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
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!
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
Teamwork Helps Sea The Difference For Devon City Kids
DISADVANTAGED children in Devon are to benefit from Co-op teamwork after Beach Schools South West CIC was chosen as Community Fund beneficiaries for this year. Shoppers will be able to choose to donate to the organisation to raise funds to transport kids to the beach for outdoor learning in the marine environment. Beach Schools South West teach on the beach and they are already offering some schools in Plymouth free sessions – but the schools cannot afford the transport to get there. Now the Co-op Local Community Fund is offering those disadvantaged children a lifeline to make a real difference to kids in Plymouth and help them access fun and learning all in one. Beach Schools is an award-winning CIC which teaches curriculum-linked learning on the beach, helping children understand about the world they live in, the environment around them, sea safety, plastics pollution and helping to improve their mental and physical health. “At a time when funds for charitable organisations are becoming more difficult to access, we’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity to make a real difference in Plymouth,” said Tess Stuber, Beach Schools South West Director. “We are raising funds to provide transport and subsidise costs for outdoor learning in the marine environment for primary school children in Plymouth, of which approximately 45% in some wards of the city are living in poverty. “Shocking numbers of primary school children in Britain’s Ocean City have not ever been to the beach.This is due to a variety of factors, transport and the cost of actually getting there. We have funding available for schools but the barrier for them is actually getting there: the cost of transport. “To help us raise vital funds, we’ll be relying on Co-op shoppers. Every time they buy Co-op own-brand products they get a 5% reward for themselves, and a further 1% goes to local causes like ours. Co-op members can decide which local group they would like to back by going online www.coop.co.uk/membership. We really hope that people will visit the website and choose to support us. When a community comes together we’re able to achieve great things, so we hope you can help promote our project.” If you’re not a member and would like to support the Beach Schools transport challenge, you can join at your local store or online at www.coop.co.uk. For more information about us, please visit www.beachschoolssouthwest.co.uk
Cambridge Regional College student organises consultation with local MP
Student Union President and Level 3 Sports Studies student, Sophie Day from Cambridge Regional College invited Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge, to attend the college for a forum with students and staff about the importance of fair funding for further education (FE). Mr Zeichner, who recently referenced the region’s colleges during a parliamentary debate speech on FE funding, addressed a full room, fielding questions from both students and staff about the role of FE in local economies and college funding. On visiting Cambridge Regional College, he said, “I am a strong supporter of FE colleges and have recently called on the Government to reverse the “near invisibility of Further Education” in policy and Parliament. FE colleges are engines of growth and skill generators for the country’s regions. It was great to see such interest and drive from the CRC students campaigning for the sector during my recent visit. The Student Union representatives are clearly passionate about the cause and Sophie in particular was keen to tell me about her plans to get students and staff involved.” Following her attendance at the NUS FEstival conference in Sheffield late last year, where the impact of funding cuts to the sector was a prominent theme, Sophie felt passionately about raising awareness of issues affecting colleges across the country. One of the first steps she took with the Students’ Union was to encourage fellow students to sign the petition on fairer funding for FE colleges which Daniel took to and led a parliamentary debate on. Sophie was delighted to host Mr Zeichner’s visit, saying “FE Colleges do amazing things, providing the opportunities to transform people’s lives, so imagine what could be done if more funding was available. I was delighted and a little surprised when my invitation to Daniel was accepted, it just goes to show that students do have the power to make a difference. I would like to thank Daniel again for visiting as this was a great way to raise awareness and get more people involved in finding solutions.” www.camre.ac.uk
Schools “concerned” about Relationships, Sex and Health Education changes
New research by Headway Education, a social enterprise established to help provide children, and those who teach them, with the most up-to-date, sophisticated, high quality and engaging materials possible, has revealed that schools are growing increasingly concerned that they are not equipped to deliver the requirements of the Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum from 2020. In September next year, Relationships Education will become compulsory for all pupils in primary schools, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) mandatory within secondary schools, and Health Education compulsory in all schools. However, in a survey of 168 headteachers, other senior leaders and class teachers undertaken in January and February 2019, 66% of respondents said they were “concerned or very concerned” about funding to support the new curriculum. A further 60% reported being concerned or very concerned about the need for high-quality resources, finding time to teach these subjects (54%), teacher training (52%) and parental support (39%). Although the majority of respondents knew about the new curriculum, 36% were “vaguely aware or had little or no awareness” about the expectations around Health Education and even less about Relationships Education and RSE (34% each). There was an appetite for training, with 59% saying they would be “likely or very likely” to undertake an online programme to support their understanding of each subject. Around 35% of schools said they would have to invest in additional resources. Schools were asked how well PSHE (as currently the most commonly used term for these subjects) was embedded in their educational setting. Whilst 91% “agree or strongly agree” that their pupils generally enjoy participating in PSHE, that PSHE is at the heart of our curriculum (82%) and that PSHE is a timetabled lesson every week or at least every other week (81%), other responses were less positive. Around 57% of respondents “disagree or strongly disagree” that their school follows a locally agreed syllabus or has invested in a nationally recognised programme (56%). Ken Pritchard, Managing Director of Headway Education, said: “There are clearly high levels of concern regarding preparation for the new subjects. In particular, teacher training, the issue of funding and the need for high-quality resources are the main reasons behind this concern. Results show that over a third of schools are already certain they will need new resources to ensure they meet the new requirements. Whilst the majority of respondents know about upcoming change, there is still work to be done.”
Research shows employers in the industry DON’T KNOW what education professionals want from a job offer
Despite 89% of employers claiming to know what education professionals find most attractive in a job offer, new data reveals that two fifths (40.4%) actually get it wrong. That’s according to the latest survey from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job site. The survey asked the industry’s job hunters what they believe to be the most important aspects of a job offer. It also asked employers what aspects they believe professionals deem to be the most important. When comparing the responses, the data reveals some discrepancies. While 81.3% of education professionals voted salary as the most important factor, only 59.6% of employers thought this would be the case. Other key findings include: Employers believe location to be the least important part of a job offer (5.6%), while education professionals vote this as their second most important factor (70.8%) What’s more, half (50%) of the industry’s professionals placed working hours as the third most important part of a job offer Flexible working is crucial to over one in four education workers (29%), yet only 13.6% of employers believed this to be a priority Finally, 21.1% of employers said benefits and workplace perks are an attractive factor, compared to 18% of professionals in the industry Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “With so much uncertainty across the job market right now, it’s crucial that employers in the industry are doing all they can to attract talented new recruits. Misjudging what candidates are looking for in a job offer can have harmful repercussions for an employer. As such, organisations need to have a clear understanding of what education professionals want from a job, so they can ensure they’re investing in the right areas and offering competitive packages.” What’s more, education professionals were asked to reveal what they look for when scanning a job description, with 91.7% saying they look for set criteria. Interestingly, 56.8% even said they wouldn’t apply to a job if the description didn’t contain the following: Location – 84.1% Salary – 79.5% Working hours – 43.2% Job title – 34.1% Flexible working – 25% Biggins concludes: “Professionals in the education sector know what they want from a job offer and those that are aware of the current climate also know that they can afford to be picky with their choices. With many nervous to switch roles amidst ongoing uncertainty, it’s going to take a competitive package to encourage them to leave their current position. “For this reason, your job descriptions need to clearly show the salary, location, job title and working hours, otherwise you risk losing out on applications. Make this information easy to find and don’t forget to shout about the great perks you have on offer as well!”