Wands Ready! Hull Selected As A Finalist
A national poll for fans to decide the future tour locations for the magnificent ‘Wizarding World Wands supporting Lumos’ installation which illuminated the City of London last autumn, has revealed eight finalists, including Hull. Birmingham, Dublin, Kingston upon Hull, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Reading, and Stoke on Trent will now form the final poll for fans to determine which four locations will host the installation next. The final ‘Wands Ready’ voting process opens today and will continue through the summer, closing at 5pm on 26th August. The final four locations will host the installation in the lead up to the release of the third Fantastic Beasts film, beginning with the city with the most overall votes. The four tour locations will be announced on 31st August 2019. Standing fifteen feet tall and set within concrete bases, the nine wands – bringing to life those belonging to some of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films – illuminate each night, performing a light show to music from the Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter films They were created in support of ‘Lumos’, whose mission is to end the institutionalisation of children around the world. To vote for your town or city and for further information visit: www.fantasticbeasts.co.uk/wandsready About Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald will be released on 4K Ultra HD, 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD on 18th March. The film will be available to own on digital download from 9th March. The 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray include an extended cut of the film with more than seven minutes of deleted scenes added, available as a bonus disc Also featured is an audio introduction by director David Yates and over an hour of fantastic special features. A two-film box set featuring both Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald will be released on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald features an ensemble cast led by Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Zoë Kravitz, Callum Turner, Claudia Kim, William Nadylam, with Jude Law and Johnny Depp. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald was directed by David Yates, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling. The film was produced by David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram. Tim Lewis, Neil Blair, Rick Senat and Danny Cohen served as executive producers About The Wizarding World More than two decades ago, a young Harry Potter was whisked onto Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, and readers everywhere were swept along with him into a magical universe, created by J.K. Rowling. In the years since, the seven Harry Potter bestsellers have inspired eight blockbuster movies, an award-winning stage play, and, more recently, the start of the Fantastic Beasts five-film series. People of all ages have been enthralled by these extraordinary adventures, set within an expanding universe, inspired by the vision of J.K. Rowling. For today’s growing worldwide fan community, and for generations to come, the Wizarding World welcomes everyone to explore more of this magical universe — past, present and future. The Wizarding World also provides fans with an instant, trusted kite-mark of quality and authenticity. About Lumos Children belong in families, not orphanages. Lumos has a bold mission: to have children worldwide out of institutions and in loving family care by 2050. Lumos demonstrates the dramatic harm to children caused by institutionalisation and the proven benefits of the alternatives: community and family care. Lumos tackles the root causes of family separation – poverty, trafficking and discrimination – and reunites families. Lumos speaks up on behalf of the eight million children trapped in orphanages and other institutions worldwide to transform their care, so every child can thrive in families and communities. 80% of these hidden children are not orphans and could stay with their families, with the right support. Named after the light-giving spell in Harry Potter, Lumos was founded in 2005. Find out more www.wearelumos.org
New partnership set to deliver essential business skills to sports and fitness students
fibodo, the award-winning booking management platform, has announced a partnership with sport education specialist, AoC Sport, to provide up to 239 colleges in England with free access to a business focused e-learning course. The CIMSPA-accredited course, ‘Grow Your Business’ – created by fibodo – aims to teach and inspire students on best business practice, as well as how to operate effectively online and develop successful careers in the fitness sector. The course is designed for integration within colleges’ existing programmes and includes useful, practical business advice on topics such as growing a client base and managing admin – whilst equipping them with the technology and software skills required for success in today’s digital society. This aims to upskill young talent and give the next generation of sports and fitness entrepreneurs an edge over their competition. ‘Grow your Business’ is worth three CPD points, and is available to students who study up to a Level 4 qualification and to both private and public colleges. There are currently 76,000 students studying sports coaching or fitness courses in England alone, and this is growing at a considerable rate. Although colleges have always offered in-depth teaching with regards to technical skills, there has traditionally been little – if any – focus on the commercial and digital practicalities of running a fitness business in the real world. Marcus Kingwell, managing director at AoC Sport, commented:“We have been working with fibodo for some time in the WorldSkills UK Fitness Trainer Competition and have been impressed with their offer. We are now introducing the course to all our member colleges as part of our vision to boost the employability of students. It will help to address the lack of business skills of newly-qualified personal trainers, as identified in Future Fit Training’s Raising the Bar report last year.” Megan Sowney, director at fibodo, added: “We’re passionate about empowering sports and activity professionals at grassroots level, so this partnership is a great fit. Tutors and lecturers now have a vital resource to inspire more students to gain the knowledge and skills that are essential to achieving successful businesses within the sector.” To see how fibodo helps students and college leavers build their businesses online, take a look at Louise Wilson. Louise is based in Cornwall and recently won the WorldSkills UK Fitness Trainer Competition, having changed career and moved from a city job in London.
How to get children excited about STEM
It’s unsurprising that children who have confidence in their abilities tend to be more successful in their studies – and that confidence isn’t just built within the school gates. Teaching kids about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) early on helps lay the foundations for deeper learning, and parents can play a big role in supporting this. Leading chemistry specialists Radleys share their top tips for getting kids excited about STEM subjects. Look outside the classroom Demonstrating that STEM doesn’t just happen inside the classroom can really open children’s eyes. And it’s true – we use skills from these subjects as an everyday occurrence. Maths at the supermarket, science when we talk about the weather, even something like travelling in the car can put these basic skills to the test. Why not put their knowledge to the test in a shop by getting them to figure out the change from a £10 note? Or work out fractions and percentages with products in the sale? Quick calculations are great brain exercises, and they’re simple yet effective. Make it fun It’s a tried-and-tested method, but when you disguise problem-solving as a fun and engaging activity, kids get excited about it without even realising! And if they think maths is “boring” or they’re “rubbish” at science, it’s all about trying to change their attitude. These subjects can feel overwhelming, but if you apply them to everyday life they can learn in all kinds of different ways. Let them lead with regards to what they’re interested in. When you’ve figured this out, you can focus their learning around that – and the fun can begin! Get hands-on Getting hands-on and stuck in is one of the best ways to learn, with plenty of intellectual benefits. Something like baking a cake is a great example of using essential skills like maths, science and communication. They can measure out the ingredients, and experiment with substituting different textures and flavours. It doesn’t have to be limited to baking, either – you can link it with any of their hobbies, from ballet to football to painting. Think about future skills STEM skills are an essential part of laying the foundations for a child’s future – and can even pave the way for a career in STEM itself. Get them thinking about what the future might hold; kids love to role play, so you could build this into the game. Whether they want to be a maths teacher or a pharmacist, getting them excited for a potential career is a great way to help them enhance the skills they’ll need. Keep them curious The most important thing to remember is that if you keep their minds curious, their enthusiasm will soar. Why not take them on fun, educational days out to places like the aquarium or museum? New places spark curiosity naturally in children, and present an opportunity for them to ask plenty of questions and think in a different way. Who knows, you might all learn something as a family! Planning an outdoor adventure is another great way to stimulate their creativity. Go to the park or for a walk around your neighbourhood, and get them to collect some of nature’s souvenirs along the way. Leaves, pinecones and rocks can all be brought home and studied in more detail. Give it a go! For more information about STEM please click here
phs provides free-vend sanitary dispensers to education sector to tackle period poverty
Washroom services and consumables provider phs Group has launched a free-vend sanitary dispenser for schools, colleges and universities in a bid to tackle period poverty. The purpose-designed free-vend dispenser was created in response to the growing period poverty agenda and rise in demand from customers across the UK and Ireland. It has already been extensively trialled in Scotland following a directive by the Scottish Government to make free sanitary products available to all pupils and students. In the Spring Statement today (Wednesday, March 13), Chancellor Philip Hammond was set to announce a similar scheme for secondary schools across England from September. phs worked with facilities management companies as well as education establishments to develop a solution which would best meet their needs and offer free sanitary products to students in the most convenient and accessible way. Several establishments, including schools, colleges and universities, now have permanent free-vend machines from phs to provide free sanitary products to students. And since being introduced to market, demand has already started to grow across the UK – despite no legal requirement to provide free sanitary wear. The phs slim line free-vend machines stock individually-wrapped sanitary products and can be accessed without the use of a coin. The units are offered by phs for rent or sale, with stock available from phs DIRECT. Clare Noble, Head of Healthcare of phs, said: “Period poverty is a growing concern and an issue which needs to be addressed. Sanitary products are not a luxury, they are an essential and it’s been proven that being unable to afford these items can have a detrimental affect – whether it’s by causing females to skip school, miss work or expose themselves to health risks. “Free-vend machines are a real solution in tackling period poverty. Installing these within washrooms gives females who need it instant and discreet access to sanitary products without the embarrassment or inconvenience of having to visit an office or school nurse. The products are also stored appropriately so they are kept clean and dry, dispensing one item at a time as needed.” The University of St Andrews provides 15 free-vend machines for students within its washrooms, including within student residences, the student association building, the library and sports centre. Gillian Jordan, estates cleaning manager at the University of St Andrews, said: “Providing a range of sanitary products in educational establishments gives girls choice and less worry around their periods, particularly if they have a low income. We collectively decided that free-vend was the most discreet way of doing this and they are now in place in the most appropriate and busiest buildings to ensure products are available for girls who need them. The feedback from students has been positive.” For more information, visit https://www.phs.co.uk or follow @phsGroup on Twitter and phs Group on LinkedIn
North Yorkshire County Council Rolls Out Wrapmaster
North Yorkshire County Council has partnered with Cofresco Foodservice, rolling out the award-winning Wrapmaster across its 25 secondary schools and 298 primary schools. Wrapmaster is the catering professional’s dispensing system for cling film, foil and baking parchment. With 42,000 meals served daily, the affiliation is part of the council’s strict policies on hygiene and food safety, as well as its ongoing commitment to pupil welfare and allergies. Joanne Simpson, Area Manager, North Yorkshire County Council said: “Food Safety is a top priority and we were keen to source new products that will help us to maintain the high standards we have in our kitchens, ensure we provide the very best levels of food safety and meet the needs of individual pupils. We recognise that some more traditional packaging options can deteriorate over time, which can lead to the possibility of cross-contamination happening and this is simply not an option for us. “ Built with health and safety in mind, Wrapmaster has a concealed blade for safe, speedy cutting and is robust and shatter resistant. Recommended by food safety practitioners, it’s also easy to wipe clean during service, and can be easily disinfected in a commercial dishwasher to minimise cross-contamination, as well as help keep kitchens hygienic. Joanne continues: “Wrapmaster provides a solution to minimising the risk of cross-contamination and helps us to ensure that we are always able to work in an environment that meets the needs of pupils and their welfare. The catering team are delighted with the new system; the dispensers are easy to use, keep clean and can be put in the dishwasher – we have rolled them out in just two months across all of our schools and the feedback is very positive.” Following LACA 2018 every school in North Yorkshire now has one in its kitchen With the catering teams using the Wrapmaster 4500 to dispense 45cm cling film and foil and the small but mighty Wrapmaster 3000 for baking parchment. Speaking about the partnership, Adrian Brown, Managing Director, Cofresco Foodservice says: “Food safety and hygiene is critical in any kitchen, but perhaps never more important than when pupil welfare is concerned. With 42,000 meals served every day, North Yorkshire County Council provide a phenomenal service across the county and we’re proud to support their dedicated team in maintaining these high food safety standards”. Wrapmaster is part of Cofresco Foodservice, a division of Melitta UK Ltd. The award-winning range includes the Wrapmaster 3000, Wrapmaster 4500, the Wrapmaster Duo which dispenses two types of material, or can be used for large volume users of one material and the Wrapmaster Compact. For more information call 01952 678800 or visit www.wrapmaster.global
Students taste life in the food industry with Future First
School students interested in a career in food are taking part in a programme to demonstrate the breadth of jobs available in the industry and increase their work skills. National education charity Future First has partnered with The Flava People, who supply the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants and food manufacturers with sauces and seasonings, to inform state school students about the skills necessary to succeed in the food and hospitality industry. Under the scheme, The Flava People will welcome Year 11 students from two Manchester state schools, Burnage Academy for Boys and Sale Grammar School to its Sharston factory to see the production line first hand, benefit from the experience of staff and learn the skills they need to be successful in work. The insight days will help students understand the wide range of careers available in the food industry and the study routes students should choose to pursue specific roles. The project forms part of The Flava People’s ‘Flavour to Fuel change’ commitment to promote the industry in higher education and to support Manchester’s young people while providing a future diverse pipeline of young people coming into the industry. The Flava People is one of several leading employers working with Future First to connect their employees with young people in schools and colleges. The link between schools and employers enables students to broaden their horizons and boost their confidence, motivation and knowledge about career pathways. Future First believes everyone should be able to succeed in a career of their choice, regardless of their background. The charity’s research shows almost five in ten young people receiving Free School Meals don’t know anyone in a job they would like to do and that three quarters of them don’t believe that they can be successful. Matt Lent, Chief Executive Officer Future First, said: “Students cannot be what they can’t see. Future First’s new partnership with The Flava People will provide inspiring opportunities for more young people to develop their employability skills and understand the food industry. Students will be able to connect with experienced staff whose stories will bring the industry alive. Hearing from employees in interesting jobs helps students make better-informed decisions about what they need for their working life as well as develop the skills employers are looking for.” Scott Dixon, Managing Director of The Flava People said: “We believe passionately in the power of food and flavour as a tool to drive positive change, not just for businesses and brands but across education, employment and beyond. We have a responsibility to use what we have, what we know and what we’ve learnt to empower others who might not otherwise get that opportunity. Future First, with their extensive knowledge of the education sector, was the obvious partner with whom to start this journey.” Teacher Pippa Conley, Faculty Leader for Design & Technology at Sale Grammar School, said: “Our students came back to school brimming with enthusiasm after all of the activities they took part in. I really do think they have had their eyes opened to many diverse careers and possibilities for the future.” For further information on Future First visit the website Picture caption: Students from Sale Grammar School attend The Flava People’s Sharston factory to learn about the industry.
Over half of education professionals don’t know how to ask for a pay rise
A study conducted by CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, has discovered that over half of education professionals (56.3%) don’t know how to ask their employer for a pay rise. A further 51.1% revealed that they’ve never even negotiated on parts of a job offer. What’s more, the survey of 1,200 British professionals reveals that 56.1% of education professionals haven’t received a pay rise in the last 12-18 months. Of those who did, over a quarter (29.4%) received a minimal increase of up to 2%. Below, CV-Library reveals that education is one of the top ten sectors in the UK where Brits are least likely to negotiate on salary: Social Care (59.5%) Hospitality (58.3%) Catering (52.9%) Manufacturing (48.8%) Retail (47.1%) Education (43.8%) Automotive (42.9%) Property (42.1%) Engineering (40.5%) Distribution (37.85) Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “Our survey highlights that a natural fear around bringing up the subject of pay is holding many education professionals back in their careers. Being able to negotiate a pay rise will not only bring you financial reward, but the sense of achievement and increased morale in the workplace. “If you do feel nervous about discussing your pay with your boss, I’d advise doing your research before approaching them. Find out what other employers are offering for similar positions, or even what your own employer’s range is for new hires. Determining your worth is the first step towards knowing how to ask for a pay rise.” Education professionals are in a fantastic position for negotiating pay right now, with salaries for new jobs in education rising by 2.3% in February. This suggests that candidates who don’t know how to ask for a pay rise could be missing out on the chance to improve their job offer. Biggins continues: “In the current UK job market, it’s important to be aware of your worth. With Brexit imminent and unemployment being at its lowest in fifty years, businesses are desperate to not only attract top talent, but hold on to the employees that they’ve got. So, if you’re after a pay rise, now’s the time to start negotiations!”
Beyond the walls of a gallery – an art trip unlike any other
Imagine a living, breathing art gallery, where nature and art work in harmony to create a truly magical and unique experience. Magnificent sculptures are placed amongst mature trees and architectural plants, whilst gently moving water provides a sense of calm and an accompanying backdrop to the wildlife that calls this outdoor gallery home. The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden in Ockley, Surrey has proudly exhibited an ever changing collection of contemporary sculpture within 10 acres of landscaped gardens for 35 years, and has played host to hundreds of schools. In a unique environment, students are given the opportunity to explore their creativity and that of the exhibiting artists on may levels. Seeing and touching the sculptures gives students and pupils a rare experience and an appreciation of different textures, shapes, forms and media – all within a natural setting. The Sculpture Garden welcomes school visits from the first week in April to the last week in October. There are around 200 sculptures to see in the Garden, in a huge variety of styles and materials. The Sculpture Garden provides a safe place to study and is relevant to various subjects across the curriculum, not just Fine Art. Other relevant subjects include Art & Design, Design and Technology, History of Art, Photography, Landscape Design, Leisure & Tourism, and Environmental Studies. Ofsted believes that learning outside the classroom is an essential element of a broad and balanced curriculum, and recommends that schools bring learning to life through compelling learning experiences. Bookings for groups no larger than 30 pupils with a suitable number of adults should be made in advance and visits take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10.30am till 5pm. Smaller groups (under 15) are also welcome to visit on Thursdays and Fridays, when the general public will be in the Sculpture Garden. A recce visit is highly recommended. We advise that at least one adult accompanies 8-10 pupils, with a higher ratio for those with special needs. Unlike a normal gallery the art is accessible for visually impaired students, whom are welcomed to touch and explore the surfaces of the sculptures on display. A unique school trip that will inspire and capture imaginations, and be remembered for years to come. Please email hannahpescharsculpture@gmail.com or telephone 01306 627269 to discuss any queries, or to book your visit. www.hannahpescharsculpture.com.
Education Destination Creates Over 700 Free Teaching Resources
Education Destination has created over 700 teaching resources that cover all Key Stages, Abilities and Subjects, and are free for teachers to use. Created by Education Destination’s own team of teachers, with over 175 years’ experience between them, no other school trip provider in the world offers such a depth and breadth of teaching resources. All address specific National Curriculum or main exam board syllabus requirements. And most are differentiated for ability, making it easy for mixed ability groups to share the same activities whilst working at different levels. Some physically demanding lessons have variants for mobility impaired students and Education Destination’s SEN specialist can help develop specific variants for SEN pupils on request. Peter Tomlinson, Chief Executive, Education Destination, says, “We are driven to provide superior educational experiences outside of the classroom. The high quality of our business is based on the high quality of our teaching resources. We overlay the resources onto stimulating activities to instil deeper learning. All of which we do on the Isle of Wight – the UK’s foremost education destination. With so many natural and man-made features in such close-proximity, the Island is perfect for opening minds, capturing imaginations and creating life-long memories. Where else can a ferry teach history? A dinosaur teach physics, a steam train teach science and a donkey teach business studies – all in one day?” To view samples and request free teaching resources visit http://www.educationdestination.co.uk/showallresources