BELFAST 2026 Reading Conference
Reading - Raising Standards in Reading with the new Literacy Framework (Y4 to Y7)
Date: Friday 11th December 2026
Venue: Europa Hotel, Belfast
Presented by Pie Corbett and Jamie Thomas
What the conference will cover
This course explores how primary schools in Northern Ireland can raise standards in reading in line with the the NI Executive's new Literacy Framework.
Over the day, we will examine how oracy, high-quality texts and explicit teaching can strengthen pupils' comprehension, vocabulary and enjoyment of reading.
Drawing on evidence-informed approaches, we will explore practical strategies that help pupils think deeply about what they read and articulate their understanding with confidence.
Building language and comprehension: Explore how rich discussion, vocabulary development and engagement with high-quality texts support pupils in making meaning and developing deeper understanding.
Teaching pupils how readers think: Discover practical approaches for modelling comprehension, helping pupils to infer, interpret, question and evaluate texts with increasing independence.
Structured approaches to comprehension: Gain a clear understanding of how to support pupils before, during and after reading so that comprehension becomes active, purposeful and engaging.
Talk as a tool for understanding: Discover how purposeful classroom discussion enables pupils to clarify ideas, test interpretations and deepen their understanding of what they read.
The day will be packed with practical strategies. Leave equipped with actionable ways to improve the teaching of reading in your classroom.
Price
£195.00 + VAT per delegate. A 10% discount is available on all places when a school books more than one delegate on the same course.
Delegates that also book on the December 2026 Belfast Writing or Derry/Londonderry Writing course will receive a 10% discount on both course bookings. This will be applied automatically by Talk for Writing when invoices are sent out. Each course would therefore cost £175.50.
Belfast
Friday 11th December 2026
Your Trainers
Pie Corbett
Pie Corbett is an English educational trainer, writer, author and poet who has written over two hundred books. He is also known for promoting creative approaches in the classroom and has experience as a teacher, head teacher and Ofsted inspector.
Jamie Thomas
Jamie is the former Head of Warren Road Teaching School Alliance. He embedded Talk for Writing across Warren Road School and it proved to be by far the most successful whole school initiative undertaken. Jamie currently leads all elements of Talk for Writing training.
What to expect
A comprehensive delegate resource pack, including the presentation slides is provided on arrival. We sit delegates at cabaret-style tables to allow room to make notes. Video clips of teaching are used to illustrate examples of good practice and, throughout the day, the learning is visualised through the Talk for Writing ‘washing line’ technique. A hot two-course lunch is also included.
Conference timings
- 8.45 – 9:15 - Registration, refreshments and a chance to look at the bookshop
Note: The conference will start promptly at 9:15. Please try to arrive by 9:00 in order to allow time to register and find yourself a seat in the conference room.
- 9:15 – 11:00 - Session 1
- 11:00 – 11:20 - Break
- 11:20 – 1:00 - Session 2
- 1:00 – 1:45 - Lunch
- 1:45 – 3:15 - Session 3
- 3:15 - Conference ends