Teachers and Advisers Conference 2024

Conference sessions

Conference welcome and overview

Stefanie Walton, Interim Director of Recruitment will welcome delegates and provide a brief overview of recent transformative changes and developments across the University. Stefanie will highlight the University’s recently launched Royal Docks Schools, Colleges and Community Partnership, a collaborative approach to addressing and harnessing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for both the University and schools and colleges across east London.

UCAS reform: Future changes and challenges in university admissions

Courtney Sheppard, Head of Customer Contact at UCAS will offer insights into the changing landscape of higher education and university admissions as well as highlighting the proposed changes for the 2026 cycle regarding the new personal statement format.

Morning breakout sessions:

a) Diversity, Adaptability and Professionalism: Transformation in East London Schools: This session will focus on the opportunities and challenges faced by professional educators in the face of diversity, adaptability, and professionalism. The session will link to how the University’s Department of Education's various CPD offers, including our MAs, can support professional educators to be responsive to the opportunities and challenges with the aim of transforming their schools, colleges, and other education settings.

b) UEL Admissions: In-cycle Insights: Join colleagues from the University’s Admissions team for insights into the approach the University takes to support the application process and ensure swift decision-making and successful outcomes.

c) Careers and Industry in the Curriculum: Colleagues from the University’s Career Zone will focus on how we are collaborating with industry partners to embed meaningful experiences into the curriculum to equip students with the knowledge they need to navigate life after university, whether it’s pursuing full-time employment, further studies or entrepreneurship. 

The University of East London’s Careers Guarantee

At the University of East London, we not only promise an education; we guarantee a pathway to your future. With the UEL Careers Guarantee, you're not just choosing a university, you're choosing a life-changing journey that starts on day one to set you apart in a competitive world. Why settle for anything less, when you can have access to tailored career-building resources, hands-on industry experience and a network that opens doors and gives you a gateway to the world in one of the most iconic and dynamic cities? 

David Smith, Associate Director of Marketing, will present the University’s careers proposition and the benefits for the new generation of future graduates.

Afternoon breakout sessions:

a) Outreach: Changing Perceptions, Widening Participation: Evidence suggests the impact of outreach engagement on student’s progression to university has increased significantly. New research findings from HEPI (Higher Education Policy Institute) found that ‘students who took part in an intensive package of outreach consisting of at least eight contact hours are more likely to enter HE than a closely matched group of students who took part in less than three hours of outreach’ In this session, join Outreach Managers Carol Berry and Tariq Patel who will share details about the impact of the University’s outreach programme including award-winning projects, and the benefits to both students and teachers.

b) Degree Apprenticeships: ‘Earn While You Learn’: Ever thought about an apprenticeship pathway for your learners? In this session, you will hear from the University's Apprenticeship team about the application process and course places alongside students who know what it takes to succeed if you ‘earn as you learn. 

c) Your Future Careers Pathway: New Post 16 Digital Resource: Your Future Careers Pathway is a digital learning experience tackling some of the most poignant and thought-provoking shifts under Industry 5.0. It aims to inspire and empower students to make informed choices about their future careers and next steps after school or college. Colleagues from the University’s Career Zone service will demonstrate how the resource works and the benefits for students.