The best way to improve literacy in a struggling student is with 1 to 1 tuition. Now, that is possible.

Indeed where a student really gets on well with the tutor and doesn’t feel pressured or intimidated in any way by having one-to-one tuition, progress will always be beyond anything that can be achieved in a regular classroom.

Of course at this point you might be expecting me to say, “Sadly we can’t offer that ideal…”  But in fact we can, in an approach that allows not only one to one tuition but one to one tuition at a very affordable price, whenever needed.

Every misunderstanding and every concept not understood is instantly spotted, and results in the student being taken back a step for remedial work, after which progress and advancement resumes with appropriate activities to hand for every eventuality.

This approach is available through a program that locates each individual’s literacy needs, directing the student to an engaging set of activities which remedy any deficits, before advancing through to the next set of skills.

Because the level of instruction is so accurately reflective of the child’s current abilities, the student then gets a feeling of success and progress, which itself is highly motivational.

At the same time your colleagues are now free to work with others in the group.  Indeed, they can rotate the students, with some receiving directed help online while others engage with offline paper-based activities which are generated automatically by the system.

Of course you’ll want to see this in action before making any decisions, and you can do that this term, without any cost or commitment.

You can read more about Lexia Strategies® and the extraordinary results that other schools have seen here.

You will then be able to have a free trial which gives full access to the program for 30 days without any payment or commitment.

If you want to know more about the program, we have all the information you’ll need available here.

Of course, you may like to talk first – if so, please do call 0191 482 1939 or email info@lexiauk.co.uk

Rob Kay

LexiaUK Software Consultant.

How to effectively engage young males with education and provide routes into employment and socially responsible adulthood is a concern of many professions.

Education is also a recognised social determinant of health; boys and young men are consistently outperformed by girls and young women in schools and universities. Health improvement also means action on increasing educational opportunity.

Mentoring offers an evidence-based approach to work with young men – helping young men to achieve their academic and vocational potential, addressing concerns related to problematic behaviours – and providing go-to support and signposting to other services.

The Unit Award in Mentoring Boys and Young Men is a Level 2 award providing your staff/students with an understanding of mentoring work. The unit considers:

• the rationale for work with young males
• a strengths-based approach to work with young males
• the role of the mentor
• qualities desirable in a mentor
• primary tasks of a mentor
• dealing with disclosure/safeguarding
• setting boundaries in mentor-mentee relationships
• building and sustaining mentor-mentee relationships
• goal setting and outcomes

The outcome is that your staff/students will have received training enabling them to mentor boys throughout the school. This not only strengthens the school pastoral system but helps to raise the overall achievement of all boys and young men involved. This training and delivery thereof successfully delivers many of the new Ofsted framework for inspection.

The workshop covering the award criteria is 4 hours long. Each staff/student undertaking the award will be provided with their own copy of the Mengage course book: Mentoring Male: A guide to mentoring work with boys and young men. A Level 2 certificate will be issued upon completion.

The workshop costs £1295 for up to 10 staff or up to 15 students or a one-off date on Thursday 12^th October CLICK HERE. BOOK BEFORE 31^st August for £995.

Mengage is committed to your school’s development; if this is something you would like to discuss or you have other concerns regarding the health or education of young men, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

For more information or to discuss a booking, you can contact Liam by email at liam@mengage.co.uk or by phone on 07788725318.

Alternatively, you can visit our website at www.mengage.co.uk to see what else we offer with regards to mental health and raising boys’ achievement.

Dear Head

As a teacher with 16 years of teaching experience in the classroom I have noticed the ubiquity of smartphones and social media has made safeguarding a much more complicated issue. Experience has taught me that it’s vital for schools to have a robust safeguarding system that allows teachers to respond quickly and efficiently. The reason I built this software is not in the interests of a high Ofsted or Estyn rating, but for the sake of the most vulnerable students.

Safeguard my School is designed to enhance existing safeguarding provisions, allowing your teachers to both communicate and act upon issues quickly from anywhere in your school.

Here are a few bullet points explaining the key features of Safeguard my school, if you have time to read them:

• Speedy, secure & simple recording of any safeguarding concern.
• Powerful reporting tools deliver management reports for safeguarding leads, senior leaders, governing bodies, local authorities etc.
• Accessed securely from wherever you have an internet connection and will display across all devices including tablets and smartphones.
• With Safeguard my School, busy staff can report concerns with a few clicks of a button even when at home or on the P.E. field.

• Each pupil has their own individual safeguarding profile which neatly collates all safeguarding issues that are relevant to them. This means that it is easy to spot trends and patterns.

If you would like to know more, then just request an online demo here, by doing so we would like to offer you until September for free when purchasing a licence this summer.

Or just reply to this email and we can take things from there.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Best wishes,

Duncan
01348 800 100

As a teacher, you may have noticed pupil behaviour has been making the headlines of late.

With Ofsted open to taking cues from Behaviour advisor Tom Bennett’s report in future, it makes sense to get your behaviour provisions in place as soon as possible. Even schools with impeccable behaviour and standards look like they will need to offer Ofsted robust reports evidencing their great work.

That’s where ClassCharts comes in.

From my 16 years of teaching experience in the classroom I designed Classcharts, it is built to be easy-to-use for teachers, while offering in-depth reporting and analytics for SLT. Working with your existing Management Information System, ClassCharts enables teachers to access vital pupil data wherever they are, instantly.

ClassCharts is free until September when purchasing a licence this summer. If you would like to know more, then just request an online demo here.

Or just reply to this email and we can take things from there.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Best wishes,

Duncan
01348 800 100

According to the DfE, “Girls are outperforming boys in all the main attainment indicators at ks4” which is what makes it so important to implement a whole-school strategy that will not only engage boys in education but that will also maintain their interest.

Which is precisely why Mengage has devised a workshop entitled
The Boy Problem: Raising boys’ achievement – what can schools do?

The Boy Problem: Raising boys’ achievement – what can schools do? is an evidence-based, experiential workshop in which your staff will be taught about the most effective ways to close the widening gap between girls’ and boys’ attainment in education.

This workshop offers practical solutions and covers five main areas of concern, including: male learning styles, boys’ participation in education, addressing literacy concerns, a male-inclusive classroom, and the importance of creating a whole-school strategy.

The Boy Problem: Raising boys’ achievement – what can schools do? is delivered in three hours and costs £895 or a one-off date on Thursday 19^th October at our education centre CLICK HERE. For more information or to discuss a booking, you can contact Liam by email at liam@mengage.co.uk or by phone on 07788725318.

Alternatively, you can visit our website at www.mengage.co.uk to see what else we offer with regards to mental health and accredited mentoring.

In these days of ever tightening budgets we understand the importance of providing value for money, particularly in relation to school trips/holidays that may not be viewed as essential.

We are a well-established riding centre (we will be celebrating our 60^th anniversary in 2018) and we pride ourselves on providing a riding experience tailored to your pupils needs and providing that added value.

Our residential riding activity holidays provide a variety of experience and build skills that can contribute to both the mental and physical development of your students. Physical abilities such as balance and co-ordination are improved by riding and pupils also learn skills such as building a connection with a horse and taking responsibility for its care. This type of activity is particularly good for boosting self – confidence and increasing self- reliance, both valuable life skills.

We are fortunate to be situated in one of the most beautiful areas of the UK, the Black Mountains in the north east corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park. We have direct access onto the hills from our site and a stay here can provide so many other opportunities that, reinforce classroom study, through linkages with Key Stages 3 & 4, and bring learning to life. For example, the area is a prime site for the study of habitat, biodiversity and ecosystems. Students are usually having so much fun they don’t even realise that they are learning.

We are also close to the town of Hay on Wye the ‘Town of Books’ and the river Wye both of which provide opportunities for a variety of further activities.

If riding isn’t really your thing, our bunkhouse can also be booked as accommodation only, with a separate bungalow for staff.

For further information and prices please click here

No matter what setting or establishment, technology has always been a vital part of anyone’s education – and they have worked hand in hand for years. Starting with the pen and paper, progressing to the desktop computer and now to the mobile tablet, technology is an important part of how we all learn new subjects and skills.

The technological shift in the 20^th century

Through the introduction of projected images within the classroom, technology revolutionised the way we learn. First introduced in 1925, the Filmstrip Projector could be used depending on the subject being taught, helping students visualise the subject.

The mimeograph and the radio were also useful tools that could be used in the classroom. Introduced in 1940, the mimeograph allowed teachers to copy and distribute educational materials to students, while the radio could be used to transit lessons to other classrooms in other areas.

Most notably popularised in America, the slide ruler would be known to us as an old-fashioned ruler, used in mathematics to calculate sums. Replacing the mimeograph as a more efficient alternative, the photocopier was also used to help speed up and quantify the distribution of educational materials.

Advancing education and learning, here are some of the most notable examples of developing technologies within the education sector:

• 1960s. Although it did not become popular within classrooms for another ten years, the calculator was introduced in this decade.
• 1970s. Used as a device to mark exam papers and other question papers, the Scantron machine has lasted to the present day as a way of speeding up the marking process.
• 1980s. Personal computers were starting to be introduced and learners could use them to help improve their knowledge of a particular subject.
• 1990s. While replacing traditional blackboards with interactive whiteboards, desktop computers were also becoming prevalent within most households, helping students to complete homework tasks on office-based packages.

Turning digital

Although the 20^th century saw dramatic technological advancements in such a short space of time, with the invention of smartphones, YouTube, tablets and laptops, no decade has seen such radical changes in the classroom as the 2000s. GPS Installations – specialists in audio visual products and public address system installations – are also revolutionising how to best implement interactive technologies within the classroom. Considered as the digital revolution, integrating smart technologies into the classroom has changed the way educators teach and how students learn.

A classroom was divided into two groups (A and B) in a study conducted in 2015. Both groups were asked to research a topic and present their findings to the whole group, however, group A were not allowed mobile technologies whereas group B were. What was discovered is that group B divided into sub-groups, whereas group A stayed together. What this suggests is that technology can help aid integrated organisational structures within learning groups, which leads to more specific and concentrated learning, in comparison to the generalised learning and collaboration witnessed in group A.

Overall, statistics suggest that teachers’ responses to smart technologies were positive overall. In the US, 86% claimed that technology was an essential part of a student’s education. Furthermore, 92% felt that they could have more technology within their classroom to help the quality of their educational delivery improve.

Both students and teachers feel as though they are able to make a cost saving as a result of smart technologies in classroom – and many feel as though smart technologies have improved the quality of lessons. Electronic copies of eBooks and other digital-based learning materials are 33 – 35% cheaper than their physical alternatives. Increasing their chances of passing an exam, tablets and other interactive digital devices have improved literacy and numeracy skills.

Even though digital hardware has helped to improve the quality of education overall, some still believe that digital technologies have become a distraction in the room. This is because children can be distracted by social media apps and other interactive games when they should be learning. In a study conducted by A Common Sense Media, it was reported that 71% of teaching staff felt that a student’s attention span had been compromised by smart devices such as mobiles and tablets. What this suggests is that as digital technologies have been adopted into our classrooms, we still haven’t found the correct balance between utilising digital technologies as a source for quality education, and making sure that they aren’t being used to the extent where they become a distraction.

All educators should ensure that quality education and best practice is being delivered at all times. This is why the digital revolution has benefited the classroom – even though its impact has been received both positively and negatively. If education institutions can get the balance right between interaction and distraction, there is no reason why digital technologies can’t transform the learning capabilities of young people.

Continuing Professional Development DVDs and DVDs for showing to students, on some of the most difficult subjects that can arise.

Many of the programmes below can be rented for less than £4.00.  Please look on the relevant page on our website www.concordmedia.org.uk

Part one: DVDs for CPD

A Confidential Space: Issues of confidentiality relating to counselling children and young people.

DVD  84 Minutes   £40.00 plus postage

An interview with Peter Jenkins, on the issues relating to confidentiality in therapeutic work with children and young people.

Themes covered include: Ethical issues in working with children and young people, Good practice for counselling in schools, Information-sharing and child protection, Disclosures of abuse and pre-trial therapy, Data protection and access to records of therapy by the courts, police and solicitors, Access to records of therapy by parents and children and Therapy as a confidential space.

Beyond the Blues: Child and Youth Depression.  Depression in children and young people, case histories and treatment.

DVD  57 Minutes   £36.30 plus postage

Depression has increased by one-third in the past 30 years. Untreated depression costs a teenager in many ways: lost educational opportunities, lost social opportunities and lost time. Through the personal stories of three young people, this compelling documentary traces the journey of depression, from early signs and symptoms, to assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Bipolar disorder is also covered.

Bullying – The Children Speak:  Bullies and victims speak.

DVD  31 Minutes   £25.00 plus postage

Pupils and students drawn from a cross-section of schools, private and state, middle- and working-class, bullies and their victims talk about what happens, why it happens and what they think about it. Essential viewing for parents, teachers, governors, child care professionals and indeed pupils and students themselves.

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Part 2: For showing to Students:   (As above, many of the programmes below can be rented for less than £4.00.  Please call for details.)

Tell It Like It Is 

DVD  12 Minutes   £27.20 plus postage

Animated film about people at school and the results of gender stereotyping and bullying.

A short animated film by Leeds Animation Workshop which illustrates problems faced by young people at school as a result of gender stereotyping and bullying. Classmates Darren and Sharon are each keeping a video diary.

The results show them the different worlds girls and boys live in, and the different anxieties they experience. Although light in tone, the film raises awareness of male violence – verbal, psychological and physical – in school and in society.

It aims to help young people understand and when necessary withstand social pressure, and stresses their ability to support each other, to help those who are being bullied and to challenge oppressive and abusive behaviour. Especially suitable for 11 – 15 year olds. Booklet also supplied

You and Alcohol – Just Good Friends?

DVD  10 Minutes   £18.80 plus postage

Offers a down-to-earth account of our favourite and dangerous drug: how it works on the body and brain, how it changes our behaviour, why its effects differ for men and women and what constitutes sensible drinking. Aimed at 13 year olds and over, it includes lively contributions by university students.

Made in 1990 this film reflects the cultural attitudes and language of the time it was made. The issues raised are timeless.

Home Truths (LAW)

DVD  12 Minutes  £27.20 plus postage

Animated film of young people talking about domestic violence, for 8-13 year olds

A short animated film in which five young people tell of their experiences of domestic violence. Emma and her mother escape from a violent father by moving to a refuge. Jamie sees the effect on his mother of his father’s violence. For Sidra, the violence of her father is psychological and controlling. Sophie, her sister and mother are all targets of her stepfather’s aggression.

Daniel supports his friend Tom, whose mother is being hit by her boyfriend. The young people respond positively to their situation, and take some action, asserting their right to live in a safe environment. The programme tackles some of the myths: that it’s the woman’s or child’s fault, that the men involved can’t help it etc. Particularly designed for use with 8-13 year olds in a group setting, where it will encourage discussion. Includes booklet with background information.  

Concord Media. A not for profit charity established in 1963. 
22 Hines Rd
Ipswich
IP3 9BG.
Tel: 01473 726012
Email: sales@concordmedia.org.uk 
Website: www.concordmedia.org.uk

The ‘gamification’ of learning is proving to be a highly successful method of engaging pupils across all subjects and can easily be applied to a wide range of classroom activities to great effect.

The core requirement is a carefully structured and varied pace, with bursts of high speed and timed challenges, supported by varying difficulty levels and progressively challenging targets.  Motivation levels soar if pupils can achieve immediate and long-term rewards, which can be as simple as points to accumulate and records to beat.

But, to make a real difference, students need to be fully engaged in a challenge they see as relevant.  One in which they are actively solving problems, communicating with others and developing a sense of personal achievement.

The Real STEM Competition is designed to achieve this for up to 72 pupils in a day and is delivered on the school site – so there is no travel required.  Six teams of six pupils compete in a double lesson session that is repeated for a different group after break or lunch – minimalising disruption to the timetable.

This year’s competition is ‘Space Pioneers’ – which reinforces and expands upon the new KS3 & KS4 science curriculum content within a thrilling scenario of a mission to Mars.  It is an effective way to deliver exciting activity weeks, holiday schools, transition events and enrichment days.

A specialist team run the event and, with a hugely experienced teacher leading the workshop, there is no need for school staff to be present.  It allows class teachers to supervise lessons elsewhere, saving on the cost of a cover teacher for the day.  Alternatively, teachers can choose to observe their students compete and then apply the proven strategies to future lessons.

Pupils play as part of a team, against tight deadlines and in a game-like context to develop a wide range skills so highly valued by universities and employers.  Every participant will receive a certificate of achievement listing the skills developed and members of the winning team will be awarded a commemorative medal.

If your winning team achieves one of the top scores by Science Week 2018 the school will win a full-day workshop each term for a year, a Double STEM Workshop or STEM Box 1 – full of fabulous activities to run with multiple classes.

Schools entering the competition will receive performance reports for every participant and a free copy of the highly regarded ‘Caving Conundrum’ resource, which is a fabulous problem solving activity that can be run across Science, Geography and English.

For further information or to enter your school – you can visit the website, email events@thinkersineducation.co.uk or call 01603 520866.

The Debate Chamber Summer Schools offer students age 11-18 the opportunity to find out more about some fascinating subjects, prepare for university applications, meet like-minded peers and get to grips with some tough intellectual challenges.

The material will be challenging (for the older age-group, about the level of difficulty one might expect in the first year at university), but the atmosphere will be relaxed, with plenty of discussion, debate, and opportunities for students to shape the direction of classes. It is an environment conducive to getting to grips with new ideas.

Working in small groups (usually around 14 students per group) over several days offers participants a real chance to get to know tutors and fellow students and to explore the topics or questions that particularly interest them.

Highlights of Summer 2017:

The International Relations Summer School will introduce the central theories involved in the academic study of IR – realism, liberalism, constructivism and Marxism – and will then look at a range of detailed case studies in order to apply, test and explore these theories. Topics covered will include military intervention, international law, development aid, feminism and foreign policy, regional sessions looking at China and the Middle East, and the European response to the migration crisis.

The Law Summer School, in three distinct five-day Parts to allow time for more cases, more analysis and more debate on some of the most intriguing legal questions. Students can choose to focus on Criminal & Family Law, Civil Law or International and Human Rights Law. Each course builds towards a Mock Trial in which students play the role of barristers, build their case from the evidence, question witnesses and make speeches to the jury.

The Philosophy and Critical & Cultural Theory Summer Schools will look at some of the biggest questions in metaphysics, ethics and political theory, giving an opportunity to engage with the work of some fascinating thinkers, and also to develop students’ own skills of reasoning and argumentation.

For students interested in the Social Sciences or Humanities, we also have Summer Schools in Economics, Politics and History, while Arts enthusiasts should take a look at the English Literature, Classical Civilisations or Art History Summer Schools.

For aspiring scientists and mathematicians we also have the Physics, Mathematics and Medicine Summer Schools.

Practical Details:

All the Summer School events will be held at University of London venues in Bloomsbury, Central London, and will take place in July and August 2017. Please note that these courses are not residential, and accommodation must be arranged independently if required.

You can find full details of schedules, dates, costs, student reviews and tutors at http://www.debatechamber.com/summerschools/.

To book a place on any course please visit www.debatechamber.com/summerschools/, call us on 0845 519 4827, or email info@debatechamber.com. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.