Middle years educators from across the Territory have come together today for the inaugural Northern Territory Middle Years Conference: Growing Success Together – Best Futures for Young Territorians.

The conference provides an opportunity for middle years educators to collaborate and increase understanding of the successful evidenced-based strategies that support social and emotional wellbeing of adolescents.

Department of Education Acting Chief Executive Vicki Baylis said “The conference will focus on student wellbeing and classroom strategies that lead to high quality teaching and learning programs for middle years students”.

“The inaugural Middle Years Conference provides educators with the opportunity to network and collaborate with their peers and industry experts,” Ms Baylis said.

“The focus is on sharing knowledge, skills and experience to enhance educational outcomes for middle years students”.

The conference aligns with the department’s Work Like the Best – Middle Years Teaching and Learning Strategy to provide students with quality programs, quality teaching and strong engagement with the community.

The conference program features presentations by internationally recognised key note speakers, Professor Richie Poulton and Associate Professor Helen Cahill.

Principals and teachers from primary and senior secondary schools are also attending the conference, focusing on effective transitions between the phases of schooling which are integral to the continuity of student engagement and learning.

The conference provides educators the opportunity to:

• enhance their skills and knowledge to develop a shared understanding of the unique needs of adolescents;
• share practical strategies for developing successful relationships with adolescents to increase engagement and enjoyment in learning; and
• refine and reinforce strategies that provide opportunities for students to become independent learners.

The Department of Education has a strong focus on the middle years of schooling, a critical phase in a student’s life, positioning them for future success as they enter their last stage of schooling.

Media contact: Kat Acampora – 0401 119 215