Continuing her mission to share SEND insight and expertise, Secondary Outreach Lead at Bromley Trust Academy has taken to the stage at a national research conference held at the University of Birmingham.
Marcia White was chosen by the British Educational Research Association (BERA) to present her initial doctoral research ideas at the three-day BERA Annual Conference 2023.
Sharing her first-hand experience with over 100 people, including scholars, professors and academics, Marcia’s presentation was entitled: The discourse of exclusion - what does the language used in a permanent exclusion tell us about the reality of inclusion in the education system?
This event followed a presentation Marcia had given to BERA at the University of Leeds, earlier this year, as part of a competition for Early Career Researchers (ECR). She had impressed the panel so much, that she was asked to attend the BERA Annual Conference at the University of Birmingham to speak to the expert audience.
Reflecting on her experience, Marcia said:
“I was so surprised to be selected to present at the BERA Annual Conference – but delighted to be able to further share my research and experience with such an influential audience.
“I am absolutely passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEMH needs. My doctoral research at Canterbury Christ Church University is very much focused on enhancing my understanding in this area – and sharing this knowledge with others in the sector is really important to me.”
Bromley Trust Academy is part of London South East Academies Trust, which has a network of nine schools across Bromley, Bexley, Lambeth and Surrey. Deputy CEO, Neil Miller, said:
“Our Trust is a huge advocate of sharing best practice and expertise. It is fantastic to see Marcia presenting her research at a national conference – while also raising awareness of the tireless work being done to support young people with SEMH needs.
“This is a huge personal achievement for Marcia, particularly in her ability to progress her own educational journey while being so committed to her role as an outreach lead and to her students. She is a real inspiration to staff across the Trust."
Professor Lynn Revell, Faculty Director of Research Canterbury Christ Church University, added:
“We are so proud of Marcia, her BERA award is rightly deserved because of her hard work, creativity and commitment to children and young people who are excluded.”
For more information about BERA visit: www.BERA.ac.uk
For more information about the BERA competition: https://www.bera.ac.uk/event/the-ecr-journey-from-inspiration-to-impact-2023
For more information about London South East Academies Trust, visit: www.LSEAT.ac.uk