researchED Ireland

On Saturday, 19th September, I had the privilege of travelling to Ireland to present at researchED Cork, hosted by Bandon Grammar School.

Something that never fails to impress me about researchED events is seeing so many teachers and school leaders give up part of their Saturday to reflect and think more deeply about their practice. Professional development can sometimes feel like something we fit around the demands of school, but days like this remind us of the profession’s commitment to getting better.

I was particularly grateful for the opportunity to speak about something at the heart of my own work: Behaviour is Curriculum. I’ve been presenting on behaviour for a number of years now. Behaviour is not separate from Teaching and Learning. The routines, expectations, and culture we establish shape the conditions for learning, and the small things we do consistently can significantly shape pupils’ experience of school. My session explored these ideas through the lens of evidence and research, alongside my practical experience leading behaviour in schools.

One of the most valuable parts of presenting at an event like this is being able to listen to others. I took a great deal from the sessions I attended throughout the day. The programme was thoughtfully organised, the sessions were grounded in research and evidence, and the range of perspectives made for a genuinely valuable day of professional learning.

Different contexts, schools, and experiences inevitably lead to different perspectives, but they also give us an opportunity to ask better questions of our own practice. What might work in one environment? What would need to change in another? How can I amend this strategy for my school? And, perhaps most importantly, what can I take back with me on Monday and beyond? Good professional development should not simply give us something new to try; it should make us think carefully about what we do, why we do it and what might lead to meaningful and sustainable change over time. The value is in taking ideas back into our own environments, testing them against our context and considering how they might contribute to long-term improvement. I left with plenty to think about, not just for Monday, but for the months and years ahead.

I also felt incredibly well looked after throughout the day. The organisation, warmth and Irish hospitality made the experience particularly special, and I am hugely grateful to Niamh McShane, Principal of Bandon Grammar School, for hosting us and to Sarah Kelly for organising such a brilliant event and inviting me to be part of it. The students were an absolute credit to themselves and the school. I never take for granted the privilege of speaking at events like researchED while continuing to work in a school. I am fortunate to be a serving senior leader, and I think there is real value in bringing experiences and lessons from education into these spaces and then returning to school having listened to and learned from others.

Articles Miriam has written on behaviour:

Leading Behaviour — Miriam Hussain

Pastoral fragments — Miriam Hussain

Leading a year group — Miriam Hussain

ResearchED Northern Ireland compendium of presentations published | Department of Education