A snapshot of education in the late
1960s from a former Deptford boys’ teacher exactly 50 years on from her first
summer of teaching
1968.
Susan Elkin is just twenty-one-years-old when
she is sent straight out from a sheltered teacher training college into the
depths of a challenging inner London boys secondary school. Her skirts are
short, her experience nil and her naivety boundless. The Deptford boys she has
to deal with were often knowing, coarse and brash but also vulnerable and in
desperate need of some decent teaching. Gradually – with the support of a bunch
of eccentric, forthright but mostly caring colleagues – she finds ways of
persuading some of the boys, some of the time, to sit down, calm down, trust
her and do some work.
Please
Miss, We’re Boys, a snapshot of the
late 1960s and Deptford before the tower blocks moved in, is an amusing
personal account of classrooms as they once were (but shouldn’t have been) as
well as the colourful personalities who stalked the school, including the
inimitable Geoff Miles.
Susan
Elkin taught secondary English
for over thirty years. For over twenty-five years she has also worked as a
professional journalist and author, having written extensively for almost all
the national dailies. She was also the education editor for The Stage from 2005 to
2016. Susan has written more than fifty books – mainly ‘how-to’ books for
teachers and secondary English text books/study guides. In 2017, Susan moved
back to her native South London where the book is set – in the same Borough
(Lewisham) as the school she worked at – after more than forty years living
elsewhere.
Susan says, “In these days of performance targets, league tables, the
national curriculum and special measures I couldn’t get anyone to believe just
what a dangerous free-for-all jungle I’d begun my career in. So, how to get all
this across to people? Write a book, of course.”
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Northwhich school awarded IQM Flagship Accreditation
Rudheath Primary Academy in Northwich, Cheshire – part of
the Focus Trust – has been awarded Inclusion Quality Mark* Flagship Status for
its efforts to include both parents and pupils as leaders in education and to
inform pupils about diversity amongst their classmates.
The award has been handed out in recognition of the school’s
success in creating an atmosphere at which emphasises the importance of a
holistic approach to education, with a focus on the wellbeing of children and
staff and training. An approach that also includes well-being meetings for
staff.
Another initiative is weekly wins, where children state what
they have been grateful for in the past week.
Rudheath Primary Academy operates in a diverse community and
works hard to make sure that it prepares pupils to be valuable members of that
community.
Rudheath is also helping to build this positive ethos by
collaborating with other local schools. Through the Schools Partnership
Programme, Peer Review Champions who reviewed Rudheath commented on “how
effective are staff in creating a positive climate for learning for all
children” as well as the positive relationship that exists between school,
staff and parents.
Parents at Rudheath can contribute to the school through the
flourishing Parent Engagement Group, which allows parents to be more involved
in their children’s education.
Far from resting on their laurels after gaining Flagship
Status, Rudheath is continuing to innovate in its mission to provide a
well-rounded education for its pupils. The school plans to introduce a
‘Rudheath Primary Academy Passport’, which will reward children with stamps for
gaining new skills and experiences, falling into categories such as; adventure,
food, life skills, world of work, sport, volunteering and performing.
Head teacher Andrew Ross said in response to the school’s
IQM Flagship status: “Education is not just about grades and tests – it’s about
making sure that every child is treated as an individual and leaves our school
knowing that they are a success. The IQM Flagship status reaffirms our
belief in Inspiring Minds and Building Futures for our children.”
Focus-Trust is a fifteen-strong multi-academy trust based in
the North West, with schools across West Yorkshire, Cheshire and Greater
Manchester and, within the organisation, a strong focus placed on collectively
working to ensure the best learning environment for each and every pupil.
* IQM was
established in the UK in October 2004 with the objective of supporting both
state and independent schools to become inclusive.
Inclusion Quality
Mark provides schools with a nationally recognised framework to guide their
inclusion journey, with a view to promoting equal opportunities for all pupils,
whatever their age, gender, ethnicity, attainment and background.
It pays particular attention to the provision made for, and the achievement of, different groups of pupils within a school and any pupils who are at risk of disaffection and exclusion.
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Can school design help us to realise a new
vision for education that equips young people for life in a fast-changing
world? How can we design schools for the next generation for jobs that do not
yet exist? And can we help children to want
to go to school in the morning with design? These are the big questions at the
heart of Planning Learning
Spaces, a new guide for anyone involved in the planning and design
of learning environments.
Murray Hudson and Terry White have
brought together educationalists and innovative school architects to pool their
collective expertise and inspire the design of more intelligent learning
spaces. The authors prompt readers to question common assumptions about how
schools should look and how children should be educated: Why, they ask, have so
many schools changed relatively little in more than a century? What form should
a school library take in the internet age? Do classrooms really have to be
square? The book also tackles vital elements of learning space design such as
the right lighting, heating and acoustics, and explores the key role of
furniture, fixtures and fittings.
With contributions from leading
professionals, including Herman Hertzberger and Sir Ken Robinson, Planning Learning Spaces is
an invaluable resource for architects, interior designers and educators hoping
that their project will make a genuine difference.
ADVANCE PRAISE
‘A welcome and timely addition to the subject of school design at
a time of great change’ – Professor Alan JonesPresident of the Royal Institute of British Architects, 2019 – 21
‘Builds a bridge from the simple to the
extraordinary……awash in opportunity and inspiration’ – Professor Stephen Heppell – Chair in
Learning Innovation at Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid.
https://www.the-educator.org/wp-content/uploads/image1-3-1030x686.png00adminhttps://www.the-educator.org/wp-content/uploads/image1-3-1030x686.pngadmin2019-07-24 10:24:192019-07-24 10:24:22Planning Learning Spaces by Murray Hudson and Terry White
Tuesday 23rd
July 2019 – Today, Samsung
Electronics UK announced that following the success of its Energy In
Schools pilot scheme, it will be rolling out the initiative to an
additional 20 schools around the UK this year, in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy, My Utility Genius
Commercial and Lancaster University.
Teachers and
students taking part in the initiative will learn how the Internet of Things
(IoT) can be used to help reduce energy consumption
and the carbon footprint of their school. They will have access to a unique
energy management platform that shows real-time energy usage, pricing and
carbon emissions data using Samsung SmartThings and smart sensors installed
throughout the school. The initiative is designed to engage schools by making
their energy usage data easier to understand, potentially helping them to save
thousands of pounds in energy bills.
Pupils will be
actively involved by taking part in coding lessons using the micro:bit a pocket-sized
codeable device originally developed in 2016 by the BBC in collaboration with
partners including Samsung. Pupil micro:bits will be connected to the school’s
Samsung SmartThings platform, learning to program and work on projects that
collect and visualise their own sets of data. For example, they will be able to
monitor and measure classroom temperature to program a light bulb to turn green
when too cold, or red when it is too hot. These lessons are designed to show
teachers and pupils how coding can make the school more energy efficient in a
fun and engaging way.
“After the
success of the pilot scheme, we are thrilled to further expand the programme,
engaging more schools across the country. We are giving more pupils the chance
to play an active role in adapting how their school uses energy whilst learning
coding skills to control Internet of Things devices,” says Teg Dosanjh,
Director of Connected Living at Samsung. “The initiative allows us to engage
with more, young British talent to get them not only involved but excited about
the potential that technology brings.”
Chris Skidmore
the Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth said, “This is a great
example of the innovation we expect smart meters to bring and are delighted
that funding from our Smart Energy Management Innovation Competition is helping
to extend the Energy in Schools pilot. The initiative is a fun, interactive way
of engaging our young people to reduce their school’s energy consumption and
save money as a step towards achieving our goal of net zero carbon emissions by
2050.”
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Robo Wunderkindis an award-winning edtech company that provides innovative early education solutions currently in use in over 200 schools worldwide. The company’s mission is to provide easy-to-use and delightful STEM education to an underserved key segment of the market – K-5 education. In the US, Robo Wunderkind launched cooperation with Eduporium, Follet, and is entering US schools to present its pupils with the necessary ABC’s of 21st-century education: robotics and coding.
Robo Wunderkind at ISTE 2019
The Robo Wunderkind team will represent their product at the
upcoming #1 global edtech conference, ISTE, in Philadelphia, June 23-26. You
can visit stand #1051 to meet the team and get to know the product, or
the following workshops where Robo Wunderkind will be featured:
Robo Wunderkind is designed to support the basic developmental
needs of K-5-aged children in experiencing the world around them. While most
competitive solutions are either too difficult or too simple, Robo Wunderkind
comes with the ideal cognitive stimulation and is one of the few viable
solutions that can be implemented at the very start of cognitive awareness. The
combination of easy-to-use physical hardware, intuitive software a professional
curriculum makes Robo Wunderkind the ideal option for K-5 education. Children
construct and program a simple robotic tool, while simultaneously being
preparing for a job market that will be increasingly STEM-demanding and
STEM-oriented.
A versatile educational tool
Due to its versatility, the kit can be used as a tool for teaching
disciplines like language, mathematics, art, and more. It grows with children
as they age, making the product a wonderful investment in their education. The
curriculum, largely based on constructivism, offers 70+ hours of play-centered
educational content delivered through story-telling. It refers to experiential,
cooperative and play-based learning and encourages children to think about
their work and the purpose behind it. The most advanced children can write their
own code for Robo through our Python API. Robo Wunderkind offers its educators
an onboarding program and ongoing support to make sure they make the best out
of their robotic kit.
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20 primary schools receive tickets as part of
Nike and Discovery Education’s Active Kids Do Better Programme
The Müller Anniversary Games will welcome some very
special guests this weekend, as over 1,000 schoolkids, teachers and parents
head to the London Stadium on Saturday 20th July.
20 primary schools received tickets to the world-leading
athletics event in recognition of the progress they’ve made in getting active
through play and sport this year. The invite was extended by British Athletics,
in partnership with Nike and Discovery Education, as part of
Active Kids Do Better – a nationwide programme which provides
schools with free resources to get kids active throughout the day.
Launched in February 2018 by Nike and
Discovery Education, Active
Kids Do Better now reaches thousands of
teachers in hundreds of primary schools across the UK. With only
one in five kids getting the recommended daily 30 minutes of physical activity
throughout the school day, Active Kids Do Better gives busy teachers and parents
simple tools, ideas and activities to make this goal achievable, such as
short-burst classroom activities and games to motivate and energise
children.
The 20 schools invited to the Müller Anniversary Games have
all taken part in the programme throughout this academic year, reaping the benefits
of building an active school culture. From boosting wellbeing, to improving
attainment and concentration, active pupils are healthier, happier and more
engaged with learning.
Rebecca Smith, Year 6 teacher and PE Co-ordinator at
Michael Faraday School in Southwark said:
“The children at Michael Faraday Primary School are
thrilled to be invited to the Müller Anniversary Games. We know that the
children will be inspired to see the athletes compete in the London Stadium!
The Active Kids Do Better Programme is making a huge impact on our pupils. I
cannot wait to hear all about their experiences when they come back to
school!”
Christine Major, Director of Educational Partnerships at
Discovery Education said:
“It’s fantastic to celebrate the achievement of
teachers and kids who have been involved with Nike and Discovery Education’s
Active Kids Do Better programme this year. We hope attending the Müller
Anniversary Games gives the children even more inspiration to keep up the great
work and get more active.”
Dan Burrows, Senior Director, Social and Community Impact
EMEA at Nike, said:
“Kids aren’t meant
to sit still, they’re made to play. To help the next generation, we’re
investing in schools and partnering with expert organisations to make play and
sport accessible to kids wherever they are, and in whatever way they want to
move. And we’re providing inspiration by connecting kids with sporting events
like the Müller Anniversary Games.”
Regular physical activity has been linked to improved
physical health, improved mental wellbeing and academic attainment. Yet today’s
kids are part of the least active generation in history. Currently in the UK,
only 23% of boys and 20% of girls get the recommended 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical
activity each day. For many kids, school provides their
only opportunity to be active.
The Active Kids Do Better programme offers free
resources, games and activities to all UK primary schools. From short-burst
classroom activities to outdoor games and play, the programme gives busy
teachers everywhere fun and easy opportunities to get kids moving.
Find out more about Nike’s commitment to getting kids moving and providing opportunities for equal playing fields for all at: communityimpact.nike.com
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Helen Main, ITT Manager at Unity
Schools Partnerships, has been named Administrator of the Year by the National
Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT), the voice of
school-led initial teacher training and development.
Helen beat off fierce competition from Ailsa Anderton (North
West SCITT) and Cathy Scott (Kirklees and Calderdale SCITT), who were
runners-up in NASBTT’s Administrator of the Year award. The category recognises
exceptional administrators who go above and beyond in ensuring the smooth
running and success of school-based provision.
In awarding the Administrator of the Year prize, the judging panel comprising
of education and ITT experts said: “Helen emerges as a worthy winner in the
Administrator of the Year category from a strong field of evidently
hard-working and dedicated professionals. What particularly impressed the
judges was the fact that she demonstrates, day-in and day-out, the exceptional
dedication and commitment to the partnership and the trainees it recruits and
trains. The nomination cited her ‘relentless optimism, positivity and
solution-focused attitude…someone who significantly influences strategy and
operation’. Of particular note was the exemplary way she absorbed a lengthy and
complex period of jury service whilst ensuring that the partnership continued
to function smoothly and efficiently. It is evident that Helen is highly
regarded by trainees, not least because of her tireless commitment to promoting
and enhancing their mental and emotional wellbeing.”
Upon receiving the award, Helen said: “I am hugely honoured
to have been nominated and greatly humbled to have received the inaugural
NASBTT Administrator of the Year award. As administrators we share in the highs
and lows with the trainees and their tutors. Alone we can do so little;
together we can do so much. I wish to thank NASBTT for supporting myself and
others in the pursuit of continuous improvement to provide an outstanding local
ITT provision.”
The inaugural NASBTT Awards, held at the Union Jack Club in
London on 11th July, were launched to celebrate excellence in school-based
teacher education and recognise the exceptionally hard-working and talented
professionals involved in driving the profession.
Sponsoring NASBTT’s
Administrator of the Year award category was TeachVac, a free-to-use national vacancy
system for schools and teachers.
North West SCITT’s Denise
Heath wins Mentor of the Year award
Denise Heath, a trainee teacher
mentor at North West SCITT, has been named Mentor of the Year by the National
Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT), the voice of
school-led initial teacher training and development.
Denise beat off fierce competition from Kate Reeves (Devon
Primary SCITT) and Natalie Hosie (Stockton-on-Tees Teacher Training
Partnership), who were runners-up in NASBTT’s Mentor of the Year award. This
category recognises
outstanding mentors who inspire other new and aspiring teachers to take up this
important and often underrated role in school.
In awarding the Mentor of the Year prize, the judging panel comprising
of education and ITT experts said: “The nomination cites that Denise ‘has the
perfect skill-set as a mentor; adapting and amending her own style as the
trainees gain confidence and competence’. Over the past five years not only has
she trained 14 primary trainees but she has taken a leading role in developing
other colleagues for the mentoring role and been proactive in contributing to
key developments in the SCITT’s training programme. Denise ‘ensures that any changes
to the programme are suitable and manageable for the trainee teachers as well
as school-based mentors. Her honest and sensible reflection has been invaluable
to us as the programme has developed over the years’. As if this was not
enough, Denise is ‘determined to ensure that high-quality trainees are
recruited to the programme and offers the opportunity for interested
individuals to spend time in their classroom in order to gain a true and
realistic understanding of the demands of teaching’.”
Upon receiving the award, Denise said: “I am both delighted
and shocked to be the first recipient of NASBTT’s Mentor of the Year award,
particularly for something that I thoroughly enjoy doing. I would like to say
thank you to Dawn Davies (Executive Lead) and the team at North West SCITT, who
over the last five years have allowed me to mentor some amazing trainee
teachers, all of whom have gone on to become outstanding teachers in their own
right. It is an honour to be part of their training. It gives me great personal
satisfaction to see them become amazing teachers, who go onto inspire and
change children’s lives. Thanks must also go to NASBTT for hosting such a
fantastic awards evening and congratulations to all the winners.”
The inaugural NASBTT Awards, held at the Union Jack Club in
London on 11th July, were launched to celebrate excellence in school-based
teacher education and recognise the exceptionally hard-working and talented
professionals involved in driving the profession.
Sponsoring NASBTT’s Mentor of the Year award category was
Outset Teacher Education, which provides e-portfolio solutions to support
teachers’ professional development.
Surrey South Farnham SCITT
duo win Trainer of the Year award
Dave
Cole and Bob Twells, from Surrey South Farnham SCITT, have been named Trainer
of the Year by the National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers
(NASBTT), the voice of school-led initial teacher training and
development.
The duo
beat off fierce competition from Carol Allen (Associated Merseyside Partnership
SCITT) and Alison Brady (Associated Merseyside Partnership SCITT), who were
runners-up in NASBTT’s Trainer of the Year award. This category
recognises inspirational
trainers or facilitators whose best practice provision excites and motivates
school-based trainee teachers.
In awarding the Trainer of the Year prize, the judging panel comprising
of education and ITT experts said: “Many of the nominees were evidently
inspirational trainers in diverse aspects of initial teacher education whose
impact on the thinking and practice of significant numbers of trainee teachers
is clearly apparent, but Dave and Bob are clearly a dynamic duo. As one judge
commented: ‘their sessions are described in such a way (and evaluated
incredibly highly by a range of trainees past and present) that one wants to
book to attend’. The SCITT leaders say in their nomination that: ‘We have been
inundated with nomination requests from past and present trainees’. As one
grateful recipient’s testimonial said: ‘I just had to say how fantastic the
behaviour management training was today. They were the perfect training duo –
hilarious at times and with so much good content. I certainly left feeling
uplifted and with plenty of strategies to try’.”
Upon receiving the award, Dave
said: “Firstly, Bob and I were incredibly touched that someone would even find
the time to nominate us for our work with Surrey South Farnham trainees; to
actually win the award took us both by surprise and we feel incredibly humbled.
Having both worked in challenging schools we are acutely aware that effective
strategies for behaviour management are the cornerstone for any effective
classroom, and for a school for that matter. At a time when behaviour is a
national challenge our role is even more crucial. Our simple focus on rules,
routines and relationships coupled with fun and a trainee-led approach, has
really helped us to empower our trainees. We love our work with trainees and
feel privileged that we can really help make a difference.”
The inaugural NASBTT Awards, held
at the Union Jack Club in London on 11th July, were launched to celebrate
excellence in school-based teacher education and recognise the exceptionally
hard-working and talented professionals involved in driving the profession.
Sponsoring NASBTT’s Trainer of
the Year award category was Anspear, a technology and publishing company whose
mobile learning platform powers core curriculum courses for children, distance
learning degrees, language learning, vocational training and CPD.
Associated Merseyside
Partnership SCITT’s Pauline Treanor wins Partnership Lead of the Year award
Pauline Treanor, Head of the Associated Merseyside
Partnership SCITT, has been named Partnership Lead of the Year by the National
Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT), the voice of school-led
initial teacher training and development.
Pauline beat off fierce competition from Claire Harnden
(Surrey South Farnham SCITT) and Sacha Beresford (The Kemnal Academies Trust
SCITT), who were runners-up in NASBTT’s Partnership Lead of the Year award. This category
recognises partnership leads who motivate and inspire their core team to
achieve success through effective leadership and management.
In awarding the Partnership Lead of the Year prize, the judging
panel comprising of education and ITT experts said: “Pauline emerged as
Partnership Lead of the Year because the judges were totally convinced by the
description of her ‘passion for education, boundless energy and relish for new
challenges and opportunities to influence the learning of children, trainees
and colleagues’. Clearly, Pauline has developed a new SCITT from its earliest
days and overseen its growth into a strong and ever-evolving partnership of
many schools across five local authorities. The nomination cites: ‘Colleagues
enjoy and excel working for the Partnership because Pauline makes things
happen, she secures outcomes and celebrates the individual contributions made.
Success is achieved because she empowers those around her’.”
Upon receiving the award, Pauline said: “My vision was for a
school-led initial teacher training programme that not only brought new
teachers into the profession but kept existing staff in schools by providing
CPD and career development opportunities through their engagement with the
SCITT. Our recruitment process is robust and ensures that trainees are quickly
embedded into school life and fully understand the teacher’s role. I am
delighted that 78% of our first cohort are now in leadership roles within
education. It is an honour to be recognised for doing a job that I love – I am
proud to be a teacher.”
The inaugural NASBTT Awards, held at the Union Jack Club in
London on 11th July, were launched to celebrate excellence in school-based
teacher education and recognise the exceptionally hard-working and talented
professionals involved in driving the profession.
Sponsoring NASBTT’s Partnership
Lead of the Year award category was TeachingTimes, publisher of School Leadership Today, Professional
Development Today, Creative Teaching and Learning magazines, along with
Every Child Journal, Digital Learning and Learning Spaces. The group also
publish e-bulletins: Leadership Briefing and Every Child Update.
Nottinghamshire Torch
SCITT wins Innovative Practice of the Year award
Nottinghamshire Torch SCITT has won the Innovative Practice
of the Year award from the National Association of School-Based Teacher
Trainers (NASBTT), the voice of school-led initial teacher training and
development.
Nottinghamshire Torch beat off fierce competition from North
West SCITT and Now Teach who were runners-up in NASBTT’s Innovative Practice of
the Year award. This category recognises innovative ways for training the next
generation of teachers and how this practice is promoting new entrants to the
profession.
In awarding the Innovative Practice of the Year prize, the judging
panel comprising of education and ITT experts said: “Emerging as the
clear winner of the award for Innovative Practice of the Year, Nottinghamshire
Torch SCITT demonstrated a strong outward-looking approach, using a diverse
range of settings across their programmes, including forest schools and
specialist settings. The nomination states: ‘Each trainee will have visited
over eight different school settings, whilst undergoing a large number of
training days…they develop a strong understanding of different educational
settings, leadership and management philosophies and catchment areas prior to
seeking employment’. The element of innovation that was most significant was
the focus on international education. The SCITT currently provides a
fully-funded trip to Finland and is exploring a visit to Houston moving
forwards, which shows a commitment to sustaining their approach to innovation
over time.”
Upon receiving the award, Nottinghamshire Torch SCITT
Director Treena Philpotts said: “It is a great honour to be given this award in
recognition of our work in developing a wide range of opportunities for our
trainee teachers. We know that within teaching having the opportunity to visit
a full range of educational settings is critical for teachers to develop their
own philosophies, values and pedagogical approaches. We continue to see
innovative practice within schools; teachers themselves never stop learning and
it is important to develop this ethos at the Initial Teacher Training phase as
these are our future school leaders. I wish to thank the SCITT team and the
wider school partnerships within and beyond the Nova Education Trust as well as
the Jyvaskula Teacher Training School who have shown so much commitment in
supporting our programme. We really enjoyed the evening and thank you to
NASBTT, Dr Adam Boddison and Nasen for presenting this award.”
The inaugural NASBTT Awards, held at the Union Jack Club in
London on 11th July, were launched to celebrate excellence in school-based
teacher education and recognise the exceptionally hard-working and talented
professionals involved in driving the profession.
Sponsoring NASBTT’s Innovative Practice of the Year award
category was Nasen, the UK’s leading organisation for promoting the education, training,
advancement and development of all those with special and additional support
needs.
Liverpool Hope University
wins HEI Partner of the Year award
Liverpool Hope University has been named HEI Partner of the
Year by the National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT), the
voice of school-led initial teacher training and development.
Liverpool Hope, which was nominated by Associated Merseyside
Partnership SCITT, beat off fierce competition from the University of
Roehampton and Somerset Centre for Integrated Learning, who were runners-up in
NASBTT’s HEI Partner of the Year award. This category recognises university partners who
work collegiately with school partners to create genuinely personalised and
impactful training programmes.
In awarding the HEI Partner of the Year prize, the judging
panel comprising of education and ITT experts said: “What makes
Liverpool Hope University stand out is that in a system designed to make
school-based providers and universities compete, the partnership between the
SCITT and the HEI is about collaboration and co-promotion, with clear
co-support at a strategic level. The nomination states: Liverpool Hope ‘is
always willing to accommodate requests for change or suggest alternatives so
that together we improve trainee experiences. Most recently, this has
seen the introduction of a new module that will reduce workload and enhance
understanding of curriculum design for trainees’. As one judge noted: ‘This is
a responsive partner providing access to education conferences and student
support services. Active promotion of the partnership to improve
recruitment to multiple routes is commendable’.”
Upon receiving the award, Liverpool Hope University’s Head
of Teacher Education Sue Cronin said: “I am delighted to accept the award on
behalf of the Liverpool Hope Teacher Education team. Partnership is the key to
everything we do so this award is very special for us. Our work with Associated
Merseyside Partnership (AMP) shows just how powerful SCITT-University
partnerships can be when we collaborate. AMP SCITT has been a fantastic partner
for Liverpool Hope to work with; we have both supported and challenged each
other to improve our programmes and practice. The partnership has been a
win–win. In an increasingly challenging landscape, strong partnerships are
essential for system improvements and we value our partnership with AMP SCITT.”
The inaugural NASBTT Awards, held at the Union Jack Club in
London on 11th July, were launched to celebrate excellence in school-based
teacher education and recognise the exceptionally hard-working and talented
professionals involved in driving the profession.
Sponsoring NASBTT’s HEI Partner of the Year award category
was the Universities’ Council for the Education of Teachers (UCET), which acts as a national
forum for the discussion of matters relating to the education of teachers and
professional educators, and to the study of education in the university sector,
and contributes to the formulation of policy in these fields.
Devon Primary SCITT wins
SCITT or School Direct Lead School of the Year award
Devon Primary SCITT has been named
the SCITT or School Direct Lead School of the Year by the National Association
of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT), the voice of school-led
initial teacher training and development.
Devon Primary SCITT beat off fierce competition from
Northampton Teacher Training Partnership and Shotton Hall SCITT, who were runners-up
in NASBTT’s SCITT or School Direct Lead School of the Year award. This category recognises
the ‘best of the best’ school-based teacher training providers within the
sector.
In awarding the SCITT or School Direct Lead School of
the Year prize, the judging panel comprising of education and ITT experts said:
“The excellence of Devon Primary SCITT’s provision has been recognised by
Ofsted in each of the four inspections they have received dating back to 2003.
They have pioneered and refined the concept of learning conversations and
cascaded this approach to many other providers. This programme and its leaders
have also participated in system-wide leadership support activities over the
past two years. As one of the judges noted: ‘This nomination identifies the
three areas of quality, distinctiveness and contribution to the wider ITT
sector. It is an impressive nomination because all three of these areas have
been so successful over time’.”
Upon receiving the award, Andy Ogden, Strategic Lead of
Devon Teaching School Partnership and Devon Primary SCITT, said: “It is
an honour to accept this award on behalf of Devon Primary SCITT. Behind it lies
a passionate partnership of staff, Heads and their schools who are fully
committed to training the next generation of teachers. Although our partnership
received this recognition, the awards evening was a true celebration of all the
partnerships of schools across the country who provide excellent training so
that all of our children will be taught by wonderful, creative teachers.”
The inaugural NASBTT Awards, held at the Union Jack Club in
London on 11th July, were launched to celebrate excellence in school-based
teacher education and recognise the exceptionally hard-working and talented
professionals involved in driving the profession.
Sponsoring NASBTT’s SCITT or
School Direct Lead School of the Year award category was Phil Smith
Communications, a specialist PR, communications and stakeholder engagement
consultancy for the education sector.
Kim Francis wins
Outstanding Contribution to Initial Teacher Training award
An ITT professional who has dedicated over 40 years to
supporting the development of trainee teachers and teacher educators has
received the Outstanding Contribution to Initial Teacher Training award from
the National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT).
Kim Francis was Programme Lead for the North Lincolnshire
Graduate Teacher Programme/ SCITT from 2003-14 as well as the local authority’s NQT
induction co-ordinator, chairing the Yorkshire and Humber ITT provider
network, and serving as a member of the Initial Teacher Training Advisory Group
(ITTAG) for eight years. Prior to that, he taught English in secondary
schools for 28 years, serving as a subject mentor and ITT co-ordinator for much
of that time.
Now a
freelance ITT consultant, Kim joined the NASBTT Board of Trustees in
2014 and has co-ordinated a number of projects including the Training and
Assessment Toolkit, Management Support Partner programme and Ofsted preparation
workshops, including collation of NASBTT’s annual inspection analysis reports.
He is also an experienced ITT external moderator and formerly a school
governor.
In announcing the award, decided by NASBTT, Chair of Trustees
Ian Hollingsworth said: “The Outstanding Contribution to Initial Teacher
Training award goes to someone who is so humble that we suspect he will be
stunned when his name is revealed. This person has dedicated many years of
his life to the ITT sector and is a trusted colleague and critical friend to
many NASBTT members, as well as to the NASBTT team themselves. His unfailing
optimism and wonderful sense of humour make him a pleasure to work with, whilst
his in-depth understanding of the sector, coupled with his endless willingness
to learn more, mean he is an invaluable source of support and guidance to many
of us. His particular penchant for deep dives into every Ofsted ITT report
published each year creates a yearly publication for NASBTT which is highly
valued by many across the sector.”
Upon receiving the award, Kim said: “This is such an unexpected
honour. The work I have been pleased to do – to try to help support colleagues
leading ITT programmes – has been a pure pleasure. It is especially gratifying
when colleagues let me know that my efforts have provided practical help as
they strive to develop their provision. I am firmly of the view that being
involved in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) is the very best job in education
because we are involved in enabling and empowering the next generation of
teachers to educate and influence the life chances of the nation’s children and
young people. In my case, I feel I was born to contribute to ITE – it has been
a privilege. Thank you NASBTT for recognising the small part I have played – it
means such a lot.”
The inaugural NASBTT Awards, held at the Union Jack Club in London on 11th July, were launched to celebrate excellence in school-based teacher education and recognise the exceptionally hard-working and talented professionals involved in driving the profession.
https://www.the-educator.org/wp-content/uploads/image1-3-1030x686.png00adminhttps://www.the-educator.org/wp-content/uploads/image1-3-1030x686.pngadmin2019-07-16 09:09:352019-07-16 09:09:38Unity Schools Partnership’s Helen Main wins Administrator of the Year award
To assist schools
in England with their preparation for lifesaving first aid training in 2020,
Eureka!, a leading supplier of first aid to schools, has sourced a fantastic
training package designed to make training and learning of lifesaving skills
both easy and enjoyable.
The Mini Medics
First Aid and Defibrillation for Children course is supported by Nuco Training,
the UK’s leading independent instructor training company specialising in first
aid, defibrillation and compliance training. The course is ideal for delivery
by qualified teachers/trainers who hold a current and valid 1-day emergency
first aid at work or 3-day first aid at work qualification.
A fully loaded USB
stick contains all the necessary presentation and resource material required by
teachers to teach and promote the course. An accompanying 32 page fully
illustrated A4 book is available and offers pupils a basic introduction to
first aid and defibrillation. The Mini Medics course has been designed with
children between the ages of 8 and 11 in mind but can be suited to a wider age
range of primary school pupils. There is no confusing terminology and the book
is filled with clear illustrations, making understanding lifesaving skills
simple.
Once the training
course has been delivered to the class, each child can cut out their
certificate of attendance, located at the back of their book, to show their
friends and family that they are trained Mini Medics.
Neal George,
Business Manager for Eureka! tells us: “We are, and have always been,
committed to sourcing the best possible first aid products. We continually
listen to the needs of our customers and ensure that we can deliver on first
aid supplies that really meet these requirements. The Mini Medics course was
presented to us and after glowing reviews from children of our own staff, we
quickly realised it would be a great addition to the Eureka! portfolio.
Replacement books
are available separately from Eureka! and orders will be delivered the next
working day if placed before 4.30pm. This not only ensures the longevity of the
teacher training USB but also reduces any unnecessary stock holding and wasted
costs of unused books.
To find out more about the Mini Medics resource package, or to view the range of CPR manikins, training defibrillators, portable first aid kits and supplies, all suitable for lifesaving first aid training in schools, visit www.EurekaDirect.co.uk.
https://www.the-educator.org/wp-content/uploads/image1-3-1030x686.png00adminhttps://www.the-educator.org/wp-content/uploads/image1-3-1030x686.pngadmin2019-07-16 08:44:022019-07-16 08:44:05Enjoyable training allows pupils to become Mini Medics
Pictured: Vice-Chancellor of Solent University, Professor Graham Baldwin and Sean Yazbeck
As part of graduation week, Solent University has pledged to
continue supporting the region’s thriving technology community following its
largest-ever donation from a former student.
British award-winning tech entrepreneur and Solent alumnus, Sean
Yazbeck, has donated £100,000 to fund a new enterprise centre at the
University, dedicated to digital innovation.
Set to open in the autumn, the new Sean Yazbeck Centre for Digital
Innovation will provide students and businesses with access to state-of-the-art
technologies and software in gaming, computing, augmented reality, virtual
reality and artificial intelligence. The donation from Sean – a Visiting Fellow
and Honorary Doctor of Business at Solent University – will fully fund the new
facility and help boost graduate employability by up to 15%, thanks to a number
of project opportunities with established and start-up businesses once the
centre opens.
Sean is the founder and CEO of several technology companies
including the enterprise digitalisation software, Scopeworker, which recently
signed a deal with US telecoms carrier, Sprint, to digitalise their multi-billion
dollar 5G deployment. Bringing with him unrivalled knowledge and experience in
the technology industry, Sean will be providing support to the centre, working
to ensure it offers the very best equipment whilst supporting students as they
engage with private enterprises.
Sean explained: “British universities
are increasingly driving the nation’s rapid growth in technology-based
industries. Britain is perfectly positioned to becoming the world’s next
Silicon Valley. This relatively small donation is a contribution to
supporting the next generation of British tech entrepreneurs. It is also a
thank you to Solent University for being the launch pad for my career.”
Theo Paphitis, Chancellor of Solent University, said: “Sean’s
philanthropic support, guidance and leadership has been instrumental in the
University being able to offer this new teaching and learning environment.“This
donation will enable our students to not only develop high-quality skills
through a range of really interesting activities, but also access to
opportunities for them to deliver commissioned commercial projects and services
to meet the needs of the industry. A key skill when you’re engaging with the
business sector.”
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Baldwin, added: “The Sean
Yazbeck Centre for Digital Innovation comes at an exciting time for Southampton
and the wider Solent region. In a hugely fast-paced industry, it is crucial
that our students have access to technologies that will expand their skill-set
and see them through into employment.”
The centre will build on the success of the University’s other similar initiatives, including Solent Creatives and Solent Productions.
https://www.the-educator.org/wp-content/uploads/image1-3-1030x686.png00adminhttps://www.the-educator.org/wp-content/uploads/image1-3-1030x686.pngadmin2019-07-15 10:28:502019-07-15 10:28:53Solent University alumnus donates £100,000 for new Digital Innovation Centre
Employees at
Poole-based business Eureka!, usually spend their spare time relaxing after a
day’s work processing orders and advising customers across the UK on the most
suitable first aid supplies. However, 20 members of staff have kicked off a
rigorous training regime after signing up to pull a Boeing 737 in support of
Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.
Julia’s House is a
charity that offers support in Dorset and Wiltshire to children with
life-limiting illnesses and their families, by providing round the clock
hospice and community care, as well as much needed respite and emotional
support.
The team at Eureka!
have been involved with the charity for some years by volunteering at events
and fundraising, but this is by far the biggest challenge they have undertaken
for the cause.
The event is due
to take place on Monday 26th August at Bournemouth Airport where 40
teams will compete to pull the plane, weighing 35 tonnes, a distance of 50
metres in the fastest time.
Corporate
Fundraiser at Julia’s House, Caroline Attreed comments: “Julia’s House has been
involved with Dorset Plane Pull for the past 10 years. The event is always good
fun with teams often taking part in fancy dress and raising huge amounts of
money for a range of local and national charities.
“We are really
pleased that Eureka! have chosen to take part and support Julia’s House. We
will be cheering them on throughout the day and wish them the best of luck in
the competition.”
Since the first
annual Plane Pull took place in 2009, the event has raised over £130,000 for 24
different charities. All event organisers volunteer their time ensuring that
every single penny of money raised is donated directly to the charities
involved.
Ricky Williams,
Sales Manager at Eureka! is hoping to raise £1000 for Julia’s House. He tells
us: “Our staff are really looking forward to taking part in this event. We are
not sure how we will get on, but as long as we can all pull together and raise
a fair amount money for such an amazing charity, that’s all that matters.
Anyone who would like to support us on our journey can make a donation directly
to Julia’s House at www.juliashouse.org.”
More information
about the event can be found @DorsetPlanePull on Facebook or via the Dorset
Plane Pull website www.planepull.co.uk.
https://www.the-educator.org/wp-content/uploads/image1-3-1030x686.png00adminhttps://www.the-educator.org/wp-content/uploads/image1-3-1030x686.pngadmin2019-07-09 09:27:052019-07-09 09:27:08Eureka! team prepare to pull a plane for Julia’s House
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