workshops will change you on their own. What will make the difference is what you choose to do with what you've learned, because what we do really is extraordinary."
At the heart of this commitment is the College's Teaching Skills Academy, developed by college staff for college staff and led by experienced teachers. The Academy provides a wide range of professional development opportunities, ensuring teaching staff, whether new to the profession or highly experienced, receive the support they need to deliver exceptional learning experiences.
With dozens of interactive sessions running throughout the day, Edfest once again demonstrated the College's commitment to investing in its staff, fostering collaboration and ensuring students continue to benefit from innovative, engaging and high-quality teaching.
Whether staff were exploring new approaches to questioning, discovering ways to embed AI into learning, or sharing techniques to improve learner engagement, every workshop reflected the day's theme, equipping teachers with practical strategies that can be adapted and applied in their own classrooms to make a lasting difference to students' learning experiences.
