Why do we call them Constellations?

We believe that the Education and Training Foundation’s #APConnect Constellations are Communities of Practice+, because you have the opportunity to mix in different ways with different people. They combine the supportive nature of a community of practice with the stimulation of being surrounded by new perspectives and ideas. APs (and potential APs) thrive in these spaces. Away from the hurly burly of the workplace you can think together, learn from each other and benefit from cutting edge input from the Constellation facilitators. To see some of the outcomes from #APConnect Year 3, check out some of the reflective accounts produced by APs.

Last year we worked with APs in a co-evaluation project of equals, to rethink the AP role. APs occupy a space in their organisations where – at best – they have the potential to change cultures for the better. During the difficult Covid year, APs led the charge to innovative practice, both on- and offline. Their energy is infectious in a good way; as the co-evaluation outcomes show, they work from a values base to draw energy and ideas from the Constellations, taking that back into the organisation in influential ways. If you want to hear more about the co-evaluation – and about being an AP – have a listen to this recent broadcast on the JoyFM radio station, featuring members of the co-evaluation team. You can also watch this live-stream in which Dr Christina Donovan explores the co-evaluation research findings and what they mean for leaders and APs on the ground, in practice. 

This is how APs are viewing their work: as influencers on and from the frontline, bringing ideas and energy for values-led quality improvement back into the organisation:

 

Constellation Pathways

There are two Constellation pathways: Constellation C and Constellation B (yes, you read it right, no Constellation A😆).

Constellation B is for new and new-to-APConnect APs and for people who are on their journey to becoming an AP. It is structured, with online modules to complete and lots of support from the Constellation facilitators. No-one’s potential is limited and you have access to Constellation C opportunities, such as Festival Fridays.

Constellation C is for relatively experienced APs, including those who have been on the programme before. Constellation C is a festival of co-learning, with the intention of amplifying and sharing AP practice. Last year APs organised events, blogged, podcasted, became writers for TES and even started a radio station! We’ll help you find your voice and we’ll bring you together with other APs who will inspire and support you. This year Cs will also get priority access to the new Practitioner-Led FE Professional Learning pathway including grant funding. 

If last year is anything to go by, we anticipate the Constellations will be over-subscribed once again. But we do hope to offer everyone who wants to join a place. If over-subscribed though, our transparent decision-making process will kick in. If you need further further guidance to help you decide whether Constellation B or C is right for you it’s worth checking out our guidance. Guidance and our transparent decision-making process can be accessed here.

We are recruiting now to Constellations B and C. Apply here. 

Closing date for Constellation B: Wednesday 15 September 2021, 5pm (you must be available for the AP Connections day scheduled for Wed 29 September and the Reconnections day scheduled for Wed 12 January 2022)

Closing date for Constellation C: Wednesday 30 June 2021, 5pm   (you must be available for the Connections day scheduled for Wed 7 July)

 

ATS and QTLS Support

We offer meaningful support for ATS, in partnership with the PDN ATS Staffroom. Last year’s participants really valued this peer space, with additional support from Constellations facilitators experienced in ATS. 

We didn’t have anyone undertaking QTLS last year, but if that’s you we will be sure to set up something similar. This is why we ask you about QTLS/ATS on the application form.

 

Equalities Mentoring

We are delighted to be offering our impactful Equalities Mentoring programme for a second time, in partnership with the BAMEEd Network and EQtraining. This offers a blend of one-to-one mentoring and equalities-positive workshops. Find out more here and please indicate on your application form if you wish to be involved.

 

#APConnect is organised by touchconsulting Ltd on behalf of The Education and Training Foundation (ETF). This year, the ETF have asked us to support 585 unique engagements, by which they mean 585 discrete individuals who have directly benefited from #APConnect.   ⭐️It doesn’t matter if you have been on #APConnect before, you can still apply to one or more pathway CONSTELLATION B/C⭐️ We still hope to make every pathway of the programme available to anyone who wants to apply, even if we have already counted your engagement in our monitoring, but, mindful of how far we can also stretch our energies and resources, we can’t guarantee this.