It’s almost the end of the year … the academic year for some and the calendar year for many. It has been tough going on the political front but many of us are still working, writing, and holding fast to the potential of education to build a better world and a brighter future. This newsletter contains information about books, conferences, research, webinars, talks all with that purpose. Click on links that are of interest to you. But first …

Following two rounds of piloting, the ASPIRE culture cards have now been published by At My Best. There are six statement cards for each of the ASPIRE principles of agency, safety, positivity, inclusion, respect and equity. These initiate and build conversations around often unspoken issues in a classroom, school, organisation or community – like being safe, heard and respected. A great resource for anyone looking to build a positive culture. 20% discount with the code EdInstitution20. That’s a real bargain! Here is the webinar recording that tells you more about them: https://atmybest.com/pages/user-hub-aspire-cards#webinar

Love of Learning Research

Thanks to everyone who helped identify exceptional primary schools who are engaging children in a love of learning. We have now visited two schools and about to meet pupils, parents, leaders, teachers and other staff in another – with more planned for next year. We are writing up each school as we go and putting quotes up on the website. And we are hearing of more and more schools doing great things – which is very uplifting in the face so much negativity. See the schools we have investigated so far here.

Curriculum Review for England

Published in early November, this is a long document. You can read the highlights here. Great to see a stronger focus on oracy, diversity and creativity – but still an emphasis on testing.

Past Conferences

I was honoured to be a keynote speaker at the National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE) annual conference in Worcester on October 10, and was inspired by the work I heard about from others, including those who won awards – you can nominate people for next year now. This meant I missed the Education Policy Alliance Day on Everybody Thriving.

International Conference on Transformative Education run by the Global Citizenship Foundation: this on-line event took place mid-November with some of the main talks being recorded and will eventually be available on YouTube. I was co-presenter of the State of Education address and took the opportunity to say that today there is a battle for children’s minds and hearts – what they learn in education about themselves, other people and the world around them matters for all our futures. Again some wonderful individuals presenting on their transformative work around the world.

Upcoming conferences

January 11-14th 2026: Stellenbosch, South Africa: Education Association of South Africa. Fruits of the Vine: Navigating the Disruptions through transforming and transformative education. My Handbook of Wellbeing in Education co-editor, Professor Ansie Kitching, and I are delivering a workshop.

February 25th 2026: Leaders and Advisers Conference: Canterbury. This year’s theme is A Sustainable and Compassionate Education. You can register here.

July 8th 2026: Education: An Act of Hope: University of Worcester. Abstracts on research in education that help address the SDG Development goals are invited until Feb 20th.

July 1-4th 2026: Dublin: European Conference on Positive Psychology

Publications

The Handbook of Wellbeing in Education: Research Transforming Practice now has most chapters submitted, reviewed and finalised. Still a few to go. A huge thanks to all the authors who have written about a wide range of subjects from all around the world. We will keep you informed of progress and when we can expect publication.

In my travels I have come across several authors who have written on matters close to all our hearts. I would love to review every book but simply don’t have the time. If anyone would like to write a paragraph or two for the website about any of the books below we would be pleased to hear from you – email me sue@sueroffey.com

Berni Godwin with Danny Silk: (2022) Loving our Students on Purpose: Building a culture of joy, responsibility and connection.Talking about behaviour with a neuroscience perspective.

Alan Watkins and Matt Silver: (2025) Re-inventing Education: Beyond the Knowledge Economy. Argues that we need to move from knowledge transfer systems to a developmental approach…including emotional regulation, systems thinking, critical analysis, creativity and collaborative capability. David Fulton Publishers

Douglas Bourn and Massilmiliano Tarozzi (eds) (2025) Pedagogy of Hope for Global Social Justice. Sustainable Futures for People and the Planet. Hope and resilience as normative values can move education beyond the current impasse. Bloomsbury Academic Press.

Watson, N., Lengthorn, E., Solvason, C. and Elliott, G. eds., (2025). Sustainability Education for Children and Young People: Educating for the Environmental Crisis. Taylor & Francis.

Fleming, K. and Demissie, F. eds., (2024). Nurturing ‘Difficult Conversations’ in Education: Empowerment, Agency and Social Justice in the UK. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Finally, a couple of TED Talks that you may want to hear.

How teachers can help kids find their political voices by Sydney Chaffee. She says social justice belongs in our schools and teaching students to engage in activism helps them build important academic and life skills. This aligns strongly with the OECD focus on agency.

How to be an upstander rather than a bystander by Angelique Parisot-Potter. Three lessons for standing up for what is right.

There is so much going on at the moment, but no-one wants a groaning in-tray, especially at this time of year, so other matters may need to wait until Spring! In the meantime wishing you all a time of rest and recuperation and hope for the year ahead.

Sue