About the event

The focus of the eTwinning Annual Conference 2017 is to share how eTwinning can raise the capabilities of schools to address three main factors of exclusion: cultural differences, educational difficulties and geographical obstacles which continues the work of promoting ‘and non-discrimination through education’. In this context, eTwinning can turn inclusion into action via specific international projects, dedicated professional development opportunities and above all, by networking teachers so that they feel part of an inclusive community.More generally and taking stock of eTwinning's achievements over its 10 years activity, we are convinced that this initiative could contribute to addressing challenges of national education systems in the common goals of improving education in Europe and preparing European citizens.

The idea is to enable you to have a better understanding of eTwinning and to discuss with your colleagues from other countries on how eTwinning could become more embedded in your national system and be further developed at the level of the school organisation. A specific programme will be drawn up for your attention. Your participation in the whole conference is of course most welcome.

Please not that we will be live streaming the plenary session on 26 October at 2pm, including the keynote address of Mark Penfold and the opening speeches, as well as the prize award ceremony, from 7pm. Follow the live stream here (just refresh the link at the specified time). 

Keynote Speaker - Marc Penfold

Mark Penfold has a first class degree in modern languages from University College Cardiff. He has been teaching since 1978 and for 17 years has specialised in inclusion with a focus on delivering the secondary curriculum to pupils who do not speak the language of instruction.  He has published The EAL Manual and researched and written a report on improving education outcomes for pupils of Roma heritage for The British Council. The school where he works has been recognised as “Outstanding” by the Department for Education in the UK, is a national support school, has the Equality award and has been designated a centre of excellence for inclusion. Mark was a co-recipient of the inaugural European Roma Spirit Award for Europe in October 2016. He has contributed to several EU and Council of Europe sponsored projects.