University awarded contract from Department for Education to help challenging schools recruit and retain teachers
The University of Derby is being supported by the Department for Education (DfE) to help increase the supply of trainee teachers to schools with poor recruitment and retention in the Midlands. Funding from the DfE will be used to support a new initial teacher training pilot initiative, led by the Institute of Education at the University, which aims to improve the supply of newly qualified teachers to schools in challenging areas, promote career progression, and remove obstacles to social mobility. The Partners for Progress project will be delivered over three years, and will involve implementing an extensive outreach programme in a number of diverse category 3 and 4 primary schools across the Midlands region, in-school taster days, recruitment and information events within local communities, as well as offering work experience for trainee teachers at the University within these schools. Dr Mohammed Jakhara, Acting Head of the Institute of Education at the University of Derby, said: “We believe overall teacher supply from our local communities in greatest need requires development, but for some schools this can be a challenge. Myths around performance and previous Ofsted reports can deter candidates from applying to a particular school. “Our Primary Education provision at the University of Derby is one of high quality and we want to develop that further. We already work with many schools and this extra funding from the DfE will enable us to extend our partnerships and support important additional developments.” As part of the government’s national social mobility action plan, the DfE intends to incentivise Outstanding Initial Teacher Training providers to expand their provision in challenging areas for teacher recruitment. The University of Derby, which is rated Outstanding for teaching training by Ofsted, was invited to apply for the funding and was successful. Dr Jakhara said the project will involve trainee teachers, newly qualified teachers, as well as existing teachers and head teachers – supporting them through training and leadership to help aid career progression. He added: “We know the quality of education children receive has a lifelong impact on them, and, as educators, we want to ensure this impact is a positive one. “At the University of Derby, we are developing first-class professionals who will inspire and lead education in the 21st century, support teachers to stay in those schools, and build on school improvement.” In October 2016, Derby was identified as an Opportunity Area – an area where the DfE is prioritising resources, and bringing local and national partners together, to address challenges of social mobility and ensure all children can reach their full potential. Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, is Chair of the Derby Opportunity Area Partnership Board. She said: “At Derby we champion social mobility and strive to inspire and create opportunities for all across our region and beyond, regardless of age, background or location. “We believe in the transformational nature of education, so to receive support from the DfE to enable us to help open more doors and ensure children receive the high quality education they deserve is fantastic.” The University will be working with seven schools across the Midlands, including Pear Tree Community Junior School and Firs Primary School, as part of the project to tackle social mobility. Andrew Sharp, Head Teacher at Pear Tree Community Junior School, said: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with the University of Derby on this project. “We are really keen that the best graduates and teachers of tomorrow not only stay in Derby but also work within our schools. By partnering with the University, trainees have the opportunity to work in the city’s schools and really get to see the benefits for themselves.” Paula Martin, Head Teacher at Firs Primary School in Derby, added: “Firs Primary School is delighted to be part of this project. Firs is a great school to work in with enthusiastic, hardworking children and supportive parents. “Sometimes the reputation of an area or a school can discourage newly qualified teachers from applying for posts which are advertised. However, working in the inner city means that teachers can make a real difference to the future lives of children, many of whom come from a background of financial and social disadvantage. “Hopefully, this project will enable more trainee teachers to experience working in inner city schools, break down some of the barriers and enable them to see what a difference they can make to children.” School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said: “The University of Derby has an excellent track record of recruiting talented people into the teaching profession, further building on the 450,000 teachers already in our schools. This extra funding will boost the number of teachers training in the areas that need them most, equipping them with the skills to help every child fulfil their potential. “This follows the launch of the first-ever teacher recruitment and retention strategy – setting out the Government’s plans to increase the number of teachers and make sure teaching remains the attractive and worthwhile profession it has always been by freeing up teachers to focus on teaching.” The University of Derby is the 13th best university in the UK for teaching quality, according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 league table. To find out more about studying teacher training at the University of Derby, visit: www.derby.ac.uk/undergraduate/teacher-training-courses/
Creating A Distraction-Free Learning Environment
Motivating students to participate in class can often feel like a challenge. Delivering insights that inspire them to excel in their studies isn’t easy either. Using crowdbeamer from RGB Communications, it doesn’t have to be like that. Crowdbeamer is a game changing presentation system that helps you connect with your students in innovative and collaborative ways. CONNECT TO YOUR STUDENTS’ WORLD It’s so important to structure basic learning content into a compelling story and complete it with facts, images, videos or software demonstrations that connect to your students’ worlds. And as most of your students are probably glued to mobile technology, why not use their mobile devices in class as a direct connection to their world? CROWDBEAMER LETS YOU DO JUST THAT Using crowdbeamer, you no longer need a projector screen or large display, simply sit amidst the class, and experience how easy it is to interact and keep everybody engaged. On top of the improved learning experience, money can be saved by not purchasing expensive projectors or projection screens. STREAM CONTENT STRAIGHT TO YOUR STUDENT’S MOBILE DEVICES By using crowdbeamer in class, you can stream any content straight to your students’ mobile devices. All you need to do is connect your laptop to crowdbeamer, and start sharing. In case you want to share content from a tablet, a smartboard, a digital camera or a laboratory microscope, that’s possible as well. Any images, videos or software demonstrations from any device with an HDMI or VGA output will work with crowdbeamer. HOW DOES IT DO THAT?! Crowdbeamer has a built-in secure private Wi-Fi network, so even if there is no network or internet available, crowdbeamer’s Wi-Fi extends its usability. HDMI or VGA signals from devices such as laptops or tablets can be fed into the crowdbeamer to provide content. All the students need to do is download the crowdbeamer app from Google Play, iTunes or crowdbeamer’s website: www.crowdbeamer.tech/app/install/ CREATE A DISTRACTION-FREE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Using the crowdbeamer app on their mobile device, your students can view and zoom in on any content that you share, capture it, complete it with notes and store it on their device. They don’t need to scribble down all kinds of details during class. Instead, they can spend more time to think and only write down what is required to gain better insights. The saved contents can then be shared or exported for further review. DELIVER NEW AND MORE EFFECTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES Thanks to crowdbeamer’s built-in Wi-Fi and battery, teaching and learning can now happen anywhere. Using crowdbeamer, you can take your students close to the subject you want to teach them about. Connecting your tablet or digital camera to crowdbeamer, it’s easy to facilitate outdoor and location-based learning and deliver insights to your students precisely when and where they need it. Just recently, crowdbeamer won the prestigious AV Distribution Award. This award recognizes and rewards excellence across the AV industry, and alongside this Tech & Learning (https://www.techlearning. com/ed-tech-ticker/best-of-infocomm- winners-2018) listed crowdbeamer as the one of best Infocomm 2018 winners. 2019 will also herald enhancements to the crowdbeamer with voting and ‘ask the presenter’ features being planned. WHAT DO THE TEACHING PROFESSIONALS THINK? “Crowdbeamer is the perfect tool for my students to use during my classes. Students simply spend too much time writing. I’d rather have them do less of that, and think more about what I’m teaching. That’s precisely what crowdbeamer makes possible.” – Prof. Dr.Rebekka Schmidt – Didactics Professor, Paderborn University “Crowdbeamer offers many benefits: it replaces paper presentation handouts (a significant ecological benefit) delivering live handouts right on your personal device, ready to be edited digitally in real-time. The solution is flexible and can be used anywhere anytime, supporting, for example, outdoor biology lessons, hands-on technology classes or study trips.” – Hans De Four – Projector Co- Ordinator, Flemish Ministry of Education. Crowdbeamer – How It Works: https://youtu.be/AXGf5d3cIA8 Book A Demo: mark.turtle@rgbcomms.co.uk
Midlands Business Nominated For Global Education Technology Award
Just launched voice-activated reading app Yap Books is targeting international success this month after being nominated for a global education technology award. Yap Books, developed by Birmingham-based Yap Technology, has been shortlisted in the Innovation Product Awards – Digital/Coding/Software category at the GESS (Global Education Supplies & Solutions) Awards and is up against nine international competitors. App developer and Yap Technology founder Ben Ridgway, from Lichfield, will attend a glitzy international Gala dinner ceremony in Dubai on February 27, where the winner will be revealed. The award nomination continues a remarkable start to the year for Yap Books, which officially launched at the education technology focused Bett Show in London last month. Designed for children aged three to eight, the App features Yap Classroom, a multi-sensory learning platform where the reader’s voice brings stories to life by triggering a variety of stimulating actions including animations, sounds, videos, images and digital content which is a completely synchronised to the story. Ridgeway said: “To just launch and be recognised with a nomination in the GESS Awards is an incredible way to start the year. “I initially developed the App to help my son with speech development and it has grown from there. It is now a piece of incredible software technology to bring stories to life that can be used in the classroom or at home. “My aim was to make reading more fun for kids and now I have a potential award-winning app, however, I am aware that I am up against some very strong competition.” The App has also been developed for use by children that have individual learning needs including dyslexia, dyspraxia and speech development. It has a built-in Yap Library which is filled with books, learning materials and digital content all of which is available to download, or youngsters can use Yap Creator to make up their own stories. This year it aims to grow its content and is working with a number of children’s authors to increase the range and volume of stories. Ridgeway added: “We’re excited to explore the ways in which this creative use of voice technology can be developed further and are looking forward to working with creators and authors to deliver this exciting way of reading to a wider audience.” The app is available to download from iTunes.
Gratnells Engineering inspires school students to consider careers in STEM
The Harlow-based manufacturer is committed to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing subjects to young people and recently welcomed local school students on-site for a day of activities. Historically known as the leading name in school storage in over 68 countries of the world (and the producer of the iconic Gratnells Tray) Gratnells Engineering has developed into a multi-sector manufacturer capable of providing high-volume laser cutting, powder coating and bespoke metal solutions to a wide range of customers. The company has previously supported campaigns such as the F1 in Schools’ program, the Year of Engineering and most recently, has developed key relationships with educational institutions in the local area such as BMAT STEM Academy. The business has become a Gold Level sponsor to the school this year, which will see them provide support and opportunities for students to further their understanding of manufacturing and play a role in product development. As part of this initiative, the Gratnells factory recently welcomed a group of 20 BMAT STEM students on-site, giving presentations about the company history, providing insight into areas such as quality control and delivering experiences such as tours of the impressive facilities. The students were introduced to the different roles and responsibilities found in a typical manufacturing environment and were set an activity to evaluate a real, current prototype product using evaluation sheets, followed by making prototype designs and layouts for their own ideas. Every student completed a feedback form at the end of the day and these almost unanimously stated the tour of the impressive Gratnells facility was the favourite part of the day. This included a chance to see some exciting Powder Coating, Injection Moulding and Laser Cutting machinery in action, producing many of the classroom tools and equipment they use in school every day. Designed to showcase the variety of manufacturing solutions Gratnells Engineering provides, students also had the opportunity to witness primary metal work, such as drilling, tapping, folding and welding; as well as foam cutting and vac forming taking place. The importance of health and safety in the factory environment was reiterated throughout with the wearing of high vis jackets and following of specified walkways and crossings. Dave Ramsey, Assistant Head Teacher at BMAT STEM, said “The students had a brilliant experience and a number of them have said that they want to work for Gratnells in the future! We really appreciate all the effort the team put into the students’ experience both on the day and the impact working with the company is having on their learning. Students have been inspired and can’t wait to start using some of the ideas in lessons and in their project work.” Chloe Winyard, Gratnells Engineering Marketing Assistant, commented, “The students from BMAT STEM were so engaged and came up with some really brilliant ideas. We are delighted the tour in particular proved popular and we hope to have inspired some of the students to consider a future career in a STEM subject. Grantells Engineering has a long history of offering opportunities to students and just last year saw three apprentices convert into full-time members of staff.” Chloe is herself working towards a CIM qualification – further evidence she says, of her employer’s commitment to education, “By supporting my continued development, Gratnells Engineering are showing they truly believe in personal progression. If we continue to show the importance to keep learning ourselves, we hope we can inspire others to do the same.” Find out more
NASBTT statement: Response to Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy
The Department for Education (DfE) has today published its Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy, which NASBTT has been involved in shaping. Giving her reaction to the strategy, NASBTT Executive Director Emma Hollis said: “NASBTT is pleased that the government has clearly recognised the challenges faced by the teaching profession and is committing to address them. It is good to see competitive salaries and pathways for teachers remaining in the classroom on the agenda, alongside the acknowledgement that there is a highly competitive (and shrinking) graduate market. We are also thrilled that our own contributions to the development of the strategy are recognised and we are committed to continue to work in consultation with DfE as plans are put into action. We are especially delighted that the Early Career Framework (ECF) is outlined as we hoped for – and we look forward to seeing the transformative plans for an entitlement to professional development for all early career teachers being implemented. It was essential to have a commitment to funding the ECF, as well as the additional time off-timetable in the second year of teaching for all for early career teachers, and we are pleased that both are guaranteed. Having previously advocated that mentoring is crucial to making the ECF work, we are very pleased to see the strong focus on quality mentoring, with fully-funded mentor training. This commitment is also reflected in plans to launch the Teacher Developer NPQ, which will be explicitly tied to the ECF, as the first of a new suite of qualifications. We would be delighted to share with the DfE our expertise in creating our own suite of Teacher Educator Programmes which develop the knowledge and skills of those people working in schools who support and educate other teachers, including newly-appointed mentors, coaches, CPD co-ordinators, CPD facilitators and teaching school managers. We are excited about working with the DfE and other key sector bodies to ensure that the ECF builds on and complements high-quality ITT, starting with a review to the ITT core content guidance. Whilst we also appreciate plans to streamline the complicated application process for candidates, we need to ensure there is continued support for partnership working and a change in the dialogue from schools-led or HE teacher training providers to a recognition that both are valuable and both are needed for a vibrant, choice-driven marketplace. We are therefore cautiously optimistic about plans to rationalise the complex ITT market but maintain that this must not disadvantage smaller providers where they are necessary and valuable – for example in remote areas, coastal regions and other cold spots. We would also encourage caution in any review of the ITT market – the wording of the strategy points to there being a need for a “more efficient and effective system”. However, if taken out of context this could undermine the sustained contribution and impact of School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) providers and School Direct Lead Schools, and the challenges they face around recruitment, a message that needs to be emphasised. We maintain that government teacher recruitment policies should aim for the brightest and the best and not simply ‘bums on seats’, and the DfE must put its trust in local providers to ascertain local need and set their recruitment practices accordingly.” Find out more
reuse4education – like eBay, but better
With another term underway, schools, colleges and universities will have the opportunity to make their budgets go a little bit further thanks to the launch of reuse4education. At a time when funds are constantly being stretched, this free, easy to use online platform allows educational institutions to buy, sell, swap and loan anything from photocopiers and PE equipment, to musical instruments and books, and reuse4education is the only site that is exclusively for education institutions. Accessible on a local, regional, national and international scale, it is hoped that reuse4education will not only help fill resource voids, reduce waste and maximise recycling, but also build a sense of community between users. The service has been created by Mark Abrahams, the CEO of Recycle Your Cycle, an innovative programme run in partnership with HM Prison Service that sees over 300 bikes and more than 100 vacuums being refurbished by UK offenders every month. Mark says, “While buying, selling and recycling furniture, books and clothes on a personal level is common place, this isn’t generally the norm in educational settings, but with this site, it could be. Whether you need a new set of French textbooks or stacks of old classroom chairs are taking up valuable space in your school hall, you can add them to reuse4education, the only site of its kind for the education sector, and we are confident that a solution will be found. He adds, “We believe that by re-using, recycling, upcycling, and sharing equipment, not only will students be educated within budget, but a new community will be created and connections will be made. We know there is a need in the UK for this service, but we also hope reuse4education will help those studying in developing countries where resources are scarce but the passion for learning is alive and kicking. One teacher, says, “As a science teacher in an 11-16 secondary school, I often find myself wanting pieces of equipment for lessons that wouldn’t justify the cost of only being used once a year. I love the idea of sharing such equipment between schools and allowing the students to access even better resources for their learning!” Another teacher comments, “Amazon and eBay are great but searching for text books and resources is hard work, so reuse4education is just fantastic and really, really needed. We have items at school which I know would be of use to someone else when we finish doing certain courses, so it is great to know we can now put them on this site and pass them on.” Users simply sign up and list the equipment they need, as well as the things they no longer require and want to donate to someone else. As well as items being listed on the website, an email is sent out to members once a week as a reminder that a wealth of resources are there for the taking. For more details go to reuse4education
The Mutual Revolution: New Insurance To Cover Staff Shortages
Shock figures reveal a staggering 57% of teachers have considered leaving the education sector within the past two years because of health pressures. The latest studies from the Teacher Wellbeing Index expose the problems facing the sector with the recruitment and retention of teachers being a key issue. Now one company, based in the North East, is trying to change the way school finances are run so that profits are fed back into the system rather than being sucked into the private sector. Education Mutual has been set up by schools, for schools and looks to give educators the flexibility to design their own staff absence cover to match each school’s exact needs. This can include existing and ongoing absences, planned surgeries and ongoing maternity leaves, all supported by our fast-track health cover services. With schools struggling to deal with teacher absences and seeing their budgets being squeezed across the country the idea of a mutual, where members all have a democratic say on how money is spent and refunded, is becoming increasingly attractive. The mutual was established in 2018 by education professionals disillusioned with the insurance policies in the sector charging a premium for a decreasing service. Company chairman Nick Hurn OBE said: “Education Mutual provides a new innovative way to manage staff absence and healthcare. Our continuous focus on clinical governance ensures the highest level of service provision and quality outcomes for our members.” Unlike traditional insurance companies, a mutual does not have to make money for investors or shareholders. Instead Education Mutual is owned by its members – schools, colleges and nurseries, all education providers, with the purpose of keeping more of the budget within education. Education Mutual is operated solely for the benefit of the members with all members paying a contribution to the mutual which is used to pay claims. Members can attend Annual General Meetings and vote on important issues such as; who is elected to the board, cover improvements and contribution levels. The mutual board makes key decisions such as what to do with any surplus after payment of claims and administration costs. While a mutual isn’t a new concept (in fact it’s an idea that’s been around for centuries), it has had a resurgence in popularity in recent times because it offers a stable and trusted alternative to traditional insurance. Find out more
FXP Festival launches for 2019 with new creative category
FXP Festival, an East Anglian education initiative which aims to drive social mobility in the region, has announced the launch of its 2019 competition (6-8th July) with the introduction of an exciting new category. Originally formed as a STEM initiative based on a computer game design and development competition, FXP Festival 2019 is expanding to include a ‘Storytelling’ category, which will encourage students to develop both their creative writing and illustration skills. Publishing and education company, The Curved House will be supporting FXP’s Storytelling category with the provision of creative writing workshop materials and one-to-one mentor sessions, with established authors and writers, to help teams to develop their work. Hosted annually by Cambridge Regional College, FXP Festival is linked to the computer science curriculum and, for three years, has successfully been using computer games to increase interest and uptake of STEM subjects, build young people’s digital skills and provide an insight into what careers in the technology, creative digital and related industries might offer. In previous years, there have been two competition categories – ‘Game Concept’ where teams design and map out the creative concept of an original computer game, and ‘Game Development’ where teams programme and build an original game concept. New for 2019, the third category – ‘Storytelling’ – will challenge students to work in teams of up to five, to write and illustrate an original story for publication. The initiative was developed by Cambridge Regional College, Jagex, North Cambridge Academy, and Conscious Communications, and, thanks to its sponsors and supporters, the FXP weekend is completely free for participating teams. Alison Taylor Co-founder of the Festival and Managing Director of Conscious Communications, comments: “FXP Festival is all about providing exciting progression opportunities for the young people in our region. By incorporating elements of the national curriculum, as well as sourcing valuable learning materials from our industry supporters, we aim to provide students with an important connection between what they learn in the classroom, their further and higher education options, and the exciting career opportunities right on their doorstep. “In previous years it has been wonderful to see student teams come to FXP to try their hands at games development and, as a result, engage more with their computer science education. This year, we wanted to expand our reach to students that won’t necessarily have an interest in coding or games design, but might have a hidden flair for other important skills, such as creative writing and art. The ‘Storytelling’ category will give these students the opportunity to develop their abilities with the support of industry experts, while building other important soft skills such as team work, ingenuity and communication.” FXP Festival is supported by major companies in the technology, creative digital, and publishing sectors, which provide expertise, mentoring and coaching to students and their teachers. 2019 supporters include: Anglia Ruskin University, Arm, Rizing Games, Jagex, Table Flip Games and The Curved House. Kristen Harrison, Founder, The Curved House, comments: “The Curved House – alongside our flagship publication, Visual Verse – aims to inspire and celebrate creative writers, both published and unpublished, and we are so excited to use our expertise to develop the next generation of writers at FXP Festival! Ahead of the weekend, we will share valuable creative writing teaching resources with the teams to help them hone their skills in preparation for the competition. We will also run an additional writing competition over the course of the weekend for all participating students, and will publish the winners in our August edition of Visual Verse. The Curved House is excited to bring a range of writing challenges and expertise from the book industry to FXP – to inspire the writers, illustrators and publishers of the future.” FXP 2019 will take place from 6th – 8th July, at the Rizing Games studios at Cambridge Regional College and is open to schools, colleges, home school groups and out-of-school clubs across East Anglia. Teams can register their interest by emailing joanna.colley@consciouscomms.com. If your business would be interested in getting involved with FXP Festival through mentoring, funding or other support please contact Joanna Colley joanna.colley@consciouscomms.com. Find out more
Vlogstar Challenge comes to NewVIc!
“To date, more than 4,500 young people from across London and Essex have been trained on how to create, shoot and edit vlogs!” This week NewVIc Performing Arts students have been working on a social media project with facilitator and former Rising Star Vlogstar Challenge winner Justyn Hollett, exploring how to shoot, edit and produce their own vlogs. This unique training and competition is run by the Jack Petchey Foundation and Media Trust. The Vlogstar Challenge is also working in partnership with YouTube and the Evening Standard. The Vlogstar Challenge seeks to inspire and establish a new generation of media influencers from across London and Essex. Now in its fourth year, this unique training initiative and competition gives 16-25 year olds the relevant technical and creative skills they need to create their own vlogs, develop their voice and share their passions with new audiences. As well as learning the technical skills needed to produce impactful content, NewVIc students were also given the opportunity to discover and articulate what is important to them, in an engaging and positive way that gets noticed. In the workshop students showcased the vlogs they produced in small groups to Justyn and other NewVIc staff and got feedback on their productions. All of the students that have taken part in the workshop will be invited to submit their best vlogs to the 2019 Vlogstar Challenge. Students watched Justyn’s winning vlog from 2016 titled ‘I am bravescar’,about his personal journey of suffering from third degree burns and scarring. Student vlogger Devayne added: “I really enjoyed today’s sessions and the ideas and stories shared by Justyn. I was really inspired with his vlog and his journey and have taken on board all the feedback given on our productions. We learnt all about the key aspects of creating vlogs, from framing and recording to what is best trending. I liked the challenge Justyn set us, we had to come up with vlog ideas, shoot and edit with our mobile phones and present the vlog in a short space of time. I will definitely enter the Vlogstar Challenge 2019, watch this space!” Devayne Level 3 Performing and Production Arts and Music Technology Year 2 student “This is a great opportunity for young students to get involved in this competition and have a chance to become the next big vlogstar! We support their passions and creativity, help with learning new skills and develop young people’s voices across social media. It is so much fun, it will open doors and you can get so much out of this. I look forward to seeing NewVIc students and their productions in the competition and hopefully in the finals at YouTube and Google Head Quarters.” Justyn Hollett Facilitator and former Rising Star Vlogstar Challenge winner For more information about the college please contact: Shah Rahman srahman@newvic.ac.uk 020 7540 0651