Is it time to put the Highway Code on the National Curriculum?
The Department for Education has been urged to add the Highway Code to the post-16 curriculum, to improve knowledge among new drivers and reduce road casualty rates. Motoring specialists from LeaseCar.uk have called on the UK government to include the Highway Code as part of sixth form general studies lessons, so that British teenagers can gain some more practical life skills while studying for their A levels. All post-16 pupils are road users as pedestrians or passengers in cars, taxis or on buses and many will consider taking up driving lessons after their 17th birthday. So driving experts have called for a change to the curriculum at colleges and sixth forms, which would see the Department for Transport’s official handbook added to reading lists. Comprehensively covering everything from road crossings and the meaning of signs, to driving technique advice and what to do in adverse weather conditions, the Highway Code has been the official guide to using the UK’s roads safely and legally for over 80 years. General studies lessons have been identified as the most appropriate and inclusive setting for learning the rules of the road and youngsters’ understanding could be tested straightforwardly in exams. It is hoped the move would lead to a generation of wiser and safer road users, whilst new drivers would have an immediate head start and potentially face lower insurance premiums once they pass, if education has a positive impact on traffic incident rates. The Highway Code itself states that around five people are killed and approximately 60 are seriously injured daily, on average, on British roads, emphasising the importance of thoroughly understanding relevant laws and good practice. Young drivers are often also stereotyped as ‘boy (or girl) racers’, but the specialists have argued that negative, aggressive and possibly dangerous driving styles and habits would be discouraged if teenagers were armed with better knowledge when they first get behind the wheel. Tim Alcock of LeaseCar.uk said: “Safety should be the top priority for all road users and the most effective way to improve safety on British roads isn’t through punitive measures, but education. “Capturing the minds of teenagers before they move out of the family home or get behind the wheel for the first time could see a significant improvement in new drivers’ standards and all road users’ safety. “That’s why we’re calling on the Department for Education to arm youngsters with more of the practical knowledge they need out in the real world, by introducing the official Highway Code to general studies lessons at colleges and sixth forms across the UK. “Everyone remembers learning something at school and thinking when will I ever use this in the real world, but not even the most challenging of pupils could question the contents of the handbook, which is a truly invaluable tool and should remain a companion for life. “If new drivers had studied and been tested on the Highway Code and motoring theory before they even got into a car for their first lesson, driving standards should steadily improve, which could reduce accident rates, help reverse rising insurance costs for young drivers and dispel negative stereotypes.”
Free Science Resources For Primary Schools!
A new campaign to engage children with practical science is being launched to UK primary schools in time for British Science Week – 8th to 17th March. Spectacular Science gives schools access to free experiments and activities, helping teachers to bring the wonders of science into primary classrooms. Provided by Empiribox, the resources encourage children to have fun with practical science. They also show pupils how science plays a part in their everyday lives and many exciting jobs – with video contributions from astronaut Tim Peake and climate scientist Ella Gilbert. Primary schools signing up for Spectacular Science will receive a whole range of resources to celebrate British Science Week – including videos, classroom activities and a free lesson experiment kit. From building a rocket to designing a bug hotel, the activities will bring learning to life, helping children to see science as enjoyable and accessible. Teachers can access the free resources ready for British Science Week 2019 by visiting www.empiribox.com/spectacular-science One of the schools already taking part is The Granard Primary School in Putney London. Climate scientist Ella Gilbert made a special visit to the school before half term, where she led an assembly about life in Antarctica to mark the start of the Spectacular Science campaign. Ella, a scientist at the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge, enthralled pupils with stories about her visit to the South Pole. The children asked lots of questions about sea lions and penguins and watched a special film of Ella flying through the clouds above Antarctica. Janet Breeze, Lower Key Stage 2 Phase Leader and Science Coordinator at Granard School said: “We were delighted to host the Spectacular Science assembly and to welcome Ella Gilbert to our school. The children really enjoyed hearing about life in Antarctica and learning about climate change. It was inspiring for them to meet a real-life scientist – and to see how science can lead to such an exciting and important job. We’re looking forward to continue having fun with practical science over the course of the year.” Ella Gilbert said: “It is always an energising experience to talk to children about the environment. Their energy and enthusiasm are contagious! Getting young people excited about the world around them from a young age is the key to inspiring the next generation of scientists who will be able to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental problems.” Empiribox works with primary schools across the UK, helping teachers to deliver inspiring lessons and fun practical investigations to engage younger children with science. Primary schools are encouraged to get ready for British Science Week by downloading the free Spectacular Scienceresources at www.empiribox.com/spectacular-science. A special video interview with astronaut Tim Peake will be launched to schools at the end of Science Week.
Strictly Education acquires school support specialist Babcock 4S
Leading education support services provider, Strictly Education (www.strictlyeducation.co.uk), has acquired Babcock 4S, enhancing its position as a single source strategic solutions partner for schools, academies and multi-academy trusts (MATs). Babcock 4S will be rebranded to Strictly Education 4S with immediate effect. United by a common mission to be the trusted partner of education support services for schools and academies, Babcock 4S brings enhanced capability, expertise and geographical reach to Strictly Education’s offer, helping governors and school leaders achieve the best outcomes for children and young people. The acquisition takes Strictly Education one-step closer to achieving its strategic growth ambition of becoming the UK’s leading support service provider to the education sector. Strictly Education’s vision is built on the growth of academies, MATs and school clusters and the requirement of their governors, school leaders and administrators for a joined up, robust ‘back office’ service solution – so that teachers can remain fully focused on improving standards in the classroom. “Our aim is to provide school leaders with an integrated service solution across HR, payroll & finance, premises, IT, governance and organisational development,” said Amanda Fisher, CEO at Strictly Education. “Adding the expertise of Babcock 4S, delivers additional capabilities and strengthens our holistic offer; combining a strategic solution with hands-on operational support to reduce the administration burden and enabling schools to focus on improving pupil outcomes.” “We are delighted to be joining Strictly Education” said Julie Barrington, General Manager at Babcock 4S. The education services provider brings over 15 years’ expertise in improving education outcomes for children across Surrey LA, with *94% of schools now rated Good or Outstanding. “As school leaders increasingly look for a holistic solution across their many service requirements,” continued Fisher, “Strictly Education is now even better equipped to do what we say – ‘You educate, we support’.”
Screen time is replacing outdoor activity
New research shows for the first time a strong link between recreational screen time and children’s inactivity, with children choosing to spend hours indoors and on screens instead of playing outdoors. The report released by the Association of Play Industries (API) – A Movement for Movement – reveals that children have never moved so little and points to substantial evidence that screens are a key reason. There appears to be a ‘rapid and dramatic’ change from outdoor to indoor time, with a 50 per cent increase in children’s discretionary screen time (DST) in less than a decade. By the age of eight, the average child will have spent one full year sitting in front of a screen. The report’s author, Dr Aric Sigman, a health education lecturer and leading expert on the effects of recreational screen time on children, says action is urgently required. “This report confirms what most parents already know, that discretionary screen time is their children’s main activity.” API Chair, Mark Hardy, says the report places extra responsibility on schools. “Children spend a huge proportion of their time in school and for many of them the exercise they are able to take during the school day will be their only opportunity for physical activity. “Schools can have a central role in changing a culture of sedentary time to one which includes daily play and exercise. As Screen time is replacing outdoor activitychildren’s physical activity dwindles outside of school hours, the need for unstructured and outdoor play at school lunch and break times becomes even more important. “Increasingly research supports the view that time spent playing outdoors in the school playground improves pupils’ classroom behaviours and academic performance. It’s therefore more important than ever to provide children with attractive and challenging school playgrounds where they can let off steam.” The Association of Play Industries (API) is the lead trade body in the play sector and promotes best practice and high-quality play provision within the play industry. You can read more about the Movement For Movement campaign at www.api-play.org
Voice is Choice for Schools
Well documented research into human behaviour in emergency situations shows that 75 percent of people react immediately to clear authoritative voice messages in the event of fire. Education is one sector where voice commands that instruct and direct students and staff on how to leave a building or other area during an emergency is widely recognised as the most efficient and safest solution. The advantage of using multi-message voice sounders in schools and colleges is that traditional fire alarms can be mixed with everyday messages such as class change, rather than the customary practice of schools using the fire bells or sounders to announce class changes which has the potential for confusion during an actual fire or routine test. A recent extensive voice sounder installation illustrates the merits of the multi-message solution. A fire safety system upgrade at Harwich and Dovercourt High School, a mixed secondary school and sixth form with academy status serving more than 1,200 students aged 11 to 18 years, has 110 Vimpex Fire-Cryer Voice Sounders at its heart to help protect students and staff. Such a busy, multi-use facility as a senior school demands a bespoke evacuation and warning system solution. Installed by life safety systems specialists Anglia Fire Protection Ltd., the system comprises 24 Vimpex wall mounted Fire-Cryer and 86 high output Midi Fire-Cryer Voice Sounders, with custom built voice message controllers built to the customer’s specification. Vimpex’s Fire-Cryer Voice Sounders can be programmed to produce bespoke messages and tones specifically designed for the educational environment. Vimpex’s Fire-Cryer is the only voice sounder system available with a range of discreet ceiling mounted voice sounders through to high output IP66 voice sounders. The Fire-Cryer range is the most extensive range of voice sounders available on the market today with five models to choose from and literally millions of message combinations, ensuring that any site requirement can be fulfilled. The units require no special wiring and can be retrofitted to existing installations. They can be fully synchronised and have a low current consumption allowing simple replacement of existing sounders and bells. www.vimpex.co.uk
Netball camps hosted by Kingswood
Schools and groups have the chance to take part in fun-filled residential netball tournaments which promise high-adrenaline excitement and adventure. The two-night camps at Kingswood Grosvenor Hall, in Ashford, Kent, are suitable for U12 to U16 age groups and will be hosted by HC Tournaments. The site has recently had a £1 million investment in its sports and accommodation facilities, including a brand new flood-lit sports court which players will be able to put to the test. As well as brushing up on skills and technique and taking part in round-robin matches with teams of a similar age, adventure-seeking students will also be able to enjoy the many exciting activities on offer. These include zipwires and archery, evening entertainment and even marshmallows by the campfire. With three dates to choose from, players and leaders can stay in cosy indoor accommodation or choose to glamp in safari-style lodges during the summer months. Medals and trophies will also be awarded making it an unforgettable experience for all involved. And parents needn’t worry as their children will not only be putting their netball skills into practice but also learning important life skills such as trust, self-confidence and independence while having fun making new friends in the lively and friendly atmosphere. Jo Coker, partner at HC Tournaments, said: “These tournaments promise a great weekend of netball where our qualified and inspirational staff will encourage interest and talent in a fun and safe environment. “The fantastic facilities at Kingswood Grosvenor Hall, offer a unique learning experience not only on the new flood-lit court, but off-court too. With a range of exciting activities to take part in, the thrill of netball and adventure will blend together for a fun-packed couple of days the players won’t forget.” The 2019 netball tournaments take place Friday 15th to Sunday 17th March, Friday 27th to Sunday 29th September and Friday 4th to Sunday 6th October and are priced at £135 per person. For more information visit kingswood.co.uk
Education is one of the BEST industries for work-life balance right now!
A new survey from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job site, has revealed that 97.1% of education professionals believe that work-life balance is important, with the sector emerging as one of the best for work-life balance. The survey investigated how 1,200 workers in various industries across the UK felt about their work-life balance and whether it affected their career decisions. The results revealed that the education sector was one of the top industries for work-life balance right now. The full list includes: Marketing (82.4%) Finance (81.6%) Legal (77.8%) IT (65.3%) Education (61.7%) Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “Achieving a reasonable work-life balance nowadays is certainly challenging, especially if your employer is piling on the pressure and technology is enabling you to work from anywhere, at any time. While it may prove difficult to obtain a good work-life balance, these results from the education sector show that it’s possible. So if you suffer from poor balance, consider what you can do to make it work: whether it’s approaching your boss about flexible working, or making a conscious effort to leave work on time.” With more education professionals looking to achieve a strong work-life balance, it’s not surprising that 95.7% said they’d be more likely to work for a company which encouraged this balance. In fact, over half (59.6%) claimed that they’ve left a job due to a poor work-life balance, with this being most predominant in the following industries: Legal (66.7%) Catering (61.1%) Social Care (62.2%) Education (59.6%) Hospitality (59.5%) Biggins concludes: “Having a poor work-life balance is simply not sustainable. Even if you love your job, it will impact your ability to do it well and eventually something will have to give. It’s worth sitting down and taking the time to find an employer who’ll add a bit of wellbeing to your life! After all, we spend a large portion of our time at work and it’s a business’ responsibility to do right by their employees.” Kick-start your job hunt with CV-Library and browse over 195,000 live vacancies today!
Aalborg. For the finest and most innovative education furniture.
Shell Chair encourages an ‘open’ seating position to ease pressure on the lower back and reduce the propensity for spinal curvature. Good posture improves concentration, reduces discomfort and helps to improve productivity. Available in a number of fixed and adjustable heights, Shell Chair works perfectly works with Aalborg’s Class Desk. Aalborg Saddle Stools also encourage good posture. They are available on adjustable height gas lifts, or other fixed height supports with or without footrests. Especially suited to tasks requiring repeated movement, they help prevent excessive strain whilst twisting and encourage a balanced, upright posture ideal for working at computers. Class Desk is designed to complement Aalborg’s Saddle Stool and Shell Chair. The top has an adjustable slope, shown to aid both posture and handwriting. The footrest, when used with a matching Aalborg chair means that the combination can cater for a range of pupil sizes within the BS EN 1729 standard. A hook for bag storage under the desk centre saves floor clutter. Damage to desk surfaces – either from marker pens or vandalism – is often costly to rectify so Class Desk has a special low cost surface which can be discretely removed for replacement. The desk moulding is designed to also be used as the frame fixing and tilt adjusting underside for a larger surface, providing a basis for pagination or for a wider frame useful to wheelchair users or can also be used for art room drawing boards, for professional artists or architects. Tip ‘n’ Store dining tables are easy to handle, quick to set out, compact to store and ideal for the rapid setup of dining spaces or small group areas. They have no moving parts to trap fingers and are easy to wheel through doorways. Gratnells Stage is modular, lightweight, strong and complies with Health & Safety requirements. Employed for many different applications from drama teaching and performances, to exhibitions and musical events. Flat and split level stages are easily and quickly created as are tiered blocks for audiences, choirs or musicians – complete with legal step dimensions and incremental interlocking handrails. Gratnells Stage is compact to store, fully tested and certificated by FIRA. Employ it to make the most of space and time then re-use it for an entirely different purpose. Beautifully designed furniture built to withstand the rigours of the school environment. Article by: Anthony Hill www.aalborgdk.com
Juicy Satsuma
Juicy Satsuma is a family run garment printing and embroidery company specialising in the bespoke personalisation of goods and clothing. We have no minimum order and we are able to offer a fast turnaround on all orders. Our Web catalogue offers a range of over 16,000 items of clothing from all major brands including Fruit of the Loom, Gildan and B&C, we also stock a wide range of workwear and sports clothing including team strips. Juicy Satsuma provide a comprehensive service in all aspects of promotional printing and embroidery including the latest digital Direct to Garment (DTG) printing. Juicy Satsuma can print on just about any product that may be required to be personalised. Juicy Satsuma can also source and print badges, key rings, coasters, umbrella’s, plaques, mouse mats, mugs and many other promotional items. Digital printing means that there is no minimum order to worry about and turnaround times are very responsive and competitive. Juicy Satsuma specialises in the production of promotional print wear or printed apparel and high quality digital embroidery. A wide range of garments can be decorated using digital printing, embroidery and high-performance vinyl’s. A combination of these services can create highly original and stunning garments. Modern “soft” vinyl’s are especially exciting to work with to create glitter, metallic, holographic and other exciting effects including “glow in the dark”, the materials are stretchable and breathable and can be soft to the touch including flocked and 3D effects. This makes them especially suitable for cycling clothing and other high-performance sporting applications. A wide range of clothing can be printed and embroidered using the latest digital techniques including T Shirts, Polo’s, Sweatshirts, Hoodies, School wear, High Visibility clothing, work wear and corporate clothing. Juicy Satsuma’s capabilities are complimented by a full in-house design service which is able to offer advice on materials, styles and overall design. Juicy Satsuma can design and print clothing for sports teams using breathable fabrics, party’s with customised designs for each member of the party, darts teams, youth groups, clubs and charity events at very cost-effective rates. We are able to provide a one stop shop for schools and colleges providing a wide range of competitively priced goods and garments personalised to your exact requirements, with free design and free delivery on orders over £100 and a full proofing service. Juicy Satsuma contacted on 01449 676089 or emailed at sales@juicysatsumashop.com