Astonishing March Of New School Insurance ‘Disrupter’
A school insurance ‘disruptor’ have secured an astonishing 3,400 % increase in market share in just 12 months. Only a year ago, they had 20 schools on their books but they now boast over 700 – and the numbers are rising weekly.
BETT Awards victory for Texthelp!
Texthelp – the global technology company helping learners of all ages to improve their reading, writing and maths skills – has won best ‘International Digital Education Resource’ in the UK’s BETT Awards 2020 for its flagship Read&Write product. Read&Write is a software toolbar with literacy support features designed to help teachers deliver inclusive, personalised learning experiences to all students – and assist every member of the class in meeting their full potential. For educators, it is a time-saver, making curriculum materials accessible to suit every student’s personal learning style. It also helps teachers ‘Reach Every Learner’, providing tailored multi-lingual support for high achievers right through to students with specific literacy challenges. In an independent, year-long study of children in their first year of secondary school, conducted during the 2017/18 academic year, 66% of Read&Write users improved their reading age and confidence levels over the course of the year, compared with 27% of non Read&Write users. In addition, whilst significant pressures of the first year of secondary school can push students’ reading and writing into decline, the study found the measurable quality of writing improved by 3.5% amongst Read&Write users. Commenting on the award win, Texthelp CEO, Mark McCusker said: “For one of our leading products, Read&Write, to have won best International Digital Education Resource is an important milestone for Texthelp. This is an accolade that we have been working towards for several years, and it is really exciting to receive the recognition for the impact Read&Write has on learning outcomes. The anecdotal feedback received from users, and the findings from an independent study into the efficacy of the products, shows Read&Write has a significant impact on learning outcomes. “It is our mission is to help unlock everyone’s full ability and realise their potential through this innovative technology, which they can continue to use throughout their working life. This recent win is, in part, an acknowledgement of the progress we have made towards this goal over the past 20 years. As one of the most established technology companies in this sector, Texthelp is also uniquely positioned to extract hugely valuable insights from our global data sets. This enables us to identify the key challenges in education today and create software that can help/support educators in solving them.” Read&Write makes files, documents and the web more accessible on a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, Google Chrome, iPad and Android. The intuitive toolbar sits on top of applications like Microsoft Word and Google Docs to help students whenever needed with a wide range of literacy tasks – from reading and understanding classroom materials to coursework and independent study. Translation support is available in almost 100 languages and growing, whilst Read&Write’s toolbar interface is accessible in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Dutch and Portuguese. The company’s WriQ product was also shortlisted for best ‘Classroom Aids For Learning Teaching and Assessment’ for WriQ – a Chrome extension for Google Docs that automatically marks papers digitally. www.texthelp.com/en-gb/
Raspberry Pi purchase a Speedy 100 laser cutter from Trotec
Raspberry Pi has pushed the boundaries to bring a Speedy laser cutter from Trotec to their makerspaces. Who is Raspberry Pi? Digital making and fabrication are becoming core areas of focus in many industries. The Raspberry Pi Foundation has been leading the way in this field since it was founded in 2008. The charity’s mission is to put the power of digital making into the hands of people worldwide. In 2011 the first low-cost, high-performance Raspberry Pi computer was released for people to learn, solve problems, and have fun with. Since then, Raspberry Pi has become the UK’s best-selling computer of all time. The Foundation is constantly developing free resources to enrich the learning experiences of users, students, and also its team members ensuring longevity for the Raspberry Pi project. Putting digital making in the hands of people Raspberry Pi recently relocated to a new headquarters in Cambridge. Looking for a way to further develop their scope, the team decided that implementing a makerspace within the HQ would be part of the next stage of the Foundation’s development, providing team members with the opportunity to improve their skills in creating physical projects, as well as offering a practical space to run messier workshops. Unlike in many makerspaces, membership is not open: members must work for either the Raspberry Pi Foundation or Raspberry Pi Trading. The makerspace currently features a wealth of tools and equipment for use by members, including 3D printers, woodworking tools, and other tools including belt sanders and soldering equipment. During the planning process, Mark Calleja, Youth Partnership Manager for Raspberry Pi, and the Foundation team decided that a laser cutter would be the perfect tool to lay the foundation for the makerspace, allowing people who attend their workshops to realise their creative potential and enabling staff to train in the best digital making practises. Knowing the heavy use that a laser cutter would endure within a makerspace, Mark and the team wanted a machine that would continue to produce quality results regardless of the application and after repeated use. Aware of the strong reputation of Trotec, Mark decided to make Trotec his first point of contact for researching potential solutions for the makerspace. A centrepiece for the charity – the Speedy 100 laser cutter Since purchasing a Speedy 100 laser cutter from Trotec, Raspberry Pi team members have reaped the benefits of the machine; the laser cutter has proven to be the most popular piece of equipment. Aside from its use within the makerspace, the Trotec laser is an extremely useful tool for the Foundation to prepare for events, especially external workshops. Rather than outsourcing exhibition stand kit, the team can create stand-ready installations in-house using a range of materials including acrylics and plywood. The fully enclosed Speedy laser alongside its self-contained extraction unit ensures a safe and clean working environment, and it’s used to create varied applications including commemorative medals and giveaways for attendees. As an example of modern technology, the Speedy laser has proven to be an attraction to visitors: it’s an exhibit in itself and something the team is always happy to demonstrate. Since opening its doors, the Foundation’s makerspace has become a popular space, with Foundation team members creating a wide range of different projects using its equipment. One of the most impressive projects made by young people in the makerspace is the hedgehog lodge: a fully automated waystation for hedgehogs in urban areas. The lodge features a Raspberry Pi as its core, with all actuating parts created from plywood and laser cut using the Trotec Speedy 100 system. Speaking of the plans for the future of the Foundation and makerspace, Mark Calleja said that Raspberry Pi plans to continue to use the laser as a training resource to upskill staff, as well as creating different installations for events and beyond. Mark said: “We purchased our Trotec laser because of the strong reputation Trotec has for being the most reliable and best laser systems on the market. The laser does not disappoint, the robust build and processing capabilities meaning that the laser continues to produce excellent-quality results even after heavy use, and it’s easily adaptable to the wide range of projects demanded of it. The speed of processing is critical to ensuring that multiple members can get access to the machine without being held up for a long time while waiting for the completion of other jobs. “We also use Trotec’s TroLase Reverse to create medals which we give out during events. As a multi-layer material, it looks great and is easy to process using our laser.” The Speedy 100 is an entry-level laser cutter with a bed size of 610mm x 305mm and superior product build for dust protection, making it a versatile option for companies who engrave and cut various materials.
Qualification for aspiring headteachers to become a prerequisite from August 2020
Qualification for aspiring headteachers to become a prerequisite from August 2020 As of August, this year, any teacher appointed to their first permanent headteacher post must have been awarded the Standard for Headship. Aimed at teachers likely to reach a headteacher post within the next two to three years, the fully funded ‘Into Headship’ programme brings a wealth of career benefits and opportunities. Headteachers play a vital role in shaping schools and the lives of pupils and staff – and their leadership is central to it all. The role has many different priorities to balance, and the programme has been specifically designed to help participants meet the requirements for the Standard for Headship. A great learning experience, the programme enables teachers to build career-long networks and opens the doors to longer term career prospects. Throughout the programme, participants will have the assistance of a headteacher mentor and a local authority co-ordinator to support and develop the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding required of senior leaders in leading a dynamic school community. On successful completion of Into Headship, participants are awarded the Standard for Headship – a required prerequisite for all new permanent headteachers in Scotland from 2020. Shelley McLaren has been teaching for 11 years, 8 of which have been at Craigroyston Community High School in Edinburgh where for the past 18 months she has been headteacher. “Doing the Into Headship programme has been the best decision I have made and the best experience I have had. The responsibility of being headteacher is huge, as you have so many aspects to managing a school, but the course gave me so much confidence to do my job and helped me to grow my relationships within the school. Through attending the programme, I have met so many headteachers and aspiring headteachers and together we are open and honest with each other and are able to share advice and give each other strength to do our job!” The Into Headship programme offers support and guidance through a mix of theory and practical examples. Shelley continues: “It is very challenging academically and you do need to be committed but what you get out of it is so worth it! I learnt so much and created new ideas that I was then able to put into practice back at school. Having the mix of professional and academic reading to support the work was invaluable” The programme is led by Education Scotland in partnership with local authorities and universities. The application process is managed at local authority level who then provide the names of successful applicants to Education Scotland. Education Scotland strategic director Gillian Hamilton said: “I’m really pleased that recruitment is now open for the Into Headship programme, which provides high quality professional learning for headteachers. Feedback from previous participants on each of these programmes is consistently positive about the impact of the professional learning on their confidence and knowledge.” The application process for entry to the programme starts in January each year with recruitment for this year open now. For further information please visit https://teachinscotland.scot/career-progression/
Free period products for all schools and colleges
Free period products are to be made available to all schools and colleges in England from next week, as the Department for Education launches its fully funded scheme. The new scheme is set to give pupils easy access to free period products at school or college, helping to break down stigmas and ensure no young person’s education is disrupted by their period. From Monday 20 January, schools and colleges across the country will be able to order a range of period products from supplier phs Group, making period products readily available for all young people when they need them. Millions of period products are being prepared by phs Direct, part of hygiene and washroom services provider phs Group, in a newly refurbished, dedicated warehouse ready to be dispatched ahead of the first orders. Schools and colleges will receive an activation email from phs on Monday 20 January which will enable them to access the purpose-built phs Direct portal and order products for their organisation. There is a wide range of products from pads and tampons to environmentally-friendly pads and reusable products. David Taylor-Smith, CEO of phs Group, said “We have been busy preparing for the launch of this scheme and we are ready for the first wave of demand. We encourage schools and colleges to look out for their activation email and make their first order so they can start offering free products as soon as possible. “Period products are a necessity, not a luxury, and we believe providing free products for young people will be a catalyst for change in creating period equality. We are proud to be the supplier for such a worthy scheme.” This follows the Government’s commitment last year to fully fund period products for all state-funded primary schools, secondary schools and colleges. It also forms part of the Department’s ambition to improve provision of products for young people, helping to support campaigns to break the stigma around periods and raise awareness of menstruation. Children and Families Minister Michelle Donelan said: “Periods are a normal part of everyday life and we do not want young people missing out on lessons because of them. “We know that it is not easy for everyone to access period products where and when they need them. This scheme will deal with those problems so young people can go about their daily lives without getting caught out if they have come on their period unexpectedly, forgotten to bring products with them or if they can’t afford the products they need.” The scheme also comes just months before health education becomes a compulsory for all state funded primary and secondary schools, under new guidance on relationships, sex and health education from September 2020 – to ensure all young people learn about living healthy lives, including menstrual wellbeing. The Government also introduced the £15 million annual Tampon Tax Fund to support women’s charities – and made a commitment to end period poverty globally by 2030. Amika George, founder of #FreePeriods, said: “We have been waiting for this day for a long time! As a grassroots, student-led movement, Free Periods has been fighting for every single child in this country to be able to go to school without worrying about their next pad or tampon. For the first time in history, this scheme will ensure that becomes a reality. “We ask that schools have open conversations with students about what they need and start signing up to the scheme – no child must miss out. Free products in schools will ensure that every child can learn and be their very best, without periods holding them back.” For support, schools and colleges can get in touch with phs Direct by emailing periodproducts@phsdirect.co.uk or calling the helpline on 01827 255500. For more information on phs, visit https://www.phs.co.uk. You can also follow @phsGroup on Twitter and phs Group on LinkedIn
STEM event set to launch competition to stop plastic pollution
The British International Education Association (BIEA) is proud to host its second annual international Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) conference on 15 January 2020. Focusing on the theme of plastic pollution and how to combat the global issue, the conference will convene a series of expert speakers and panellists who will discuss how technology can help counter plastic waste and save threatened marine and land-based life. “We know that the world has a plastic problem as our oceans and lands have become polluted with our carelessly discarded plastic waste. This plastic will take thousands of years to decompose on land, whilst the plastic in the oceans break up into toxin-laden tiny particles, causing chemical pollution in the oceans. By bringing attention to this crisis and discussing how scientific technology can help clean up plastic waste before it becomes environmentally dangerous, we at the BIEA hope to engage today’s international youth to use education to become the ones who can help save the planet of plastic pollution,” said David Hanson, STEM competition chairman at BIEA. The 2020 conference will also mark the beginning of the BIEA’s International STEM Youth Innovation Competition, whose theme will also encompass the plastic pollution problem. The competition will engage young STEM students in technological innovation and how it can be used to clear detrimental plastic waste from our rivers and oceans. Teams from 40 countries and regions have registered so far, including UK, USA, Australia, China, Finland, Mexico, Pakistan, UAE, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Poland etc. Participating international student teams will research, write a report and design the solution on how to ‘Save our shores from plastic waste through STEM,’ with finalists moving on to final rounds in June/July 2020. Open to anyone between the ages of 9 and 21 years old, and the winning teams will take cash prizes to contribute to their school/university STEM labs. Conference speakers, panelists, and moderators include experts from Imperial College, Thames21, the Royal Society, the British Council, BIEA and the Royal Institution. A mystery giant marine animal sculpture is being made by a team of young artists to highlight the impact of plastic pollution. The empty plastic bottles are loaned from London Energy and will be returned after the campaign for recycling. The conference will be held at the Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4BS. To purchase tickets to the BIEA conference, visit https://tinyurl.com/wvdrosr For more information about the STEM Youth Innovation Competition visits www.bieacompetition.org.uk or follow BIEA @BIEAeducation on social media.
Revealed: Education sector among best industries for hiring in 2020
If you’re looking to expand your team this year, then you are in luck! The latest report from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board reveals that job applications in the education sector have increased by 5.1% in the last year. The report from CV-Library analysed job market data throughout 2019 and compared it with statistics from 2018. It reveals that the education industry saw the tenth biggest jump in applications year-on-year, with the top 10 including: Hospitality – job applications up by 28.8% IT – job applications up by 28.6% Construction – job applications up by 23.4% Design – job applications up by 16.7% Property – job applications up by 15.3% Legal – job applications up by 14.5% Engineering – job applications up by 13.4% Marketing – job applications up by 12.9% Finance – job applications up by 8.5% Education – job applications up by 5.1% A key driving factor behind the jump in applications may well be the fact that average pay in the education sector rose by 1.33% in 2019. Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV-Library commented: “Despite severe political and economic uncertainty over the last year, it’s positive to see that the education sector has continued to grow. The fact that this is an ongoing trend across several industries should instil confidence in employers who may have put their recruitment plans on pause in the run up to the election; especially as January is consistently one of the best times to hire.” The report also shows that businesses in the education industry were advertising fewer roles in 2019, with the number of job adverts decreasing by 0.7%. This trend spells good news for employers in the sector as it means less competition to secure top talent. Lee Biggins continues: “The combination of a decrease in job adverts and an increase in job applications, is great news for businesses looking for new talent. Don’t wait to take advantage of this growth and start advertising your latest job roles now. “If you’re not sure about how to attract the best candidates in the industry, don’t panic. You can still make the most of this influx of applications by posting your vacancies to job boards and working with suppliers to ensure your roles are a cut above the rest. Start searching for your new hire now.”
Sex and relationships education stalling in schools
Sex and relationships education will soon become a legal requirement in every child’s education. With only nine months to go before this process starts*, a survey of young people suggests that teaching of the subject in schools is flat-lining, and for many the ‘talk’ with parents is not filling in the gaps. In a poll commissioned by the Sex Education Forum, 16 and 17-year-olds were asked to rate aspects of their RSE at school and home. Only 41% per cent rated their school-based RSE as good or very good, slightly lower than a similar poll (45%) conducted in 2018. At home, young people rated the RSE they received from their parents or carers as only slightly better, with 48% saying it was good or very good. The findings, being presented at the national conference ‘Final Countdown to Statutory RSE’ on 29th November, found that at the other end of the scale, one in six (17%) young people rated their school RSE as bad or very bad, and 19% said the same of their parents, raising concerns that a lack of consistency and fear of addressing more sensitive topics is depriving some young people of learning that would support their safety and well-being. In schools, the topics that had been covered most adequately were how babies are conceived and born, bullying, puberty, condoms and contraception, the medically correct terms for genitalia and STIs. The topics where young people were least likely to say they had learnt all they needed to at school were sexual pleasure, pornography and FGM. LGBT+ teaching was another area of concern, with 18% of young people saying they learnt nothing about LGBT+ issues at school, and a further 28% said they had not learnt all that they needed to about LGBT+ issues. Young people said parents were more likely than schools to fully discuss marriage and other committed relationships with them, with nearly three-quarters of 16-17 year olds saying they had learnt everything they needed to about this from discussions with their parents. Young people were also more likely to say they’d had adequate learning about healthy and abusive relationships from their parents compared with schools. Young people are more likely to have learnt about ‘how babies are conceived and born’ from school than home, with 14% of young people not having learnt about this from parents/carers at all compared with only 3% who didn’t learn this at school. Other findings include: Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) young people had not learnt the medically correct names for genitalia from parents and carers, compared to just 1 in 20 (5%) who had not learnt this at school. Condoms, contraception and STIs are topics missed out by around a fifth of parents/carers compared with 1 in 20 respondents not learning about these topics at school. Near 1 in 10 (9%) of young people had not learnt anything about puberty from their parents/carers Lucy Emmerson, Director of the Sex Education Forum, said: “As we rapidly approach a new era in relationships and sex education, young people are making it loud and clear that school and parents both fall short in discussing issues that are pressing and relevant for them. We call on the future Government to confidently lead the way, to make a proper investment in teacher training in this specialist subject, and to give clarity that all schools are expected to provide LGBT+ inclusive education. Ultimately young people want to learn from home and school, and research shows that RSE is more effective when both are involved. We’d like to see future Ministers being ambitious and setting out a strategy to support parents in their role as educators and commitment to see through the changes in schools”.
Recruitment for education roles slows down in the run up to the general election
As the UK gears up for its fourth general election since 2010, increased economic uncertainty has led to a significant drop in job advertisements across the education industry. In fact, according to data from the UK’s leading job board, CV-Library, the number of advertisements fell by 4.9% month-on-month and a further 1.6% year-on-year. The findings, which explore job market data from November 2019 and compare this with the previous month and the same period in 2018, also reveal that while the number of jobs on offer are down, average salaries for these roles have increased by a slight 1.3% year-on-year. Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV-Library, comments: “We know that the country is facing a massive teacher shortage and this has only been worsened by the fact that the government missed its targets for secondary school teacher recruitment for the seventh year in a row. Clearly, this is causing the industry’s employers to feel cautious about their hiring efforts, though this isn’t unusual at this time of year. “With the sector facing ongoing skills shortages, the marginal increase in pay will do little to encourage people who are on the fence about starting a career in education.. As we approach a typically busier period for recruitment, we hope to gain some clarity on how we will navigate through these tumultuous times.” Interestingly, it isn’t just employers putting on the brakes this month. In fact, applications to education jobs also fell by 17.9% in November, with the industry experiencing the second highest drop in this area. Lee Biggins continues: “It’s important to remember that while these numbers are certainly exacerbated by the current political climate, this time of year is usually quieter for recruitment across the board. Because of this, it’s a good time to take stock of where your company is currently at and start thinking about your future hiring needs. In doing so, you’ll ensure that you’re ready to recruit when the dust has settled after the general election and when many candidates will be looking for a change after the Christmas period.”