HISTORY® LAUNCHES WEEKLY SCHOOLS PROGRAMMING BLOCK

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This September, HISTORY® launched History Lessons, a new programming initiative designed to help 11 to 16-year-olds learn more about the historic periods and themes they are studying in school.

The programming strand, which started on 7th September, is aimed at Key Stage 3 and GCSE pupils and broadcasts from 8am to 10am every Saturday morning.

History Lessons sees HISTORY® broadcast a host of documentaries to run in line with the year seven to year twelve curriculum. The programming focuses on three key periods: Nazi Germany, the Roman Empire and the Crusades.

‘Hitler’s Circle of Evil’ chronicles the rise and fall of the Third Reich through the personal relationships of the most influential members of the Nazi Party. Four-part series ‘The Crusades: Crescent and the Cross’ is a detailed documentary telling the complete story of the great Christian Crusades into the Holy Land. ‘Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire’ is a 13-episode series starting at the transition period of the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire in the 2nd century BC, ending with the story of the last Western Roman emperor in the 5th century AD.

The compelling programming brings to life some of the most defining moments in human history, offering students an easy-to-access learning resource that complements their school studies. In addition, HISTORY® will add more documentaries to its video on demand service, with further resources to be made available at history.co.uk.

The initiative is part of the broadcaster’s ongoing commitment to bringing  history to life by encouraging education through entertainment. HISTORY will continue to look into further opportunities to provide learning resources for educational institutions and audiences alike.

A+E Networks UK SVP of Content and Creative for EMEA, Heather Jones said: We’re very excited to have launched our dedicated schools support zone ‘History Lessons’ at the start of the new school term. At a pivotal time for the UK, understanding history has never been more important and we hope to inspire students, schools, teachers and families all over the UK by bringing history to life for new audiences in 2019.

How tech can assist in schools

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The traditional chalk and blackboard approach is long gone from classrooms across the nation, as education continues to evolve in line with new technologies. In fact, the UK government has recently confirmed an investment of £10m to advance upon existing technology measures in our schools. So, how will this change the nature of education, and what kind of new innovations will become commonplace in the classroom? With the help of print management software specialists, United Carlton, we look at what the future may hold for learning.

Learning uploaded to the cloud

The government strategy will essentially develop a technological infrastructure for schools to absorb into their own settings, with ideas such as the encouragement for schools to adopt a ‘cloud’ approach. This will help to make learning materials readily available to students through a connected network of computer systems and creating ‘testbeds’, whereby schools can trial new innovations before they are rolled out on a wider scale. The teaching profession is notorious for having a heavy workload, and the government has identified technology as a potential avenue for removing five hours of workload per term, supported by an improvement in parental engagement. When these systems are fully embedded, part time or flexible working contracts could become a reality for teachers.

These advances could reshape the entire structure of schooling, as teachers’ schedules decrease and learning becomes increasingly digitised. The possibilities would shape a new kind of classroom, which benefits from a less rigid learning structure with teachers who are not struggling to contend with excessive working hours. Building upon existing initiatives such as the use of Sprograms such as Skype and FaceTime, teaching on the go will be given a whole new dimension. One key introduction will be artificial intelligence- known commonly as AI, as it enables for the automation of many daily processes within schools. Over time, it will become increasingly personalised, meaning it could be a vital tool in grading and providing feedback for students. A further branch of this is machine learning, which will adapt to the individual requirements of students, and it could even go on to provide AI tutors. These forms of AI have already been developed on a small scale, and they can teach subjects such as mathematics and writing. As their use increases, they could also help to alleviate the workload of human teachers.

Virtual reality

Another technology which could benefit students and teachers by simulating reality is VR systems and these are already being trialed in some schools. In the past, teachers would take days away from the classroom to attend courses, but this can be avoided with VR. These simulations can replicate the setting by providing a sense of online community, where ideas and concepts are shared. The nature of these as an alternative to conventional courses can be more engaging, as they can be freely interacted with. The VR technology could also spell extinction for the traditional text book, with the opportunity to use it to revisit points in history or to take field trips without leaving the classroom. Learning has transformed into an immersive experience, with the development of programs such as Google Expeditions, students enjoy deep sea excursions or visit the International Space Station. The simulation allows students to embrace their curiosity and ask more questions, from a first-hand perspective.

Biometrics

Perhaps much to students’ dismay, areas in education such as discipline and truancy have also benefited from technological advances. Biometric technology is most commonly used in activity trackers, but they can also prove valuable in getting the most out of the school day. Facilities such as fingerprint recognition and facial recognition scanners can help to cut down the time-consuming administrative processes, for example taking the class register and recording absences. There are also important safety requirements which can be enhanced using biometric data, by storing information on individuals who are allowed into the building and preventing anyone who is not recorded from entering.

Undoubtedly, technology is proving to be a major asset for our children’s education, both in terms of creating clarity in information and efficiency in teaching.

https://www.publictechnology.net/articles/news/%E2%80%98-new-era-schools%E2%80%99-%E2%80%93-government-unveils-%C2%A310m-education-technology-strategy

https://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/to-the-cloud-meaning.htm

https://elearningindustry.com/biometrics-in-schools-data-enhance-learning-4-ways

This year’s Pensions Tax Grab is underway!

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Are you a well-paid doctor, teacher, civil servant, judge, armed forces personnel or other public sector worker?  Are you about to get tax grabbed from your pension?

Thousands of doctors, teachers, civil servants, judges, armed forces personnel and other public sector workers have been caught by swinging tax charges from HMRC– all because of the way their pension schemes work.

Go back 4 or 5 years or so and this was a problem for only around 5,000 people a year … but over the last couple of years the number of people caught by the restrictions has increased hugely.  20,000 people in 2017, 26,000 people in 2018 and this number is expected to increase again to over 37,000 people this year.

As the number of people caught by the tax charges increases year on year, so does the amount of tax collected!  From £200m a few years ago to over £1bn! Or to put it another way, an average of £38k per person per year in 2017/18!  A huge tax grab from those affected.

This is particularly a problem for those with occupational or final salary pension schemes – like teachers, doctors, civil servants, judges, armed forces and other public sector workers.  What makes it worse, is that this is a hidden tax charge.  Often the individual concerned has no idea that there is a problem and that the taxman is about to hit them with a huge tax bill …until a letter drops through your letterbox. 

Typically those affected receive letters from their pension provider each October telling them if they have exceeded the annual contribution allowance – if this is you, then take action!  If you are worried or caught by the pension contribution restrictions then we can help demystify them and explain clearly what is happening, as well as help you practically with the appropriate tax returns.

Who needs to be worried?  Broadly speaking there are three groups of people that might be caught by HMRC’s pensions tax grab:

  1. Individuals who are receiving a pension income but are still contributing to a pensions saving pot.

If you are in receipt of pension income you can normally only contribute £4000 pa into your pension scheme …any excess will be taxed!

  • People who earn in excess of £150,000.   The standard annual allowance of £40,000 pa in pension contributions is reduced for higher earners.

Clearly, if you as an individual are making payments directly into a pension scheme, then you can control the amounts you pay and avoid any tax charges on excess pension contributions.   This contribution limit includes both the amount that the individual contributes and the amount the employer contributes.  However, as an employee you often have no control over the amount that is contributed! You have to abide by the scheme rules or employer rules.  

  • People who are in an occupational or final salary pension scheme who get a payrise …and especially high earners who get a payrise!

The problem here stems from the nature of how the contributions to the scheme are worked out by your employer or by the pension scheme.   Take somebody with 20 years’ service earning £50,000 who gets a promotion and payrise to £60,000.  Their employer pension contribution could be deemed to be some £69,000 or more – ie much bigger than the contribution limit and potentially meaning a £11,600 tax bill or more.

And what if you are a higher earner and get a promotion and payrise?  Well, you get a double whammy with an excess contribution and a reduction in the annual contribution limits. Meaning that the amount that is taxable becomes much, much bigger.  We have had clients in this situation whose excess pension contribution tax bill was bigger than their annual take home salary.

Importantly, note that most pension scheme rules allow you to get your pension scheme to pay the tax for you.  Bearing in mind the swinging size of some of the tax bills from these excess contributions that is very important – especially for those facing penury!  Whilst this means that you personally don’t have to find the money there and then – it has a long term impact on your pension because your pension pot decreases by the amount paid out to the taxman. …and your retirement income is reduced.  But then, the only time politicians say tax should be fair is when they are husting for your vote!

Caught by an excess pension charge?  Need help from a tax accountant?  Then get in touch!

In2ScienceUK announces new partnership pilot with Royal Society

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Initiative will widen participation and increase diversity in STEM among disadvantaged and underrepresented groups

London – In2ScienceUK, a non-profit which exists to improve social mobility and diversity in STEM among students from low-income households, has announced a one-year pilot partnership with the Royal Society which will see students participate in STEM work placements with the Society’s Research Fellows.

Beginning in January 2020, student participants will be assigned work placements with scientists, enabling them unique insight and first-hand experience of STEM careers whilst learning vital employability skills.

As part of the hugely successful In2ScienceUK high-impact programme, students also experience integrated workshops, participate in public engagement competitions and receive guidance on university applications to encourage higher education and careers in STEM. 

The Royal Society joins a network of prominent supporting partners of the charity, including Roche, UCL, The Manly Trust, nesta and the Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport.

Dr Rebecca McKelvey, CEO & Founder of In2ScienceUK commented: “We know that poverty and social background remain huge barriers to progressing to university and high-skilled STEM and research careers, so I am delighted to be announcing this partnership with the Royal Society. Putting researchers and STEM professionals at the heart of the solution is an effective way to engage and inspire young people into STEM careers, and what better collaboration than with the oldest scientific academy in existence. 

“As well as being able to capitalise on the history and heritage of a Fellowship made up of the most eminent scientists, engineers and technologists, leveraging its passionate research community will be a game-changer in supporting more disadvantaged young people to gain valuable insight in to the rewarding experiences a career in STEM affords.”

Veronica Van Heyningen, Chair of the Royal Society’s Diversity Committee said: “We are incredibly excited about this partnership with In2ScienceUK. This scheme will support and inspire students from all backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM. The skills and insights offered by the sciences and maths enrich the country’s economy and environment. Scientific progress is most often delivered by the team-work of widely diverse individuals.”

To date, In2ScienceUK has supported over 1,000 students from 326 schools, with 92% of participants going on to apply to university, and 85% being accepted.

The charity plans to expand its reach nationally in the coming three years, widening participation so that all young people from low-income backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their potential.

Workfinder connects almost 200 young women with STEM work experience on Ada Lovelace Day

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Female sixth form students inspired to explore science and tech careers by leading women at RBS, DeepMind, Snap Inc, Microsoft and more

London, 8th October 2019 – Workfinder, the platform built to inspire the next generation and create a pipeline of talent to drive the UK’s most ambitious growth companies, is today hosting an event at the Francis Crick Institute for 186 female sixth form students in celebration of Ada Lovelace Day.

In keeping with what the day stands for, a diverse line-up of female role models in STEM, including CEO of Commercial and Private Banking RBS, Alison Rose, DeepMind COO Lila Ibrahim, Girlguiding advocate Juliet Dowley, Snap Inc VP Claire Valoti, Microsoft for Startups UK MD Amali de Alwis, Francis Crick Institute mathematician Esther Wershof and techUK president Jacqueline de Rojas, will deliver a series of inspirational TED-style talks that aim to bring their experiences to life for attendees. 

Far from being just another inspirational event, a number of companies – including RBS, Made.com, PayPal, Eurostar and more – will take part in a speed networking session after the talks and, alongside 35 other UK companies, will also be offering the girls valuable work experience placements during the October half term (21 – 25 October). 

Sherry Coutu CBE, founder of Workfinder,commented: “With 80 percent of experts saying they would hire a B-grade student with a relevant internship over an A+ student without any, and with 90% of employers saying that they need talent with the right skills more than anything else, including funding, we know work experience to be the critical bridge between education and employment.  

That is why we have worked with employers for the past three years to create Workfinder so it was super simple for work experience hosts from the UK’s best businesses to hire fresh talent in a few clicks for a fraction of the time and money it might otherwise take.  This helps the company on critical projects, learning & development of their millennial staff and young people to acquire critical skill sets that they will need when they are ready for their first permanent role.”

Alison Rose, CEO of Commercial and Private Banking, RBS, said: “It is incredibly encouraging that events like these are empowering young female talent on their educational and professional journeys. If we are to help the next generation of women into the leadership roles of the future, we must continue to support and equip them to overcome the barriers they currently face. I am proud to be here, celebrating women and girls in STEM.”

Lila Ibrahim, COO of DeepMind, also commented: “The potential of advanced AI to contribute positively to our world, addressing some of the biggest problems we face, such as disease and climate change, is huge. But, AI can only make a positive impact if it reflects a diversity of backgrounds and needs.

“Inspiring the next generation of scientists to consider careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) is critical if we are to ensure that the new technologies we build are truly representative of who we’re building them for.” 

If you work at a high-growth organisation that hasn’t already considered the impact opening your company’s doors to tomorrow’s talent could make, please visit Workfinder to find out more.

Samsung Launches Unique Educational Experience to Prepare Young People for the Workplace of the Future

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LONDON, UK – October, 2019: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd today launches a new educational experience – Not a School – which brings young people together to address pressing issues and create solutions, whilst learning vital skills needed for the workplace of the future that will be transformed by rapid innovations in technology.

The UK initiative forms a part of Samsung’s global commitment to education and citizenship efforts1; helping equip the next generation of innovators with the skills needed to pioneer positive social change. The free, four-week program is designed for 18 to 25-year-old school graduates and has been co-created with a collective of inspiring young people. It features a diverse group of unorthodox teachers, whose areas of expertise range from art to activism, and from comedy to inclusion.

The program will be overseen by award-winning course leader, Charlie Dark: DJ, creative influencer, poet and founder of the running community ‘Run Dem Crew’. Course mentors, experts and speakers include comedian, Reuben Christian; photographer, Andriana Lagoudes; film maker, Lawrence Lartley and writer, Jodi A Bickley.

Course leader, Charlie Dark said, “I’m proud to be leading a truly eclectic and inspiring group of people – from writers, podcasters and photographers, to entrepreneurs and entertainers. A feast of inspiration and learning lies ahead for our students and I can’t wait to hear what they really care about and how they can be practically supported to do something about that. Taking action always needs a little spark to get you going, and I hope Samsung’s Not a School can provide that. I’m excited to see how our young people respond and what they can create, be it a piece of music or artwork they think can change the world, or a solution that uses technology in a new way.”

Each week, Not a School will take on a new theme: making the world more compassionate; making sustainability personal; humanising technology; and building an inclusive London.

The themes have been co-designed with young people to ensure those taking part are learning and applying skills to issues that resonate with their passions and which they believe will become most important in the future. They might find themselves debating the ethics and opportunities of AI, thinking up new creative ways to re-use tech packaging or figuring out how to make the online world kinder.

Current estimates suggest 2 out of 3 of today’s schoolchildren will have a job in the future which doesn’t exist today, while 1 in 4 adults already feel that the skills they have today do not match the skills they really need for their job2.

Additional new data from Samsung reveals that just 4 in 10 (40%) of Gen Z believe their formal education at school or university has fully prepared them for the future workplace and more than three quarters (77%) believe technology companies have a role to play in education, helping equip them for the future3.

The first 40 young people set to take part in this innovative program secured their spaces based on their community efforts, goals and creative applications, and will begin their experience today at Samsung’s new showcase space, Samsung KX, a dynamic community hub in London’s King’s Cross that brings together culture, learning and innovation.

Speaking of the program, Kate Beaumont, Director Innovation, Technology & Services Strategy at Samsung, said: “In an age defined by rapid technological innovation and change, the ability to solve problems in new ways will be critical for the next generation, not only to adapt and survive, but to thrive and excel as global citizens. Our formal educational institutions do a brilliant job, so we want Not A School to add something extra and different. We want it to make a major contribution to the way the world thinks about education and provide the skills young people need to succeed in the next 50 years. The Samsung KX launch is just the beginning:  our ambition in 2020 is that we can invite young people from across the UK to take part in Not a school.”

Tess Smillie,VP People Team, Samsung UK&I, added: “We truly believe in the remarkable potential of the next generation to reach new heights of innovation, and to develop society-changing solutions, and we’re committed to helping them achieve this through education and programmes like Not a School. As a business and as a sector we need to invest in nurturing future talent who feel empowered to challenge the status quo and are driven by a desire to push the boundaries, innovate, bring about positive change and to help build a better world.”

Not a School has been created with guidance from its Youth Advisory Board and is supported by youth, culture and education groups, including: Camden People’s Theatre; White Hat; London Borough of Culture; Camden Giving; Roundhouse; and IntoUniversity.

For further information, visit: www.samsung.com/uk/notaschool

Teachers Revealed as the Original Influencers

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Pic For Alan Richardson Pix-AR.co.uk Free to use from Stripe PR Bell Baxter teacher Maxine McNeil

New research shows that teachers are considered more influential than social media stars

They may not boast millions of Instagram followers like YouTuber, Joe Suggs, and are unlikely to be as famous as the youngest member of the Kardashian clan, Kylie, but new research out today (7 October) has found that teachers are the ultimate, Original Influencers.

Two fifths (40%) of Scottish adults[1], said that, excluding family and friends, teachers have the greatest opportunity to inspire and shape future minds. With just 21% saying social media influencers and only 7% saying celebrities.

Nearly two-thirds (62%) said that between one and five teachers helped to positively influence them or inspired them to become the person they are today. While the majority (68%) said they could still remember the name of their favourite teacher.

The online survey was commissioned by the Scottish Government, in partnership with YouGov, as part of its Teaching Makes People campaign. It aims to encourage more people studying to consider if they have got what it takes to inspire the next generation – by highlighting that a career in teaching offers a rewarding and challenging role that can genuinely make a difference.

And, with 83% agreeing it’s one of the most influential professions to help shape people’s lives – it’s clear that teaching is held close to the nation’s heart as an important and meaningful career.

Maxine McNeill (29) qualified in 2014 and has been teaching at Bell Baxter High School in Fife for four years.

Maxine said, “It’s great to see this new research on teachers as it’s something my friends always say to me – that I’m the real influencer. It makes me laugh but it’s always struck a chord with me because it’s true. I love my job and realise what an important role I’m in because I can really make a difference to young people’s lives. I work hard to inspire, lead and motivate every day in a relevant way and hope that I nail it.

“No two days are ever the same. It’s hard work but I thrive on the challenge that working with such a diverse range of pupils of different ages, backgrounds and abilities brings. Also, I feel like I have a great work/life balance and the holidays are brilliant, which means I can do a lot of travelling, another great passion of mine”.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said “These findings show the important role that teachers continue to play in our society and the opportunity they have to make a real difference to future generations. In a culture where the influence of social media and celebrities can sometimes put a lot of pressure on young people, it’s reassuring to see that the nation still recognise the long-term impact and influence teachers can have.

“By choosing a career in teaching, you can make a big difference to a young person’s life. It’s a highly rewarding, inspiring career that comes with many benefits.  If you’re driven and ambitious, there are career progression opportunities too. I’d encourage all the undergraduates out there to consider getting into teaching.”

Previous research has shown that people attracted by and suited to teaching are generally motivated by helping to develop others and making the most of their own knowledge.

Under the new teaching pay deal in Scotland, the starting salary for a fully registered teacher is currently £32,034 rising to £32,994 by April 2020.

The latest Teaching Makes People national drive includes advertising, PR and social media activity. It’s also taking to the streets – visiting all seven universities in Scotland which offer PGDE courses. If you’re an undergraduate student considering your career pathway, why not get into teaching? For more information check out teachinginscotland.scot

Summer Camp Jobs Up For Grabs

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Sign Up Now For The Stateside Summer Of A Lifetime

It’s feeling a tad autumnal as students settle into the new academic year, but there’s a sunny vibe at BUNAC, the overseas work, travel and volunteer organisation, as Summer Camp USA 2020 is now open for applications, with thousands of Camp Counsellor and Activity Specialist jobs up for grabs. Interviews are taking place across the UK for enthusiastic young adults to spend a fun and rewarding summer working with children at camp. It’s a unique opportunity to experience an all-American tradition, make friends from around the globe and develop valuable, CV-boosting skills – with the chance to travel around the States for up to 30 days after camp ends. 

BUNAC, as one of the longest-established providers of summer camp placements in the UK, enjoys privileged relations with a wide array of camps across the USA, from private to non-profit and from disadvantaged to special needs. It’s renowned for successfully matching candidates to the jobs that best suit their interests and aptitudes. BUNAC also offers the most affordable flights-included summer camp package and the highest staff wages in the UK, plus a 100% placement guarantee or your fees refunded. They’ll also help participants translate their new-found skills and international work experience onto their CVs, to impress future employers once they’ve returned home.

Amy Baskill, a student at the University of Edinburgh and past participant, comments: “Choosing BUNAC for my first Summer Camp USA adventure was the best decision because of their help and support the whole way through my journey. I had the most amazing time and I’m already excited to go back next summer.”

With over 10,000 summer camps in the USA, there’s a huge variety of roles available. General Camp Counsellors, responsible for ensuring the day-to-day well-being and enjoyment of their young charges, are often assigned in pairs to a cabin of 4 to 10 children. Activity Specialists with coaching experience can share their passion for sports like football, tennis and swimming, or equally horse-riding, arts and crafts, dance and performance. 

Candidates aged 18 and over need to be available for 10 weeks from mid-May or June to August; perfect for school and college leavers, university students looking to make the most of their long summer vacation, or anyone keen to spend a fun and worthwhile summer in the States. It’s also essential to enjoy working with children and being in an active, outdoor environment.

BUNAC’s flights-included programme costs £529, including placement at camp (with full board and lodging provided), J-1 visa support, SEVIS fee, medical insurance, orientation, overnight accommodation on arrival, and pocket money of up to $1,850 depending on age, experience and type of camp. The non-flight programme costs £289. 

Candidates can apply online with a deposit of just £39. Nationwide regional interviews with BUNAC staff are taking place every week from now until the New Year. BUNAC’s annual Summer Camp Job Fairs, where candidates can meet camp directors face-to-face and get hired on the spot, will take place in London on 19th January and 22nd February 2020, and Glasgow on 21st January 2020. BUNAC will also be hosting Online Summer Camp Job Fairs – where candidates get interviewed via Skype – on 13th November 2019 and 11th March 2020.

To register for the programme or chat with a member of BUNAC staff, call 0333 999 7516 or visit www.summercampusa.co.uk

SLS strengthens senior team as business goes for growth

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School Letting Solutions (SLS) has appointed Jenny Shuttleworth as Head of People as the business continues to grow its team and reach. 

SLS works with schools, academies and colleges across the UK to maximise the use of their facilities to the local community during evenings, weekends and school holidays. The business has also launched a booking system which allows community groups, sports teams and other hirers to book leisure facilities online.

Jenny has extensive experience in developing recruitment strategies for fast-growing businesses. Her focus will be on hiring, developing and retaining a talented team and creating a great place to work across head office and roles across the UK. Jenny has previously held roles at Virgin Active and Aldi, leading talent and people initiatives in a fast-paced and KPI-driven environment. At SLS, Jenny will lead the charge in developing a high-performance culture to deliver growth for the business and its people.

Commenting on the appointment, Scott Warrington, co-founder of SLS said: “We place great emphasis on the personalities, skills and drive of our team, so the appointment of Jenny as our Head of People is fundamental to the future of the business. We have big ambitions to support more schools across the country and making the most of their facilities to open up new revenue streams and connect communities. To achieve this, we need the best people in all of the roles. Jenny brought the experience, enthusiasm and ideas we were looking for, making her the obvious choice for the role.” 

Jenny added: “SLS is a business with a genuine focus on its people and culture. The company has effectively created a new sector within the leisure market by opening up school facilities while delivering essential funding back into schools. This trailblazing approach and the fact the business is making a real difference attracted me to the role. We’re also creating hundreds of new roles and I’m confident our ongoing commitment to building a high-performance culture will mean we offer world-class customer service to our schools and customers.”

Twinkl, Twinkl needs superstars: Local groups invited to join charity record attempt

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Sheffield’s Twinkl is attempting to break a Guinness World Record to raise money for BBC Children in Need and is looking for local schools, choirs and businesses to get involved.

The online educational publisher is attempting to break the record for ‘most people in a nursery rhyme singing relay’, which is where every word of each rhyme is sung by a different person. The first person sings the first word, the person next to them the second, and so on until the song finishes.

Twinkl has chosen well-known nursery rhymes to break the existing Guinness World Record, which currently stands at 288 participants. 

The record attempt will be taking place at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Thursday 7th November from 9:45am until 11:30am. 

Twinkl is inviting groups and communities of any size to sign up to get involved in the attempt. 

The event will bring together people from across Sheffield and it is anticipated that it will attract local and national interest. Twinkl will also be sharing the story on its website and with the millions of members it has based across the world. 

The company is also delighted to welcome an adjudicator and Guinness World record’s star-shaped mascot, Ally Zing, to the event, where they will also be joined by Pudsey Bear.

As the Official Education Partner of BBC Children in Need, Twinkl is organising the attempt to raise money and awareness for the charity and the projects it supports to help children and young people across the UK.

In 2018, the team at Twinkl raised over £16,000 for BBC Children in Need through exciting activities such as triathlons, abseiling and a sponsored leg wax. The team are hoping to raise even more money this year. 

Jonathan Seaton, Co-founder and CEO of Twinkl, said: “We are delighted to be bringing together the wonderful community we have here in Sheffield for what will be an exciting and unique event. We are welcoming all different kinds of groups so if this sounds of interest to you, please do register or get in touch with us.”

To sign up for the Guinness World record attempt, please visit this link and register your interest before Monday 14th October.

For more information about the attempt, please contact media@twinkl.co.uk or visit the event Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/2445787139043057/