The Educator Magazine UK May- August 2023 - Magazine - Page 9
international event with more and
more overseas delegates visiting Bett
than ever before. It was a big claim from
the organisers to have ‘BETTer than Ever’
plastered throughout the event, but I
was lucky to attend all three days of BETT
2023 (and have attended 16 out of the
last 20 Betts) and this year really can claim
to be amongst the very best Betts and has
set the tone for a very positive future!’
Katy Potts
Computing and E-Safety Lead for
Children’s Services
‘It really felt that educators and
suppliers had come together from
around the world at Bett 2023 – the
buzz was amazing, with so many people
connecting and learning together.
Content and speakers from teachers and
leading experts felt very current and
themes were running throughout
including AI, sustainability and diversity.
There was a strong presence of pupil
voice too, with lots of children present
on the floor as well as presenting in the
theatres and main stages.’
Martin Bailey
Computing Subject Leader, Lanchester
EP Primary School
‘Bett 2023 most definitely had the wow
effect! There was such a buzz about the
event and a lovely atmosphere throughout the Excel. The new Bett Arena was
amongst the highlights and really set
the tone for the quality of CPD on
offer. I’ve never seen the theatres as busy
and there is no doubt that CPD is now
one of the main motivators for people
to visit Bett. There was a real return
to ‘teachers’ attending Bett in 2023
and was great to see Bett (London)
becoming and even bigger
on AI was so exciting. I’d love to see more
sessions around VR, AR and AI in
education for next year and how these are
used in SEN schools would be excellent.’
‘I requested several meetings via Connect
@Bett and found the organisation around
this very impressive. I received multiple
messages to remind me to make my
connections and confirm them and also a
phone call to remind me to do this.’
‘On a professional level, it has inspired my
CEO with ideas, and we’ll be developing a
digital strategy for our SEN schools.
We have reviewed a 5-year plan and
costed up the technology we require to
be cutting-edge in using these
approaches in SEN education.
We connected with many experts at Bett
to review how they can support us in this
journey and have arranged many
consultations, as well as visits to other
schools in effort to be collaborative and
paving the way forward. All in all, I felt
inducted into Bett, and loved the
experience!’
Priya Bhagrath
Headteacher, Bishopswood School
‘So, I wanted to give my first impressions
of the Bett show, as it was my first time
attending. I was so impressed and proud
to be a small part of it all. What an
incredible event, bringing together
educators, experts and innovators
worldwide. My mind was buzzing with
how all the latest advancements in
education technology could be applied
to SEN schools. I spoke with various
attendees and the consensus was the
same - a positive experience of
innovation and creativity.’
‘The standout aspects of the Bett show
were the diversity of exhibits,
presentations and keynote speakers.
I came along with my children, who I
managed to get authorised leave from
school to attend, and my 6 year old went
back to school and did a presentation on
what she saw! She loved Kids Judge Bett.
I also brought along my husband, my
school CEO and several colleagues and
we were all blown away the with
interactive displays (the dog robot!!),
hands-on demos, and the keynotes.
It must be something special if it caters
to all our needs! I think next year I will
book a hotel nearby and block out the
entire three days to be there, as there was
so much to see, learn and explore and so
many people to meet.’
‘The focus was on innovation and forward-thinking and seeing so many people
crammed into Dan Fitzpatrick’s session
Rachel James
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning,
Barnsley College
‘I was thrilled to be involved with Bett this
year. As part of the Advisory Board for Bett
it was wonderful to follow the journey
through from the planning stages to being at the ExCel. It was wonderful to hear
all the stories at the end of the day, from
both my colleagues and students from
Barnsley College who were involved in
Bett as either speakers or visitors. The Esports space in particular offered so much
opportunity for our learners to learn,
explore and interact. I really enjoyed Hosting the Teaching and Learning Theatre
hearing so many inspiring speakers each
day. Each session was full, and audiences
were all engaged. The highlights for me
were the energising session with Dame
Darcey Bussell, move to improve your
school’s wellbeing and Girls in STEM – and
the Year is 2023 with Sandy Bansal, Wilma
Emalusson and Lee Johannisson.’