Hi, I’m Dr Dylan E. Jones and I am the Dean of Education and Head of the Institute of Education at UWTSD.

Last year I hosted the Seren Network National Conference, I am delighted to announce that this year it will be held again on 4th, 5th or 6th December 2018 at Cefn Lea Park in Newtown and that all year 12 Seren students are invited.

I will have the pleasure of hosting this hugely successful event again, this year. As a former head teacher in south-Wales, I know what a fantastic opportunity this event is for Wales’ young people and school professionals.

But don’t just take my word for it, the feedback from last year’s conference really demonstrated the widespread benefits of attending the conference.

What did students make of Seren 2017?

A huge 91% of those that attended agreed that they had found the conference to be an extremely positive experience, the best things being;

• Access to and the number of universities present
• The amount of information gained on applications, university life and courses available
• Attending a specific session

Students commented that the ‘best bits’ included;

“Showed me different career paths I didn’t know were possible to pursue due to doubting myself.”

“That there was more than one opportunity to visit the University stalls as I found myself visiting stalls I didn’t think of visiting the first or second times.”

“Found out lots of information. I am a lot more confident about trying to apply for the bigger universities.”

What did professionals make of Seren 2017?

Teacher, lecturer and support staff from schools and colleges across Wales indicated that they felt attending the conference had increased their students’ motivation to apply, and knowledge of how to apply to a leading university:

• 80% of students were more likely to attend open days
• 78% were more motivated to apply to a leading university
• 75% were more confident in planning to apply for a leading university or course
• 80% were more knowledgeable of what it takes to successfully apply to a leading university

Comments from professionals regarding the benefits included;

“Having an opportunity to learn and share with a range of contributors from across the UK so that we are better able to support our pupils.”

The opportunity for professional development and to meet other professionals was also welcomed by staff with one responder highlighting “the opportunity to talk with other professionals” as a particular benefit.

Those are just a few of the many reasons to attend Seren 2018. I will look forward to seeing you all there and indeed to delivering the ‘Maximising your Bilingualism’ session, for our Welsh speakers.

We’ll be posting more detailed information about sessions and how to make the most of the conference over the coming weeks.

For now though, happy booking!

I advise you to book soon to avoid disappointment!

• Visit the booking page here and follow the instructions
• The full programmes can be downloaded here:
  • Students click here
  • Professionals click here