Join us for an inspiring and energising opening keynote with world-renowned speaker and well-being expert Dale Sidebottom as he unveils the power of play in education. Designed specifically for educators, this keynote will explore how intentional, play-based strategies can build resilience, confidence, and connection among students—while also helping teachers create a thriving, positive learning environment.

Why Play Matters in Education

The demands of modern education are greater than ever. Teachers are balancing curriculum pressures, student well-being, and engagement while navigating a world of digital distractions, mental health challenges, and increasing expectations. But here’s the secret: Play isn’t just for students—it’s a critical tool for educators to build resilience, foster learning, and create deeper connections in the classroom.

Through this keynote, Dale will showcase how embedding play into teaching practices can:

✅ Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Students – Help students manage academic pressure, exams, and social challenges through playful learning techniques that make learning feel engaging and achievable.

✅ Improve Student Engagement and Focus – Discover how short bursts of play can boost cognitive function, memory retention, and motivation, keeping students engaged throughout the school year.

✅ Develop Resilience and Confidence – Learn how structured play and game-based strategies can help students embrace failure, persist through setbacks, and develop a growth mindset—skills essential for lifelong success.

✅ Enhance Teacher Well-being and Classroom Culture – Play isn’t just for students! Incorporating elements of play into your own teaching practice can help you build stronger relationships with students, increase your own job satisfaction, and prevent burnout.

What You’ll Gain from This Keynote:

🎯 Practical Strategies to Integrate Play into Any Subject – Walk away with immediately applicable tools that can enhance student learning across all disciplines.

🎯 A Reinvigorated Passion for Teaching – Rediscover how play can transform not only your students’ experience but also your own as an educator.

🎯 A Fresh Perspective on Student Well-being – Gain a research-backed understanding of how play supports mental health, engagement, and academic performance.

🎯 Connection and Inspiration – Join a community of educators who are rethinking traditional teaching methods to create classrooms that foster joy, resilience, and lifelong learning.

Start the PHASE Conference with Energy, Purpose, and Play!

Dale’s keynote will set the tone for an incredible conference, reminding us that education is not just about knowledge—it’s about engagement, connection, and joy. Come ready to laugh, learn, and leave with powerful strategies to bring more energy, fun, and impact into your teaching practice.