The RiPPLE Centre

Join us for an engaging, free lecture exploring the rich, diverse, and often overlooked histories of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities in Wales.  This is a Welsh Government-funded project, facilitated by BAMEed Wales, hosted by Wrexham University

Location:  Room B21, Wrexham University

Date: 19th March 2026

Cost:  Free

Register here

This day of training for teachers, teaching assistants, and school wellbeing leads will focus on making the most of your outdoor spaces for learning and wellbeing.  Whether you like the outdoors or not, this course will support you to safely design opportunities for the whole school to develop confidence, embed skills, and feel better.

Location:  Bangor University

Date:  24th April 2026

Cost:  £120 per person, including lunch

For further information or to register your interest in attending, please contact RiPPLE@bangor.ac.uk

Managing a busy classroom is both joyful and challenging.  The unique mix of personalities, behaviours, and emotions in every classroom can put pressure on school staff to give each child the individual, tailored support they need every moment.  This sounds ideal but isn't practical or possible.  This full day of professional learning presents evidence-based, whole-class strategies that can be used to support the behaviour of every child and reduce the burden on staff.  Using positive, pro-active techniques, you will learn how to create a classroom ethos that supports positive behaviours for everyone.

Location:  Bangor University

Date: 23rd June 2026

Cost:  £120 per person, including lunch

For further information about this event or to register your interest in attending, please contact RiPPLE@bangor.ac.uk

It's hard to know how much children need to learn about technology. The digital world is ever-present and develops so quickly, keeping up can seem impossible.  We know that children are being affected in many ways by the drive to be constantly connected online but, as teachers, we also need to ensure children have the skills to thrive in a fast-paced world.  This online professional learning will explore the dangers and wonders that technology offers and help you to get the right balance between online and real-world experiences for your class.

This online professional learning will be held in three sessions on the following dates:

Session 1:  April 23rd 2026: 4pm-6pm

Session 2:  April 30th 2026: 4pm-6pm

Session 3:  May 7th 2026: 4pm-6pm

£60 per person

For further information or to register your interest in this professional learning, please contact RiPPLE@bangor.ac.uk

Children's Voice is central to the Curriculum for Wales and for Children's Rights.  In this day of professional learning, we explore what it really means to embed children's voice in our work in schools.  During this online professional learning, we will discuss the links between children's voice, learning, and well-being and explore evidence-based approaches to embedding children's voice in the co-creation of the curriculum.  We will present a method of supporting children to lead and conduct their own research in their community to support children's agency and engagement in education.

This online professional learning will be held in three sessions on the following dates:

Session 1:  June 4th 2026: 4pm-6pm

Session 2:  June 11th 2026: 4pm-6pm

Session 3:  June 18th 2026: 4pm-6pm

£60 per person

For further information or to register your interest in this event, please contact RiPPLE@bangor.ac.uk

Tricia Sterling brings over 20 years of experience in teacher education to her role as the Head of the North Wales School of Education at Bangor University, leading Outstanding programmes and creating new pathways into the profession. Tricia's passion lies in helping young people and educators thrive, ensuring that teaching in Wales and beyond continues to grow with ambition, innovation, and a strong sense of identity.  Beyond education, Tricia's love for teamwork, resilience, and ambition comes from her background in sport. As a Netball Wales national and regional coach, Tricia has seen first-hand how dedication and belief can unlock potential—just as they do in the classroom.

Dr Sue Horder is an Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the Facultyof Social and Life Sciences at Wrexham University where she leads the Education Department and Youth and Community.  She is a member of the Faculty Leadership Team, leading on the quality of learning, teaching and assessment across the Faculty.  Sue's teaching career began in Further Education teaching ICT, Web Design, Business Studies and Essential Skills.  Sue has also worked with Airbus (in partnership with the FE college) in setting up a Learning Resource Centre which offered a range of on-line and classroom taught courses from soft skills, leadership skills, ICT and modern foreign languages.

Sue won the national title of Learning Centre Manager of the Year at the 2004 World of Learning Conference event.  She also enjoys spending teim with her family and singing in a small choir.

Dr Nia Young is a Senior Lecturer in Childhood and Youth at Bangor University.  With a background in psychology, counselling, and Education she brings a unique blend of research and practical experience to her work.

Nia’s work focuses on children’s development of identity and self-esteem and she’s passionate about making sure young people’s voices are heard.  She founded Bangor’s Youth Summits, where children and young people come together with politicians and researchers to talk about the changes they want to see in their lives and communities.  Nia is also a counsellor and specialises in supporting education staff, children, and parents.

Nia is committed to creating learning experiences that apply research evidence to developing strategies for supporting educators to grow, reflect, and make positive change.  Nia’s warm, collaborative approach means she’s always looking for ways to help educators feel confident and supported as they develop their skills and lead from within their schools and communities.

Dr Kelly Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Education at Wrexham University and Programme Leader for the Master of Education programmes.  With a background in education and a passion for professional development, she brings a wealth of experience to her role.  Her research interests focus on enhancing teaching practices and supporting educators in their professional growth.  Kelly has led various initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and fostering a positive learning environment.

At the RiPPLE Centre, Kelly collaborates on projects that bridge research and practice, focusing on developing effective professional learning opportunities for educators. Her expertise in education and commitment to continuous improvement contribute to the Centre’s mission of providing meaningful and impactful professional development.

Dr Graham French is a Senior Lecturer in Education at Bangor University.  With a background in Outdoor Education, he has extensive experience in both teaching and leadership roles across various educational settings.  His research interests focus on adventure education and outdoor learning, aiming to enhance pedagogical approaches and promote affective learning through the curriculum.  He has also contributed to the development of outdoor education policies in Wales, advocating for equitable access to outdoor learning experiences for all students.

At the RiPPLE Centre, Graham collaborates on initiatives that integrate research with practice, focusing on sustainable and inclusive education practices.  His expertise in outdoor education and sustainability enriches the Centre’s commitment to providing meaningful professional learning opportunities for educators.

Dr Karen Rhys Jones is a Principle Lecturer in Education at Wrexham University and a passionate advocate for physical literacy and wellbeing in schools.  With a background in physical education and extensive experience in national wellbeing projects, she brings both expertise and energy to her work with educators and learners.

Karen has led and supported initiatives across Wales, including her role as a manager on the Physical Literacy Programme for Schools with Sport Wales.  She has developed and delivered training for teachers, coaches, and community leaders, focusing on helping children and young people build confidence skills, and a lifelong enjoyment of movement.

At the RiPPLE Centre, Karen contributes her expertise in professional learning, curriculum development, and inclusive practice.  Her work supports schools in creating active, engaging, and wellbeing-focused environments where bother staff and pupils can thrive.

Dr Rhian Hodges is a senior lecturer in the field of Sociology and Social Policy at Bangor University.
The lecturer is an experienced researcher who specializes in language policy and planning, minority languages, community use of the Welsh language, new speakers and Welsh-medium education.

Dr Hodges is available to offer training sessions or consultancy work in the areas of:

Linguistic Policy and Planning (e.g. Welsh language awareness training or language planning training specific to particular areas or organisations)

The Welsh Baccalaureate (e.g. Research Methodology training on how to complete the individual project).

Various subjects in the fields of Social Sciences (e.g. health and care, sociology and social policy, social inequality, criminology, the Welsh language)