Thank you for the very enthusiastic response you have given us to our plans to bring parents together to discuss variety of topics that will best enable you  to support your children to flourish in all aspects of their lives.

We were delighted to formally launch JCG Table Talks: a regular series of curated workshops designed to address the topics you have identified as being most important to you, in February.

Table Talks: building strong bonds, one conversation at a time

At Jersey College for Girls, we believe in the power of shared moments around the table, where parents come together to nurture not only their children but also the strong bonds within our community. 

This forum serves as a space where JCG parents can engage in meaningful conversations, fostering connections that go beyond the everyday challenges of raising adolescents.

Our next Table Talk will take place on Thursday 16th May from 18:30-20:00.

 Topic: What does cognitive science tell us about how young people learn most effectively? 

The evening will begin with a light meal, to set the tone of relaxed and open conversation between groups of parents. We feel that eating together is an important ingredient in the success of this venture. 

From 19:00, there will be 15-20 minutes of input (via live video link) from Dr Victoria Cook. Dr Cook is Education and Research Project Specialist at the Chartered College of Teaching, and co-author of the recent paper ‘Cognitive science in education: Teachers' priorities for research’. Prior to joining the Chartered College, Dr Cook worked as a postdoctoral Research Associate at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge. She is a qualified geography teacher and worked in secondary schools for over five years. 

We will then have 30 minutes of round-table discussion (seated in groups of 8-10) before concluding with a 10-15 minute plenary session in which our learning from the evening is brought together. 

The format of the event, designed to foster powerful conversations and the strengthening of community bonds, does limit us to 16 places. At the first workshop, we found this number allowed for a high degree of engagement and enjoyment for all present. A small charge of £12 per person will allow us to cover the costs of the event and make the Table Talks initiative a sustainable one. I

n order to secure your place, please book through:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jcg-table-talks-workshop-2-tickets-886053669377 

If your child is eligible for financial assistance through Jersey Premium funding or our Bursary programme, the cost of the event can be covered through these funds. Please contact our Financial Assistance Co-ordinator, Felicity Williams: f.williams@jcg.sch.je  

If you have any other questions about Table Talks, please do not hesitate to contact Simon Milner, Assistant Headteacher: Student Guidance via email s.milner@jcg.sch.je

Our first workshop took place on Wednesday 28th February from 18:30 to 20:00.

The topic was 'How can I maintain a strong and open relationship with my child through their adolescence?'

We had input (via live video link) from Dr Charlotte Clarke MSc PGDip. Charlotte has spent her career connecting clinical practice to policy development and cultural reform. Her background is rooted in understanding mental health. Her expertise arises from being both a young person who experienced complex trauma and an adult that completed a PhD in Mental Health Science. Throughout her career she has supported adults and young people with a variety of behavioural, cognitive and psychological challenges. At When the Adults Change, where Charlotte is Clinical Director, she works with schools, MATs and local authorities to make their communities relational. 

She designs powerful programmes of work that maximise positive outcomes and minimise barriers to adoption. She is passionate about helping us look beyond behaviour and encourages us to think about the longer term physical and mental benefits that occur when the adults change. 

In addition to Charlotte's presentation, our Head Girl Team gave their perspective on what parents can do to maintain positive relationships in the home. 

Testimonials

"It was a fascinating evening with comfortable open discussion from all involved. Although parents love their children dearly we all run into challenges as they grow and start their journey into adulthood. With young adults pushing boundaries and their parents trying to guide them, situations can, from time to time become difficult, especially when both parents work and the time constraints that brings. The small nuggets of gold received during the evening from both Dr Charlotte Clarke, College staff and other parents will be used in the coming months, hopefully helping to bring calmness & sanity into our home on the occasions when previously it might have become fraught with confrontation."

"It would have been lovely to have had a similar learning opportunity when our older children were younger, as it would have been incredibly helpful for us and by extension hugely beneficial for them."

"I found the discussion very interesting and informative, it was also reassuring to hear that I’m not alone,  and that we all struggle from time to time with our teenagers. I have already started to put into practice some of the strategies that Dr Clarke discussed with us on the night as she reminded us how effective simple strategies can be. I look forward to the next Table Talks discussion when it takes place."