Introducing the Child Mental Health Charter – Support for Primary Schools

The Child Mental Health Charter was launched on 11th March.  It has evolved from the ‘Children’s Mental Health beyond the Green Paper,’ report published on 30th January 2019 produced by a range of experts and practitioners, members of the All Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood.

It enshrines six broadly-based principles which can be used immediately as a definitive set of de-facto standards for all those working therapeutically with children in primary schools with the objective of improving the safety and effectiveness of practice.  It will also enhance the credibility of the school as caring  for their pupils and supporting parents.

More details: https://childmentalhealthcharter.com/

The Charter calls upon the Government to make this the blueprint to reform the 1983 Mental Health Act in 2019. The report also urges that more funding is made available to primary schools for the training of school staff and employment in a therapeutic role, together with joined up working with other services. A campaign has just been launched to gather a large number of supporters to help achieve these objectives more quickly.

Please pledge your school’s support as an organisation at https://childmentalhealthcharter.com/Campaign-Programme There’s no cost.  It will only take a few minutes.

For more details on implementing the principles of the Charter, or a copy of the full report: Info@childmentalhealthcharter.com

Yours sincerely,

Monika Jephcott
Child Mental Health Charter Campaign Leader

Fred Theatre’s amazing line up of in-school performances for 2019-20 is announced, and booking is open

Six marvellous productions – a more inter-active experience – greater learner support

Here at Fred Theatre H.Q. we are very excited about our plans for the upcoming school year. We are bringing back popular productions from this year, adding to them, and making a few changes to what we offer. Altogether, these will give you and your students a more exciting and valuable experience.

We have six amazing productions, for all of which you may reserve dates from today.

Designed with the needs of your GCSE students in mind we have…

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(available from 14 October to 20 December)

MACBETH
(available from 20 January to 07 February and 24 February to 08 May)

JEKYLL AND HYDE
(available from 24 February to 08 May)

ROMEO AND JULIET
(available from 03 to 14 February and 02 March to 08 May)

New for next year: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
(available from 02 March to 08 May)

And for your younger students…

FRED’S SHAKESPEAREANCE
(available now and throughout the coming year)
Our fun-packed three hour introduction to Shakespeare, his life and works, designed for students who are about to embark on studying the Bard

Six professional actors perform our GCSE text-based productions; we feel a smaller cast compromises quality. All Fred Theatre staff attending your school are DBS checked, trained in child safeguarding and experienced in the idiosyncrasies of in-school performances.

Teachers appreciate our commitment to the text and producing a faithful rendition of the original, just a little shorter! And, all we need to perform at your school is a space approximately 5m x 5m with room (of course) for the audience.

From October, we’re extending our time with you and your students to two hours. This enables us to include an interactive element between the cast and audience as part of the session. During this time there will be a discussion of the play’s themes, characters, how we approached the production, and choices made in rehearsal. There will also be a chance for you and your students to ask questions.

We are equally happy to run this as a continuous two hour session, or include a short break following the performance, whatever you feel will work best for you and your students.

Every student receives a programme that, along with cast and crew details, includes notes on the production and text, as well as support material for them to use in the interactive post-show session. Students will be able to keep these for use in class and as a valuable revision aid.

Also, from October, we will provide you with copies of information sheets, for distribution to students ahead of our being with you. These will provide valuable information about the text and production and we’re sure your students will want to keep them with their class notes to use in revision. These sheets will help build a sense of anticipation ahead of the performance, encouraging students to value our visit to your school, and make the most of their opportunity to learn from it.

As in previous years, we are happy to provide additional workshops if this is of interest to you. These are devised through discussion with you, and delivered by a member of our skilled education team. We can also arrange visits from our directors and artistic director.

To discuss any aspect of a visit from Fred Theatre to your school, please feel free to contact me or a member of our tour administration team. You can call us on 01789 777612 or email:

Helen: helen@fred-theatre.co.uk

Sarah: sarah@fred-theatre.co.uk

We look forward to speaking with you soon, and bringing amazing live performance to your school.

Robert Ball
Artistic Director

ad@fred-theatre.co.uk

PS: We appreciate how tight budgets are, so we’ve been working hard to keep our costs low and add as much value as possible to our offer. We reckon we’re hard to beat!

Will this calculator replace the Casio FX 83GT Plus? 

The Casio FX 83 GT+ was the UK’s best selling scientific calc…and deservedly so.  It’s been setting the pace in many UK schools & colleges and was the first choice for GCSE exams for many students.

But now it’s been discontinued, having been replaced by an upgraded spec’ model at a higher price. Top grade maths students are likely to benefit from this new model (FX83GTX), but what about the majority, for whom the FX83GT+ was perfectly adequate and available at a reasonable price?

Well, the news is positive. There is an alternative……

It’s the Logik LK 83XP which has almost all the features of the FX 83GT Plus but with one big advantage…… it’s dual power.  This combination of battery and solar power prolongs battery life and gives students  extra reassurance, especially when used in exams.

The LK 83XP has a THREE year guarantee* and is suitable for all exams where a calculator is allowed.  Features include: 252 functions,   “natural (textbook) display,” check, correct and replay, stats calculations, prime factorisation, hard plastic keys, slide on case, etc.

It’s a calc which can see your students all the way from year 7 to GCSE and at a surprisingly modest price.  (*excludes LCD damage)

Further details on: www.signposteducational.co.uk or phone 020 7515 1797 or email: signpost@talk21.com 

Signpost Educational Ltd., PO Box 999   London  E14 6SH 

PS.  For other calculators and helpful maths products please visit the website.

Book death?

The rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated

Mark Twain’s famous comment made, supposedly, on reading an obituary of himself while on a lecture tour in England might equally have been applied these last few years not to Mark Twain himself but to the whole concept of books in their printed form.

The printed book is dead, digital is king, we were told.  And yet, and yet…

The printed book does not just struggle on, it is thriving.  While sales of electronic books have started to decline, sales of printed books are rapidly recovering.

And one can understand why from several points of view.

For example, with the cost of quality paperback books having declined to as little as £1.88 each (with no minimum order and no delivery charge) many schools are taking the opportunity to reintroduce students to a revitalised school library.

Others are choosing a set of books and offering students the chance to take one book each to read, report back on it to the whole class, and then keep the copy of the volume for themselves.

And this collection of low priced volumes is not restricted, for the works range from tales of the great classics to books of poetry and from thence to mystery and supernatural and on and on.

Indeed the choice in fact is enormous.  If you would like to see our full list, grouped into collections, please take a look at this page from our website.

But if this all seems to be too good to be true we also have our offer of a free book just in case you have not come across Wordsworth Editions before.

To receive a free sample of one of our classics without any obligation whatsoever just email education@wordsworth-editions.com with your name and the school address, and we’ll put it in the post to you with our compliments.

Ordering, likewise is simple.  For the books are supplied for us by Bookpoint Ltd, and there is a very high chance in percentage terms that you will have an existing accounts. You can find full details on our website.

I do hope you will have a look at what we have to offer, and join thousands of other schools that are relishing this revised interest in the printed, as opposed to the digital.

What’s the best way of solving the problem of students who turn up for lessons or exams without a pen, pencil, ruler .. ? 

It’s not easy to ensure that every student comes to school or college properly equipped for lessons or exams.

Some may simply have woken up late and left home in a rush. Some might benefit from being better organised while others need to learn to be a bit more responsible.

What we do know, however, is that time is often wasted at the start of lessons while some students try to borrow what they need to benefit from their lesson.

All it needs is for a few students to forget a pen, ruler, pencil etc and what was supposed to be a well planned, interesting lesson can become  unproductive if some students are ready and able to work while others are not.

But  NOW  there’s a  simple, effective and low cost way of solving the problem       ….it’s the  “STUDENT ESSENTIALS” set. 

Consisting of, three quality black ink pens, two full length HB pencils, a 15 cm ruler,  pencil sharpener, eraser, all contained in  a clear “exam friendly”  PVC wallet with a zip slider….   From just 85p each, ex vat it’s a simple and effective way of improving productivity and helping students succeed in their lessons and exams. …not to mention making life easier for teaching staff.

Staff might like to  keep “Student Essentials” sets in the school or department office and then sell or give to students when the need arises.

More details at:    www.signposteducational.co.uk/student-packs/

Contact them on: Tel:  020 7515 1797 or email: signpost@talk21.com

Your orders are usually delivered within 1-3 working days.

Signpost Educational Ltd   PO Box 999   London  E14 6SH 

PS.  “Student Essentials” sets are also useful to hand out to students before their exams.

 

What’s the simple and cost effective way to help maths lessons be more productive,  both for teachers and students…….? 

Every now and again I get to chat with  teachers and one of the topics that often crops up is why some students don’t  bring a pen, pencil, ruler etc to their lessons.  They tell me that this leads to wasted time and a measure of disruption,  even before teaching has begun.

In an attempt to solve this problem there’s  a  product called the “Value Maths set ” which, as the name suggests, contains all the basics that students need for their  maths lessons.

Consisting of  two quality black ink ballpens, a full length HB pencil, eraser, 15 cm ruler, 180 degree protractor, metal compass and half pencil,  and a sharpener, all packed in an  A5 size, clear PVC “exam friendly” wallet with a zip slider.

From just £ 1.25 each (ex vat) the “Value Maths set”  is a convenient and cost effective solution to the problem of students who haven’t brought the correct kit to their maths lessons.  Ideal to give or sell  to students at the start of lessons or at the start of a school day………  also very useful for exams.

Full details of the “Value Maths set”   can be found on the website:

     www.signposteducational.co.uk 

You can order by email:  signpost@talk21.com     or  by phone on tel: 020 7515 1797

Signpost Educational Ltd.,   PO Box 999   London   E14 6SH

Why our builders will become programmers

With technology continuously evolving and pushing the building industry to more complex and advanced heights, the question to consider is: what does this mean for our builders? If technology is becoming an increasing presence in physical tasks, will our builders of the future be more akin to programmers?

In order to explore the matter further, we’ve teamed up with structure analysis software experts Oasys.

The concern of robots stealing jobs

It’s not a baseless worry, that one day robots might be able to do our jobs quicker and cheaper. Technology will not steal our jobs, but just replace us as we shift roles. But how will this impact the construction industry?

Let’s take a look at the numbers. Boston Consulting Group has said that by 2025, up to a quarter of jobs will be replaced by smart software or robots. This includes a range of professions, from factory workers to doctors, and even journalists. However, a study carried out by Oxford University has said that 35% of existing jobs in Britain are at risk of automation in the next 20 years.

It is not yet certain whether this will impact the number of physical workers. However, this can be challenged if we start preparing early and encourage current and future workers to adapt to the changes. This could include advancing their own skillset with a focus on how they can do their job better with the use of technology.

The change of roles in construction

But even if our workforce becomes increasingly more robotic, that’s not to say we would all be out of work — after all, someone needs to manage this technology. It’s also left unmentioned that workers will need to use technology, and that leads us to the decision that in the construction industry, builders of the future will become programmers. Over the years, we have seen constant changes in the way we work, and the construction sector has been very accepting to new and innovative methods to make jobs easier. From hammers to nail guns, shovels to diggers — and now practical labour to programming.

This is something that will naturally take time. Programming is a topic that schools around the UK should be looking to implement into their curriculums as a core subject to keep up with the demand of jobs and to keep up with the constant changes in technology. If we’re teaching young people old ways, they will be useless when it comes to doing the work and there might not even be jobs available that match their skillsets. With the constant growth in technology surrounding construction, young people need to be prepared with the skills and this shouldn’t be up for debate. Like the studies discussed earlier, more jobs are at risk of being lost due to smart software and robots. Workers need to be as good as the technology.

One piece of beneficial construction software already within the industry is Building Information Modellings (BIM). This technology allows the appropriate people to access all of the information about a project in one place. It can look at key stages of a project across the lifecycle of a job and provide the information that is needed. This can save both time and money for any construction company and allows builders to have a clear oversight. BIM can help illustrate the entire building, from starting processes to its demolition, and can even show how materials can be reused.

Workers will need to adapt to these changes within the industry in order to pick up more technological skills.

Sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-33327659

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/19/robot-based-economy-san-francisco

 

Anger is a natural part of being human; but it still needs to be managed

Almost certainly anger has been a human emotion since our species first evolved. For it has great survival benefits in warding off rivals and predators and helping establish tribal hierarchy.

However, in most schools teenagers are not faced by predators, and there is already a hierarchy established by the school and surrounding social structure.

But anger remains a potential in our makeup, and both children and teenagers need to have ways of overcoming the urge to express this primitive instinct at inopportune moments.

And helping students to control angry reactions both to everyday experiences and to the problems in their lives that accumulate across time can be difficult.

This difficulty can arise because we will want to offer emotional support to a student in difficulty, while at the same time having a duty towards everyone else in the class, including those who are on the receiving end of the anger.

However, there is an approach which makes it possible for students with anger issues to be fully integrated back into mainstream schooling.

This approach involves not just managing a student’s behaviour but also seeking out and dealing with the issues that are causing this behaviour as well as helping the student find the best emotional coping strategies to resolve the problem.

And this is what NLP4Kids offers: helping students communicate their thoughts and feelings with others, helping them make meaningful relationships, and ultimately helping them improve their employment opportunities all through bringing their anger under control.

If you feel that you have some students in your school who are not reaching their full potential because of anger and related issues, you may find our website helpful.

We have already worked with numerous schools across the country and now have additional time and funding available to come to your school and work with the students you nominate. There are more details of our work at http://nlp4kids.org.uk/schools-co-uk/

If you would like to discuss the options without any obligation please do call 0345 3192 666 or 0203 6677 294 or email gemma@NLP4Kids.org

POSTURA PLUS CLASSROOM CHAIRS

 Classroom chairs with a TWENTY  year warranty can save your school or college hundreds of pounds  AND eliminate time wasted in trying to repair damaged chairs.

Improvements in  design and manufacture  have  meant that the quality and durability of student chairs has improved significantly. The result is that it’s now possible to obtain classroom  chairs with a TWENTY  year warranty.

Designed not only to be comfortable, durable and virtually vandal proof but also to encourage good posture, the “Postura Plus” chair is available in sixteen attractive colours and six sizes,  making it ideal for use across different departments and in both primary and secondary sectors.

Prices from:   seat height   (mm)         £            prices are ex vat

size:

6                      460                      17.95

5                      430                      16.95

4                      380                      15.35

3                      350                      14.85

2                      310                      14.65

1                      260                      13.98

Prices are  “from…… and refer to the price per chair for a quantity of 350 +

Smaller quantities at slightly higher prices.  FREE delivery to most UK postcodes for orders of more than 40 chairs…… in approx. 7-10 working days except in very busy times.

For more information about these chairs please visit the website  

www.centraleducational.co.uk

 If you’d like to discuss their suitability for your organisation or to chat about a possible order please call 020 7515 1797 and ask to speak to Martin Evans who will be pleased to help.

Central Educational Supplies Ltd can also be contacted by email on info@centraleducational.co.uk

Central Educational Supplies Ltd,  PO Box 999  London, E14 6SH

What’s the simple and cost effective way to help maths lessons be more productive,  both for teachers and students…….? 

Every now and again I get to chat with  teachers and one of the topics that often crops up is why some students don’t  bring a pen, pencil, ruler etc to their lessons.  They tell me that this leads to wasted time and a measure of disruption,  even before teaching has begun.

In an attempt to solve this problem there’s  a  product called the “Value Maths set ” which, as the name suggests, contains all the basics that students need for their  maths lessons.

Consisting of  two quality black ink ballpens, a full length HB pencil, eraser, 15 cm ruler, 180 degree protractor, metal compass and half pencil,  and a sharpener, all packed in an  A5 size, clear PVC “exam friendly” wallet with a zip slider.

From just £ 1.25 each (ex vat) the “Value Maths set”  is a convenient and cost effective solution to the problem of students who haven’t brought the correct kit to their maths lessons.  Ideal to give or sell  to students at the start of lessons or at the start of a school day………  also very useful for exams.

Full details of the “Value Maths set”   can be found on the website:

     www.signposteducational.co.uk 

You can order by email:  signpost@talk21.com     or  by phone on tel: 020 7515 1797

Signpost Educational Ltd.,   PO Box 999   London   E14 6SH

How does positive mental health help pupils achieve better exam results?

Mental health has been welcomed as a well-regarded and important issue in schools throughout the last decade.

The Royal Family, celebrities and the government have, in numerous ways, contributed to the UK widely respecting this issue in schools and allowing pupils to talk through their mental health.

Support systems have been placed in schools through the length and breadth of the UK to assist students facing difficulties with their mental health and undoubtedly, your school is no exception.

Mindfulness is also increasing in popularity as a vehicle for pupils understanding the importance of sound mental health, however, many schools do not have the resources to provide a mindfulness programme linked with GCSE preparation.

A calmer and healthier mind are both, in our opinion, contributing factors to pupils receiving results commensurate with their abilities.

In our mindfulness workshop, pupils are transported into a world of safe and secure thinking. Pupils engage in a session of very basic mindfulness practise and through our guidance, it is demonstrated that it can be a useful tool to assist their calmness and focus in a sea of target grades and common anxieties.

Unlike programmes solely based around mindfulness, we couple our teachings with practical revision guidance that pupils can implement immediately to the preparation of their forthcoming exams.

Ultimately, we encourage pupils to believe in their own abilities and identify their strengths and areas where they may require additional support.

All pupils walk away with their own unique ‘time management profile’ and implement a ‘positive thinking plan’ which will help them achieve their GCSE goals.

To find out more information about this programme you can visit https://qsworkshops.com/workshops/mindfulness/ or you can call us anytime on 020 8088 0717

Debate Chamber Summer Schools 

The Debate Chamber Summer Schools offer students age 15-18 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.

Our tutors (typically Masters or PhD students) are selected for their exceptional communication skills, charismatic and inspiring classroom presence and very strong subject knowledge.

Working in groups of 12 – 14 students 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 from our Summer Schools 2019 programme include: 

Philosophy Summer School

The Philosophy Summer School 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. Divided into two five-day events (students can attend either one, or both) covering a wide range of topics and thinkers, from the ancient world of Plato and Aristotle to contemporary philosophers like Nussbaum and Singer.

The Philosophy Summer School is an amazing course. It covers a wide range of topics, allowing you to find out what most interests you. Great friends are made, and the week is thoroughly enjoyable. I’d recommend this course to anyone considering studying philosophy at university in some respect, or in fact to anyone interested in the subject. 

Medicine Summer School 

The Medicine Summer School offers a series of two-day events with specialist sessions on cardiology, paediatrics, oncology, emergency medicine and many other topics – enabling students to attend a wide-ranging introduction or select the sessions most relevant to their interests. This course gives a taste of what it is like to study Medicine, and so helps students to make an informed choice about whether this is a good fit for them. 

I have enjoyed my time at Medicine Summer School very much! The tutors have been fantastic, as they have been so engaging towards all aspects of the course. The amount of information covered in only two days has been extraordinary and I feel that I am so much more aware about the topics studied at medical school. I would recommend this Summer School to anyone interested in medicine as the course really gives you the opportunity to delve a lot deeper into the area of study than your GCSEs! 

Economics Summer School 

The Economics Summer School focuses on political economy and macro-economics, the five-day course will include seminars on a diverse range of topics, from financial and currency markets to an analysis of economic inequality and its potential remedies. We will also be looking at development strategies in emerging economies, and the emerging impact of Brexit on the UK and other economies. The focus throughout will be on debate and discussion, and on encouraging and supporting students to engage critically and actively with the material. Separate streams for students with and without previous experience of studying the subject. 

The Economics summer course is both highly informative and great fun, offering a great way to either start learning economics or to further your knowledge. It’s also a great way to meet other like-minded people who you get to know really well. Overall, the course is a great way to spend a week in summer and gives a taste of less formal learning. 

In addition to these highlighted courses, we also offer courses in English Literature, History, Classical Civilisations, International Relations, Politics, Maths, Physics, and Dentistry.

Bursaries 

Debate Chamber is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent any student from attending our events. Students can apply for bursaries covering up to 95% of the course fee through our website. 

How can my students attend?

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 2019. 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 please visit www.debatechamber.com/summerschools/, call us on 0800 810 1058, or email info@debatechamber.com. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

 

Summer Schools in Maths, Physics and Medicine

Debate Chamber Science and Mathematics courses are aimed at students who enjoy an intellectual challenge, and who are curious about the ways in which their knowledge can be applied to help with real-world questions. Our courses are academically intense, with an emphasis on independent thinking and collaborative problem-solving, providing a valuable insight into university level education.

Our tutors (typically Masters or PhD students) are selected for their exceptional communication skills, charismatic and inspiring classroom presence and very strong subject knowledge.

Working in groups of 12 – 14 students 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.

Physics Summer School (ages 15-18)

The Physics Summer School provides an opportunity for bright students to explore some of the most exciting and challenging ideas in contemporary physics. The Summer School is split into two parts: Part 1 focuses on classical mechanics and astrophysics and is open to GCSE and A-level students. Part 2 focuses on quantum mechanics and relativity and is open to students who will have completed at least one year of A-level mathematics.

‘Challenging, but great fun, the Physics course was a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into some of the fundamental principles that govern our world, giving me a better idea of what Physics at University might be like. From learning about the abstract world of Quantum Mechanics to discussing black holes and teleportation, the course left me astounded by both the amount we already know, and how much we have yet to discover!’

Mathematics Summer School (ages 15-18)

The Mathematics Summer School explores a variety of advanced topics in pure and applied mathematics, including set theory; prime numbers; algorithms; infinites; multi-variable calculus; proofs; cryptography; probability theory and Turing machines. Part 1 focuses on number theory, algebra and geometry and is open to GCSE and A-level students. Part 2 focuses on calculus, proofs and infinities and is open to students who have completed at least one year of A-level mathematics.

‘It was a fantastic opportunity to discover new areas of maths that I would otherwise have not been introduced to through the A Level syllabus. I enjoyed the course and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in approaching more challenging maths problems.’

Medicine Summer School (ages 15-18)

The Medicine Summer School is split into five 2-day programmes, each covering a different area of medical practice. Students will be given the opportunity to work alongside practising medical students to develop the theoretical and applied skills necessary to become a doctor.

‘Debate Chamber’s Medicine Summer School was great! I learnt in great detail about medical topics such as oncology, paediatrics and epidemiology. Suturing bananas was a highlight for me and I would thoroughly recommend the course for anyone considering medicine as a career.’

We also have a Young Doctors Summer School, which covers some of the more accessible medical topics for students aged 11-14.

Bursaries

Debate Chamber is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent any student from attending our events. Students can apply for bursaries covering up to 95% of the course fee through our website.

How can my students attend?

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 2019. 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 www.debatechamber.com. There is a limited amount of bursary funding available for students who would otherwise have financial difficulty in attending – please see our website for details.

To book a place please visit www.debatechamber.com, call us on 0800 810 1058, or email info@debatechamber.com. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. 

When offering careers guidance, are you listening to what your students want?

In 2018, over 16,000 students across the UK told us about their careers aspirations and how they access careers information. In our annual survey of school and college students, we found out that:

  • Over 80% of students feel as if they have little to no information about apprenticeships
  • 45% of students want more career workshops while at school/college
  • 71% of students want to go to university and 32% of them made this decision in primary school

We use our findings to help schools/colleges better understand the decision-making process of their students, and hence support them better with regards to careers. We provide a free bespoke report to our partners detailing:

  • How well-prepared your students are for the labour market
  • Regional and national benchmarks with other schools/colleges
  • Students’ assessment of the careers advice they receive
  • How your students would like to access careers information

In addition, it is something that can be used as a career’s guidance measuring tool in accordance with The Gatsby Benchmark.

We also work with employers to help them understand students’ views on their career options. Employers will use the insight to further improve and tailor their early careers programmes for different student groups and engage with schools/colleges in a more meaningful way.

We would really appreciate the chance to work with your school/college to make sure your pupils’ opinions and perceptions are accurately represented in the national context. All you need to do is encourage your students to take part by directing them to this link: https://bit.ly/2GPdrR9 (you can even try it out yourself!).

If you would like to receive more information about this study, please contact Bethany Appiah bethany.appiah@trendence.co.uk/ 02076547242

Want to get your students excited and ready to study the Bard?

I’m very pleased to announce Fred Theatre’s Shakespeareance. A dynamic, fun-packed, creative and interactive session, ideal for students about to embark on studying Shakespeare.

In common with teachers everywhere, I’m always on the lookout for new ideas to help Shakespeare and his works come alive for the next generation. Our new production, I reckon, does just that. It’s a fast-paced session that introduces Mr Shakespeare, his plays, and has students interact with the cast as well as create their own work.

“It was fantastic! So professional and carefully engineered to give

the students what they need.”

Parmiter’s School on Macbeth (2018)

Our team of three professional actors kick off each session with lots of fun, and occasionally (slightly) gruesome, facts about Shakespeare’s life and times.

Accompanied by music and song, we progress through extracts from a few plays, carefully providing just enough context for the students to appreciate what’s going on. The extracts pop up throughout the session and are lively, colourful and engaging.

We then move on to encourage creativity in our audience by getting students to think about what story they might tell based on either Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, The Tempest, or A Midsummer Night’s Dream. You chose!

All this is packed into a fantastic two and a half hour session (with time for a short comfort break). And, at a cost of just £525+vat we believe it’s hard to beat for value. Performances are available throughout May and June, and can be booked by contacting Helen, our tour administrator (details below).

There’s also still time to book any one of our four great in-school shows for the current academic year. Our 90- or 60-minute adaptations are fresh and exciting re-tellings of the familiar and much-loved stories. Each is performed by a cast of six professional actors and designed to give GCSE students the advantage of experiencing live theatre. Ideal as either an introduction to the text, or a timely revision tool, we concentrate on the text and producing a faithful representation of the original—just a little shorter! The four productions are:

ROMEO AND JULIET           MACBETH

A CHRISTMAS CAROL           JEKYLL AND HYDE

To discuss your requirements, and how we can help your students through one or more of our performances, either:

e-mail Helen in our office: helen@fred-theatre.co.uk

or visit our web site for more information and to sign-up for our regular schools’ newsletter: www.fred-theatre.co.uk/schools

Alternatively, you can call me or Helen for a chat about any aspect of Fred Theatre playing at your school on 01789 777612.

All we need to perform at your school is a space approximately 5m x 5m with room (of course) for the audience.

Get in touch today and let’s bring some great live theatre to your school soon.

Best wishes

Robert Ball
Artistic Director
Fred Theatre

PS: We have exciting plans for five productions in 2019-20 and I’ll be writing to you next month about these.

Want Issues and Debates Made Easier? 

This interactive Workshop with Dr Steve Taylor, University of London & shortcuts tv, is focused exclusively on making Issues & Debates in Psychology more accessible to students & illustrating them with up-to-date research examples (such as, epigenetics for the interaction of nature/nurture).

It will cover:

  • Nature/Nurture
  • Free Will & Determinism
  • Reductionism
  • Psychology as Science
  • Individual & Situational Psychology
  • Ethics & Ethical Issues
  • Socially Sensitive Research
  • Ethnocentrism
  • Bias in Psychology

Exam Guidance:   i) what examiners are looking for   ii) exam question practice    iii) transferable skills: bringing issues & debates into other questions. (Workshops will be AQA, OCR, Edexel or WJEC specific.)

Handouts: provide interactive materials and clear summaries of key studies used.  

Free:  5 Minute Revision Videos on each of the Issues & Debates covered. 

What Teachers Say 

He was incredibly engaging. Definitely booking again! 
Amy Speechley, St Gregory’s College

Steve’s visit was loved by all the students. It encouraged them to want more.
Sue Martin, Farnham College

Steve was engaging and had the students’ attention the whole time.
Priya Bradshaw Aquinas College

We hope to ensure that this is an annual event and we look forward to seeing Steve next year. He was amazing! 
Jackie Stanbury, Kirkham Grammar School 

Cost (inclusive)

Half day:  £300
Full day:  £500

Contact:    steve@shortcutstv.com

Check out our Psychology filmswww.shortcutstv.com

If you could influence the content of a new series of classics publications – what would you suggest?

In the near future The Davenant Press will be launching two new series for classicists.  First there will be a series of short paperbacks on Greece and the Roman Empire covering the A-Level syllabus and a second more substantial paperback series, Classical Civilisation which will be pitched mainly at university level but which is also intended to help school teachers. This series will cover the A level interest but will also include Ancient History and Patristics. I am currently writing to academics for ideas and as a member of the Classical Association (Oxford Branch) I am putting it on the website.

In addition there will be a new academic journal published twice a year on Rome 423-1929.

And this is an opportunity for you to influence the content of both the paperbacks and the journal by letting me know what subject areas you would like to see covered that would help with your teaching of classics in school and preparing pupils for university.

I really am open to all suggestions, and so by way of saying thank you I will be very happy to send a free copy of Essays on Ancient Historians by Susan Sorek to the first 25 positive suggestions I receive.

If you have any thoughts at all on subject areas or topics within the classics that you would like to see covered in the new journal “Rome 425 to 1929” please just email me at judithdavenant@gmail.com.  If you would like a copy of “Essays on Ancient Historians” just give me your postal address.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Judith Loades

Secure accredited online keyboard skills training for pupils with an optional funded qualification.

Learning to type with speed and accuracy is one of the most useful skills a child can learn.  It increases their confidence in using a computer, whilst enabling them to concentrate on learning content rather than typing mechanics.  Once learned, it’s a skill that lasts a life-time.

At Type&Test, we’re the UK’s foremost provider of online typing training and assessment tools for pupils of all ages and abilities.   We offer a range of options for schools including engaging online learning, delivered through a dedicated secure portal, with up to 60 hours of varied content, pre and post assessments, tracked and measurable results, personalised completion certificates and an optional accredited qualification that is eligible for funding.

To find out more, without commitment, please complete and submit our schools enquiry form.  Or give us a call on 017683 42821.

Regards,

Andy Stevenson, Director.

Type&Test Ltd

017683 42821

enquiries@typeandtest.com

www.typeandtest.com

Take a look at our video-based e-Learning Courses for school staff.

Our new online, video-based e-Learning courses will provide important CPD approved training for your staff at a time and pace to fit around their work commitments – all at a tiny fraction of the price of conventional training.

Please click here to see our 1-minute video overview.

Click on the subject headings below to see a list of all the titles under each category and to see a free preview of any of our courses.

Health & Safety – which includes Fire Safety, Food Safety, Anti-Harassment and Bullying, Behavioural Safety;

Business Skills – such as Delegation, Leadership, Equality, Diversity and Discrimination, Time Management;

Health & Social Care – including titles such as Safeguarding Children, Positive Handling in Schools; ‘Prevent’ Duty.

All our courses are of the highest quality, using video to illustrate and engage the learner.  Content is kept up to date constantly.  Each course includes a series of assessments which lead to a completion certificate, especially important where training is regulatory.  And most will earn CPD points for each individual learner.

For schools we offer flexible credit schemes with massive discounts against the individual prices shown on our web site.  Please click here to make a no-commitment enquiry and we’ll send you a price quotation.  

Regards,

Andy Stevenson, Director.

Type&Test Ltd

017683 42821

enquiries@typeandtest.com

www.typeandtest.com 

Violence in the Middle East.

Is this due to differing religious beliefs and philosophy, desire for power and land, or just pure hatred?

Our balanced talks by a Muslim and a Jew together provide new insights, useful for both GCSE and A level exams as well as PSHE, into the various conflicts, and explain differing political and historic claims, and the effect of the differences between Sunni and Shia Islam.

To book a free talk, please contact Ann Smith, office@middleeastedu.co.uk

For more information and detailed free resources, see our website     www.middleeastedu.co.uk

Two of the best dual power scientific calculators for KS 3, 4 and GCSE maths  plus scottish maths lessons and exams …… 

The Casio FX 85GT+ and the Logik LK 83XP are excellent choices for your

GCSE maths students.  They both benefit from battery power with solar power back-up  to provide extra reassurance for your students. Both calcs have a “natural display” function which enables students to enter expressions and data as shown in textbooks.  As you would expect the build quality of both calcs is excellent and they  benefit from a THREE year warranty. (excludes damage to the LCD).

The Logik  LK 83XP has similar features to the Casio FX 85GT+  but without the “verify” and “recurring decimal” functions. Both calcs  feature  prime factorisation, random numbers, algebraic logic, multi-line replay, standard deviation, log / anti-log, hyperbolics etc and have a three year warranty and are available at short notice from Signpost Educational Ltd., The  Logik LK 83XP  is available from £ 5.25 each  ex vat while the  Casio FX 85GT+  starts from £ 7.85 each ex vat. 

For more details & prices please see:      www.signposteducational.co.uk    

 or email to: signpost@talk21.com or phone: 020 7515 1797

Signpost Educational Ltd  PO Box 999  London E14 6SH 

PS.  orders are usually delivered within 1-3 working days.

Career 101: Could a Graphic Design Role Work for You?

Is a career in graphic design your ultimate dream job? For many people it is as it invites those with an artistic flair to express themselves creatively every day in their workplace role. So, how do you determine the type of design role to go after and what’s the best route to secure a job in this sector?

Together with Where The Trade Buys, retailers of professionally printed correx signs, let’s explore the subject more in the guide below.

There are many design roles out there… choose one that best suit you
Designers are sought after in a range of industries, from marketing agencies to illustration companies. It’s true that you could find yourself in any sector, but what roles are out there?

A role in branding
Design is a big part of branding for many companies. It helps them project their message to a target market and create a memorable brand image. Some companies have design teams in-house and others outsource to marketing and design agencies. It’s down to you to decide which environment you think you’d enjoy most. In an agency role for example, you could be working with a variety of businesses and projects all at one. As part of an in-house team, you’d work solely with that brand.

How does a branding project work? Here, you’d work closely with the company to determine target markets and talk about how the brand can be best represented visually.

A role in typography
What is a typographer? These people are trained in the design of type and lettering, another important part of creating visuals. As you’re probably aware, a logo or the typography of a company can become widely recognisable by customers — take Coca Cola for example.

This type of role appeals to people who are interested in lettering styles and getting creative with words. This is quite a niche area, therefore many designers specialise in this alongside other areas of design.

A role in editorial design
Editorial design is the process of designing magazines books and newspapers — for both online and offline publications. This type of design requires an eye for composition, layout and aesthetically pleasing typography.To succeed as an editorial designer, you should have the following qualities:
• The ability to recognise attractive content
• Understand what the reader wants to see on the page
• Be skilled in the layout of images and content

A role in illustration
A common role for illustrators is a job in animation. Or, you might find yourself in a company role who require illustrations to spread their brand message or inform their audience.

As an illustrator you might find yourself:
• Designing posters
• Creating storyboards
• Producing images for books and book covers
• Designing merchandise products
• Getting involved with film and cartoon creation
• Video game and app design

Some illustrators become specialised too in subjects such as science, technology and medicine. Here, they create imagery for text books and material to help readers understand the subject.

These jobs are only a selection of what you could be exposed to as a designer. Conduct plenty of research to find the job that you’re most interested in.

Studying and work experience
Although a lot of design roles are about your creativity, there are some things you can do in terms of work experience and studying.
The first thing to consider is a university degree, perhaps in graphic design. Each course is different, depending on the university but most of them cover the following topics:
• The influences of graphic design
• Styles of typography
• How branding and design comes together

To get accepted onto an undergraduate course like this, you’re often asked to bring a portfolio of your work. Through an Art and Design related GCSE or A-level you can start to discover your own style and use the work to create a portfolio for the future.

Gaining some work experience can come in handy too. Why not get in touch with a local design agency or local business? If you don’t mind working unpaid, it’s likely that businesses will take you up on your offer. During university, take the opportunity to do a year in industry too. You’ll hopefully learn more about the industry you’re most interested in and can gain some extra experience to add to your CV!

Australian University Open Days

On Friday 22 March and Saturday 23 March, Study Options will be holding Australian University Open Days. These are free information events aimed at students (and schools) who would like to find out more about university options in Australia.

Many representatives from Australian universities will be present at the events to speak with prospective students in person. Study Options’ Open Days are held twice a year, in March and November, and are a great opportunity for students to get more information and talk to representatives from the universities face-to-face. For the majority of the universities, these are the only in-person events they undertake in the UK.

Which universities will be there?

New South Wales, Australia

Queensland, Australia

Victoria, Australia

Tasmania, Australia

Western Australia, Australia

About the events

The Open Days are open to students, parents and schools. Please register your place at www.studyoptionsopendays.com.

Friday 22 March, 2pm-5pm

Crowne Plaza, Wollaton Street, Nottingham, NG1 5RH

Saturday 23 March, 1.30pm-6.00pm

Australia House, Strand, London, WC2B 4LA

There is a lot more information available at www.studyoptionsopendays.com regarding venues, opening times and how to register. Please do let us know if you have any questions or if there is any further information we can provide.

Please note, these events are not suitable for students who have Australian or New Zealand citizenship (passports), as these students must apply through a separate process. You can find out more about the domestic application process on our website.

Contact Study Options with any questions about the events or for free information and advice about studying in Australia and New Zealand.

Download an A4 PDF poster about the events here

Contact Study Options

Website: www.studyoptions.com

Telephone: 0207 353 7200

Email: mail@studyoptions.com

 

It’s all about Germany

Twentieth century Germany is still so important for both GCSE and A level courses.

Whether it’s Weimar, the Thirties, the period of WW2 or the Cold War, we can offer your students specialist study tours to increase their knowledge and understanding.

Take a look at History Tours to whet your appetite, then give us a call to talk through your needs.

Culture Trails

Travel House, Llwynmawr, Llangollen LL20 7BB

Tel: 01691 886161 e: history@culturetrails.co.uk

Could one workshop move pupils from a level 5 to a level 6? 

Five years of preparation towards the all-important exams create a plethora of challenges along the way, alongside which schools are expected to prepare pupils for the real world.

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development now forms an integral portion of the OFSTED handbook which declares that an outstanding school would have a “thoughtful and wide-ranging promotion of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.”

Thus, the question arises: Can one workshop surrounding ‘Mindfulness’ truly have an impact on pupils’ GCSE results?

Since relaxation, stillness and focus can have a direct impact on exam performance it does seem that it may be able to make a difference.

Many schools have already turned to Mindfulness practice, especially in relation to revision techniques, as well as every day school life.

Our Mindfulness workshop is coupled with practical revision and homework techniques that are born out of the same focus and stillness.

Preachy clichés are kept at bay and, before any practical exploration, pupils gain a sense of what mindfulness practice actually is and how some people choose to apply it to their lives.

Pupils leave with their own unique ‘time management profile’ and are able to implement a ‘positive thinking plan’ to go alongside their academic revision plan. Perhaps it really could have an influence on the results in that brown envelope in August?

For more information on this Mindfulness workshop, you can visit https://qsworkshops.com/workshops/mindfulness/ or you can call me anytime on 020 8088 0717.

What is the best reaction you can have to the daily assembly?

Imagine a child going home after school and volunteering to his/her parents the story of what happened during the day (rather than waiting to be asked, and then offering the shortest of answers).

And imagine further that what the child chooses to talk about is the school assembly, with parents also bringing up the subject when they attend a parents evening, talking to you about how certain assemblies have really made an impact on their child.

Of course, you may well find this happens from time to time, with the parents spontaneously mentioning assemblies, but even if so you will know that there is a constant pressure to find more and more assemblies that grab attention and give children insights into the moral, personal and social world in which they live.

It was to provide such assemblies that my colleagues and I began to contemplate what made certain assemblies have a really strong influence on the children we teach.

We knew, of course, that we needed to create assemblies that were original, and which also met the social and emotional needs of the children who attend them and offer a focus on the values that the school wishes to present to the children.

As a result we have produced a set of over 350 assemblies with each one categorised and indexed, each of which is instantly available and fully scripted.

You can read a full example of one of our assemblies by following this link   Additionally you can see the complete list of the categories and from there you can go into each category and see the details of all the assemblies on offer.

All the details are available at http://www.assemblybox.co.uk where you can also order online:

• a 12 month subscription (only £149 + VAT)
• a 24 month subscription (only £142 + VAT per year)
• a 36 month subscription (only £135 + VAT per year)

If you have any questions please email enquiries@assemblybox.co.uk

Is it possible to make Year 6 confident about Secondary School transition, in 90 minutes?

Apparently yes, it is possible, because so far over 100,000 pupils have enjoyed our workshops in their own school. Feedback from teachers has been universally positive.

What pupils develop in this workshop is a safe and secure mindset regarding the looming transition to Secondary School.

Using Drama, pupils are introduced to three characters with varying experiences on their first day of Secondary School. They learn their fears and how they overcame them, making them feel more settled and at ease.

They have the opportunity to interact with each of them, with the purpose of making them comfortable to ask any difficult questions.

The 90 minute workshop encompasses useful learning and thinking skills, annotation, keeping safe, cyber safety, developing friendships, and a broad introduction to steering clear from crime.

Most importantly though, pupils are encouraged to think positively about their futures.

Our transition programme was put together with a consortium of educators, writers and performers ensuring that it works for pupils, educators and parents every time – and with 800+ school visits to date, we feel confident that we can verify this is the case.

For more information, please visit https://qsworkshops.com/workshops/year-6-transition/ or you can call me anytime on 020 8088 0717.

What part of the school day do children in your school enjoy the most?

Whether you’ve asked the children that question or not the chances are you can guess the most popular answers.  Play time, lunch break, games, the reading of a story, art…

But does anyone say “Assembly”?

If any children do give that as an answer they are probably going to be in a minority, and yet it ought to be possible to generate more enthusiasm for assemblies since the assembly is an opportunity to do something utterly different from what happens in the rest of the day.

Indeed, there is no reason why the children should not look forward to each day’s assembly in order to find out what new and exciting event is going to happen next.

And there is of course a bonus here, because in such a scenario what we inevitably find is that one has everyone’s complete attention.

It was with this idea in mind that I began to collect ways of delivering Assemblies that did more than meet the statutory requirement. Assemblies that become as riveting as the TV programme that children ensure they get home in time to watch each day.

But of course assemblies need more than originality, for they also need to meet the social and emotional needs of the children who attend them and offer a focus on the values that the school wishes to present to the children.

As a result of this thinking we have produced a set of over 350 assemblies which are instantly available, and fully scripted.  And we are still working on the project with new assemblies being added every month.

These assemblies are divided into 12 categories along with an index which allows you to choose your assembly by topic.   You can read a full example of one of our assemblies by following this link 

Additionally you can see the complete list of the 12 main categories and from there you can go into each category and see the details of all the assemblies on offer.

All the details are available at http://www.assemblybox.co.uk where you can also order online:

• a 12 month subscription (only £149 + VAT)
• a 24 month subscription (only £142 + VAT per year)
• a 36 month subscription (only £135 + VAT per year)

If you have any questions please email enquiries@assemblybox.co.uk

Two of the best  scientific calculators for KS 3, 4 and GCSE maths  plus scottish maths lessons and exams ……  

The Casio FX 85GT+ and the Logik LK 83XP are excellent choices for your GCSE maths students.  They are in use in thousands of  schools and colleges throughout the UK.

Both calcs have a “natural display” function which enables students to enter expressions and data as shown in textbooks.  As you would expect the build quality and reliability of these calcs is excellent and they both  benefit from a THREE year warranty. (excludes damage to the LCD).

The Logik LK 83XP has similar features to the Casio FX 85GT+  (but without the “verify” and “recurring decimal” functions).  Both calcs  feature  prime factorisation, random numbers, algebraic logic, multi-line replay, standard deviation, log / anti-log, hyperbolics etc and have a THREE year warranty and are available at short notice from  Signpost Educational Ltd.

The  Logik LK 83XP  is available from £ 5.25 each while the  Casio FX 85GT+  starts from £ 7.85 each.  Both are also available in class sets of 30 calcs in a Gratnells storage box with a foam insert and a clip on lid. 

For more details & prices please see:      www.signposteducational.co.uk    

 or email to: signpost@talk21.com or phone: 020 7515 1797

Signpost Educational Ltd  PO Box 999  London E14 6SH 

PS. orders are usually delivered within 1-3 working days. Prices are ex vat.

Business in action

If, like us, you think it essential to study business as it happens, where it happens, then we invite you to bring your students to some of Europe’s most exciting cities to see business in action.

You will be welcome guests at large and small concerns who are happy to show you the way they do things.

Take a look at Business Studies Tours to whet your appetite, then give us a call to talk through your needs.

Culture Trails

Travel House, Llwynmawr, Llangollen LL20 7BB

Tel: 01691 886161 e: business@culturetrails.co.uk

New – Video-based E-Learning Courses for School Staff.

With many years’ of experience in delivering accredited online keyboard skills training for school pupils, we are now pleased to announce the launch of our new online, video-based e-Learning courses for your staff.  These will provide key accredited training, some of which is regulatory, at a time and pace to fit around their work commitments – all at a tiny fraction of the price of conventional training.

There are three broad subject areas:-

Health & Safety – which includes Fire Safety, Food Safety, First Aid, Anti Harassment and Bullying, Behavioural Safety;

Business Skills – such as Delegation, Leadership, Equality, Diversity and Discrimination, Time Management;

Health & Social Care – including titles such as Safeguarding Children, Positive Handling in Schools; ‘Prevent’ Duty.

For a full list of courses and details of their content, click on the subject headings above.  You will find a preview of the first module of every course which you can view free of charge.

All our courses are of the highest quality, using video to illustrate and engage the learner.  Content is kept up to date constantly.  And each course includes a series of assessments which lead to a completion certificate, especially important where training is regulatory.

Please click here to make an enquiry and we’ll send you a price quotation.  For schools we offer flexible credit schemes with massive discounts against the individual prices shown on our website.

Regards,

Andy Stevenson, Director.
Type&Test Ltd

017683 42821

enquiries@typeandtest.com

www.typeandtest.com 

Image removed by sender.

We have space in the diary for you… but not much!

“It was fantastic! So professional and carefully engineered to give the students what they need.”

There’s still time to book any one of our four great in-school shows for the current academic year. However, the diary is filling up so I recommend getting in touch with Helen, our tour administrator, ASAP.

The four productions are:

ROMEO AND JULIET           MACBETH

A CHRISTMAS CAROL           JEKYLL AND HYDE

To discuss your requirements, and how we can help your students through one or more of our performances, either:

e-mail Helen in our office: helen@fred-theatre.co.uk

or visit our web site for more information: www.fred-theatre.co.uk/schools

Alternatively, you can call me for a chat about any aspect of Fred Theatre playing at your school on 01789 777612.

All we need to perform at your school is a space approximately 5m x 5m with room (of course) for the audience. If you have room, and feel it would be a good idea, you can also invite some parents along too, so that they can see what their sons and daughters are studying.

Our 90- or 60-minute adaptations are fresh and exciting re-tellings of the familiar and much-loved stories. Each is performed by a cast of six professional actors. We concentrate on the text and producing a faithful representation of the original—just a little shorter!

Get in touch today and let’s see if we can bring some great live theatre to your school soon.

Best wishes

Robert Ball
Artistic Director
Fred Theatre

PS: We have exciting plans for 2019-20 and I’ll be writing to you about these next month.

 

English Literature Summer School 2019 Booking Now Open

A wonderful opportunity for students aged 15-18 with a passion for literature to discover a range of new authors and texts, explore fresh approaches to familiar works and to prepare for undergraduate study of English Literature.

“I absolutely adored the summer school – it was completely inspiring and I enjoyed every second of it! I would have done the week over and over! I would recommend to anyone interested in literature, no matter whether experienced or not because you will, without a doubt, come away from the course with a passion for literature that will never leave you!”

The English Literature Summer School – Part 1 will cover literature dating from 650AD to 1790AD, including Middle English, Medieval Literature, Chaucer, The Renaissance, Shakespeare, Restoration Literature and the Rise of the Novel. In addition we will also be covering Historicist and Feminist critical approaches as part of this Summer School.

The English Summer School – Part 1 will be held on the 29th July – 2nd August – you can see a schedule for the course here.

The English Literature Summer School – Part 2 will cover literature dating from 1790AD to the present day, including Romanticism and the Gothic Movement, Victorian Sensation Novels, Literature and the British Empire, Modernism, Postmoderism and Contemporary Literature. We will be covering the ‘Death of the Author’ and Postcolonial criticism as part of this Summer School.

The English Summer School – Part 2 will be held on the 5th – 9th August – you can see a schedule for the course here.

Please note that students can attend both Parts of the Summer School, or either one, depending on their literary interests. Although the courses complement one another, they can also be treated as stand alone events and there is no requirement to have attended Part 1 in order to register for Part 2.

The material will be challenging, about the level of difficulty one might expect in the first year at university, but a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of discussion, debate, and opportunities for students to shape the direction of classes creates the perfect environment for getting to grips with new ideas. Working in small groups (usually around 12 students per class) over five days means a real chance to get to know tutors and fellow students and to explore the topics or questions that particularly interest each individual.

This Summer School is suitable for all students aged 15-18 with a love for literature!

“The Summer School was really fantastic. I had the chance to explore Old English which I was interested in, but had not fully explored. I now have so many ideas and further reading lists to look at especially for my personal statement which is very helpful indeed. The tutors are all experts in their fields and create an engaging, challenging environment. Highly recommend.”

“This was the second time I had done a Debate Chamber course, and it was just as good as the first. I really love the sequential nature of the English course, especially as it helps so much in placing texts in their historical and inter textual contexts. I particularly enjoyed the Measure for Measure session because we were able to all explore many of the problems and themes in the play in a very liberating and intense way. I loved the debates that were generated. I also really enjoyed the Anglo-Saxon session because it was an introduction to something I had never covered before, and which also introduced me to some excellent early feminist writers (Margery Kempe!). Every day I came home absolutely buzzing and it really helped cement my desire to take English Literature at university. Thank you so much to all the tutors and the rest of my group for making this week a brilliant and memorable experience.”

Read more reviews from previous English Literature Summer School students here.

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 2019. 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 https://debatechamber.com/project/english-literature-summer-school/Please note that there is a limited amount of bursary funding available for students who would otherwise have financial difficulty in attending.

To book a place please visit http://www.debatechamber.com/, call us on 0800 810 1058, or email info@debatechamber.com. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Is it really possible to portray the entire PSHE syllabus in one hour… on stage?

Apparently yes, it is possible, because so far over 100,000 secondary school students have watched the theatrical presentation “Alphabet of a Teenager” in their own school.  Feedback from teachers has been universally positive.

What these students have seen is a production that covers 36 PSHE issues in one 60 minute performance.

The play follows a teenager as he reflects on how his life has changed over his time at school, the friends he’s made along the way, and the trials and tribulations of teenage life.

The performance encompasses drug and alcohol education, emotional health and wellbeing, work-related learning, racism and cyber safety.

Alphabet of a Teenager was put together with a consortium of educators, writers and performers, ensuring that it works for pupils and students every time – and with productions having taken place in over 800 schools, we can certainly verify that this is the case.

There are also optional follow up workshops which delve deeper into the issues raised.

To find out more about this performance please visit https://qsworkshops.com/workshops/alphabet-of-a-teenager/ or you can call me at anytime on 020 8088 0717.

What is the one factor that all parents are concerned about when it comes to schoolwear?

When it comes down to it there are two factors that parents can be concerned about, although sadly one of those factors is something that we can do nothing about.

The issue beyond our control is, of course, the unavoidable reality that all children grow, which means schoolwear has to be replaced year by year.

That obviously can’t be avoided, but the other issue – that is the quality of labels, embroidery, and print that is added to school clothing – is very much under your control.

Which is a rather important factor, for there is no doubt that the one thing that annoys parents almost more than any other is the quality of anything that is added to their school uniform purchases.

And the simple fact is that the quality of labels, embroidery, and print on school garments can vary from one supplier to another.  Indeed, as you may well have found, embroidery and print are services that many firms claim to offer, but not everyone gets it right.

The simple fact is that we are the specialists in this area of work including embroidery without minimum quantities, heat transfer printing, direct to garment digital printing, bespoke garment labels, and of course nametapes.

If it is labels and tags that you are interested in you will be able to find out more on our specialist web page

You can also find out more about each of these areas on our website – from this page you will find at the top links to the rest of our work.

Alternatively you can call us on 01208 833 070, fax 01208 781 158 or email wovina@aol.com and we’ll be pleased to quote you.

THE NEW GENERATION OF TRIM TRAIL PLAY EQUIPMENT

For the past twenty years or so, trim trail play equipment has been incredibly popular within school playgrounds and for good reasons – it caters for a wide range of children aged 4-11; it can easily be added to as funds allow; it is easy to install; some items do not require safety surfacing which can be quite expensive and it promotes physical and mental awareness.

Up until now, the standard material used for this type of play equipment has been timber and usually rounded log as this avoids any sharp edges for children. Whilst this is a pleasant material to work with, it also has its disadvantages too in that rounded posts suffer quite badly from radial cracking where the wood dries out from the pith (centre), causing shakes and splits which can open up quite considerably in the summer months. And more importantly, posts which are dug into the ground without the proper protection will eventually rot over a period of time and render the playground unsafe to use…or even condemned in worst case scenarios.

But there is now a new alternative and that is adventure trim trails made out of recycled plastic instead of timber. Recycled plastic has quite a lot of advantages for a school to consider when considering value for money – firstly, it is incredibly eco-friendly as it is manufactured out of recycled plastic milk cartons which very much complements the whole eco schools programme and teaches children about sustainability. It does not rot even when dug into the ground whatever the conditions; it is hard to vandalise; it lasts about five times longer than other materials; it is UV resistant and does not suffer from the afore-mentioned shakes & splits; it is splinter free and it is virtually maintenance free (so some big savings to be made for a school’s annual maintenance budget).

The trim trail range includes products such as stepping stones; traverse crossings; balance beams; play towers; multi-faceted activity cubes; spring boards; net climbers; log weavers; clatter/net bridges and fitness trails.

We have therefore put together some recommended trim trail packages but a school is also able to have their own “pick n mix” trail comprised of a selection of our individual products within the range.

And we can also provide for any attendant safety surfacing if so required.

The Hideout House Company  also offer other products in the recycled plastic range including planters, mud kitchens and tables, sandboxes, dipping pond platforms and tables.

If you would like to know how we can help your school develop its playground, then please contact the Hideout House Company on 01832 275902 or email: info@hideouthouse.com.

Young Fashion Designer Making Waves For A Big British Brand

Have you ever wondered what its like to be a fashion designer of an international brand? Well now, you don’t have to. With a phenomenal presence as an online retailer for both menswear and womenswear, several stores across the UK and entities in Spain and America, we were welcomed into the office of Emma Kenyon — a leading fashion designer at QUIZ.

Her life at work is everything you would expect it to be and more — she’s like the real-life Miranda Priestly. But nicer of course. So, if you’re studying fashion or want to make waves in the industry, this is the girl boss that you should be looking up to and we have all the deetz you’re dying to know.

How long have you worked at QUIZ?

Wow, you’re testing my memory now! I’ve been at QUIZ for around five years now — I guess time flies when you’re having fun. It’s interesting how I got to work here actually, I’ve always respected QUIZ as a brand and how it influenced my fashion choices when I was younger, so I rang up the HQ and told them that I thought I would make a great addition to their team even though there were no positions available, I secured two interviews and done a huge presentation in front of the decision makers!

What is the first thing you do when you arrive at the office?

Equipped with my coffee, I check out what has been selling that week and which styles have really taken off with our customers. This is really important from a design perspective, because once we know the type of items of customers want, we can tailor future products to those specifications!

What do you spend most of your time doing?

My aim is to create something that people feel proud wearing, so I spend a lot of time researching new shapes and taking inspiration from luxury brands. It’s important to strike a balance between affordability and the latest trends so that our customers can always have an up-to-date wardrobe at a low cost while not compromising on the quality of our garments.

What is the best part of your job?

Every designer will say this, but the best part of the job is seeing something that you’ve worked on go from development to fruition in stores. I love scrolling on Instagram and seeing lots of people wearing the dresses I have designed on their nights out!

Where do you get your design inspiration from?

There’s so much inspiration out there, but I mainly look towards trend forecasting agencies, international brands, catwalks and of course — Instagram!

What makes a great fashion designer?

If you want to be a fashion designer, a key interest in the industry is essential. You’ll need a lot of motivation, the ability to pick commercial trends and be able to know your customers like the back of your hand!

Did you study fashion related courses?

You should always work hard in all of your subjects as this can really open up more opportunities for your future. I did GCSEs and A-Levels in Textiles, then moved on to an Art and Design course at college where I specialised in fashion. Then, I went to university for four years and got my fashion design degree!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in fashion design?

Getting experience is essential, reach out to companies and ask if they offer internships! Before QUIZ, I completed an internship at House of Holland in the lead up to London Fashion Week where I learnt pattern cutting. As well as this, I also worked in John Lewis’ head office as an intern where I learnt CAD design skills. Take as many opportunities as you can — it will look great on your CV!

Volcanoes, dunes and cities

Of all the subjects on the curriculum, Geography must be the one that most demands its students to get out of the classroom and into the field.

As well as the ever popular Iceland, we offer tours to Germany to study urban planning and coastal geography.

Take a look at Geography study tours to whet your appetite, then give us a call to talk through your needs.

Culture Trails

Travel House, Llwynmawr, Llangollen LL20 7BB

Tel: 01691 886161 e: geography@culturetrails.co.uk

 

Accredited online keyboard skills training for pupils with an optional funded qualification.

Learning to type with speed and accuracy is one of the most useful skills a young person can learn.  It increases their confidence in using a computer, whilst enabling them to concentrate on learning content rather than typing mechanics.

For sixth-formers looking forward to entering further or higher education or employment, it is a skill that will prove to be invaluable.  A skill that will give them an advantage in the short term and then last a lifetime.

At Type&Test, we’re the UK’s foremost provider of online typing training and assessment tools for learners of all ages and abilities.   We offer engaging online learning, delivered through a dedicated secure portal, with up to 60 hours of varied content, pre and post assessments, tracked and measurable results, and an optional accredited qualification that is eligible for funding.

To find out more, with no obligation, please complete and submit our schools enquiry form.  Or just browse our website at www.typeandtest.com

Regards,

Andy Stevenson, Director.
Type&Test Ltd

017683 42821

enquiries@typeandtest.com

www.typeandtest.com

History Summer Schools 2019

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 (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 2019 for students (aged 15-18) interested in History:

The History Summer School is an intensive five-day course which looks at historiographical questions and historical methods, using seminars, lectures, activities and informal discussions. Topics are selected to challenge and broaden the historical outlook of participants, and give a taste of what the subject is like at undergraduate level.

See more details of the History Summer School here.

The Classical Civilisations Summer School looks at the ancient worlds of Greek and Rome from a range of perspectives, including politics, international relations, literature and philosophy. On this course we try to convey both the radical strangeness of the classical world, and to look at the legacy in modern times of ancient thinkers, ideas and institutions.

See more information about the Classical Civilisations Summer School here.

In addition to the those highlighted above, we also have Summer Schools in International Relations, Politics, Economics, Philosophy, English Literature, Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Maths and Physics.

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 2019. 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 www.debatechamber.com/summerschools/.

There is a limited amount of bursary funding available for students who would otherwise have financial difficulty in attending – please see our website for details.

To book a place please visit www.debatechamber.com/summerschools/, call us on 0800 810 1058, or email info@debatechamber.com. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

 

What is the single biggest problem that comes from the need to deliver a new assembly every day? 

During the course of their primary school lives most children will take part in over 1000 assemblies.

Which provides a significant challenge.  How can one ensure that each day’s assembly has an immediate impact on each child, and then additionally ensure that some of these assemblies have such an impact that they will be remembered for months (and sometimes even years) to come?

This is the issue that schools face every day through the school year, and it is the issue we looked to solve when we created Assembly Box.

The aim has been to create a series of 350 outstanding assemblies that really engage the pupils and which they will remember over time.

Each assembly is fully scripted and the collection comes with a complete index so that you can choose your assembly by topics as diverse as community and citizenship, saints’ days, black history, social and emotional stories and so on.

What’s more each assembly comes with its own supporting presentation material, and a set of ready-to-use key word cards.   The assemblies can be downloaded and printed out, thus making them immediately usable without further preparation.

You can see a complete list of the 12 main categories our assemblies are divided into here on our website, and from there you can go into each categories and see  the details of all the assemblies on offer.  Just visit http://www.assemblybox.co.uk/

You can also read a full example of one of our assemblies by following this link

The complete set of all of our assemblies costs £149 (+ VAT).  Order on line at www.assemblybox.co.uk

If you have any questions please email enquiries@assemblybox.co.uk

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Let’s make Shakespeare come alive for the next generation

Responding to a number of enquiries, I’ve been busy working on a new interactive production for younger students who are about to embark on their Shakespeare studies. Working title: Introducing… Mr William Shakespeare

The concept is straightforward – make Shakespeare come alive through an exciting, fun session that imparts knowledge and encourages creativity. I’m planning a production that fills up a half day, has actors playing out short scenes, is full of fun facts and has students thinking and working creatively with each other. In other words, a session that leaves students enthused about the bard and prepared to study his works.

I’d love to talk to you about this, and how bringing the production to your school might help your students get ahead of the game when it comes to working on their Shakespeare texts.

The fist draft of the content is currently with colleagues at a couple of local schools for their feedback. We will be finalising this soon and then touring the production during the summer term.

In the meantime, there’s still time to book our touring productions designed with the needs of GCSE students in mind. These are…

JEKYLL AND HYDE     A CHRISTMAS CAROL 

MACBETH     ROMEO AND JULIET

Feel free to call me on 01789 777612 or email: ad@fred-theatre.co.uk to discuss any aspect of Fred Theatre playing at your school.

Robert Ball
Artistic Director
Fred Theatre

PS: For more information, please visit our web site: www.fred-theatre.co.uk/schools

Major anniversaries in 2019

Hard to believe that it’s 2019 and there isn’t a child in the world who was alive in the twentieth century!

So many anniversaries this year, all of which give even more reason, if you need more reason, to take your students on a study tour.

Amsterdam will be celebrating Rembrandt, and Paris (Louvre) – Leonardo.

The centenary of the founding of the Bauhaus suggest that this is the year to visit Berlin, Weimar and Dessau.

Take a look at Art study tours to whet your appetite, then give us a call to talk through your needs.

 

Culture Trails

Travel House, Llwynmawr, Llangollen LL20 7BB

Tel: 01691 886161 e: art@culturetrails.co.uk

Why reading poetry on-line is not reading poetry

If we consider the works of the great poets of the language – Blake, Burns, Byron, Chaucer, Keats, Shelly, Tennyson, Wordsworth, Shakespeare etc etc – all of it is available to read on-line.

But in a sense it is also not available on-line.   By which I mean it is there, but not in a way that the student can use.

Of course, one can find a particular poem and read it on the screen.  One can also print the poem out – but interestingly very few students do this.  What they do is read on-line, and then, if asked to write a commentary or critique, they cut and paste.

None of this activity takes them anywhere near the words as the poet intended. The overall impact of the poem as a unified whole is lost, and the value of the work in our culture is reduced to the same level as the distracting Facebook message that pops up in the corner of the screen while the student is reading on-line.

There is in fact every reason to encourage students to read poetry in book form.  And of course, not just the poetry that is part of the syllabus but other poems written by those whose work is being studied.

Which is why printed editions of the works of poets are still very much required if the student is to get a serious understanding of what the poet was saying.

And thankfully the printed editions are not only still available, they are available at very modest prices, so every school can have new editions of the collected works of the greatest poets throughout the history of English literature.

Not just those poets listed above, but also Kipling, Owen, Wilde, Whitman, Yeats and many more.

Our works include reprints of the classics from as little as £2.99 each, after deduction of our 25% school discount, with no delivery charge and no minimum order.

If you would like to see our full list of poetry collections please take a look at this page from our website.

Ordering our books couldn’t be easier, as they are supplied for us by Bookpoint Ltd, where nearly all schools will have existing accounts. You can find full details on our website.

And we also have our offer of a free book just in case you have not come across Wordsworth Editions before.  To receive a free sample of one of our classics without any obligation please do email education@wordsworth-editions.com with your name and the school address, and we’ll put it in the post to you with our compliments.

What is the simplest way of ensuring that parents fully appreciate the excellence of your students’ work on stage?

 

While most of the energy in drama productions is taken up with rehearsals there is one factor that can hugely affect how the final work is appreciated by the audience.

And it is, unfortunately, a factor that can on occasion is overlooked because of the sheer volume of work involved in putting on a production.

This factor, quite simply, is the lighting; a factor which can totally transform any stage event from something that is rather good, into something that is extraordinarily brilliant.

However, lighting can be forgotten, it is not necessarily seen as being instrumental in enhancing the quality of the event and the enjoyment of the audience. There are, after all, enough other issues to worry about.

This is the key subject we specialise in: the installation of lighting systems into schools that will transform any production from the smallest school nativity play to the largest all-school end of year show.

But there is more for we also understand how value for money is essential. We don’t over engineer a project but we will leave room for expansion. And we’ll ensure that the end user is able to operate the system with confidence and always offer backup and support.

We stay in touch with the latest technology and we’ll do the research so you don’t have to. Plus we have our own team of installation and service technicians with a proven track record and reputation.

However perhaps the best bit is that you can also have a free no obligation site visit for schools within 60miles of our Birmingham base. And we are happy to quote for venues further afield.

You can take a look at some of our recent work here

or to start the exploration of what possibilities there are simply drop us an email with details of what you have in mind.

dgh@centraltheatresupplies.co.uk   Or you can call us on 0121 778 6400

Are you looking to pursue a career in the jewellery industry?

From goldsmiths to CAD designers, read on as we look at the various career paths you could follow to be involved with creating stunning pieces like wedding rings and necklaces.

The UK jewellery industry could be one that you find yourself working in if this is a passion of yours. In fact, over 55,000 people are employed within this industry and make up over 16,000 businesses. Have you considered the different roles in the sector?

Goldsmiths/silversmiths

To be a goldsmith, you need to enjoy being practical by working with your hands, as you’ll be forming metal into different shapes. Patience is also required, as you’ll need to be concentrating for long periods of time on one object. You may also be asked to make changes to jewellery to meet a client brief, so persistence is also key. Being able to create technical drawings is an advantage too and something that is sought after by some employees, depending on the company.

It’s important that you’re a team player too, but happy to work independently as well. It’s likely that you’ll be working with other craftspeople on different projects but will also spend time perfecting pieces on your own.

This is a highly skilled job, so training is necessary. On the job experience is key here and although gaining qualifications will help develop your industry knowledge, it may not help develop your skills in the way that you need them. The best way is to learn from other professionals, either through an apprenticeship or by spending time in industry.

As their names suggest, goldsmiths and silversmiths are skilled in making jewellery out of gold and silver respectively. A Master goldsmith is highly skilled in working with precious metals using a variety of techniques.

Independent jewellers

Some people decide to go solo when it comes to making jewellery and set up their own business. This is usually done as an additional job or a hobby, but some people are successful in making a career out of it.

There are many sites out there that focus on arts and crafts and appeal to a market that wants something truly unique. You can teach yourself how to make jewellery pieces, and experiment with different materials to find your niche.

If it’s something that you’re passionate about, you can start your own website and possibly supply your goods to others in the future! If you want to be your own boss, this could be for you.

CAD designer

Developments in 3D printing and Computer Aided Design (CAD) means that there are more technical roles becoming available in the jewellery industry. There is now a requirement for people who can use these digital tools with precision in the design and manufacturing process.

These types of software are able to create prototypes of models, which go on to be made into 3D designs and castings. Jewellery that is designed with this sort of technology uses state-of-the art equipment and is drawn with precision like no other. The designs are then sent to mills, printers and growing machines, where they come to life with the help of 3D wax or resin.

How can you get CAD training? There are courses online and ways that you can gain a CAD qualification from home. Alternatively, get in touch with your local vocational college and see what related courses they have to offer.

Jewellery designer

Jewellery designers are usually involved right at the start of jewellery creation. Depending on the size of the business, designers may have to discuss a brief with the client and liaise with them through to completion. Individuals in this profession use their artistic abilities to bring an idea to life, either by hand or using Computer Aided Design, also known as CAD (see below).

Many designers create models out of the jewellery, which will go on to be mass produced in a business-to-business trade or given to the customer for a bespoke design. It could also be part of the designer’s job to source gemstones, metals and other jewellery parts to create their proposed piece.

This is a role that’s very competitive and not often advertised, so networking and building contacts in the field is a good idea to get started. You’ll find that many jewellery designers have foundation degrees, or bachelor’s degrees in related subjects which looks at modules such as metalwork, design and metal design.

For students who learn best on the job, apprenticeships are also available. Again though, these are increasingly competitive. And, for those who are looking to learn jewellery design alongside other commitments, there are short courses available at colleges and private providers, but these aren’t usually as in-depth or may take longer to get to the level that an apprenticeship or degree qualification would provide.

More specific roles

In larger jewellers that deal with making a lot of new products or making repairs and alterations, there are a lot of specific roles. You might find your niche in jewellery making and find that you want a more specialised job. These roles again require patience and working with your hands.

  • Engravers — skilled in the art of engraving, they can engrave lines words and other markings onto jewellery pieces
  • Enamellers — apply powdered glass and heat to the metal to create decorative finishes
  • Bench jewellers — make, repair and alter items
  • Model makers — design and create models which are used to make numerous copies or an item through the casting process
  • Casters — generate multiple casts for the production process

Do any of the roles discussed in this article take your fancy? Start networking and build your portfolio to better your chances of breaking into the industry.

Sources

https://icould.com/stories/careers-in-jewellery/

https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs/job-profile/jewellery-designer

Mathematics Summer School 2019

Our Maths Summer School offers bright and aspirational students the opportunity to study a variety of advanced topics in pure and applied mathematics that are not typically covered by the school syllabus. The course is particularly appropriate for students who may be considering further study of mathematics, but is also a great addition for those interested in related disciplines, such as physics, computing or engineering.

This Summer School offers the chance to explore some of the most exciting ideas in contemporary mathematics. As a general structure, students will develop a theoretical understanding of a particular branch of mathematics in the morning session, before exploring the practical applications of these ideas in the afternoon. 

Mathematics – Part 1 focuses on Number Theory, Algebra and Geometry and is open to all students aged 15-18. Topics will include prime numbers, Riemann-zeta functions, polynomial equations, non-Euclidean geometry, group theory, statistical methods, probability theory, algorithms, Turing machines and code-breaking. As part of this programme, students will explore some of the most fascinating and famous unsolved problems in mathematics, including the Riemann Hypothesis, Goldbach Conjecture and Twin Prime Conjecture.

Mathematics – Part 2 focuses on Calculus, Proofs and Infinities and requires that students have completed a minimum of one year of A-level study in Mathematics (or equivalent) at the time of the course. This programme offers a university-style approach to the topics of linear algebra, modular arithmetic, limits, multi-variable calculus, mathematical induction, set theory and cryptography. During the course, students will explore some of the most exciting modern-day applications of these ideas, including quantum encryption, RSA algorithms, Google PageRank, the Black-Scholes equation and Gödel’s incompleteness theorem.

Classes are small, typically containing twelve to fourteen students, all of whom should have a passion for mathematics, a curiosity to build on their existing knowledge and be keen to embrace and exchange new ideas. Classes will focus on problem questions and exercises, creating a comfortable environment for students to share ideas amongst their peers and to progress from their existing knowledge toward more challenging material.

The Mathematics Summer School will be held in late July 2019. You can find detailed schedules, available dates, costs, student reviews and tutors on the course webpage – here.

Feedback from previous students:

If you love Mathematics and are thinking of taking the subject at A-level and beyond then do not hesitate to attend this course. I came away from this week with crazy enthusiasm for maths as well helpful guidelines and knowledge to support my career in the subject. I made some great new friends and met inspirational maths-minded people who I will never forget!’ 

‘Even though we only spent one day on each topic, they were taught at a surprising level of depth. I felt that in in my time at Debate Chamber, the main focus of the tutors was for you to learn about new topics you wouldn’t usually study at school. In school, the main focus of the lesson is to learn a topic to a level that is sufficient for you to be able to solve problems in a test. Instead, in the summer school I felt encouraged to ask questions, to understand the logic behind the mathematics, why it works, and the underlying importance of the concepts learned in the real world.’ 

‘You won’t regret it! If you love the subject, you’ll love the entire week. It gives an unparalleled taster into university mathematics and allows you to explore some absolutely fascinating concepts – some of which will be almost entirely alien to you! The teachers were excellent, and the friendly atmosphere ensures that everyone has a great time. I wish I could go again’ 

‘The Mathematics Summer School is a great introduction to maths at university. During the five days, I was presented with a variety of new topics in mathematics which had not been covered in the A level course. I would highly recommend attending the Debate Chamber Summer School, as it gives you a great opportunity to look at other areas of maths.’ 

‘This is a great event as it gives you lots of exposure to university style teaching and ideas, really testing your knowledge and dedication to your subject. The tutors guide you through it, pushing you to your full potential but in a fun and engaging manner. This course is definitely worth taking part in.’

Bursaries 

Debate Chamber is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent any student from attending our events. For details of how to apply for bursary funding, please see here. 

Practical Details

All of our courses will be held at University of London venues in Bloomsbury, Central London. Please note that these courses are not residential, and accommodation must be arranged independently if required.

The Mathematics Summer School will be held in late July 2019. You can find detailed schedules, dates, costs, student reviews and tutors on the course webpage – here.

To book a place students can complete the online booking form, call us on 0845 519 4827, or email us at info@debatechamber.com. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

A guide to offering extra support to pupils with musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders compromise of sore joints to aching bones and inevitably, this can have a significant bearing on a person’s quality of life. It’s important for schools to look at how many of their own students are affected by these sorts of conditions and consider carefully what they can do to help.

Do you have procedures in place to cater to students with such problems? If not, then it’s something you should consider developing and implementing for 2019. In addition to that, you must also ensure that such conditions aren’t caused by the environment of your school premises.

Read on to find out more about ways that schools can help those who suffer from such pain, as well as preventative action they can take to stop these types of disorders developing.

Musculoskeletal disorders can cause attendance issues

Research shows that 45% of musculoskeletal disorders are to do with the upper limbs or neck, 38% to do with the back, and 17% involve the lower limbs. There is a downward trend of musculoskeletal disorders per 100,000 from 2001 to 2017, but it’s still an issue that must be considered. If one of your students suffers from a musculoskeletal disorder, they might have issues with their attendance.

How can schools take action?

What can schools do to make learning and achieving goals more possible for these students? And potentially reduce the number of days missed from attending school?

Can your pupils complete some of their work at home?

Completing class work exercise at home is one area that you could look into if your students with musculoskeletal disorders have issues with attendance. Provide them with learning materials in a digital format and a face-to-face chat via Skype, to ensure they don’t fall behind which could lead to further pressures and strains.

If the students are not based close by the school, alleviating them from a commute to school every day could be beneficial. Instead, students can stay at home where they may feel more comfortable and get on with their studies — reducing stress and promoting wellbeing.

If you create a system, allowing your students with musculoskeletal disorders to complete their work at home when necessary, they’re likely be more flexible and attend any doctors and physio appointments in their own time. Perhaps their rehabilitation centre is closer to home than it is from school, and less time may be spent getting to and from their sessions than if they were travelling from school lessons.

Can you buy specialist equipment for your students?

To help make your students more comfortable in the classroom, why not buy specialist equipment to help them out? Examples of these include:

  • Sitting or standing desks — Giving students the option of a sitting or standing desk is one way to help. For some, standing upright may be more comfortable than sitting in the same position for a prolonged period.
  • Ergonomic keyboard — These are designed to reduce muscle strain and should be offered to employees. For sufferers of musculoskeletal disorders, tasks that may be easy for some such as using a keyboard, mouse or pen can be difficult for someone who suffers with repetitive strain injury for example. Those with arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome may also struggle with these types of tasks.
  • Lifting assistance — Where lifting and carrying books or art materials is concerned, to and from class or the library for example, offering assistance with heavy lifting can be helpful. A trolley for example can help students transport objects that they might be struggling with. This may relieve shoulder pain for example and can help prevent further injury and strain.
  • Other equipment — By talking to students, teachers can find out about other types of specialist equipment that could be helpful — tailored to each person and their needs.

Could your school offer free therapy?

For back pain relief and mental wellbeing, could you potentially offer your students complementary therapy? Your school may already offer different types of therapy but is it specific to sufferers of musculoskeletal disorders?

This could also help reduce stress levels for individual students and increase the number of days spent in school. There is a clear link between musculoskeletal disorders, mental health and lifestyle productivity. In fact, depression is four times more common amongst people in persistent pain compared to those without pain. Ensuring that all students have someone to talk to if they are feeling under pressure is important and encouraging positive energy throughout your group of students with social events can also help. If students are feeling extra stress, it could be worth looking into hiring extra teaching assistants or referring the students for therapy for example.

Why not encourage yoga lessons too? There are many ways that schools could encourage their students to participate in this exercise — through organised classes at lunchtimes or after work, or through funding the classes. Although expensive, it’s possible that this extra exercise will help manage pain levels and offer relief, boost wellbeing and reduce the number of days missed from school.

Other ways that you can support your students

Making sure that your students feel valued is essential. What else can schools do to support their students with musculoskeletal disorders?

  • Promote good communication inside and outside of school — teachers should take time to learn about each of their students and their individual issues and requirements. This way, appropriate changes can be made within the school environment, which can encourage students to come to their teachers with problems and suggestions.
  • Recognising and being aware of the conditions early on — If a student has recently been diagnosed with a musculoskeletal issue, they should be encouraged to tell their school as soon as possible. This allows for the school to intervene early and get the measures in place that will encourage the student to return to school and learning as soon as they can.
  • Creating a ‘return-to-school’ programme — For those who have sustained an injury, creating a phased return could be beneficial for them. This reduces the risk of them taking a long period of leave from school through appropriate adjustments in their learning environment.
  • If you have someone with such conditions, you must be aware of the triggering factors. Teaching staff should encourage their students to take breaks or move away from their desks/chairs frequently (at least once every hour).

Author bio

Lee Dover is a senior copywriter at Mediaworks with an interest in healthcare as well as researching into healthier ways of living. He has a BA (Hons) in Magazine Journalism.

Sources

http://www.hse.gov.uk/Statistics/causdis/musculoskeletal/msd.pdf

https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/ltc-op-eolc/ltc-eolc/our-work-on-long-term-conditions/si-areas/musculoskeletal/

State of Musculoskeletal Health 2017 report — Arthritis Research UK

https://wellbeing.bitc.org.uk/sites/default/files/business_in_the_community_musculoskeletal_toolkit.pdf

What’s the simple and cost effective way to help maths lessons be more productive,  both for teachers and students…….? 

Every now and again I get to chat with  teachers and one of the topics that often crops up is why some students don’t  bring a pen, pencil, ruler etc to their lessons.  They tell me that this leads to wasted time and a measure of disruption,  even before teaching has begun.

In an attempt to solve this problem there’s  now a  product called the “Value Maths set ” which, as the name suggests, contains all the basics that students need for their  maths lessons.

Consisting of  two quality black ink ballpens, a full length HB pencil, eraser, 15 cm ruler, 180 degree protractor, metal compass and half pencil,  and a sharpener, all packed in an  A5 size, clear PVC “exam friendly” wallet with a zip slider.

From just £ 1.25 each (ex vat) the “Value Maths set”  is a convenient and cost effective solution to the problem of students who haven’t brought the correct kit to their maths lessons.  Ideal to give or sell  to students at the start of lessons or at the start of a school day………  also very useful for exams.

Full details of the “Value Maths set”   can be found on the website:       www.signposteducational.co.uk 

You can order by email:  signpost@talk21.com  or by phone on tel: 020 7515 1797

Signpost Educational Ltd.,   PO Box 999   London   E14 6SH

What is it that the very best assemblies do at the very start?

Of course there are many answers to that question, but there are two answers that always seem to stand out.

Two issues which, if met, really enhance the chances of the children understanding and remembering the core message within the Assembly.

First there is the issue of how the assembly starts, which determines how much focus the child gives to the proceedings that follow.  And second there is the way the child’s attention is kept, which of course determines if the child follows the proceedings all the way through.

Obviously you don’t need me to tell you this, but the problem is that with the pressure to think up a new assembly every day it is occasionally possible to focus primarily on what the assembly is about, rather than how one is gaining and holding attention.

It was in thinking about this issue of not only providing assemblies that deliver an important and interesting message to the children about their lives, but also of producing assemblies that grabbed and held attention, that my colleagues and I began to work on the Assembly Box.

We wanted to create assemblies that were original, which met the social and emotional needs of the children who attend them, and which grabbed and held the children’s focus from the start to the finish.

In working through this idea we have produced a set of over 350 assemblies with each one categorised and indexed, each of which is instantly available and fully scripted.

You can read a full example of one of our assemblies by following this link.  Additionally you can see the complete list of the categories and from there you can go into each category and see the details of all the assemblies on offer.

All the details are available at http://www.assemblybox.co.uk where you can also order online. The complete set of all of our assemblies costs £149 (+ VAT). If you have any questions please email enquiries@assemblybox.co.uk