It is always good to hear creativity guru Sir Ken Robinson talk passionately about the future of teaching and his video appearance at last weekend’s TED conference in London certainly did not disappoint.

Speaking to us from Los Angeles, he built on his previous TED talks, which have now been viewed online by more than 200 million people and spoke eloquently about a “back to basics” approach to education, which concentrates on the relationship between students and teachers.

Sir Ken reminded us that teaching is not just a job, or a vocation, but should be seen as an art form by using an analogy about the theatre; he said the only thing that matters about the theatre is the relationship between the actor and the audience.

And when it comes to education, he explained the only thing that really counts is the relationship between the teacher and the student. Everything else, as he said, was “just bells and whistles” – or to continue the theatrical analogy - smoke and mirrors.

Sir Ken told the delegates that we need to revolutionise our approach by creating well-planned, meaningful learning experiences and encourage students to take ownership of their studies and help them see just how important it is for their future wellbeing.

Sounds easy, right? What could be more straightforward and common sense? But some things are easier said than done. The simple truth is that teachers, like actors, need nurturing and guidance, just like everyone else.

We all know that good lesson plans do not just write themselves and sometimes, we all get bogged down in the daily grind of working life. There are times when we all need to step back, reflect on what we’ve done, and yes, go “back to basics”.

One of the ways in which Learning Plus UK is helping teachers do just that is through ourResearch in a Changing Policy Landscape: Promoting Excellence in 14-19 Leadership course, which is hosted by the Institute of Education.

The course is for the academy, sixth-form college, free school, independent school and further education college leaders of today and tomorrow, and encourages teachers to create a suitable learning environment to meet the ever-changing needs of students.

Through this course, teachers will be able to enable and empower students and identify transition opportunities for all.

And there is also an opportunity to present your finding to an education conference in December 2012.

It’s a great opportunity to step back and look at the bigger picture for 14-19 learning, as well as develop important leadership skills.

The deadline for applications for this year’s course is 1 November. For more information or an application pack, email donna.roberts@learningplusuk.org

And if you haven’t seen Sir Ken Robinson talk about learning, please look at this video of one of his previous TED speeches, which was recorded in May 2010: 

www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_revolution.html