Courses in Esher

LOOKING FOR: YA/NA FANTASY, SFF, HORROR, ADULT FICTION John Baker (he/him) joined the Bell Lomax Moreton agency in 2019, cultivating a list shaped around his passion for science fiction, fantasy, and horror, though has lately also branched out into action/adventure fiction. John focuses on authors writing in the Adult, New Adult, and YA spaces. John leads the wider agency's film & TV desk, is the Secretary of the Association of Author’s Agents, and the co-chair of the AAA’s Bridge Committee. He also serves on the Kingston University MA Publishing Advisory Board. Under the umbrella of speculative fiction, John is looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, romantasy, or literary speculative fiction. He has built a reputation as a champion of underrepresented voices and stories, be it from creators hailing from the global majority and their diasporas or neurodiverse authors, and naturally gravitates towards this kind of storytelling. In short, if he’s never read a story like yours before, he wants to see it. Adult fantasy: John loves beefy epic fantasy, especially non-Anglo Christian-inspired. Give him an immersive world, a fresh magical or mythic system, and an exciting cast of characters and he’ll be happy. He is a broad church in the genre so loves a political fantasy, swords and sorcery, courtly intrigue, monster hunting and dastardly villains. John is keen to find an urban fantasy that feels fresh and fun and he’s a sucker for a heroic quest narrative. He’s also very open to fantasy that isn’t easily categorised, but it is playing in that world. John is keenly hunting for more historical fantasy, especially inspired by modern history. He’s had fun with mythological retellings in the past, but as ever, let’s make sure it’s shining the spotlight on new stories. He would also love fantasy that centres on types of relationships less celebrated in fantasy, such as established and secure married couples, or siblings. NA/YA fantasy: In this genre, most importantly, John wants to have a good time, whether it’s swoon-worthy kisses in lush ball gowns, or gruesome gore and monsters, so send him pacy, plot-filled adventures. He’d love more books that teenage boys would love: Skullduggery Pleasant forever! Romantasy: The thriving new romantasy genre comes with its own set of challenges, so John wants to know what makes your romantasy different; what will set it out from the (very crowded!) market. Give it completely barmy stakes, cool and unique new settings, or a love story that will make your jaw drop. To be clear, he’s happily sorted for a human person meets a fae creature in the spooky woods. Also, cosmic romance is the genre of the future. Give him romantasy in space. Easy. Horror: John and horror are old friends. He loves horror inspired by myth and folklore, subversive weird horror that leaves your eyebrows in your hairline, historical horror that pulls from ghastly true stories, and anything that you’ll be reading with the light on. He also loves a gothic element and is particularly looking for horror with a strong romantic throughline, fun YA horror, and female & NB horror authors. Science fiction: SF is coming back! And John has been shouting about that. He loves to see an adventurous found-family romp through space or an epic, crunchy space opera. Speculative near-future is fun too, in the vein of Black Mirror’s more uplifting episodes, (e.g. San Junipero). He loves YA science fiction as well; the more creative the better. Literary: John is open to finding more rich magical realism or something character-led yet supernatural and would love a high-concept mystery, in the vein of Stuart Turton. He also loves spec fic that uses the speculative lightly as a way of confronting a deeper truth in society today. Weird stuff: John wants books that will blow people’s minds and defy categorisation. This is hard to describe, but think Gideon The Ninth, The Library At Mount Char, This Is How You Lose The Time War. John loves a pitch that leaves the editors baffled but intrigued. Action/Adventure, Historical Adventure, Espionage: John is branching out into non-speculative adventures, such as John Le Carré, Lee Child, Ian Flemming, and Mick Herron. More as his taste develops, but the hunt is on! Not looking for: military sci-fi or hard SF, or anything with biblical “character wakes up in purgatory/heaven/hell” narratives. The right comedic fantasy has yet to hit his inbox, but please don’t comp Douglas Adams or Sir Terry. John would like you to submit a covering letter, 1-2 page synopsis and the first three chapters (or 5,000 words whichever is longest) of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, John is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Wednesday 15th January 2025

What does this course cover? This is an online course for developing history leadership in primary teaching. This term, we will be piloting the course as an immersive programme covering the key elements of primary history subject leadership, enabling all involved in history leadership at primary to carry out their role effectively. How is this course structured and delivered? The course will take place in ten online sessions from January–May 2025. Sessions 1, 8 and 10 are compulsory to attend live. Participants will be required to complete a gap task after each session and contribute to an online reflection diary. The other sessions will be recorded for participants to work through at their convenience, though participants are encouraged to attend the recording sessions live in order to make the most of the programme. All recordings will be made available on the course Moodle page within two working days of the live recording session. Who is this course for? This programme is designed for anyone who is a subject coordinator or subject leader for history in their primary school. You may have just been appointed as a subject leader, or be more experienced but looking for formal training or fresh inspiration and direction. What are the outcome? This course will: equip you fully for the demands of history leadership in primary schools increase your confidence to develop an innovative, inclusive and effective history curriculum in your school develop your understanding of efficient action planning and how to make a wider impact help you to make the case for history with senior leaders enable you to enthuse others and lead staff meetings about history develop your understanding of current issues in primary history education The course will include a chance to share resources and assessment approaches, plus much more What will each session cover? Session 1: Introductory meeting (Live attendance) Wednesday 22 January 2025, 4pm–5.30pm Introduction and aims Reflection activity on the current state of history in your school Key responsibilities of the history subject leader Current Ofsted implications for the subject and what to expect in an inspection How the HA and latest Ofsted material can support you Session 2: What makes an effective history subject leader? (Live and recorded) Monday 27 January 2025, 4pm–5.30pm How to effectively support teachers and learners as a history leader How to create a vision, lead change, and manage time Effective action planning and improvement Auditing your history provision and building your evidence trail Developing an innovative, inclusive and effective history curriculum in your school Disciplinary knowledge: What is history? What do historians do? Suggested gap task: Conducting teacher and/or pupil voice questionnaires. Compulsory gap task: Add to your reflection diary for the programme. If relevant, reflect on how you will use the teacher questionnaire or pupil voice. Session 3: What makes effective teaching of history? (Live and recorded) Wednesday 19 February 2025, 4–5.30pm The role of the teacher Supporting SEND pupils Securing substantive knowledge and concepts across the curriculum How to support colleagues by identifying core knowledge How to involve the whole staff in mapping out and embedding the progression of concepts across the curriculum Suggested gap task: Consider SEND in your curriculum. Compulsory gap task: Add to your reflection diary for the programme reflecting on SEND. Session 4: Curriculum and practice at EYFS (Live and recorded) Tuesday 25 February 2025, 4–5.30pm Unpicking and supporting the requirements of the EYFS curriculum and Development Matters Developing historical and chronological understanding in EYFS as part of Understanding the world Progression and transition from EYFS to Key Stage 1 Ensuring coherence: how to start developing concepts Making use of the local history on your doorstep for EYFS and KS1 Accessing resources and support for EYFS Suggested gap task: Fact finding and liaison. Compulsory gap task: Add to your reflection diary for the programme reflecting on current EYFS practice. Session 5: Curriculum and practice at Key Stage 1 (Live and recorded) Monday 3 March 2025, 4pm–5.30pm Unpicking and supporting the requirements of the National Curriculum for KS1 Progression: building upon transition from EYFS What do KS1 require before KS2? Ensuring coherence: further developing the school’s chosen substantive concepts How to develop disciplinary concepts Developing appropriate chronological understanding in KS1 Enhancing and engaging children’s knowledge and retention through enquiry The use of working walls in KS1 to support learning Accessing resources and support for KS1 Suggested gap task: Check your KS1 curriculum for coverage and progression, building upon what they have learnt in EYFS. Compulsory gap task: Add to your reflection diary for the programme reflecting on KS1 practice in your setting. Session 6: Curriculum and practice at Key Stage 2 (Live and recorded) Tuesday 11 March 2025, 4pm–5.30pm Unpicking and supporting the requirements of the National Curriculum for KS2 How to incorporate local history with progression in KS2 What do we want the children in Year 6 to leave with? Developing appropriate chronological understanding in KS2 Preparing for transition to Key Stage 3 Ensuring coherence: building upon the school’s chosen concepts for progression What the HA can do to support the teaching of KS2 units? Resources and support for KS2 Suggested gap task: Check your KS2 curriculum for coverage and progression, building upon what they have learnt in EYFS and KS1. Compulsory gap task: Add to your reflection diary for the programme reflecting on KS2 practice in your setting. Session 7: Approaching sensitive issues in history (Live and recorded) Tuesday 18 March 2025, 4pm–5.30pm What do we mean by diversity in history and why is it important? How to ensure a wider diversity in your history teaching Barriers to making the curriculum more diverse and how to overcome them Approaches to sensitive issues in history lessons, including: - Refugees and migration history - War - Climate change Suggested gap task: Consider opportunities for increasing diverse voices and raising climate issues in your curriculum. Compulsory gap task: Add to your reflection diary for the programme considering how you might address the sensitive or current issues raised in this session. Session 8: Interim review meeting (Live attendance) Tuesday 25 March 2025, 4pm–5.30pm A review session allowing subject leaders to reflect upon their progress so far Opportunity to respond to suggestions, clarify information, or raise issues from the previous sessions Time to ask questions, share good practice or recommended resources with the rest of the cohort Suggested gap task: Time to follow up on anything raised in this session or to complete any previous tasks, following clarification and inspiration from this session. Compulsory gap task: Add to your reflection diary for the programme, reflecting on your priorities and actions using suggestions from the presenter or other delegates. Session 9: Assessment and evidence (Live and recorded) Wednesday 30 April 2025, 4pm–5.30pm Assessment and expectations A word about writing Triangulating the evidence What to look for in a work scrutiny Suggested gap task: Conduct a work scrutiny on one aspect to check across the school, in conjunction with a focused pupil voice on the same aspect. Compulsory gap task: Add to your reflection diary considering how you will conduct a work scrutiny and what you will focus on – or, if relevant, reflect on what you discovered and how you will address any issues. Session 10: Final meeting (Live attendance) Wednesday 14 May 2025, 4pm–5.30pm Following up any requests arising from the interim meeting (Session 8) Discussion or clarification of any issues arising from previous sessions Discussion of priorities, next steps and any issues Sharing ideas for enthusing others and leading staff meetings: “What worked for me?” Communicating with headteachers, governors, colleagues and parents Are you ready for the HA Quality Mark? Suggested gap task: Identifying your school’s next steps Compulsory gap task: Complete your final piece in your reflection diary.

This session will provide a clear update for governors as to the latest developments in terms of risk, updates on statutory guidance and KCSIE requirements from the governance perspective, and an overview of what the safeguarding team should be working on.

Booked or looking to book your GIC? Want to know what to expect? Join us for an online session where we go through what is expected of you on the course and your chance to ask questions.

CUSTOMER SERVICE IS AN ORGANIZATION’S ABILITY TO SUPPLY ITS CUSTOMERS’ WANTS AND NEEDS. IMPROVED CUSTOMER SERVICE IS CONSTANTLY AND CONSISTENTLY EXCEEDING THE CUSTOMERS’ EXPECTATIONS. This class is for service industry professionals who want to maximize their efficiency, develop better customer skills, and increase their value. The focus of the Improving Customer Service class is to increase repeat business because of customer satisfaction and referral. Participants will find a greater level of productivity, job satisfaction and the potential for advancement. For client-facing service personnel, these areas of development will be very beneficial. Improved Customer Service means increased internal and external customer satisfaction. Attendees will be able to: Focus on others to project a UB4I, customer-centered attitude; Empower people with respect (acknowledging) and control (offering choices); Understand customers better and develop emotionally-intelligent methods for managing their fears and reactions; Listen more intently to develop the best rapport; Communicate clearly with conviction, projecting greater credibility; Create positive, diplomatic messages even from negative, modeling a problem-solving, can-do attitude; and Create and refine phone-answering and email templates, to appropriately address customer concerns and increase the potential for repeat business. Online Format—Improving Customer Service is a 4-hour interactive virtual class for up to 20 people. Register for this class and you will be sent ONLINE login instructions prior to the class date. Improving Communications brought our organization to realize how important our employees—our people—are to Baystate Dental. By helping us to develop a more thoughtful and sensitive nature, we now relate better with each other and our patients. Dr. Kevin Coughlin, DMD, FAGD, MBABaystate Dental

CRRUK equips professionals with the concepts, skills and tools to build conscious, intentional relationships, and to coach relationship systems of any size.

This is an International Driver CPC - 7hours course - Vulnerable Road Users and it is suitable for LGV & PCV and will cover: Where Do We Encounter VRU’s? Who Are the VRU’s? Sharing Road Space, Route Planning, New Traffic Systems, Professional Drivers Role, Hazard Perception, Defensive Driving, Blindspots, Vehicle Safety Systems, Cyclists, Pedestrians, Motorcyclists, Horse Riders All courses start at 07:45 hrs and finish at 15:45 hrs All courses are 8 hours long with included 2 breaks of 15 minutes and a lunch break of 30 minutes. Approval: This course is registered with JAUPT as approved for Driver CPC qualification. Course Approval Number: ICRS5814/475. On completion of the course, all attendees will receive a certificate of attendance. Please note repeat courses are not accepted by DVSA and by joining this course you confirm that you are aware of the modules covered by you and certify that, if you have covered these before you are happy to repeat the modules due to needing further education on the subject.

This five-day course is a must for anyone who is considering or already working in a role with site manager responsibilities. This course covers all relevant legislation affecting safe working in the building, construction, and civil engineering industries. It is endorsed by Build UK as the standard training for all construction managers. Aims To give a clear understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental legislation that affects your management role. It highlights the need for risk assessment in the workplace, the implementation of the necessary control measures and adequate communication to sustain a health and safety culture within the workforce. Course Content To give a clear understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental legislation that affects your management role. It highlights the need for risk assessment in the workplace, the implementation of the necessary control measures and adequate communication to sustain a health and safety culture within the workforce. Course Content • Health, safety, welfare and environmental legislation affecting your daily work • New guidance and industry best practice • Duties and responsibilities with regards to health, safety, welfare, and the environment • Safe working Prerequisites This course is for you if you’re considering, or already have management responsibilities for planning, organising, monitoring, controlling and administering groups of staff e.g. site manager. Assessment At the end of this course, all delegates will have a clear understanding of controlling health and safety on site from a manager’s role. Certificate The certification for this course is valid for 5 years and is endorsed by Build UK as a standard training for all site managers. To remain certified in this area, you will need to take a refresher course before the expiry date on your certificate, otherwise the full course will need to be retaken. Instructions Please note all online Site Management Safety Training Scheme courses with the venue “Online” will be delivered by a tutor over a video call. This training will be delivered and assessed in English language; therefore, a good standard is required to complete the course. Further attendee information will be sent in a separate email, please check your inbox.

CPD accredited Level 3 Cleaning Technology and Control course. Delivered online (Zoom) by a live tutor. Exam and Certificate fee included in the price.

6 Week Qi-Gong Course For Winter When: Tuesday Evenings 6pm and Thursday Mornings (via Zoom) All classes are recorded so you can catch up in your own time. Dates: Tuesdays 6-7pm: January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and February 4th and 11th Thursdays 9-9.30am: January 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th and February 6th and 13th Price: Concessions £60 – Standard £80 – Supporter £110 Suitable for everyone no matter your experience What if you could improve your health, strength and vitality, by simply slowing down? Slow your body Slow your breath Slow your mind When we slow down we give ourselves the opportunity to rejuvenate, to recharge and to harness our own life force energy or “Qi”. As we move towards winter we begin to turn inwards and connect to the power of Yin, the power of Water and the power of finding our own slow flow. In this 6 week course we will explore Qigong movements, meditations and breathwork practices to support this slowing down, giving us the space to connect to our Qi, to our subtle energy, giving us the tools to feel stronger, calmer and full of vitality. In Traditional Chinese Medicine we are entering the water phase of winter. The water element relates to the organs of the bladder and kidneys, our bones, our ears and our sense of hearing. The meridians of Kidney and Bladder run along our spine and the back of the body and when they are flowing well we feel supported by life, grounded and connected to the world around us. We can find our inner flow with ease, without effort or strain, enabling us to let go of our fears and move forward with courage. Qigong teaches us to come back to our bodies, to come back home, to a place of belonging that is inside all of us, a place of stillness in our the centre. Where we can better navigate life’s uncertainties with greater balance, ease, and steadiness. What is included: Six live 60min evening Qigong Classes on zoom Six live 30min morning Slow Flow classes on zoom Access to replays of all classes so you can catch up in your own time. Access to private Whats App group to share experiences and ask questions Weekly supporting material for home practice : – A Weekly video with a guided Qigong Practice or Meditation – PDF – explanations of each practice – Key acupuncture points for self massage Together we will: Learn a simple Slow Flow Qigong Movements to balance your nervous system and release stress. Explore the principal of Wu Wei – Release tension and move with effortless action Connect to your deep internal power – Learn to Standing in Emptiness (Wuchi) Strengthen Kidneys and support adrenal health Exercises to strengthen your spine and reduce back pain Clear the meridian pathways reducing stagnation and stiffness for increased flow and vitality. Learn self-massage techniques for key acupuncture points to release stress and calm our busy minds. Qigong means “To Nourish Life” and for me having a regular practice helps to bring me home to myself. What will i get out of this course? Deeper body awareness Increased strength and emotional stability Relax your mind and Improve mental clarity Enhanced breathing and improved circulation Strengthen your back and build a healthy spine Less physical tension and reduced pain More energy Less stress and anxiety Everyone is welcome to join the course no matter your experience. Please get in touch if you have any questions.