10 June 2005 - Brighton - Moving Forward Together

Brighton Colleges Common Accord Summer Conference

The aim of this conference is to address three key themes relevant to further education, at a national, regional and local level. With the election settled, the 14-19 Agenda may quickly become clearer, the Action for Business Colleges Agenda will be progressing for both FE and 6th Form Colleges, and the increasingly important dialogue between government and education about student diet will be high on the agenda.

The seminar presenters are all leading experts in their field and close to the policy makers. The conference should provide a highly stimulating day, provoking both ideas and action, for delegates to take back to their institutions.

The programme involves 3 seminars, which all participants will attend on a rotating basis. The topics of these seminars will be:

• (1) The implications and planning needs following the 14-19 White Paper, February 2005

• (2) Employer engagement and student employment preparation

• (3) Challenging Students - How Food and Diet can affect Behaviour, Learning and Mood

Dr Alex Richardson of FAB Research will lead Seminar 3, for which the outline content is given below.

Nutrition has rarely been considered relevant to educational policy and practice, but increasing evidence shows that the kind of foods we eat - and even the way we eat them - can affect our behaviour, learning and mood as well as our physical health.

In this seminar, Alex Richardson will explain the latest scientific research in this area, its practical implications for students and education professionals, and some simple dietary guidelines for maximising mental as well as physical performance.

Topics covered will include:

• A new approach to ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and related conditions
• Omega 3 fatty acids and the brain - getting the fats right
• Other essential nutrients (and where to get them from)
• Food allergies, intolerances and addictions
• Dietary strategies for optimal mental performance
• Practical approaches - your questions answered