Learning Support Assistants – Temporary

 

£14,136 FTE

New Forest Academy opened on the 1 September 2012 and is sponsored by Academies Enterprise Trust (AET).  The Academy is situated in the South Waterside area of Hampshire and is adjacent to the New Forest National Park.  There are currently 600 students on roll with 80 in the Sixth Form.  The Academy is committed to making the very best of its Academy status to significantly improve standards, especially in literacy and numeracy, as well as to improve the quality of teaching and learning. 

We are seeking two individuals who have a passion for working with students who have special educational needs.  These positions would suit a job share.  Both post holders will be working with a student who has a range of learning difficulties and will be providing in class support as well as one to one support.  Duties would commence at 8.30am and continue until 3.30pm providing the student with continuous assistant, hence the need for two candidates to alternate through the day.

The successful candidates will have at least Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths to Grade ‘C’ and must have previous experience of working with individual students.

The hours for these positions are variable depending on candidate requirements and will be discussed at interview.  These positions commence September 2013 and are temporary until April 2014.  The positions may continue after April 2014, funding permitted.

In each of the AET academies, you will benefit from visionary, inspirational and dynamic leadership and be empowered to develop your own skills with access to world-class CPD and Talent Management programmes.  You will also be offered membership of a private health cash plan, the Ford Advantage Scheme and be entitled to Childcare Vouchers and much, much more!

Closing date:  12 July 2013.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.  All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

For further information on this position and to make an application please visit: www.academiesenterprisetrust.org/careers

Each of the academies within the AET is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for this post.

Caretaker – Premises Level 1

£7.19 per hour

Barton Hill Academy, based in Torquay, Devon, opened September 2013 and is sponsored by the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET).  The Academy currently has 500 pupils on roll aged 3-11.  We aim for every child to have a happy and active primary education in an environment that is caring and supporting. We aim to provide a stimulating and structured environment in which every child will be encouraged to reach their full potential.

We are looking to appoint a Caretaker to work 15 hours per week, 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday, however, flexibility is essential to work additional hours as required, which will include covering sickness/holiday absences. 

The successful candidate will possess a range of DIY, Caretaking and Health and Safety skills.  You will ensure that the school premises provide a pleasant, safe and hygienic learning environment and you will be required to carry out a range of duties including security of premises, general internal and external maintenance and cleaning.  This position also comes with key holder responsibilities.  Previous caretaking experience is an advantage but not essential.  You must be a responsible person with the ability to act on your own initiative and deal with any unexpected problems that may arise.  Flexibility and the ability to communicate at all levels is essential for this role.

In each of the AET academies, you will benefit from visionary, inspirational and dynamic leadership and be empowered to develop your own skills with access to world-class CPD and Talent Management programmes.  You will also be offered membership of a private health cash plan, the Ford Advantage Scheme and be entitled to Childcare Vouchers and much, much more!

This position is required as soon as possible.

Closing date:  10 July 2013.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.  All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

For further information on this position and to make an application please visit:

www.academiesenterprisetrust.org/careers.

Each of the academies within the AET is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts.

 

Senior Office Manager

40 hours per week Term time only

GR4 £23,615-£29,560 – Actual Salary

Percy Shurmer is a primary Academy based in Birmingham and in September 2012 became part of the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET).  The Academy currently has 445 pupils aged from 3 to 11. This includes 39 children in their Nursery and 32 hearing impaired pupils in their Hearing Resource Base (HRB). 

We are looking to appoint a hardworking and enthusiastic Senior Office Manager who will be responsible for strategically managing clerical and administrative support to the Business Manager and Academy to enable the delivery of a professional and efficient administrative service.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience within an educational office environment and be an exceptional communicator with very good organisational and interpersonal skills.   You will have the ability to work as part of a team as well as using your own initiative.  Previous experience of using CMIS and or PS Financials is desirable but not essential.

Informal visits to the Academy are encouraged, please contact the receptionist on 0121 464 3431 to arrange.

In each of the AET academies, you will benefit from visionary, inspirational and dynamic leadership and be empowered to develop your own skills with access to world-class CPD and Talent Management programmes.  You will also be offered membership of a private health cash plan, the Ford Advantage Scheme and be entitled to Childcare Vouchers and much, much more!

This position is required September 2013 or as soon as the successful candidate is available.  Interviews are scheduled for week commencing 15 July 2013.

Closing date:  10 July 2013.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.  All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

For further information on this position and to make an application please visit: www.academiesenterprisetrust.org/careers

Each of the academies within the AET is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts.

Student Learning Mentor

£14,038 per annum

New Rickstones is an 11-18 Academy situated in North Witham, Essex and is sponsored by Academies Enterprise Trust (AET).  The Academy is a place where the aim is to get the best out of every one of the students.  Whether it is their most gifted and talented, who regularly go to university, or the student who needs extra help; every student at the Academy is valued as an individual in their own right. The Academy benefits from a new £25 million state-of-the-art building and facilities that opened in February 2012. 

We are looking to appoint Student Learning Mentors to work with our Heads of Lower or Upper School and Head of Sixth Form in mentoring and supporting students including admissions, attendance, resolving behavioural issues and providing administrative support to the Pastoral team, including taking minutes at meetings.  You will have excellent IT skills, a good standard of education and able to interact and communicate with young people.

As the sponsor, the AET believes that all young people deserve to become world-class learners – to learn, enjoy, succeed and thrive in a first rate educational environment with the best facilities, the best teaching and the most up-to-date resources available to them.  In each of the AET academies, you will benefit from visionary, inspirational and dynamic leadership and be empowered to develop your own skills with access to world-class CPD and Talent Management programmes.  You will also be offered membership of a private Health Cash Plan, the Ford Advantage Scheme and be entitled to Childcare Vouchers and much, much more!

The position is required for September 2013. 

Closing date:  10 July 2013.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.  All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

For further information on this position and to make an application please visit: www.academiesenterprisetrust.org/careers

Each of the academies within the AET is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts.

Are you ready to deliver careers with your Year 8’s in September?

When a Year 8 student first participates in the new statutory career sessions this September one of the key issues will be how to help these students focus on careers and life choices in a serious way for the first time.

There may be some significant interest among the 12 and 13 year olds, but many may be focused on fairly unrealistic career choices e.g. footballer or pop star. Sadly, there might also be some cynicism especially if the students have experienced unemployment within their own family circle.

A teaching resource, Career Detectives, has been devised with this scenario in mind and is centred around a careers board game through which students explore different career sectors which they consider are relevant to their skills, interests and academic abilities.

As the game progresses it takes students to a new level of awareness so they can not only consider areas they wish to explore, but can also benefit more fully from the careers guidance they are offered.

Career Detectives provides information about 168 different careers across all sectors within the context of a range of activities that can be completed either in small groups or with the whole class.

With the addition of a resource pack offering further games, exercises and starting points for lesson plans, the aim is to enable any member of teaching staff to run careers education lessons that will have an immediate impact on students.

Furthermore, the resource also helps to develop and raise awareness of such skills as teamwork, communication, leadership, creativity and confidence and embeds other key learning outcomes including healthy eating and citizenship.

Career Detectives is now being used in schools across the UK and has met with overwhelming praise from pupils, teachers and career guidance professionals, including these from Dr Tristam Hooley and Ian Guest….

“What is really good about Career Detectives is the way that it helps teachers to link career learning to the core curriculum areas in a meaningful way.”
Dr Tristram Hooley, Head of International Centre for Guidance Studies. University of Derby

“Wigan Careers Service has used Career Detectives in Primary, Secondary and Special Schools and the response from pupils, teachers and careers advisers has been uniformly positive. The resource allows pupils to explore careers and the world of work in a fun, engaging and informative way and would be an ideal product to use with year 8 pupils to meet the new revised statutory guidance for schools on careers guidance.”
Ian Guest of Wigan Careers Service

For more information, take a look at our website.

What is the simplest way of making a school trip much more easier to organise than ever before?

When it comes to arranging school trips, one of the most time consuming aspects of the trip is often the making of arrangements for the coach, ferry and possibly train journeys.

And that is before one starts to contemplate the trip itself with the possibilities of a rough crossing over the English Channel or North Sea.

Indeed even when the arrangements have been made there is always the worry that the connections might fail to materialise thus leaving many students stranded.

There is however an alternative – an alternative that offers the avoidance totally of these numerous inter-connecting parts of the journey.

Such an alternative approach not only involves a much simpler journey it also involves one person processing everything from the initial enquiry through to the production of tickets, making this a singularly smooth and stress free transaction.

This alternative approach also reduces travelling time considerably by using air flights to the destination of your choice, all booked via GTC Travel Group.

Given that it is normally possible to fly from an airport near to the school to an airport close to the final destination, such arrangements can add up to three more days spent in the desired destination.

What’s more, you may be surprised to find that the cost of the flights can be less expensive than travel by conventional methods as bulk buying by the school can push down airline prices.

Additionally you have the option of choosing the hotel that is right for you and your students rather than one selected by the tour operator. You can choose the price range, and you can choose a hotel near the airport or within the city or region that is your final destination.

At GTC Travel Group we understand the importance of meeting the exact needs of your individual group, and so we will offer you the best advice to make your journey as stress free as possible.

Better still, our reservation technology enables us to give you the most up-to-date travel options, all the time. We book and issue our own tickets enabling us to keep full control of your booking and ensure your journey meets your needs.

What’s more, as we are ABTA and ATOL holders you can be assured that you and your students are fully protected (as recommended by the Health and Safety Executive for schools) should the airline fail.

Because we have so many locations to and from which we can fly, the best way to explore the possibilities is to either call one of our specialist group reservation advisors on 020 8429 2900 or email us at groups@gtctravelgroup.com with the details of your requirements.

You can also go to our website for more information.

Either way we’ll come back to you with our suggestions and prices. You’ll be surprised how much time can be saved and how low group air fares can be.

To keep up to date with the latest news and offers for your group bookings

Join us on Facebook

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Free school logos with playground markings this summer

Yes – it’s crazy but true!

In our biggest offer ever you could receive your school logo free of charge with playground markings installed over this summer holidays.

To clarify – if your order for playground markings exceed:

  • £995.00 you receive a ‘Mirror Me’ (rrp £195.00) free of charge
  • £1,995.00 you receive a ‘We Dance’ (rrp £495.00) free of charge
  • £2,995.00 you receive a ‘Mirror Me’ & ‘We Dance’ (rrp £690.00) free of charge
  • £4,995.00 you receive your school logo free of charge*

(*1.2m x 1.2m, subject to sight of design – no catch – it’s just that we are unable to create shading and details less than 1cm.)

To have a look at a selection of school logos please click http://iqpg.co.uk/logos-crests/ and see what you think!

We look forward to hearing from you

Kind Regards

Mike

Mike Jarvie

Education Co-ordinator
T 01625 574 800
www.iqpg.co.uk

 

Understanding Dyscalculia: An Introduction for Schools

Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty – an unexpected inability to handle one or more aspects of maths as a result of a genetic malfunction.

It is related to, but separate from, dyslexia. About half the people who suffer from dyslexia also suffer from dyscalculia, but it should be noted that around a quarter of the dyslexia sufferers have the average ability in maths that would be expected for their age, while a quarter perform at an above average level in maths.

Understanding Dyscalculia: An Introduction for Schools examines the five main causes of dyscalculia and sets out the methods of working available which can help pupils overcome their dyscalculic problems.

Most importantly, the volume explains why pupils and students with dyscalculia rarely make much progress in remedial classes in which maths is taught in the same way as in mainstream classes, but at a slower rate.

As the book shows, dyscalculic students need a totally different approach if they are to progress in maths – using mutli-sensory teaching and learning. It also includes a sample policy document on dyscalculia.

The book also contains short sections which can be copied to give out to other members of staff in school, to worried parents, and to governors, so that everyone can share in the awareness of what dyscalculia is, and how it can be tackled.

“Dyscalculia in Schools” can also be placed on the school’s learning platform for ease of access.

Above all the book shows that once we understand and accept the causes of dyscalculia we can adopt appropriate methods of teaching to overcome the problem. Research suggests that most children who gain appropriate help in school can overcome their dyscalculic difficulties and achieve an acceptable grade at GCSE, thus allowing entry into further and higher education.

There is a sample chapter available on-line at http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/dyscalculia/T1628.pdf

Cat No: 978 1 86083 614 5; Publisher reference no: T1628emn

Prices

  • Photocopiable report in a ring binder, £24.95. plus £3.95 delivery
  • CD with school-wide rights: £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Both the Ring Binder and the CD £31.94 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the book…

 

How to ensure your students get the most out of study trips

When it comes to travelling to European destinations for study trips, much of the time is spent on the coach or ferry rather than at the end destination.

To overcome this problem many schools now choose to travel by air instead.

Given that it is normally possible to fly from an airport near to the school to an airport close to the final destination, such arrangements can add up to three more days spent in the desired destination rather than on the road and at sea.

What’s more, you have the option of choosing the hotel that is right for you and your students, rather than one selected by the tour operator. You can choose the price range, and you can choose a hotel near the airport or within the city or region that is your final destination.

At German Travel Centre we understand that each group is unique, and we know the importance of finding out the exact needs of your individual group and so will offer you the best advice to make your journey as stress free as possible.

Better still, our reservation technology enables us to give you the most up-to-date travel options, all the time. We book and issue our own tickets enabling us to keep full control of your booking and ensure that your journey meets your needs.

Furthermore, as we are ABTA and ATOL holders you can be assured that you and your students are fully protected (as recommended by the Health and Safety Executive for schools) should the airline fail.

Because we have so many locations to and from which we can fly, the best way to explore the possibilities is to either call one of our specialist group reservation advisors on 020 8429 2900 or email us at groups@germantravelcentre.co.uk with the details of your requirements.

You can also go to our website – www.germantravelcentre.co.uk/info/school-groups for more information.

Either way we’ll come back to you with our suggestions and prices. You’ll be surprised how much time can be saved and how low group air fares can be.

To keep up to date with the latest news and offers for your group bookings:

Join us on Facebook

Join us on Twitter

 

 

How schools become efficient and how they maintain efficiency

According to the government document “Improving Efficiency in Schools,” the average secondary school ought to be able to save around £100,000 a year in efficiency savings, while the average primary school should be able to save around £25,000 a year.

And to be clear, those are not one-off savings. The report stressed that these savings ought to be achievable this year, next year and every year.

To achieve these terrific savings, the report said, all the schools have to do is take a look at how other, more efficient, schools are handling matters, and copy their practices.

Yet if it were as easy as that, surely by now, most schools should be feeling extremely well off, as inefficiencies are removed and the savings mount up in school bank accounts, simply waiting to be used on other educational ventures.

Sadly, as we know, this is not true. And it is not true for one very simple reason: efficiencies arise not just by copying other schools (although this can help somewhat) but mostly through the introduction and maintenance of what might be a called “an efficiency mindset” throughout the school.

The process of achieving an “efficiency mindset” has been explored and examined in detail by school managers and administrators over the past five years in a number of schools – schools which as part of this exploration really have made incredible efficiency savings.

Now for the first time the way in which schools are making savings is described in one volume: “The Efficient School.”

This volume reveals not only many of the projects that schools have introduced in recent years in order to achieve efficiencies, but also the vital processes which these schools introduce to ensure that objections to change are overcome and that changes, once implemented, are maintained and developed.

As such report explores not only areas in which savings can be made, but also the way in which the whole issue of changing well-established processes and habits can be handled in a school.

The Efficient School is available in copiable form (as a printed volume or on CD) so that it can be distributed to all interested members of staff.

ISBN: 978 1 86083 811 8 Order code: T1803emn – please quote with order.

Sample pages can be viewed at http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/education/T1803.pdf

  • Photocopiable report in a ring binder, £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • CD with school-wide rights: £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Both the Ring Binder and the CD £31.94 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the report…

 

 

Why is a strong imagination essential for children… and anyone else in the human race?

The Collins English Dictionary defines imagination as “producing ideas, especially mental images, of what is not present or has not been experienced.” It sounds like the very description of escapism.

But what we actually have here is the main faculty that makes human beings stand out from the rest of the animal kingdom. Without it, we would have no science, no history, and little social cohesion at all. Plus, the imagination holds the key to unlocking our full learning potential – and I’ll explain how in a short while…

First though, a little background… When mankind was little better than an ape, a terrifying encounter would cause a “fight or flight” reaction. As our brains evolved, though, we started planning for such encounters, working out how we would fight – or escape.

Doing so was a major breakthrough for our species. It meant we had become capable of picturing events that weren’t yet happening, in order to prepare for when they did happen. We had started imagining.

Much, much later, Charles Babbage imagined a machine that would be able to produce the results of vast numbers of calculations incredibly quickly – and the modern computer was born.

Nearly a century and a half later, Elvis Presley imagined what it would be like to stand on a stage and sing to rapturous fans.

So the imagination helps us plan for the future – but it also helps us recreate the past. When you have a memory, your brain doesn’t recall every sensory detail. To do so would make your brain run out of hard disk space! Instead, you store snippets – and then expand on them with your mind’s eye by linking those snippets together.

For instance: when remembering a day at the beach 3 years ago with a friend, you might add the visual concept of the same beach from your last visit 2 months ago with a concept of your friend from yesterday. You won’t recall every individual stone either – your brain will simply spread the concept “stone” across the image in your mind’s eye.

Even mathematics is remembered in this way. Words like “square” and “hexagon” form images in the mind, while equations are miniature narratives: a beginning (“x”), a middle (“plus y”) and an end (“equals z”). And the most basic definition of a narrative is a progression of concepts.

 The imagination is just as important now as it is then and soon. No-one can read another’s mind. But you can imagine what others are thinking – and interpreting factors such as tone, body language and actions can make your predictions even more accurate.

As a result, in social situations the imagination can help us to be considerate, and encourages us to concentrate on our interactions with others. To put it another way, imagination is the root of empathy.

But perhaps the most crucial element of the imagination is… it’s personal. The mind’s eye of a visual learner will conjure up exquisitely detailed pictures. Audio learners will focus on creating sound effects. Kinaesthetic learners will be mentally animating the action of the tale, while tactile learners will be getting right up close to the objects of their imaginings.

All-in-all, then, a strong imagination improves our ability to…

1) plan for the future – envision the outcome of difficult decisions, form ambitions, generate hypotheses…

2) remember our past – build memories, link events, understand actions taken…

3) work better now – concentrate better, communicate better, consider each other better…

…and

4) learn on our own terms, so unlocking the full potential of our learning.

The Snail Tales website has more articles on how oral storytelling can strengthen the imagination of your children, so it’s ready to improve their vocabulary, be motivated to read and write, cope better in social interactions, and much, much more. You will also find free videos performed by Snail Tales in collaboration with the Oxford Reading Tree. Why not take a look at www.snailtales.org/schools

Join us for Effective Differentiation, Marking and Feedback

This one day course is packed with essential, practical content. In 3 lively sessions we look in detail at effective differentiation, marking and feedback in practice and give numerous techniques and strategies that you can apply on your return to school. Discover how to engage students, enrich their learning and save teachers’ time.

This day is interactive and energising. Topics include:

  • How to use Assessment for Learning strategies to aid differentiation
  • Lesson planning to maximise learning for all pupils
  • What Ofsted inspectors are looking for and how to meet the highest requirements
  • Marking and feedback as key components of effective AfL
  • Self-assessment, self-evaluation and peer assessment
  • Top tips on how to use marking to motivate
  • How to use questioning techniques more effectively

Venues and dates:

Stratford-upon-Avon: 21st June 2013
Leeds: 1st July 2013
Manchester: 20th September 2013
London: 31st January 2014
Oxford: 21st March 2014

Please visit our website to find out more about our other programmes:
How to get a 1 for Teaching and Learning
Getting children to love writing
Outstanding Leadership for Outstanding Schools
Outstanding Maths Mindset

To book please:

email bookings@smartees-learning.com

call 0118 9797 551 or

visit www.smartees-learning.com

Bursaries: we do not want schools to miss out for financial reasons. A limited number of bursaries are available for schools whose financial status may otherwise preclude them from attending. Please contact us to find out more.


 

Expressing points of view: free activity and worksheet!

To help your students to get their point across, we’ve made available a free activity and worksheet on expressing points of view.

Ideal for KS3 students, the audio-filled activity allows you to present different points of view on passive smoking and to analyse which argument is more convincing.

The accompanying worksheet asks your students to focus on a real newspaper article and discuss how well the writer expresses their opinion. Students can then write their own opinion piece, while thinking about the use of facts and statistics to strengthen their argument.

Find the activity and download the worksheet on our English Free Stuff page.

To see more Boardworks resources like this activity and worksheet, you can request one of our sample presentations here.

Regards,

The Boardworks English team

It’s not that we need children to think outside the box. We need to show them that there is no box.

One of the biggest blockages to creativity in people of all ages is that we are often unwilling to break the rules we set for ourselves. As a result we tend to repeat the way we do things. It worked last time, so let’s do it that way again.

In short, we stop exploring alternative options.

Worse, for children one of the biggest blockages to creativity is that although their minds are full of free-flowing ideas they are worried that their idea might appear to be stupid.

There is a link between these two positions. As children we become worried about being seen as silly when we have an idea that is outside the norm, as adults we continue to play safe.

And so a pattern of thinking which precludes a lot of possible creative and innovative thoughts develops and becomes ingrained.

If we want children to become more creative in their thought patterns and problem solving behaviour we need to give them exercises which will change their whole pattern of creative thought. And that change has to be so powerful that it will last a lifetime.

This is exactly what CRAMES does – it focuses on such aspects of creative thinking as fluency, flexibility, imagination, originality, risk taking, problem solving and evaluation all with a view to overturn single-track thinking and invoke alternative ways of seeing.

So when you ask children to tell you what a finger and a pen have in common, you will find that (probably unlike their parents) they will go way beyond the general shape and the way in which each can be used for writing or drawing. They will in fact take their own ideas forward, without any concern or fear.

CRAMES is a book that delivers creativity by helping children to think in new and unconventional ways. It travels from “What if the sea turned everything it touch, red, forever” to “What if there was no such thing as responsibility?” And then discovers that that is only the first step in the journey.

In five minutes a day, the children will learn how to be creative, and how to think without boundaries.

The contents page, and free sample pages are available on the website.

You can order CRAMES in any of these ways:

 

 

What’s the best way to maximise the impact of your Teaching Assistants?

A TA who receives just one day of subject specific literacy training will have a greater impact on young people’s learning outcomes than one who has none. That might sound obvious, but too many committed and inspirational people are employed as teaching assistants knowing they could be doing so much more.

The potential impact is far reaching – not only can TAs have a positive effect on literacy levels and attainment but they are known to also influence behaviour, confidence and attendance.

Of course, any good quality TA training needs to include an understanding of the range of strategies for reading and writing, knowledge of phonics and equip the TA with practical ideas to help young people become independent readers and writers.

That’s why we’re offering this one day training package for Teaching Assistants, packed with vital information that will start to make a difference to their work immediately.

Sue Dixon, founder of Thinking Child, has designed this course from years of experience as a literacy consultant and trainer. She understands what is required on a core learning module and what TAs and schools require from limited time and budgets.

This starter day will include a review of the questions ‘How do we read?’ and include detailed work on reading strategies, including phonics and grammar. The day will end as it began by looking again at the question ‘Why do we read?’

After this one day TAs will feel more confident and become more effective in the school.

Follow up training which looks at ‘Reading into Writing’ is also available. This is where the connections can be explored in more depth and be tailored to the work that TAs are deployed to carry out in your school.

This core day of valuable training can be delivered in your own setting with groups of TAs – up to a maximum of 20. All materials and handouts are included in the package cost of £750.

Individual Training Course places in Northamptonshire are also available in June/July 2013.

To book your course or find out more visit the website http://www.thinkingchild.org.uk/training/

Telephone 01604 491511

Email info@thinkingchild.org.uk

Is it possible for stories from 400 years ago to offer parallels with the lives of teenagers today?

The answer is undoubtedly yes.

Take, for example, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream – between them they offer extraordinary insights into the issues that that have been faced across time.

Unfortunately the language used in these masterpieces of literature is often a barrier when it comes to using the plays with pupils as part of our reference to the universality of the problems and issues that people face.

Overcome this problem and we have the perfect teaching resource through which the for-better-or-for-worse decisions that everyone has to face. Students can then explore the various courses of action that both they and characters can take.

In short the students watch the characters’ mistakes and learn from them, without having to interpret the language that Shakespeare used in writing the plays.

Working with Will is a scheme of work for PSHE teachers where the topics on the KS3 and KS4 curricula are explored.

Working with Will is also a scheme of work for English teachers and works as an introduction to text analysis in English literature lessons for key stages 3 and 4.

The 179 page volume contains three schemes of work – each of which can stand alone – with a series of lesson plans that can be used sequentially or can be dipped in and out of in any order. It also comes with a free CD containing the text of the book plus PowerPoints to use with the lessons.

The author offers workshops on Working with Will – please click here for more information.

You can see some sample pages at http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/pshe/T1796.pdf

Publisher’s reference: T1796EMN ISBN: 978 1 86083 890 3

Prices

  • Photocopiable ring bound book plus CD, £29.95 plus £3.95 delivery

Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the book… please quote the order ref: T1796EMN

 

English Basics posters

It’s essential that all pupils and students have a sound grasp of the basics of English.

Give your teaching of the basics a real impact by using these pdf posters.

These colourful, snappy posters will have an immediate impact but can also be a continued point of reference.

At less than £20 for the set this is brilliant value. You can print as many copies of these as you like – have them in every classroom!

The posters cover: Nouns; Verbs; Adjectives; Adverbs; Pronouns; Direct speech; Reported speech; First person; Third person; Superlatives; Connectives; Rhetorical question; the Infinitive; Vary your verbs; You’re; Your; Their; They’re; There; It’s; Personification; Alliteration; Simile; Metaphor; Onomatopoeia

There are 25 A4 pdf posters in all. The set is an ideal classroom resource. A PowerPoint version is also available for whiteboards and large display screens.

You can see all the posters here
http://carelpress.co.uk/hh_englishbasics/

Ann Batey
Office Manager
Carel Press
(01228 538928)
www.carelpress.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/carelpress

Maths Information and Services

Of Dice and Men / Donald in Mathmagic LandDVD resources that every Maths class should have!

http://www.viewtech.co.uk/mathematics
Viewtech Educational Media, 7-8 Falcons Gate, Dean Road, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5NH

Email: mail@viewtech.co.uk
Tel: 01454 858055 / 313272
Fax: 01454 858056

2 classic Maths education films that engage pupils’ attention, using humorous animation to present mathematical principles and then relate them to real world situations. Of Dice and Men introduces the theory of probability – we learn of its inception in the 17th century, its relationship to predictability and its application to everyday situations – like the chances of being involved in an accident! Also available, Disney’s educational classic: Donald In Mathmagic Land

Quote promotional discount code: HHM225 for a 25% discount online or when ordering by email, fax, post or telephone.

 


Raising Grades through Study Skills

First and Best in Education
Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Road, Corby, NN17 4HH

Phone: 01536 399 011
Fax: 01536 399 012

How well a student does in an exam is generally down to two factors:

  1. how much the student knows
  2. how good the student is at reproducing that knowledge in an exam or via coursework

Raising Grades through Study Skills by Tony Attwood includes all the skills that pupils will need to improve their study skills and raise grades throughout secondary school.

It is available as a photocopiable book or on CD Rom which can itself be copied or loaded onto the school’s learning platform or intranet.

Cat No: 978 1 86083 845 3; Order code: T1787SHR – please quote with order.

Sample pages: http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/education/T1787.pdf

Price for book or CD: £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery ( incl VAT)
Price for book and CD: £31.94 plus £3.95 delivery ( incl VAT)

On line orders with a credit card: http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=54&products_id=267

How good are you at negotiation?

There is one way in which virtually every school in the UK could save itself a considerable sum of money each year.

Negotiation is something most of us think we are good at because we do it every day. We negotiate with colleagues, we negotiate with students. If we have a family at home we also spend time negotiating with them. (After all which parent has not at some time resorted to, “You can watch TV after you have done your homework”?)

But there is no doubt that most of us working in schools don’t have much background in negotiation with suppliers. We tend to accept the contract that suppliers offer us, sign it, and expect everything to be fine.

If we do negotiate it is usually to try to get a discount without necessarily noticing that in so doing we might actually be negatively affecting other aspects of the purchase.

And yet the contract between the school and the retailer offers an opportunity for each side to be specific about what is possible, to clarify assumptions and to enter into a relationship which is satisfactory and beneficial for both parties.

It is because many schools pay little attention to the contracts that they sign that the book Contract Matters:

Connecting the Education and Contract World has been written. It exists because many schools find it nigh on impossible to recover from having entered into a bad contract. Invariably all they can do is see the contract through and rue day it was signed.

Contract Matters contains numerous tips in everyday language for anyone in a school who is in charge of managing contracts. It lists the do’s and don’ts and prompts everyone to investigate assumptions before making decisions.

One minor change to a contract made as a result of reading this volume will pay for the book many times over.

Contract Matters book costs £35.00 plus £3.95 postage and packing. Further information is on-line
at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=760

Order code: CMAAA £35.00 ISBN: 978 0 9876527 3 7

Sample pages can be found at http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/bursar/ContractMatters.pdf

You can purchase the book

Helping teenagers with the pressures of family life

No matter how hard we try to get on with our families, we all experience problems at home from time to time.

By encouraging teenagers to talk about their families and discuss different scenarios within the family unit, students are able to see their own family in relation to the wider world and also to understand that they have options in terms of how they choose to arrange their lives in the years to come.

Our Families and Relationship pack helps you to work with students to do just that.

The pack includes worksheets and information which examine a number of areas connected with families and relationships including the different types of family units, teenage promiscuity, family breakdowns and single parent families.

Each of the worksheets is accompanied by teaching notes and lesson guidance.

This resource is available as a hard copy or an ebook and free sample pages are available on our website.

You can order Families and Relationships in any of these ways:

Healthy Eating – A Guide to Nutrition

In an age of fad diets, processed foods, body image issues, and widespread obesity, clichés like “You are what you eat” just aren’t enough to educate teens about smart eating.

Healthy Eating: A Guide to Nutrition is a five-part educational DVD series that explores food-related issues with the energy, complexity, and engagement needed to reach today’s teenagers.

Using eye-catching animation sequences and commentary from nutritionists, dieticians, and trainers, this series of resources for classroom presentation and individual reference, conveys detailed, real-world knowledge about basic nutrition, weight management, physical fitness, eating disorders, and food safety.

The series features the following 5 DVD resources:

Each DVD includes approx. 30-minutes of chaptered video and downloadable PDF support material with Pre & Post-Programme Discussion Questions; Follow-up Activities; Assessment Questions; Fast Facts and Vocabulary Terms – click here to view sample support material

Available on approval from Viewtech Educational Media @ £36 each or £135 for the complete set (excl. p&p and VAT).

Click on the title links above for individual programme details, preview clips and online ordering, or click here for the complete set of 5 Health Eating DVD resources – quote promotional discount code: HHM403 at the checkout for 25% discount*

For a printable discounted order form click here

Orders / enquiries may also be made by phone, fax, email or post to:

Viewtech Educational Media
7-8 Falcons Gate
Dean Road
Yate
Bristol
BS37 5NH
————————————–
tel: 01454 858055
fax: 01454 858056
email: info@viewtech.co.uk
http://www.viewtech.co.uk
————————————————————————————————————————-

Over 3,000 educational DVD resources to assist teaching & learning – click here for more resources for Food Technology
————————————————————————————————————————-
Viewtech Educational Media is the trading name of Viewtech Audio Visual Media Limited, a company registered in E ngland and Wales under number 4205240. A member of the British Educational Suppliers Association. E.&O.E.*Contact us for terms and conditions.

How to take PSHE beyond the surface

 

How to take PSHE beyond the surface

It is constantly debated in the media, education departments, and in government, if and how Sex Education should be taught in schools – With all the TV shows on how to have good sex, how to dress, how to be famous…. is anyone actually asking these students why? Why do you want to have sex/be in a relationship, why do you feel the pressure to smoke/drink, why would you put yourself at risk of catching an infection? Why are you out of control?

For the participants involved you can forget disturbing diagrams and awkward talks – this is Sex Ed with a difference. Supporting the SEAL approach (social and emotional aspects of learning) Tip of the Iceberg Theatre have found that to affectively reach and address the attitudes of young people it is not enough to deal with the ‘nuts and bolts’ of these personal issues, but rather the heart and soul. Cue Tip of the Iceberg Theatre.

Our projects work because they have constantly evolved with the input from over 100,000 young people. We take the weight off your shoulders where these difficult issues are concerned, and as described by one school “It’s a years PSHE in a day”.

‘Tip of the Iceberg Theatre Company’ have been delivering drama based PSHE projects to students for over 13 years, using a mix of live performance techniques and up-front honesty to tackle difficult issues at the root – from alcohol and anorexia to the internet and underage sex.

With this email we are offering £100 off full day bookings and £50 off half day bookings. Quote Summeremail.

We have workshop days on Internet Safety, Friendship and Bullying, Communication and Attitudes to Driving (for the Sixth Form).

There are two full length productions on offer for 2013-2014 . (These shows are followed by a range of workshop options from 1hr to a full day)

‘The Sex Factor’ for years 9-11 that examines issues around SRE, drugs, self esteem, and decision making. http://www.tipoftheiceberg.biz/work/sexfactor.html

‘Network’ for years 8-10 that explores all types of relationships; identity, culture,

bereavement, divorce, crime and risky behaviours. http://www.tipoftheiceberg.biz/work/network.html

Each project is designed to suit you and your needs as we adapt the workshops to accommodate timetables and student numbers, so please contact us for further information and prices.

Email: admin@tipoftheiceberg.biz
Phone: 0845 4747907
Mobile: 07519 593711

Don’t just take our word for it:

“Today made me think about what I do in life and what I can do to improve and change.” (Yr 9 pupil)

“I know I am in control of my own actions” (year 10 pupil)

“It is remarkable that each year you give us something special both in terms of the drama performances but also in the workshops. The responses of the boys throughout the day and their comments to us the following week indicate just how much they appreciate the day.” (Head of PSHE, Haberdasher’s Aske’s Boys’ School)

don Quijote Spanish courses – Teaching Spanish in 2014

don Quijote has been exclusively committed to organising Spanish as a Foreign Language courses since 1986, earning prestigious awards and recognition including accreditation by the Cervantes Institute.

Teachers of Spanish course
As in 2014 languages become a compulsory element of the primary curriculum we thought we would write and tell you about our Spanish Teaching Methodology course which is eligible for funding from the British Council under the Comenius scheme. This course would be particularly useful for teachers of other languages such as French, who are going to teach Spanish at a basic level. Contact me if you are interested in this course and would like me to send you further information about the course and how to go about applying for the grants.

Following this new national curriculum initiative we are delighted to announce that don Quijote will be awarding one scholarship place to a Primary School language teacher which will consist of a 2 week intensive Spanish course at one of our schools in Spain If you would like to be considered for the scholarship please contact me for an application form.

Our don Quijote teachers are all fully qualified native Spanish speakers, with a university degree and specialist training in the teaching of Spanish to foreigners. Teaching methods are communicative and learning Spanish in this way and in the country in which the language is spoken is one of the most effective ways of improving language skills in a short space of time.

Summercamps in Spain

In addition to Teachers courses don Quijote can also offer summer camps in Spain for age 5 years and above.

Summercamps in Spain consist of 20 classes of Spanish per week plus activities. For more information about our camps please see our website:

http://www.donquijote.co.uk/spanish-courses/summer-camps-in-spain

As a special promotion for your pupils, in 2013 we are pleased to offer you a 15 percent discount per person on a residential 2 week summer camp in Spain. Please contact us for further details about this offer.

If you do not already receive information by post about our Spanish courses please let us know and we will add you to our mailing list for a free Classroom Promotion pack.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like any further information or help. You can write to me at sarah.griffiths@donquijote.org or call me on 020 8786 8081

I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind regards
Sarah Griffiths
don Quijote UK

What is the benefit of teaching a foreign language to KS1 children?

Children aged five and six carry within themselves some unique attributes. Generally speaking they are not inhibited or self-conscious – and they love mimicry. In short they are ideally suited to learn a language.

And although not everyone appreciates a recommendation from Michael Gove or comprehends his use of Americanised English, his comment in an interview last year that, “There is a slam-dunk case for extending foreign language teaching to children aged five.” is generally considered to be supported.

Indeed the Secretary of State continued, “It is literally the case that learning languages makes you smarter. The neural networks in the brain strengthen as a result of language learning.”

It is with this in mind that we have developed Petites Étoiles – a photocopiable resource (which also contains 18 activity cards) that teaches French to Reception and KS1 children in a way that is specifically designed to fit easily into the existing curriculum.

All the activities are based on common topics along with lots of suggestions for cross-curricular links.

And, as you might expect, the resource contains songs, oral language games, playing with puppets and parachutes, and activities based around toys, food, animals and celebrations.

Better still, the resource is incredibly supportive for the non-specialist teacher, with video and audio clips included so all the language introduced is modelled by native French speakers.

There are sufficient lesson plans, activities and ideas to last you from Reception right through to Year 2.

Cross-curricular links, extensions for older or more able children and opportunities for developing intercultural understanding make this a truly outstanding resource.

You can order Petites Étoiles in any of these ways:

Careers in Engineering – KS 4-5

Tomorrow’s engineers can find career opportunities in the Energy Sector.
A career in engineering. What is it like?

The Energy Generation DVD + 30 page Career Activities

Thirteen Career Profiles on DVD, including…

They map out their career paths and they make the link between school, college, qualifications and the world of engineering.

The UK’s biggest engineering/energy companies cooperated in the production of this Careers DVD. Each career profile is presented in the workplace in the UK.

See what it is like: in a nuclear power station, in Europe’s biggest coal fired station, on the trading floor of a UK energy company and in the Centre for Alternative Technology.

Profile 1: Kirti EDF Energy HQ Commercial Graduate Trainee
Profile 2: Rachael EDF Energy European Technical Liaison Manager
Profile 3: Jo RWE npower Fawley Oil Power Station Shift Process Leader
Profile 4: Rob British Energy Dungeness B Nuclear Maintenance Engineer
Profile 5: Vicky British Energy Dungeness B Nuclear Apprentice
Profile 6: Chris E.ON UK Combined Heat & Power DivisionOperations Manager
Profile 7: Gurinderpal British Energy Trading Room Energy Trader
Profile 8: Lou RWE npower Aberthaw Coal Station Mechanical Engineer
Profile 9: Michelle RWE npower Aberthaw Coal Station Mechanical Engineer
Profile 10: Bryan B.J. Rendall Orkney Wind Energy Consultant
Profile 11: Ffion MagnoxNorth Wylfa Nuclear Power StationSystems Engineer
Profile 12: Jan Urenco (Uranium fuel enrichment plant) Safety Case Officer
Profile 13: Joe Centre for Alternative Technology Education Manager

Sample the DVD – ☞ view clip ☞

More information – Download form

£29.99 ex Vat (£35.99) + £2.50 postage

TO ORDER

On line: http://www.team-video.co.uk/order.html (All ‘on line’ orders postage free)
By email: admin@team-video.co.uk
By post:
TEAM VIDEO, PO Box 38194, Lo
ndon W10 5WZ. Tel 020 8968 3732

Forty new lessons with warm ups to develop the creativity and expressive talents of the individual in the context of the whole group.

For many of us teaching drama, at the heart of the practical activities is the desire for everyone to be able to join in and for everyone to enjoy a lively lesson in which self-consciousness melts away

Such lessons should then leave all the students feeling both relaxed and supported – and should leave them more aware of who they are and what they could be.

This is exactly the aim of Drama Depot which provides forty lessons for years 7 to 9 complete with warm ups and preparatory activities.

Throughout, the assumption is that everyone taking part has little previous dramatic knowledge – and indeed it is certainly possible for teachers with limited or no experience of drama to be able to use the the lessons should the need arise.

Thus drama becomes a totally practical subject. Texts are occasionally used within the book to enhance the nature of the work, but they are never fundamental to each lesson.

Overall the assumption behind these activities is that the average drama lesson lasts between 40 – 60 minutes (although the lessons can be adjusted for longer or shorter sessions).

Beyond that the idea is that the lessons should not have an overtly academic basis. They provide a chance for the students to expand their knowledge of what drama means and will make students always want to come back for more.

The students can work in pairs, in threes and occasionally in larger groups in order to ensure that the whole class is occupied all the time.

The forty lessons should provide more than enough material to last a whole school year – or the lessons can be spread over three years and interspersed with other materials.

Cat No: 978 1 86083 836 1 Order code: T1816emn – please quote with order.

Sample pages can be viewed at http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/drama/T1816.pdf

  • Photocopiable book: £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • CD with school-wide rights: £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Both the Book and the CD: £31.94 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the report from the publisher:

Improve your students’ interview skills

The Interview

How To Make The Most Out Of It

A DVD resource for years 10, 11 and 12

Prepare your students for…

Work Experience placement
Part-time job
Full-time job
University application

Sharpen up your students’ presentation skills using these seven short films. Designed to encourage critical self-assessment to build students confidence for the full range of interviews they are likely to face.

Issues Covered

* Self-presentation
* Being prepared
* Questions to ask
* Rights at work
* Avoiding pitfalls
* Dealing with the unethical interviewer

All seven films come with linked briefings and background information for students and co-ordinators, printable off the DVD and provide a wealth of advice and suggestions for preparing students for interviews.

The students presented are drawn from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

“If in your job you have anything to do with preparing students for interviews, then buy this DVD.”

Teaching Citizenship

The DVD includes

7 Separate Films indexed for immediate access
20 Linked Briefing sheets with clear advice and tips

Use These Links to Preview

Preview student briefing sheets
View Clip
More Information

To order or request a review copy

On line: www.team-video.co.uk
Email : admin@team-video.co.uk
FAX : 020 8960 9784
Price £34.99 (exc. VAT) + £2.50 P&P postage is free if ordered online.

 

TEAM VIDEO PO BOX 38194 London W10 5WZ TEL O20 8960 5536

Can teachers use classic games to improve children’s numeracy skills?

The Scrabble board game has been transformed into a number’s game called ‘Numenko’ where the letters are now numbers.

Now sums, strategy and solutions are the objects of the game. Numenko has been used with children by parents and teachers alike.

It allows children to practice using their number skills in a fun way. The game naturally differentiates between abilities because the children choose their next ‘call’.

We have put together a wonderful package for Maths departments to use a combination of ways to encourage and excite children about Maths. Card games that use colour and shapes like Symbotica to number tiles used in Numenko board game and the Numenko-in-a-bag version too.

We have also included packs of Top Careers in Maths pack that bring a greater awareness of maths careers. If you would like to obtain your Departmental Package please have a look through our site for further information.

Elemental Publishing Ltd
78 Bush Grove
Kingsbury
London
NW9 8QX

t. 020 8123 9378
f. 0870 486 2293
m. 07939 609 126