# data[].attributes.body
Authors: APs from Constellation B & C 2019-2020

# data[].attributes.headline
Constellation C Journey: Made with a dash of wit from @tessmaths, Julie Smith

# data[].attributes.subject
Constellation C Journey: Made with a dash of wit from @tessmaths, Julie Smith

# data[].attributes.body
Julie Smith (Teacher Trainer and Maths Author at Julie Smith Ltd) captures her journey through Constellation C. Detailing the professional development opportunities which arose and the friends gained following her search for a community after the pandemic meant that she lost the face to face contact her usual work brings.

# data[].attributes.headline
#APConnect Reflections: Creating LGBT+ Inclusion within an FE College, Nyika Suttie

# data[].attributes.subject
#APConnect Reflections: Creating LGBT+ Inclusion within an FE College, Nyika Suttie

# data[].attributes.body
Nyika (Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coach at Weston College) shares her journey on Constellation B, as a new Teaching and Learning Coach with a passion for developing a voice for LGBT+ in her college and how her involvement in #APConnect gave her the confidence to make the suggestion and volunteer to lead the group.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When I signed up for #APConnect Constellation B I was unsure I could make a difference. As a newly assigned Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coach I was pleased to meet people with other roles around the country, but couldn't see where I fit in. And when it came to creating a project I was somewhat stumped. Colleges are huge institutions, and for somebody so small to make a difference seemed impossible. Clearly I was forgetting the impact of the mosquito in a closed room.

In my day job I was busy, as well as my TLA Coach duties I am also a lead within the college's specialist autism residential training facility, overseeing the programme for autistic learners coming to college for the first time. Within this role I'd established a small group for LGBT+ autistic learners, and advocated passionately for the neurodiversity paradigm. So I knew my area of interest was "social purpose", and I enjoyed talking to other practitioners at the first #APConnect day about creating a more inclusive college, instilling values and morals within education, and working on the "hidden" wider skills curriculum which is so vital to learners' development.

As time moved on, I still didn't have a project. I knew I wanted to make the college more inclusive. I felt frustrated that there wasn't more of an LGBT+ staff and student voice within the college. So when I received an email asking if anybody would like to join a staff equality, diversity and inclusion working group I jumped at the chance. However, LGBT+ was not listed! So I sent an email asking if a working group could be formed, and buoyed by what I had learned from others on the #APConnect programme, asked if I could lead it.

The response from the college was that I did not have the seniority to lead the working group, but on the back of my email I was linked in with my TLA Manager colleague, and together we began to outline what we wanted for LGBT+ equality and inclusion within the college. It finally felt as though LGBT+ was on the agenda.

Shortly after starting the working group we went back into lockdown, but it was what we had learned from remote working which has strengthened the networks we have created. We began with a student group on Teams, which quickly gained members and has become a space for LGBT+ learners to support each other, chat and learn about their history. It was pleasing to see many members of the group standing for (and gaining) positions on the Student Union within the college. We plan to shortly set up a student committee to ensure the group is learner-led and meeting the needs of the members. We also plan to run a poster campaign now that learners are physically attending college again. And we have badges!

It was clear that whilst this group catered well to 16-19 year old learners, it would not be suitable for learners at out university centre. A meeting was held with the HE Team and it was decided a student-lead society would be launched through Teams. HE learners have different needs to 16-19 year old learners, and may wish to express their identity through more traditional "university experience" means, so we are looking forward to seeing what they come up with!

Finally, it felt important for inclusion within the college that staff were not only on board with LGBT+ inclusion, but also knowledgeable. So often openly LGBT+ members of staff carry an invisible load of managing all LGBT+ issues with students. Many of us are happy to do this (in fact it is probably the most rewarding part of my role), but the dream would be for every member of staff within a college to be confident in being approached by LGBT+ young people, and for LGBT+ learners to be able to approach any member of staff. To this end we began a third Team called "Proud Allies", a staff network for LGBT+ staff and allies alike. This Team quickly grew and has already elicited multiple conversations regarding allyship, support and being an inclusive teacher.

Going forward, the LGBT+ working group plans to link with other EDI working groups to run a campaign within the college around allyship and inclusion, through posters, the college's tutorial programme and CPD. The college will also create "inclusive toilets" to allow all learners the freedom to use a toilet without having to first choose the gender they are comfortable in showing themselves to be.

In less than year I have realised that if you are passionate is possible to make a college-wide difference, and this is in no small part thanks to the support and belief of the #APConnect programme. I look forward to continuing to aid the facilitation of a college which is inclusive, welcoming and celebratory of our LGBT+ learners and staff.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
#APConnect Reflections: Creating LGBT+ Inclusion within an FE College

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When I signed up for #APConnect Constellation B I was unsure I could make a difference. As a newly assigned Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coach I was pleased to meet people with other roles around the country, but couldn't see where I fit in. And when it came to creating a project I was somewhat stumped.

# data[].attributes.headline
Reflections of #APConnect 2020-2021: A New Start, Sarah Downing (@sare79)

# data[].attributes.subject
Reflections of #APConnect 2020-2021: A New Start, Sarah Downing (@sare79)

# data[].attributes.body
Sarah (Teaching and Learning Coach at Stratford upon Avon College) shares how the COVID-19 pandemic triggered the biggest educational change that she had encountered during her 14-year teaching career. Her concern about the numerous ways that the impact could negatively affect FE students led to a research project that explored ways to engage and support learners in an online learning environment.

# data[].attributes.headline
ME in FE: My #APConnect Journey, Hayley Seward (@HayleySeward3)

# data[].attributes.subject
ME in FE: My #APConnect Journey, Hayley Seward (@HayleySeward3)

# data[].attributes.body
Hayley's (Teaching and Learning Quality Lead at Chesterfield College) journey in Constellation B, supporting those with Long Covid/ME/CFS/lupus/postviral fatigue or any other related conditions – or those supporting others who do by creating a space to share their experiences and advice on how others have maintained successful careers within Further Education whilst managing their own symptoms.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ME in FE - My #APConnect Journey - by Hayley Seward - Touch Consulting

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To be given the platform to connect with others across our wonderful FE community is like finding the golden ticket in a Willy Wonka chocolate bar. Having the encouragement to be given that platform and then the freedom to work on something that you are passionate about, I can't even describe.

# data[].attributes.headline
AP (Constellation B) Reflective Account, Roy Turpin

# data[].attributes.subject
AP (Constellation B) Reflective Account, Roy Turpin

# data[].attributes.body
Listen to Roy's (Advanced Practitioner at Leeds College of Building) account of his project, supporting new teachers at his provider who were often thrown in to the deep end without structured support in place.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Advanced Practitioner (#APConnect) Reflections -  Roy Turpin

# data[].attributes.headline
Constellations and Collaborations #APConnect: A reflection of courage, confidence and community, Sophie Smith and Pamela Dale (@Supersophster2 & @PamelaD2133569)

# data[].attributes.subject
Constellations and Collaborations #APConnect: A reflection of courage, confidence and community, Sophie Smith and Pamela Dale (@Supersophster2 & @PamelaD2133569)

# data[].attributes.body
An interview with Sophie (Advanced Practitioner at Reaseheath College) and Pam (Advanced Practitioner at Calderdale College) who tell the tale of their involvement in #APConnect and how it changed their approach to their roles as Advanced Practitioners through collaboration with others across the nation.

# data[].attributes.headline
Re-imagining the Advanced Practitioner role to support mental health and well being, Kayte Haselgrove (@EduKayte)

# data[].attributes.subject
Re-imagining the Advanced Practitioner role to support mental health and well being, Kayte Haselgrove (@EduKayte)

# data[].attributes.body
Kayte (CPD and Learning Manager at Bishop Burton and Riseholme College) catches up with Simon Horner, Mental Health Coach (MHC): a summary of the achievements made in supporting staff with mental health and wellbeing at Bishop Burton and Riseholme College.

# data[].attributes.headline
Creating Spaces to Think in Further Education and Training

# data[].attributes.subject
Creating Spaces to Think in Further Education and Training

# data[].attributes.body
Authors: Lou Mycroft and Kay Sidebottom

# data[].attributes.headline
Using Coaching and Mentoring to Support Colleagues: Core Principles and Techniques

# data[].attributes.subject
Using Coaching and Mentoring to Support Colleagues: Core Principles and Techniques

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Jon Thedham

# data[].attributes.headline
Coaching and Mentoring in Action: Addition Tools, Approaches and Techniques

# data[].attributes.subject
Coaching and Mentoring in Action: Addition Tools, Approaches and Techniques

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Jon Thedham

# data[].attributes.headline
Facilitating Professional Development and High-Performance Through Situated Learning

# data[].attributes.subject
Facilitating Professional Development and High-Performance Through Situated Learning

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Ian Grayling

# data[].attributes.headline
How Managers Can Support and Develop Advanced Practitioners - An Organisational Approach

# data[].attributes.subject
How Managers Can Support and Develop Advanced Practitioners - An Organisational Approach

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Jon Thedham

# data[].attributes.headline
A Fairy Tale to Reflect the Constellations, Helen Brennan (@helenbrennan23)

# data[].attributes.subject
A Fairy Tale to Reflect the Constellations, Helen Brennan (@helenbrennan23)

# data[].attributes.body
Helen (Teaching, Learning and Assessment Manager at Derwentside College) takes her inspiration from the #APConnect Conference: Spark(l)ing Constellations and tells a story of her journey through #APConnect, as she works with the townsfolk to develop their digital skills to overcome the evil villain COVID's plans to eradicate learning for FE students.

# data[].attributes.headline
FE Late Show on Teachers Talk Radio, Sammy White (@WhatTheTrigMath) interviewing Hollie Barnes (@hblx93)

# data[].attributes.subject
FE Late Show on Teachers Talk Radio, Sammy White (@WhatTheTrigMath) interviewing Hollie Barnes (@hblx93)

# data[].attributes.body
Sammy's (Advanced Practitioner in Technology Enhanced Learning at Leeds City College) debut on Teacher Talk radio, sharing her thoughts on the digital divide and retrieval practice and discussing maths and English in Further Education and the development of online communities with Hollie Barnes (English Practitioner at Cambridge Regional College).

# data[].attributes.headline
Reflection: A Personal Best or Chasing Rainbows? Aleks House (@aleksandrahouse)

# data[].attributes.subject
Reflection: A Personal Best or Chasing Rainbows? Aleks House (@aleksandrahouse)

# data[].attributes.body
Aleks' (Teaching Learning and Development Manager at Leeds City College) shares her story of moving to another country, being a parent who doesn't speak the language in the country she lives in, her success in professional development and ultimately, her findings from research in to motivation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Chasing rainbows - Presentation (16:9) by Aleksandra House

# data[].attributes.headline
The Application of the Thinking Environment, Amanda Smith (@amanda_g_sth)

# data[].attributes.subject
The Application of the Thinking Environment, Amanda Smith (@amanda_g_sth)

# data[].attributes.body
Amanda (Advanced Practitioner at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London) talks to Lou Mycroft about how introducing the Thinking Environment to team meetings has changed the way that the team communicate with one another, fostering and boosting equality in the department and allowing those who are usually silent to speak up and share their amazing ideas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Advanced Practitioner (#APConnect) Reflections - Amanda Smith (2020/21)

# data[].attributes.headline
Reflective Perspectives 2-4-1: A reflective impression of the APConnect networks this year, Karen Gowlett (@karen_gowlett) and Michelle Wakeling (@MWakeling008)

# data[].attributes.subject
Reflective Perspectives 2-4-1: A reflective impression of the APConnect networks this year, Karen Gowlett (@karen_gowlett) and Michelle Wakeling (@MWakeling008)

# data[].attributes.body
Perspectives from Karen (Teaching and Learning Mentor at ACL Essex) and Michelle (Digital Teaching and Learning Coach) on their journey as members of #APConnect and how being a part of this group enabled them to build their own community as the facilitators of APSouth.

# data[].attributes.headline
Reflection of #APConnect Communities of Practice Programme (@SeraphinTracy)

# data[].attributes.subject
Reflection of #APConnect Communities of Practice Programme (@SeraphinTracy)

# data[].attributes.body
Tracy (Teaching, Learning and Innovation Coach at Newham College) tells the story of a project which aimed to improve the quality of formative, developmental and constructive feedback to support learners in self-correction of written work and how taking part in #APConnect contributed to the development of this project.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Advanced Practitioner (#APConnect) Reflections -Tracy Seraphin (2020/21)