Concordat 2011
Concordat 2011 – the annual Training Conference for KFA teachers was held over the weekend of 9th and 20th July at Wodson Park, Hertfordshire. This year’s event was planned and hosted by Eastern Counties KFA and ran concurrently with a Members Recreative week-end at the same venue, which was also enthusiastically received.
Wodson Park is a recognised centre of excellence for sport and proved to be an ideal venue not only for the activity sessions but also for the support programme including the Teacher’s Forum and Conference. Delegates and members alike commented on the high standard of the venue’s facilities which contributed to a comfortable friendly atmosphere that aided learning and enjoyment
Whilst many teachers use Concordat as an opportunity to obtain their mandatory training hours, it is not simply a full-on training weekend. It primarily affords teachers the opportunity to meet up with like minded teachers and trainers, and to attend sessions taken by familiar trainers as well as some with whom they may never had had the opportunity to work with before. This year was no exception and sessions were lead by a number of excellent trainers from within the KFA and by invited tutors from other disciplines. Typical comments from teachers are that they always come away with some fresh ideas, whether with music or dance moves; that creativity batteries are re-charged and the event is embraced as ‘me’ time.
This year saw a number of changes to the programme and Eastern Counties Working Party sought the views of attending Teachers and Members with regard to these changes. A summary of this year’s event along with some of these responses will be published in the next issue of Grapevine.
A distinguishing feature of Concordat is the ‘off programme’ evening entertainment – which is equally exhausting but which makes Concordat a social event too.
“I have been going to Concordat for many years now and there are many aspects of it that I love. I get a real ‘buzz’ from. I am always overwhelmed by the quality of the organisation of this huge event carried out by volunteers to make sure we all have a great time. There is just one thing on my wish list. I wish the ‘cabaret’ had been retained. I have never laughed so much as when witnessing the bizarre and unique performances of friends and colleagues, seeing them in quite a different role can be awesome. So all in all; great sessions, great tutors, great venue, good food and good company. Great value for money.” JH – Southern Counties

