Teaching and support staff from across Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust came together on Friday 9th October for a Whole Trust Professional Development Day focused on enhancing classroom practice through explicit instruction and the effective use of artificial intelligence.

The day brought together colleagues from across the Trust to explore strategies that help teachers identify, understand and address misconceptions that can prevent pupils from making progress in their learning. Building on previous professional development around supporting vulnerable learners and using AI to enhance teaching and learning, the event demonstrated the Trust’s ongoing commitment to evidence-informed practice and continuous improvement.

The programme was led in partnership with Tablet Academy, who returned following highly positive feedback from last year's sessions and strong demand from staff looking to further develop their skills using Microsoft's educational tools.

Throughout the morning, staff participated in two interactive workshops. The first session focused on finding and understanding misconceptions using Microsoft Copilot's Study and Learn tools, while the second explored how the Teach agent can be used to surface and address misconceptions more effectively within lessons.

Colleagues were introduced to a range of practical approaches, including using AI to identify common misconceptions, analyse why they arise and create resources that proactively address gaps in understanding. Staff also explored how examples and non-examples can be generated and adapted to strengthen pupils' learning and improve classroom outcomes.

The afternoon provided valuable opportunities for staff to work collaboratively within school and departmental groups, applying the day's learning directly to their own curriculum areas and planning practical strategies that can be implemented in classrooms across the Trust.

The Professional Development Day reflects the Trust's belief that high-quality staff development is central to improving outcomes for young people. By combining research-informed teaching approaches with innovative technologies, the Trust continues to invest in the professional growth of its workforce and ensure students benefit from the very best educational experiences.

CEO, Stuart McGhee said:

"This year's Professional Development Day provided an excellent opportunity for colleagues to deepen their understanding of explicit instruction and explore how AI tools can support effective teaching. The engagement, collaboration and enthusiasm shown throughout the day highlighted our shared commitment to continually improving learning experiences for all students. We are grateful to Tablet Academy for once again delivering highly practical and impactful sessions that will support colleagues in their classrooms."

The event forms part of the Trust's ongoing programme of professional learning, ensuring staff remain at the forefront of educational practice and innovation while maintaining a clear focus on improving outcomes for every learner.