Collective Learning Online

MUSIC – David Powell studied percussion and drum kit at Leeds College of Music followed by a post graduate course at the National Centre for Orchestral Studies, Goldsmith’s College London. On leaving college, David Powell joined the critically acclaimed 50’s R & B band ‘The Big Town Playboys’ touring Britain and Europe and performing alongside Fleetwood Mac and Eric Clapton. His teaching career started as an LA peripatetic teacher in 1989 which led to primary classroom teaching before joining the Gwent Music Service as Assistant Head in 2000. After a very productive and successful period in this role, David realised his passion for inclusivity and access by forming ‘Upbeat Music and Arts’ in 2013 to provide projects, workshops and regular tuition for whole classes of children focussing on high class delivery whilst not losing sight of educating the whole child.

DIGITAL COMPETENCE and DCF – Primary school teaching career began in 1996, then in 2003 he joined Newport LA eventually becoming ICT curriculum improvement adviser. For over 20 years Gareth Morgan has worked across Wales providing advice, support and training in the use of ICT as a curriculum subject, and also in its effective use across the curriculum to schools. He has an MSc in eLearning and has a strong interest in the effective use of ‘cloud technologies’ such as G Suite for Education and Microsoft O365 in the classroom. Gareth was also previously employed by the Welsh Government as their ICT subject adviser, where he worked closely on what it means for pupils to be digital competent and developing online communities within the Hwb platform.

MATHEMATICS & NUMERACY – Lynwen Barnsley provides training and support for schools in all aspects of mathematics and numeracy. Her training courses focus on the why and how of teaching mathematics, providing practical ideas and approaches that ensure learners “make sense” of maths and develop as independent mathematical thinkers. Her training covers a wide range of ideas and topics, such as developing numerical reasoning, the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach, bar modelling, mastery, problem-solving, mathematical communication and thinking, fluency and flexibility with mathematical ideas, assessment for learning, creativity and using numeracy across the curriculum in meaningful ways. Her Digit Dog character and blog are used in many classrooms to develop mathematical thinking and reasoning in young learners.