Five Minutes on Friday Issue 2 11th September 2026
Welcome to this week’s 5 Minutes on Friday digest! As we settle further into the autumn term, we have a packed edition featuring upcoming local EdTech events, powerful professional development opportunities, and essential online safety guidance for your school community.
Grab a quick coffee and take five minutes to get up to speed with what you need to know for Friday, 11th September 2026.
π 1. Apple RTC Conference: AI & Accessibility in the Classroom
Mark your calendars! The South Tyneside Apple Regional Training Centre (in partnership with Academia) invites you to join us on Thursday, 22nd October 2026 at The Word, South Shields for our Autumn Conference.
This whole-day event focuses on one of the most vital areas in modern education: AI and accessibility in the classroom.
- Why Attend? Connect with fellow educators and tech experts, discover innovative ideas and practical teaching strategies, and explore inclusive approaches that empower every learner.
- Who Should Attend? Senior leaders, computing leads, class teachers, and SEND coordinators looking to maximize Apple technology for inclusion.
π RSVP & View the Official Event Flyer: Download the Apple RTC Conference Invite (PDF)
π€ 2. Gemini for Education Event: Newcastle Roadshow
Google for Education is hitting the road, and their next stop is right here in the North East! Join the Google team in Newcastle on Wednesday, 11th November 2026 for a dedicated Gemini for Education roadshow.
This event is tailored for school leaders, IT coordinators, and educators eager to harness generative AI safely and effectively within the Google Workspace environment.
- Key Insights: Discover how Gemini can save teachers time with lesson planning, assist with administrative workflows, and transform classroom interactivity.
- Best Practices: Learn about data privacy, AI literacy, and practical strategies for integrating AI tools into your school’s digital strategy.
π Secure Your Space: Register for the Gemini Roadshow Newcastle
π‘οΈ 3. Online Safety Hub Weekly Highlight: Parental Advice & Digital Safety
| In this week’s feature from the South Tyneside Online Safety Hub, we are highlighting how to report incidents on gaming platforms.Swift reporting is crucial for removing inappropriate content and mitigating the impact of negative online incidents.Reporting the incident to the platform itself is often the first step; however, each country also has applicable government organisations that can help. |
π Explore the Article & Hub:
- Read the Latest Feature: Access the Highlighted Safety Article
- Visit the Full Hub: South Tyneside Online Safety Hub
Thank you for reading this week’s edition of 5 Minutes on Friday! Stay tuned for more EdTech updates, classroom ideas, and leadership tips in next week’s issue.
Have a brilliant and relaxing weekendβunless you are taking on the Great North Run this Sunday! In that case, may the weather be in your favour, the crowds carry you along, and your legs take you safely home to the finish line in South Shields! πββοΈπββοΈ
Phillippa Chippendale
ICT in Schools Team