Engaging and inspiring education sessions for all
The Red House, Aldeburgh – Engaging and inspiring education sessions for all The Red House is the former home of the world famous composer, Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) and his partner, the singer Peter Pears (1910-1986). Located in the beautiful Suffolk town of Aldeburgh, The Red House is a unique resource for schools and provides an inspiring educational experience for all children. It has won awards for its work with families, children and young people. Benjamin Britten wanted to engage young people with classical music, as shown by his works such as Noye’s Fluddeand A Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra. The Red House continues to engage young people through its range of exciting educational activities. All schools are welcome to enjoy and explore this site of local and national artistic importance. School Sessions Suffolk schools can enjoy free musical assemblies and there are a selection of sessions at The Red House for Reception, Key Stage 1 & 2 which link to all areas of the National Curriculum. All sessions are led by skilled education staff and are designed to allow children to engage with the site and its collections while working together as a team. As part of our offer: All teaching staff are welcome to a free pre-visit to The Red House All Suffolk schools are entitled to a free session given by our team at your school All our educational experiences are adaptable We also offer sessions for Key Stage 3 & 4 and are happy to work with High Schools and Academies to develop a unique visit, tailored just for you. Explore our variety of taught, onsite school sessions online at brittenpears.org. In school Sessions As well as exciting education visits to The Red House, we also offer half-day sessions at your school. Whether you want to explore the history, artefacts and music of Stone Age or Anglo-Saxon Britain or wish to enhance your Science sessions with a range of hands-on experiments, The Red House team is happy to bring the learning to you. Arts Award We are a registered Arts Award Centre and offer Arts Award Discover, Explore, Bronze, Silverand Goldto young people. Please contact us for further information on how we can help your children achieve an Arts Award qualification. We are also proud to be an Artsmark Partner Organisation. Contact Joe Carr, Collections & Learning Curator j.carr@brittenpears.org, 01728 451700
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co Ltd
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co Ltd A traditional steam train, taking passenger on a unique journey to the tip of Lake Windermere. The perfect addition to your Lake District adventure. Established in 1973 The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway is a family run business in the heart of the Lake District. The track which passengers travel upon today was a former Furness Railway branch line, initially used to transport coal and iron ore, bobbins, dye, gunpowder and much more, in and out of the Leven Valley, as well as a booming trade in tourist traffic to visit Windermere by Lake Steamer. The industry and tourist visitors declined and by the late 1960’s the railway was shut. The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co Ltd was formed to re-open the line and with the help of many volunteers it succeeded and the line re-opened to tourist in May 1973. Today the company are very proud of their lovingly restored and maintained fleet of steam locomotives, which are available to view in the engine shed. Haverthwaite railway is home to a magnificently renovated and working Fairburn Class 4 MT tank engines, along with another under restoration as we speak – the only remaining locos of this type to survive. Different engines are used throughout the season to haul passengers through the tranquil scenery of the Leven Valley. The train heaves it’s passengers up the steeply graded line, leisurely transporting guests to Lakeside Station, where connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises. Lakeside railway station neighbours the Lakeside pier making it an easy transition from the steam trains to the steam boats. You can also combine the steam train journey with other local attractions in the surrounding area, making it an exciting day to explore the Lake District. These include Windermere Lake Cruises, The World of Beatrix Potter, Lakeland Motor Museum, The Lakes Aquarium, Brockhole, Rydal Mount and Holker Hall. Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life when you come to the railway, you are transported back in time to a place of nostalgia and calm. The beautiful surroundings at Haverthwaite Station entice guests to stop a while. At the Victorian Station visitors can spend a while in the comfortable and friendly surroundings of the Station Restaurant, serving quality home-cooked refreshments. They use local suppliers whenever possible and have their own speciality, the homemade fruit scone, served with freshly whipped cream and fruit jam. They really are scrumptious! The station is sheltered by British woodland, providing a beautiful canopy filled with wildlife, but also, nestled behind the gift shop is a children’s adventure playground. Adults can relax in the safe, peaceful environment while their children will love to discover the climbing structures, nets, slides and much more! From the playground is a magical short walk, winding through ancient trees, it’s a small climb to the summit but well worth it to experience the glorious vistas of the surrounding area. On a clear day views as far as the ‘Hoad Monument’ a local landmark of the closest town Ulverston can be seen. Find out more
Pioneers OKIDO & OjO launch the first coding board game
London-based STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths) learning pioneers OKIDO and OjO, have joined forces to launch the first coding board game for four-year-olds. OKIDO, makers of Messy Goes to OKIDO CBeebies TV show and OKIDO arts and science magazine, and educational game and toy developer OjO, are today (May 13) launching the Which Way? game as part of a joint Kickstarter campaign to raise £15,000. Designed to make learning engaging and fun, the game has been created by OjO’s team of product designers, educational and child development experts and digital marketeers. Using a magnetic, self-driving, toy car, it helps to teach four of the top coding skills to children aged 4-8 years. Suitable for home, classroom-based learning and clubs, it helps youngsters develop ‘computational thinking’ incorporating planning, problem solving, coding and testing skills – essential attributes for successful coders. Currently it is believed to be the only game of its kind which is suitable for pre-school children. It is the brainchild of OjO founder and London Business School graduate Maha Khawaja, who started making STEAM educational games from her Shoreditch base after struggling to find something suitable to keep her four-year-old son occupied. Khawaja said: “Apart from Lego, there was hardly any choice when it came to fun, educational STEAM games and toys and we know that children need and want to learn much earlier. So I started inventing my own and testing them with the harshest critics – children! The games and toys have to be fun and educational in equal measure and combine STEM subjects with the arts because creativity is key. By collaborating with OKIDO, we hope to help to inspire the next generation of innovators and inventors. Coding is the language of the future and the game makes it second nature for young kids to learn coding. It’s also affordable for parents and schools, unlike other coding toys, which can be expensive.” The collaboration with former research scientist Dr Sophie Dauvois and artist Rachel Ortas, founders of Bethnal Green-based OKIDO, was a natural step, as OKIDO regularly holds STEAM-based activities, interactive experiments and live shows for youngsters throughout the capital. Its magazine features recycled paper, edible vegetable ink, boasts no plastic wrapping and offers young readers educational activities and a board game. Dauvois, who has two PhDs, said: “Our readers and viewers are looking for educational, meaningful toys, combining learning and having fun. Board games are something we really believe in and it’s rare to find an engaging STEAM toy that children will enjoy playing with again and again. This game will help to get young children interested in the scientific world around them using play, art and fun. You repeat the playing and learning every single time that you engage – we call it hidden learning. We started our magazine from a kitchen table in Brixton in 2007, after we struggled to find a suitable magazine for our son. It does away with stereotypes, fires up young imaginations and helps to spark a life-long love of art and science. OjO shares this same ethos and we are delighted to be working with them on the launch of the Which Way? game.” OjO also works in partnership with The Science Museum, offering Mars Mission and Moon Friends Creativity kits and is currently setting up a New York base, which will trade via Amazon. Khawaja believes children are capable of developing sophisticated, complex skills before they can read. Similar to the widely-held understanding that learning a language is easier for pre-school children, Khawaja says coding is no different. She’s also keen to encourage more young girls to engage in STEAM learning and become coders. “Studies have shown that very young children’s brains are more open to learning about new systems in a creative way. Over the past few years we’ve seen a massive increase in the number of girls choosing STEM subjects, which is long overdue. Learning to code before you start school is essential for both boys and girls, as it helps to enhance the types of skills that will be needed to do the jobs available for the next generation of college leavers.” says Khawaja. Investors have until June 12 before the funding window closes. Pledges start from just £1 up to packages costing £500, which feature a live OKIDO studio tour and workshop for 10 people. Limited copies of the WhichWay? game are available at a £24 early bird offer – a 20 per cent discount on the usual £30 price. The cash injection will be used to develop a range of new toys and games to spark STEAM learning. For more information about OjO and OKIDO and their coding board game for four-year-olds visit https://learnwithojo.com or www.okido.com
What does the Timpson Review on school exclusions mean for your school?
The Timpson Review on school exclusions has been published, with 30 recommendations for change. Recommendations include making settings more accountable for school exclusions in an “effective and fair way” and offering more guidance and tools to teachers, writes QA Education editor Victoria Galligan. A £10million crackdown on poor behaviour also formed part of the key measures which are being taken by the Government in a bid to reduce exclusions. The review, carried out by Edward Timpson CBE, highlighted the fact that 78% of permanent exclusions concerned vulnerable groups – children with SEN, classified as in need or receiving free school meals. Mr Timpson said: “No parent sends their child off to school believing they will end up being excluded but when this does happen we all need to be confident we have a well-functioning system that makes sure no child slips through the net. Exclusion from school should never mean exclusion from education. “Throughout this review I have found too much variation in the use of exclusions and too many missed opportunities for children to remain in the education that best suits their needs. Although I did see examples of schools using exclusions appropriately and effectively, there is clear room for improvement and everyone – from teachers and parents, the Department for Education and Ofsted, to local authorities and children’s services – has their part to play. “We expect school leaders to make sure all children are getting a good education, but we must equip them with the skills and capacity to do so. We need to reward schools who are doing this well and hold to account those who are not. Most importantly there must be safeguards in place for when things go wrong so that we can keep children on the path towards the successful future they all deserve.” The publication of the review came after Education Secretary Damian Hinds made a Call for Evidence on SEND provision, last week. Welcome change on school exclusions Achievement for All – a not-for-profit organisation that works with schools and settings to improve outcomes for all young people vulnerable to underachievement – welcomed the review. Its CEO, Professor Sonia Blandford, said: “We welcome this important and vital review into exclusions. Too many children and young people are excluded, slip through the net and fail to receive the education they deserve. “With an inclusive and whole-school approach to education, permanent and fixed period exclusions can be reduced and futures transformed. Through our work with over 3.86 million beneficiaries including pupils, teachers, parents and carers, we know that many schools don’t feel well supported or equipped in this area. “We need to ensure they have access to a framework that focuses on quality teaching and learning, use appropriate interventions and engage parents and carers effectively. “Parent and carer engagement must be viewed as an integral part of school engagement – not an add on. We developed our Achieving Schools programme to meet these needs. In 2018, we reduced school exclusions in the settings we worked with by 70%. As the Timpson Review of School Exclusions states, a well-functioning system is needed to support all children and young people. “Exclusion from education must be avoided and we look forward to working with the government and other organisations in this area to ensure every child, irrespective of their background challenge or need, can achieve.” What does the review on school exclusions mean for teachers? Guidance for teachers will be updated, which will mean training and materials being made available for school leaders. The Government says Mr Timpson’s proposed reforms will support schools to intervene early before exclusion is necessary, improve alternative provision, as well as reducing incentives for schools to off-roll pupils (take children off the register and therefore out of the education system, without a formal permanent exclusion). And the new Ofsted framework will also require inspectors to question schools where there are signs of off-rolling, and instruct them to report where pupils are taken off-roll for the benefit of the school rather than the in the interests of the pupil. The report also encourages multi-agency working, saying “it cannot be the job of schools alone to take action to understand and address the complex underlying needs that children may have”. The Government should also clarify the role of local authorities to advocate for children with additional needs and those at risk of moving out of school through exclusion or otherwise, and require them to convene local forums in which schools participate, says the review. It also recommended that the Government extends its funding to equality and diversity hubs beyond 2020, to help increase the diversity of senior leadership teams in schools.
New Glasdon Nexus® Evolution is step forward in Waste Management
The latest addition to the Glasdon range is changing the face of how we recycle. Entirely customisable; from aperture colour to waste type; the Nexus® Evolution is a stylish, robust and versatile multi-stream recycling unit. Choose from a multitude of colours, sizes, configurations and over 50 apertures, including cup recycling and even confidential waste to fit your exact waste management requirements. A narrow footprint makes Nexus Evolution the perfect fit for a wide variety of environments; such as primary school corridors, secondary school campuses and all other pastoral spaces; where floor space is at a premium. Its contemporary, symmetrical design also allows it to be approached from both sides in more open spaces. Graphics are easily applied onto either of the Nexus Evolution’s large sides for added personalisation. Further flexibility is added with an extensive list of optional extra features; from wheels and lock kits to sign kits and aperture connector kits. Neil Gilkes, Sales Manager for Glasdon UK Limited said: “We’re very excited about the launch of Nexus Evolution. It’s set to become one of the most versatile recycling solutions on the market. With so many flexible options, our customers can choose their own configuration, colours and graphics to best fit their needs. What we have found is that our customers recycling needs are evolving and this product allows our customers to adapt to those needs.” Website: https://uk.glasdon.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlasdonUK You tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GlasdonUK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlasdonUK email: enquiries@glasdon-uk.co.uk
A Five-Star Day Of Forest Fun At Greenwood
A FIVE-STAR DAY OF FOREST FUN & OUTDOOR DISCOVERY AT GREENWOOD Nestled amongst a forest clearing at the foothills of Snowdonia’s National Park, lies GreenWood; an eco-friendly inviting land which promises the ultimate trip full of outdoor adventure, learning and discovery. Studies have shown that children learn best through real world experiences and so, the activities at GreenWood have been designed to offer an unrivalled sensory stimulus, educational environment and calming classroom to be enjoyed by all in the great outdoors – and in the company of the local wildlife. With so much to discover about the world and each other, children from the ages of 3-13 years old can bond as they build dens in the Wild Wood, get close to nature as they take on the Barefoot Trail, become the modern-day Robin Hoodand shoot longbow, navigate enchanted river boats through the forest and explore the magic of people power behind all the park’s main attractions and rides! Each group visit is developed by our team to enhance the benefits in learning outside the classroom and can be individually catered to meet your schools educational and curriculum needs. Your carefully curated and quality assured programme will encourage and reward self-confidence, problem solving, resilience, self-reliance, adaptability and team-work; all deemed essential life skills in today’s world. GreenWood is a great and affordable treat for your group to enjoy. Plus, you can take advantage of the multiple benefits available to group bookings (minimum of 15), with free coach parking, complimentary driver admission and a £5 food voucher and one adult will go free per 10 paying children. To find out more information or to make your group booking, please call reservations on 01248 671493 or email info@greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk Find out more
The next generation of school apps
92% of UK adults aged 25-44 own a smartphone and are used to having information at their fingertips. Schools that embrace this trend have engaged parents and higher performing students, but there is a huge difference between an app and a good app. The new generation of school apps truly are school gateways, ready to deal with the challenges schools face. Schools have adopted several systems to communicate a range of information with parents. Parents love having the information, but soon become frustrated and confused about which gateway to use, pushing schools to provide everything in one place. New generation gateways focus on all-in-one solutions and are ever evolving. For example, Schoolcomms offers text and email communication, but also offer reporting, achievement and behaviours, attendance management, payments and an online facility for booking and managing clubs – to mention a few key areas. We spoke to Mark Haddleton, ICT Coordinator and Support Manager at St Thomas à Becket: “The all-in-one School Gateway app eliminates the need for separate systems for parents to have to remember passwords for; every bit of the information they need is there on their phone in one place.” Most schools have a text and email service and many already have online payments. What most solutions are lacking, is the ability to engage parents in their child’s learning. A system that caters for that, undoubtedly caters for everything else. Packages that allow you to add functionality as your current contracts expire help bring everything into one school gateway, bit by bit, without the stress associated with consolidation. A gateway is an investment that pays dividends in pupil performance and long-term savings as Mark Haddleton found: “I have started to think of Schoolcomms as free, because as well as saving on costly text messaging to parents, we also managed to identify many extra Pupil Premium qualifying families through parents taking the in-app test, which has brought quite a sum of money into school” By investing in technology, you are giving parents the tools to be fully engaged in their child’s learning. Simply having an app is not enough. The new generation of school gateways are here, with more functionality for staff and parents. And if knowledge is power a good school gateway doesn’t just engage parents, it empowers them. To find out more about Schoolcomms call 0333 332 7147 or visit www.schoolcomms.com
Education secretary praises Oak View Academy
Cabinet minister Damian Hinds heaped praise on the ‘inspirational leadership’ at Oak View Academy after a visit to see the school’s stunning turnaround. The Secretary of State for Education described the Winsford primary as a ‘success story’ after witnessing its ‘truly dramatic’ progress since being ranked second-worst in the country five years ago. At its lowest ebb in 2014, the Whitby’s Lane school was taken on by North West Academies Trust (NWAT) and relaunched as Oak View. Now Mr Hinds has run the rule over a school which boasts a ‘good’ Ofsted rating and year-on-year improvements in pupil progress. He said: “What a great school with very inspiring and amazingly committed leadership from the head and the academy trust. It has been great to meet some of the absolutely delightful kids and see some of the huge variety of what they are doing. It has been an amazing turnaround, a success story, and I think that is of credit to the school leadership, all the teachers and the whole school community. The turnaround in attainment has been truly dramatic and it is great to see there are so many out of school extra-curricular activities.” The school has made huge strides under NWAT after being rated second-worst in the national primary school league tables, based on exam results. Executive Headteacher Fiona Whittaker said it is down to hard work and determination. She said: “It is fantastic that the school is getting this recognition. We work really hard to improve standards. Two years ago, we were in the top 2% of schools nationally for progress, which is an achievement we are very proud of. This year we are second in Cheshire for progress in writing. We continue working really hard to help our children make the best progress they can. We are consistent in our approach from early years and the additional support we put in place through specialist support staff, including a full-time speech and language therapist and a school counsellor, has really helped our children.To further this, we now welcome children from age two and we have a longer school day, from 8.30am to 3.15pm, which gives us the extra time we need to concentrate on the core subjects whilst also offering a wide-range of additional activities.” A bursary from the Alex Timpson Foundation has also enabled youngsters to enjoy a number of trips – including to the Titanic Museum in Belfast, Houses of Parliament in London and Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh. For more information about Oak View Academy, email: Fiona or tel: 01606 288188.
Shaun Masters OT to deliver first ever educational seminar
Shaun Masters, Occupational Therapist and Trusted Assessor, in association with Theraposture, will be delivering a seminar at Kidz to Adultz South entitled: ‘Becoming confident in prescribing cot beds for better sleep hygiene, client care and moving and handling.’ Thursday 16th May 2019, 9.30am – 4.30pm, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Farnborough, GU14 6FD. Free entry and parking. Stand F1: FREE PROFESSIONAL THERAPOSTURE TAPE MEASURE FOR ALL VISITING THERAPISTS. The Kidz exhibitions organised by Disabled Living provide a unique opportunity to see the latest products and services for disabled children and young adults. The showcase includes a series of CPD accredited seminars for professionals and families which cover a range of issues relevant to independent and assisted living. By attending these sessions, healthcare professionals can gain valuable hours to their CPD portfolio and discover the latest educational material that assists their clients. At Kidz South, Shaun Masters, OT, will be presenting: Seminar: Becoming confident in prescribing cot beds for better sleep hygiene, client care and moving and handling Shaun Masters, Occupational Therapist, BSc Hons 21st March, 10:30am, Seminar Room 2 Synopsis: The seminar will explore the difficulties faced with prescribing paediatric sleeping solutions. It will explore the wider implications on health and day-to-day function whilst examining our nature to care for others. Topics will also highlight future proofing for a child’s needs as they progress, become older, heavier and stronger and how this has an impact on the parents/carers abilities. Parents still want to hold, lift and nurture their child, but is this sustainable when looking at safe moving and handling? Learning outcomes: Have a greater understanding of the wider implication on achieving good sleep hygiene Prescribe the most appropriate cot bed for your client About the speaker: Shaun Masters is a registered OT with over 15 years of public sector experience. He specialises in community-based re-enablement and has particular expertise in moving and handling – both in adult and paediatric sectors. Shaun will be available throughout the exhibition on the Theraposture stand, F1, for further questions and to discuss client cot needs on a one-to-one basis. For more information about the Shaun Masters Seminar please visit http://www.theraposture.co.uk