‘SCHOOL LIFE’ ON THE TIMETABLE FOR UK CINEMAS FROM 13TH OCTOBER

UK, London: September 2017 – Today Magnolia Pictures and Soilsiú Films productions are delighted to announce that its feature documentary School Life co-directed by Neasa Ní Chianáin and David Rane will be released into UK cinemas from 13th October on the back of a successful and critically acclaimed release in the US. The film was an audience favourite at Sundance Film Festival this year.

 

School Life has received critical acclaim from leading international critics including: “Without a doubt, viewers will recognize a beloved figure from their own school years in the ageing and endearingly oddball teachers”, Fionnuala Halligan, Screen Daily; “Irresistibly charming,” Huffington Post; “A delightful crowd-pleaser. An irresistibly admiring portrait,” Neil Young, Hollywood Reporter and “Finds poetry in the raw nature of education. The most adorable documentary that Frederick Wiseman never made,” David Ehrlich, Indiewire.

A funny and yet poignant observational documentary, School Life follows two ‘prep school’ teachers, John and Amanda Leyden, who have become legends teaching Reading, ‘Rithmetic and Rock ‘n’ Roll to young pupils at Headfort, an enchanting 18th Century Hogwarts-like boarding school – the last of its kind in Ireland. The pace at the school is hectic and the mood infectious as this eccentric, chain-smoking, and very droll British couple, who have lived and taught for 46 years at Headfort, work their magic in hilarious fashion on fertile young minds. The film reflects a unique kind of warmth and fondness that existed between tutor and ward in years gone by, a genuine love of all that makes childhood so precious.  But, in School Life, for both the pupils, moving on from the last days of their childhood, and the teachers, facing the end of their careers, leaving is the hardest lesson to learn.

Co-Directors Neasa Ní Chianáin and David Rane said: “We are delighted to be bringing School Life, our funny and infectiously charming film, to a wide cinema audience in the UK. Described by many as an antidote to the dark times we live in, our film will take audiences on this magical journey into the world of this quirky Irish boarding school and its extraordinary inhabitants, including a Marxist Headmaster, a chain-smoking Welsh Oxford don and an eye-brow pierced ‘Minerva McGonagall’. School Life audiences at Festivals around the world have been moved to laughter and tears by our film but have also been challenged by the unorthodox yet inspirational teaching of our eccentric but adorable main characters.”

EDUCATION SECTOR SET TO BENEFIT FROM MOBILE MARKETING

A report published today titled ‘The State of SMS’ reveals how educators are set to benefit from advances in mobile marketing as the number of active mobile phones in circulation tops 80m for the first time.  The sector is expected to see a 34% increase in students and parents opting to receive text messages from education providers by the end of 2020, presenting significant opportunities.

 

The White Paper, commissioned by Textlocal, one of the UK’s leading SMS platforms, illustrates how 37.2 million consumers have already opted to receive SMS and mobile communications from businesses.  Within the education sector already more than 12.5m students and parents have opted in to receive texts on key dates, relevant news or to confirm appointments with this figure expected to rise to 16.2m by 2020.

 

The opportunity is reinforced by figures from Ofcom which estimate that a staggering 93% of the UK’s population now own a mobile phone.  Despite these findings, only 50% of organisations surveyed are currently using SMS as part of their communication strategies, however that is expected to grow to 92% by 2018.

 

Organisations texting their customers directly is steadily increasing and becoming more mainstream, with some of the most common reasons being; delivery updates (67%), order confirmations (64%) and personalised vouchers or offers (49%). This trend is expected to grow in the education sector.

 

Jason Palgrave-Jones, managing director of Textlocal, comments: “Mobiles have transformed the way we work, rest and play and are now set to change the way we interact with each other.  It’s clear from the report that there are significant opportunities available for education establishments to make the most of mobile technologies as their audiences are increasingly opting to hear more from them.”

 

The opportunity is highlighted by the fact that 98% of branded or business-related texts are opened by mobile users, with 90% being read within 3 minutes of receiving them. The report goes on to highlight that 23.5m people will respond to a business text message in 2017, with the most popular uses including marketing offers or confirmation of delivery schedules.  In total, more than 7bn texts will be sent this year alone.

 

A broader look at the SMS opt-in audience reveals that consumers are aware of the opt-in process and that businesses can only communicate with them with their permission.  More than 40% of users are only opting to hear from their six favoured brands, with only 4% sharing their details with more than 10 businesses.  Just over a third (37%) were not aware of how many businesses they had opted to receive SMS notifications from.

 

The report concludes to show the effectiveness of SMS compared to mobile advertising and social media platforms in terms of performance, with SMS achieving better responses whether targeting a recipient to download an app, purchase goods online or even encourage them into a store to make a purchase.  In addition, the results highlight that only 10% wanted to use Facebook as a tool for interacting with businesses.

URBAN ARMOR GEAR ANNOUNCES TWO NEW CASES FOR MICROSOFT’S NEW SURFACE PRO

Unparalleled protection for professionals on the go, including a 360-degree rotational hand strap

 

August 2017 URBAN ARMOR GEAR (UAG), leading designers of rugged, lightweight, drop-tested mobile accessories, has announced two new cases for Microsoft’s new Surface Pro.
    
The Plasma Series case for Microsoft’s new Surface Pro is the first UAG case designed for professionals who depend on their tablet in the field and in the office. The Plasma Series case features a360-degree rotational hand strap, and a built-in kickstand to transform the tablet into a laptop with ease. Portability features include Surface Pen storage, and an optional shoulder strap. Additionally, the case is compatible with the Microsoft Type Cover and Microsoft Surface Dock.

Plasma Series Case for Microsoft Surface Pro

Available Colors: Ice (Clear)

MSRP: £79.99

 

Features include:

●       360-degree rotational hand strap and available shoulder strap

●       Armor shell and impact-resistant rubber bumpers

●       Built-in kickstand for desktop use

●       Uncompromised audio and access to touchscreen, buttons and ports

●       Built-in Surface Pen storage and magnetic holder compatibility

●       Compatibility with Microsoft Type Cover Keyboard

●       Meets military drop-test standards (MIL STD 810G 516.6) when used with Microsoft Type Cover Keyboard

●     Also compatible with Microsoft Surface Pro 4

 
For professionals on the go, UAG introduces the Metropolis Series case for Microsoft Surface Pro. Engineered to complement the Surface Pro, the Metropolis Series case adds a tactile soft grip, Surface Pen storage, and an aluminum stand with 5 angular viewing positions, while retaining compatibility with the Microsoft Type Cover Keyboard.

 

Metropolis Series Case for Microsoft Surface Pro

Available Colors: Black, Red, & Cobalt

MSRP: £49.99

 

Features include:

 

  • Impact resistant soft core
  • Compatible with Microsoft Type Cover Keyboard and multiple keyboard positions
  • Built-in Surface Pen storage and magnetic holder compatibility
  • Aluminum stand with 5 angular positions plus portrait viewing option
  • Non-slip tactical exterior grip material
  • Un-compromised audio and access to touchscreen, buttons, and ports
  • Meets military drop-test standards (MIL STD 810G 516.6) when used with Microsoft Type Cover keyboard
  • Also compatible with Microsoft Surface Pro 4

 

Both cases are also compatible with the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, and like all UAG products, they are independently tested to meet military drop-test standards and will protect the new Surface Pro in rugged conditions.

 

About Urban Armor Gear

Inspired by adrenaline-fueled outdoor adventures throughout Southern California, Urban Armor Gear (UAG) delivers mobile accessories and cases developed to survive rugged terrains while protecting your tech throughout any journey. Urban Armor Gear’s innovative and lightweight yet durable designs constantly evolve to provide urban adventurers and global thrill-seekers high-quality accessories to preserve the latest tech gear on the market, with the reassurance that their UAG mobile cases will perform in all extremes. Our badge of honor stands behind every single UAG product, receiving a military-grade certification for protection against shock by enduring rigorous laboratory drop-testing. Visit urbanarmorgear.com or facebook.com/UrbanArmorGear for more information.

 

CALLING WALES’ BEST TEACHERS

The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru are back to celebrate the very best in Welsh education

Education Secretary Kirsty Williams has announced the return of the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru to celebrate the commitment, dedication and hard work of teachers across Wales (Fri 22nd Sept).

Students, parents, colleagues and employers are being urged to nominate teaching professionals from across Wales that have made a real difference in their school or education setting.

The inaugural awards were held in 2017 with over 100 nominations being cast across the country. This year, the nine categories you can vote for include Teacher of the Year, Headteacher of the Year and Inspirational use of the Welsh Language.

Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said: “I am absolutely thrilled to confirm the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru are back for a second year. Last year we recognised some incredibly dedicated teachers and staff from all corners of the country and we’re looking forward to meeting even more inspiring individuals this year.

“Our teachers are central to our national mission to raise standards and make sure our children and young people reach their full potential.

“Nominations are now open and we would love the people of Wales to take a moment to put forward teachers and staff so we can recognise the best from across Wales.”

Anne Keane, who was HM Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales until her retirement in 2015, won the Welsh Government Special Recognition Award in 2017. Anne said: “It was wonderful to know that my peers in the education sector thought highly enough of my work to nominate me for a Professional Teaching Award. I want to wish the best of luck to schools and teachers being nominated across Wales for this year’s awards. I’m sure the next winner will be truly deserving of the accolade!”

Nominations are open until November, with the winners being revealed at an exclusive Awards ceremony in May 2018.

To nominate a teaching professional doing great work in your area, visit: gov.wales/teachingawardscymru

Join the conversation with #TeachingAwardsCymru  

 

 

The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2018 categories:

Supporting Teachers and Learners

School Business Manager/Bursar

Promoting Collaboration to Improve Learning Opportunities

Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relationships with the Community

Teacher of the Year

Headteacher of the Year

Outstanding New Teacher

Best use of Digital Learning

Inspirational use of the Welsh Language

 

NIKE AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION ANNOUNCE UK-WIDE PROGRAMME TO GET PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN MOVING

‘Active Schools’ will support teachers and parents to increase kids’ activity throughout the school day

 

A nationwide drive to get primary school children moving was announced by Nike and Discovery Education today. ‘Active Schools’ will encourage pupils to be active for at least an hour each day, as part of a new education programme for schools.

 

The new initiative will support schools and parents to get kids moving, delivering simple resources, tools and activities for use throughout the school day and at home. Reaching thousands of pupils across the country, Active Schools will help teachers to create active school environments and children to lead healthier lives.

 

The collaboration focuses on movement, active play and fun, and gives teachers the resources they need to get kids moving before, during and after school. Research shows that regular physical activity throughout the day can lead to better behaviour, attendance and academic performance among children.

 

Dan Burrows, Senior Director of Community Impact EMEA for Nike said:

 

“Nike believes that kids are Made to Play, and we are excited to partner with Discovery Education as part of our long-term commitment to get kids moving. Today’s kids are part of the least active generation in history, yet we know that active children do better in every way. By helping schools to become active schools we hope to help every child thrive in school and in life.”

 

Catherine Howard, Director of Educational Partnerships at Discovery Education said:

 

“Discovery Education is delighted to be joining forces with Nike to launch this important new initiative to primary schools. We know that busy schedules can leave little time for exercise, so we’re making it easy for parents and teachers to build movement and play into daily routines. We’ll be working with Nike to create exciting resources, challenges and support for schools and parents, making everyday activity achievable and most importantly fun.”

 

Active Schools is now in development, and will be rolled out to schools in early 2018. One of the programme’s key elements will be the Active Schools Challenge, which will encourage schools to pledge commitment to daily activity in the classroom, playground and beyond.

 

Find out more about Nike’s commitment to getting kids moving and providing opportunities for equal playing fields for all at communityimpact.nike.com.

 

See how Discovery Education works with schools to deliver outstanding digital resources, and inspire lifelong curiosity in learning, at discoveryeducation.co.uk

Digital Schoolhouse hosts panel debate with games industry to encourage the next generation of tech talent

Digital Schoolhouse, the non-profit programme delivered by Ukie, the trade body for the UK’s games and interactive entertainment industry, hosted a panel debate with industry bodies and students in order to help tackle the digital skills gap. The panellists discussed the role that the technology and games industries could play in helping schools addressing the current shortage.

 

The debate brought together a number of key industry organisations and bodies including PlayStation®, which powers the Digital Schoolhouse programme. Other panellists included representatives from SEGA and Warwickshire County Council, who were also announced at the event as key sponsors for the initiative, which aims to empower schools to deliver an enriched computing curriculum. SEGA and Warwickshire CC’s backing for Digital Schoolhouse underscores the commitment of the key names within the gaming industry to help inspire the next generation of tech talent in the UK and has further supported the rapid growth of the programme, which has expanded by more than 50 per cent over the past twelve months, now reaching around 15,000 pupils.

 

Kings College London and Townley Grammar School joined the debate, which centred around the current digital skills gap and the role that technology companies could play in helping schools to address it. A second panel with secondary school pupils gave the students’ view on the issue, and examined their thoughts on how effective the current English computing curriculum is in encouraging more young people to explore digital careers.

 

The panel discussion demonstrated key elements that are needed to help motivate and engage teachers and pupils, including the need for more creativity in the curriculum. The student panel backed this up and revealed that whilst most of the panellists were interested in computing and were considering it as a GCSE option, none of them had any intention of continuing with the subject beyond that because they didn’t feel that further study in the subject would support or help their future career plans.

 

Joseph Terry, a year 9 student at Gildredge House School said: “Today has shown that the new generation will play a vital role in the future, helping to create new advances like driverless cars. The event has helped me meet so many people that will help me in my career. I feel that we’re wasting a chance if we don’t use events like this to help solve the problems that we’re facing.”

 

Shahneila Saeed, Director of Digital Schoolhouse said: “There is a real need to engage with children from a young age in order to build more awareness around career opportunities before they make their decisions. In order to do this, we need to bring more fun and creativity into the classroom. The games industry is an incredibly vibrant sector with a huge range of opportunities available, however, the problem is that most pupils – and teachers – just don’t know about them. We need to be more visible, reach more children and more teachers. That’s why the backing of the industry and having SEGA and PlayStation on board are so important.”

 

John Clark, Executive Vice President of Commercial Publishing for SEGA Europe Ltd, said: “SEGA Europe has a history in working with educational organisations in order to help bridge the skills gap in the UK with regards to the video games industry. The partnership with the Digital Schoolhouse Programme is particularly exciting as it aims to engage the next generation of school children, and their teachers, with the new computing curriculum.”

 

To find out more about Digital Schoolhouse, visit digitalschoolhouse.org.uk.

RM ANNOUNCE FREE FILTERING SOFTWARE FOR CHROMEBOOKS USERS

RM Education have announced that from this September onwards, their recently-launched filtering solution, RM Buzz, will be available for free to all managed Chromebooks in education.

 

Powered by RM SafetyNet, an established enterprise-level safety solution for schools, RM Buzz is the first UK-based and cloud-based filtering software available for Chromebooks, with data stored within the EU.

 

Mark House, RM Buzz Product Manager, said: “Schools are taking a much more proactive role in making online safety a priority in the classroom. However, as an industry, we need to do more to support that by protecting pupils’ safety online outside the school gates, too.

 

“We began creating Buzz over 18 months ago as a direct response to this need, and as one of four Google Premier partners in the UK, we wanted to ensure that every pupil using these devices is protected, both in school and at home.

 

“We’re also acutely aware of the increasing pressures being placed on school budgets with every passing year, and since we believe child safety is too important to put a price on, making RM Buzz available for free for Chromebooks is our way of giving something back to our customers and the UK’s school community as a whole.”

 

RM Buzz is fully compliant with the latest DfE guidance on keeping children safe online, and because it holds a UK-focused filter list, the software factors in British slang and language nuisances so that it’s more effective than similar solutions.

 

RM Education have been pioneering technology in UK education for nearly half a century, working closely with UK schools to support their technology needs in teaching and learning.

 

For more information, visit www.rm.com/buzz

 

“Mental Health must not be ignored” – Headmaster, Hydesville Tower School

“Mental Health must not be ignored,” said Mr Warren Honey, Headmaster at independent school, Hydesville Tower in Walsall, in his latest blog:

“The Institute for Public Policy Research has recently released its findings (accessed here) into the extent of mental health concerns in young adults.

 

“Its description of a fivefold increase in the number of cases in the last ten years is a statistically significant confirmation of what has been seen in schools recently: children are suffering from increasing problems with mental health concerns, and the under-funded health support networks are struggling to cope. Whilst the report’s focus is on students entering higher education, it is often during the teenage years that these difficulties start to take hold.

 

“Various suggestions are made of what is triggering such concern in the adolescents of this era, and many of these are unsurprising and have been known about for some time. Academic pressures and social concerns featured most prominently. The teenage mental health charity, stem4, surveyed 500 teenagers (link here) and discovered that the greatest anxieties arose from exam worries, work overload, friendship concerns, low self-confidence and body image fears. More recently though, the “toxic environment” children find themselves growing up in has been added to by rhetoric about the world and our safety within it. Whether this is the thermonuclear posturing of Donald Trump and North Korea, or the fear caused by shocking incidents seen in Barcelona, Manchester and other cities over the summer, it is clear that growing up is even harder now than ever before.

 

“How can we help?  As a school and as parents, we cannot isolate our children from all negative stories or events: it does not prepare them to stand on their own two feet and make their way in the world as decent citizens. Nor can we eradicate all of the pressures and concerns, many of which are as internally-driven as passed to them by the attitudes of society or their peers.

 

“Instead, we must all as adults give children the stable and supportive environments where they can grow up with confidence.

 

“In our school we use tutor sessions and PSHE lessons to encourage children to share any concerns openly, and for reassurance to be found in having others with similar views.  Some children need more support than others so if needed, we assign mentors to those who require extra emotional support.  Our Pastoral Managers work closely with children who may be causing concern and our individualised care of every child means that we are alerted to any changes in emotional well-being.

 

“We shouldn’t ignore the power of peer-to-peer support either.  At Hydesville this comes in a number of forms, including a ‘reading buddy’ scheme across our Prep School where older children support their younger peers with their reading; and in our Senior School we use our vertical tutoring model as a way for older pupils helping younger pupils in tutor sessions by modelling more mature outlooks and approaches.

“I have been humbled by the sense of togetherness and community that has been present within Hydesville Tower School within these early days of my Headship, and I am already conscious of what a remarkable school it is. Working together, I know we will give each child a really strong chance of navigating the challenges of growing up.”

Digital Schoolhouse hosts panel debate with games industry to encourage the next generation of tech talent

Digital Schoolhouse, the non-profit programme delivered by Ukie, the trade body for the UK’s games and interactive entertainment industry, hosted a panel debate with industry bodies and students in order to help tackle the digital skills gap. The panellists discussed the role that the technology and games industries could play in helping schools addressing the current shortage.

 

The debate brought together a number of key industry organisations and bodies including PlayStation®, which powers the Digital Schoolhouse programme. Other panellists included representatives from SEGA and Warwickshire County Council, who were also announced at the event as key sponsors for the initiative, which aims to empower schools to deliver an enriched computing curriculum. SEGA and Warwickshire CC’s backing for Digital Schoolhouse underscores the commitment of the key names within the gaming industry to help inspire the next generation of tech talent in the UK and has further supported the rapid growth of the programme, which has expanded by more than 50 per cent over the past twelve months, now reaching around 15,000 pupils.

 

Kings College London and Townley Grammar School joined the debate, which centred around the current digital skills gap and the role that technology companies could play in helping schools to address it. A second panel with secondary school pupils gave the students’ view on the issue, and examined their thoughts on how effective the current English computing curriculum is in encouraging more young people to explore digital careers.

 

The panel discussion demonstrated key elements that are needed to help motivate and engage teachers and pupils, including the need for more creativity in the curriculum. The student panel backed this up and revealed that whilst most of the panellists were interested in computing and were considering it as a GCSE option, none of them had any intention of continuing with the subject beyond that because they didn’t feel that further study in the subject would support or help their future career plans.

 

Joseph Terry, a year 9 student at Gildredge House School said: “Today has shown that the new generation will play a vital role in the future, helping to create new advances like driverless cars. The event has helped me meet so many people that will help me in my career. I feel that we’re wasting a chance if we don’t use events like this to help solve the problems that we’re facing.”

 

Shahneila Saeed, Director of Digital Schoolhouse said: “There is a real need to engage with children from a young age in order to build more awareness around career opportunities before they make their decisions. In order to do this, we need to bring more fun and creativity into the classroom. The games industry is an incredibly vibrant sector with a huge range of opportunities available, however, the problem is that most pupils – and teachers – just don’t know about them. We need to be more visible, reach more children and more teachers. That’s why the backing of the industry and having SEGA and PlayStation on board are so important.”

 

John Clark, Executive Vice President of Commercial Publishing for SEGA Europe Ltd, said: “SEGA Europe has a history in working with educational organisations in order to help bridge the skills gap in the UK with regards to the video games industry. The partnership with the Digital Schoolhouse Programme is particularly exciting as it aims to engage the next generation of school children, and their teachers, with the new computing curriculum.”

 

To find out more about Digital Schoolhouse, visit digitalschoolhouse.org.uk.

PUPIL HEALTHY EATING AND BODY IMAGE: PRIMARY TEACHERS INVITED TO LEARN WITH SCIENCE AND NUTRITION EXPERTS

Free ‘Food For Thought’ event will offer ideas and inspiration to boost pupil health and wellbeing

Primary school teachers from across the UK are being encouraged to join science, nutrition and health experts at a special event in London next month.

Hosted by Discovery Education and Alimentarium Academy on 17th October, Day of Discovery – Food For Thought will bring educators and specialists together for a day of dynamic workshops, experiments and seminars exploring healthy eating and body image in primary school age pupils.

To celebrate the event, teachers attending will be entered into a prize draw to win a trip to the famous Alimentarium Museum and a two-night stay in Geneva. Primary school teachers, teaching assistants and support staff are invited to register for Day of Discovery – Food for Thought here.

With sessions led by nutrition experts and body image specialists, this important event will equip teachers with exciting ideas and activities to teach children about food science and nutrition. It will also help schools to place health and wellbeing at the centre of everyday learning and meet guidelines on teaching about food at primary level.

Jenny Tschiesche, also known as The Lunchbox Doctor, will deliver a health boost for lessons and lunchtimes in two practical sessions packed with creative classroom ideas.

“This event is a great opportunity to learn some tips and tricks from the UK’s lunchbox expert,” said Jenny. “I can’t wait to share some new perspectives on teaching healthy eating to children. I believe in prevention rather than cure and nutrition education is a critical element in preventing ill-health and ensuring long term health and vitality.”

Drawing upon the latest research into child mental health, body image specialists Nicky Hutchinson and Chris Calland will show teachers how they can help pupils feel happy in their own skin, with positive strategies to build self-esteem and confidence.

And children’s author Chris Lloyd, best-selling author of the ‘What on Earth’ history books, will explore how nutrition can be taught across the primary curriculum, with an energetic and interactive tour of food through the ages.

Day of Discovery – Food for Thought takes place at London’s Coin Street Conference Centre on 17th October 2017. The event is free and schools interested in attending can register here.

Rebecca Parker, a science specialist from The Downs School in Bristol, said: “I’m really looking forward to attending Food for Thought, and plan to organise a whole school event afterwards, looking at healthy eating and body image.”

Fellow attendee Katarina Lantz-Dretnik, a Year 1 teacher at London’s Swedish School said: “I attended a recent Day of Discovery and it was a fantastic event. Discovery Education events always deliver, with lots of inspiring teaching ideas and great networking opportunities.”

Day of Discovery – Food for Thought launches a 3-year partnership between Discovery Education and Switzerland’s Alimentarium Foundation. The collaboration includes the creation of exciting new Key Stage 2 digital classroom resources – Eating, Moving and Growing – available to schools now through Discovery Education Espresso’s award-winning digital learning service.

Ursula Zeller, Director of the Alimentarium said:

“We are delighted to attend this event as part of our partnership with Discovery Education. Sharing our thoughts, perspectives and knowledge with schools in the UK is a very rewarding experience.”