The government is in no doubt. Teachers, they suggest, learn best from observing other professionals.

The only problem is that for many teachers it can be a bit daunting to have one’s own lessons videoed for colleagues to see. And thus many teachers find that the best way to start this process is to have oneself videoed specifically for oneself to view.

In this way one begins with self-observation, and then moves on to being open to observation by one’s peers – although that does not mean that all or even the majority of one’s lessons should be seen by colleagues, at least in the early stages.

What should happen is that really effective lessons can be shared with colleagues. In this way the question, “why did this lesson work so well?” can be asked and teased out from the evidence.

Now we do have to admit that one reason why “observation by one’s peers” is favoured by inspectors is because it makes their life easy by giving them something to measure.

They can look and see if teacher observation is going on, and if it is they tick the box. If it is going on a lot, then they can tick a lot of boxes, and everyone is happy.

Recognising this, Classwatch has produced a video system whereby the lesson can be reviewed by the teacher who taught it and then, when desirable, shared and discussed with colleagues.

The system comprises two cameras (allowing excellent room coverage), a Classbox recorder and high definition audio. All images and audio are recorded to the Classbox and access is strictly password protected.

And there’s a bonus too. We are currently offering the next 50 schools who contact us a free lesson recording so you can see how Classwatch can work for your school.

To book a free lesson recording or to find out more, click here or email us at info@classwatch.co.uk. Alternatively, for more information call us on 0800 043 9510.

IS IT REALLY TRUE?

Well yes, it really is true!

With 612 pages and a clear, typeface, the “Collins English Dictionary” is an excellent choice for your KS 3, 4 and GCSE students. It’s the normal paperback size (176 x 110 mm) and has an RRP of £ 6.99. However when you order from Signpost Educational Ltd you can buy these dictionaries for only £2.99…..that’s a saving of £4 on each copy. ! But that’s not all…..

I like the £4 saving, but where do the free copies come in?

Simple. Just order 100 or more copies and you’ll get 50% extra free of charge.

Order 200 and you’ll get another 100 copies free. There’s no limit to the quantity you can order and you’ll always get an extra 50% free with orders over 100 copies.

You can order direct from Signpost Educational Ltd and contact them at
signpost@talk21.com or phone 020 7515 1797 or visit their website:
www.signposteducational.co.uk If you prefer to fax your order then the number to use is 020 7515 4420.

This study guide to Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella and Charles I provides invaluable information and guidance for GCE students looking at this period of history. It gives a comprehensive description and explanation of events setting them in the context of the prevailing political, social, religious and economic influences. It looks in particular at the religious policy of the crown and the effect this had on the Church.

As well as an insight into the dynamics of the period, Spain 1469 to 1522 gives advice on how to structure essay questions in order to achieve better grades.

The book is available in photocopiable format so you only need only buy one copy which you can then share with colleagues and pupils as you wish. Sample pages and a contents list can be viewed at http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/history/T1673.pdf

ISBN: 978 1 86083 715 9; Order code: T1673emn

The volume is available as…

• Photocopiable report in a ring binder, £19.95 plus £3.95 delivery
• CD with school-wide rights: £19.95 plus £3.95 delivery
• Both the Ring Binder and the CD £26.94 plus £3.95 delivery

Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the book or CD…

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
• On the phone with a school order number at 01536 399 011
• By fax to 01536 399 012
• On line with a credit card at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=490

The interactive quizzes on the Education Quizzes website have become extremely popular with students – they pay £5.00 per month to access hundreds of teacher-written quizzes.

Education Quizzes would now like to prove their worth to teachers. You can sign-up as many classes as you like, free of charge for a year. Your students will be able to use their computers and iPads to play all the quizzes in your chosen subject and you will have access to an online report showing which quizzes have been played and the scores achieved.

Think of it as “Self-marking homework”!

You have nothing to lose. Education Quizzes will not produce a single invoice for teachers in 2014. Take a look at http://www.educationquizzes.com/teachers/ks3-science/ for further details.

Alternatively contact Colin King (01406 371799 or colin@educationquizzes.com) for an informal chat and walkthrough of the system.

WJEC’s selection of the Superhero Film genre for its GCSE Film Studies exam topic turned out to be an excellent and clairvoyant choice. Since centres around the UK began teaching it, some very popular films have developed the genre significantly.

Looking at the list of the biggest opening weekends in North America, 5 out of the top 10 are superhero films. The other 5 are various of the Harry Potter, Twilight and Hunger Games series.

Marvel’s continuing success and consistent story arc leads the way, with Iron Man 3 proving an immense success at the box office, following on from the record-breaking Avengers Assemble.

But what’s behind all this? What’s the appeal of superhero films? Is it an accessible version of science fiction, with its correlating fulfilment and exploration of technological developments? The ideal escapism for a society living in fear of terrorism and the militarisation of its youth and poor through humanitarian adventures in the Middle East?

Or is it the just the cinematic appeal of great SFX combined with the accessible narrative and clear character roles straight from Propp? You can help your students explore these questions – and many more exam-relevant ones – with a range of resources available from ZigZag Education:

1. Teaching Pack: Packed full of activities and detailed notes on the genre, this resource provides the ideal starting point for teachers of this topic. Written with enthusiasm and clarity, the aim is to provide fully-formed resources as well as inspire your teaching of the topic. Independent reviewer and Head of Film Studies, Sara Sylvester, found that it provided a ‘comprehensive and accessible introduction… cover the key areas to prepare pupils for Paper 1’. (UY77/4497, £49)
2. Revision Guide: If you are familiar with ZigZag’s annual Media Studies Revision Guide, you’ll recognise the same unique style here – it’s a comprehensive workbook featuring analysis tasks and exam questions (a whole paper’s worth) with sample answers. I sent it to independent reviewer and department head Stacey Derrick:

   ‘I’m finding it hard to find faults!! Really good… I like the match-up of camera angles and shots on pages 23/24 and the following activity where shots are analysed and justified. The exam at the end is brilliant with sample answers and the quality of the pages and examples is impressive… the mark schemes are excellent and allow students to self- and peer-assess their work. The revision tips are also a great feature; having the 20 pages of preamble about the exam and what you need to know is really effective for the ones I teach that panic!& rsquo; – Stacey Derrick, Head of Department & Independent Reviewer (UY77/5060, £69)

3. Practice Papers: The final piece of the puzzle – original papers in the style of the WJEC exam. These two papers provide a range of practice questions in exam format, with a realistic mark scheme. Plus, one paper has model answers too, great Assessment for Learning! Film Studies teacher and author Sara Mills said the papers ‘seemed very genuine and would be really useful to use in class’. (UY77/4390, £34)

ZigZag resources are available as ‘copy masters’ or in editable format and come with a site licence, allowing you to pay once and copy as often as you need, or put on your server for multiple use.

Each resource is available as a photocopy master with site licence. Also available in:

1. Easy-printing PDF files (add 30%+VAT), or
2. PDF with editable Word files (add 50%+VAT).

Order now at http://zzed.co.uk/UY77

ZigZag Education, Unit 3, Greenway Business Centre, Doncaster Road, Bristol BS10 5PY
t: 0117 950 3199 | f: 0117 959 1695 | UY77@zigzageducation.co.uk

Give your promotional code UY77 to get free postage!

Outstanding Leadership with Lindy Barclay

Having overseen 4 outstanding Ofsteds at her challenging comprehensive, Lindy Barclay knows something about great leadership.

This practical, inspiring day provides sound coping strategies and ‘top tips’ to help school leaders survive and prosper.

• What sort of leadership makes a school ‘outstanding’?
• How can you balance your operational duties with the need for strategic leadership?
• Building winning teams and the role of leadership in developing staff
• Sustaining outstanding: analysing past success and understanding how to build on it
• Manage relationships with confidence to maximise outcomes

…….and lots more

“Lindy really is inspirational and her no jargon approach to education makes everything seem ‘doable’ and possible.”

London: 31st January 2014
Oxford: 21st March 2014
Birmingham: 20th June 2014

More information

Ask us about our other highly acclaimed courses including:

Differentiation, Marking and Feedback
How to get a 1 for Teaching and Learning
Outstanding Maths
Developing Stretch and Challenge for the More Able Student
Outstanding Teaching and Learning

For more details please email office@smartees-learning.com, call 0118 9797 551 or visit our website

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.

When it comes to giving the inspectorate what they want,
there is one process that always delivers

One of the patterns that has emerged in terms of school inspections in recent years is the focus on issues which are deemed to have a significant influence on every student in the school.

And of all the issues that fall into this category, homework is the one that has got the inspectors the most energised.

Homework has become a central focus because it affects every subject area, it relates directly to learning, and much of the time is the part of the school’s process which is most readily visible to parents.

Not surprisingly, given this mode of thinking by Ofsted and other inspection bodies, many schools are using homework as the key leverage point when focussing on improving the report the inspectors deliver.

Of course, getting everyone to put in the maximum effort to complete their homework, while ensuring that all the parents who want to know what homework has been set can see it immediately, is complex.

Which is why the online homework calendar “Show My Homework” exists and is used across all subjects in many schools throughout the UK.

It allows teachers to record homework, it provides translations for parents whose first language is not English, it records the marks, and it is instantly available to the inspectors to show them what has been done day by day in all subjects.

Naturally we don’t expect you just to take our word for this. So, we have a without obligation free trial of our online homework calendar.

You can find more information on our online homework system on our website.

Alternatively click here for a free demonstration or call us on 020 3397 7546 for more information.

WHO ARE YOUR GARDENING STARS?
Win £500 or a Keder Greenhouse for your school

Applications for RHS Young School Gardener of the Year 2014 are now open!

If you know a young person, aged 5-16, who has a passion for gardening and has made an outstanding contribution to their school and community, then nominate them today.

The winner will receive £500 worth of National Garden Gift vouchers, a selection of gardening tools and more.

Two new categories have also been added for 2014:

RHS School Gardening Champion of the Year – a chance to nominate an inspirational adult within your school who has a passion for encouraging gardening in your school. The winner will receive £500 worth of National Garden Gift vouchers, RHS membership for a year and a free place on a training course. Nominate here.

RHS School Gardening Team of the Year – showcase your entire gardening team and the difference they have made to their school environment. The winning team will receive a fantastic Keder Greenhouse and £500 worth of National Garden Gift vouchers. Nominate here.

Nominate your gardening champions today! Entries close 2 May 2014.

For further information please visit www.rhs.org.uk/ysg.

Help us harness the power of gardening to do good
The RHS Campaign for School Gardening supports more than 4 million childr en to discover the joys of gardening. This amazing programme is just one of several charitable initiatives supported by our RHS member community. By joining the RHS you can help support the gardens of tomorrow as well as enjoy days out the whole family will love at more than 150 gardens, improve your skills and transform your own green space with personalised advice and The Garden monthly magazine. This is yours from just £40.50. Visit rhs.org.uk/join/3648.

T&C’s: See website for full T&Cs. Introductory membership offer from £40.50 is 12 months’ membership for the price of 9 by Direct Debi t for new members. Price and offer are valid until 31.12.2014. 

So fundamental is the notion of Enterprise to our society that it is rather sad to think that many young people leave school – and indeed many leave university – without much of an idea as to what enterprise is all about.

One way or another they earn money, and generally speaking they spend it. But the whole basis of the system, and their part within it, can often remain a mystery.

It was because of the utterly fundamental nature of enterprise within our society, and the fact that so many young people don’t seem to grasp what it is all about, that we commissioned “Enterprise Education: The Course Book”.

Written by a teacher who went on to set up his own successful business this copiable volume starts from a detailed review of what Enterprise Education is, and then helps the students come to terms with what the world of business is all about.

The volume explores the notion of Enterprise and how it can be applied throughout the school, as well as examining the career implications of enterprise.

The volume then covers the setting up of a work-related programme before going into examples of enterprise opportunities including simulations, school generated projects and engagement with business.

At the end of the book there is a set of forms that can be used in terms of an agreement with companies over work experience, report forms, placement letters, etc etc.

Enterprise Education: The Complete Coursebook includes everything that is required for the successful implementation of the Key Stage 4 Enterprise Education programme, from classroom teaching materials to an in-service training programme, from work-based learning modules to simulations and live enterprise projects.

Enterprise Education: The Complete Coursebook is available as a book or on CD and includes:

• INSET activities – as a result of which staff will feel confident in their knowledge and understanding of the enterprise culture within industry and how it will impact on pupils who are exposed to it.
• Champions of Enterprise: Pupils can evaluate local business enterprises and draw their own conclusions as to which firms are truly involved in enterprise culture.
• Simulations: Mini-enterprises in which pupils can engage in an enterprise activity in a controlled environment.
• School generated projects: Pupils organise an actual event or act in the local environment in a planned and organised way.
• Real life situations: The Coursebook sets out programmes which ensure that the organisation, the school and the pupil all work together to generate a true understanding of enterprise.

The copyright licence allows the copying from either the book or the CD, so that all students can have pages relevant to their study at any time. It is also possible to place the CD on the school’s learning platform, so that students may access it at any time.

ISBN: 978 1 86083 8606

Price:

• £25.95 for the book or CD, plus £3.95 postage.
• £32.94 for the book plus CD, plus £3.95 postage.

You can order in four different ways. In each case please quote our reference T1790emn. Sample pages and a contents list can be viewed prior to ordering on http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/business/T1790.pdf

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House Mailings plc, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Rd., Corby, Northants NN17 4HH
• By fax on 01536 399 012
• By phone with a credit card or with an official school order number on 01536 399 011
• On line with a credit card at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=51&products_id=552

We tend to think of the school as being a fixed entity with
established buildings, and designated teaching areas. But…

Teaching and learning can and does happen anywhere; in the classroom, the hall, the playground… Indeed the only thing that ever limits the use of any space is our ability to imagine the possibilities.

So if you have a playground, and it is raining, or there is strong direct sunlight, or it is very windy, the area’s use as a teaching and learning environment might be thought to be restricted.

But if you were to put up a canopy, you could, for a very modest sum, give yourself an extended classroom, an al fresco dining area, an adventure play area…

This is the route down which numerous schools have recently gone, in developing ever more varied use of their facilities. And there really is no limit to the ways in which an area could be used.

True, there’s no telling what the British weather is going to do next, but the fact that canopies can be used in so many ways, means that there are virtually no days at all in the school year when such a facility cannot be used in some way or other.

There are over 150 different designs of canopies available. Some of course are designed for very specific purposes, such as the bicycle shed, but many others do have multiple uses.

Which is why before we do anything else, we always offer to come to your school, without cost and without any obligation, to see the site and discuss the ways in which a canopy could be added to your existing buildings.

To get an idea of the huge range of options available we’ve collected together photographs of over 30 different installations that we’ve undertaken recently. They are on

http://www.cambridgestylecanopies.co.uk/canopies.php – just click on any photograph that looks interesting and you will see it enlarged.

We’ve also got a separate page for cycle shelters http://www.cambridgestylecanopies.co.uk/cycle-shelters.php

If you’d like to discuss how a canopy could be used in your school, or have us come to look at your site and advise on the options, please either

Phone: 01353 699009
Email: cambridgestyle@aol.com
Or write to: Cambridge Style Canopies, 62 Main Street, Pymoor, Ely, Cambs CB6 2DY

The government is in no doubt. Teachers, they suggest, learn best from observing other professionals.

The only problem is that for many teachers it can be a bit daunting to have one’s own lessons videoed for colleagues to see. And thus many teachers find that the best way to start this process is to have oneself videoed specifically for oneself to view.

In this way one begins with self-observation, and then moves on to being open to observation by one’s peers – although that does not mean that all or even the majority of one’s lessons should be seen by colleagues, at least in the early stages.

What should happen is that really effective lessons can be shared with colleagues. In this way the question, “why did this lesson work so well?” can be asked and teased out from the evidence.

Now we do have to admit that one reason why “observation by one’s peers” is favoured by inspectors is because it makes their life easy by giving them something to measure.

They can look and see if teacher observation is going on, and if it is they tick the box. If it is going on a lot, then they can tick a lot of boxes, and everyone is happy.

Recognising this, Classwatch has produced a video system whereby the lesson can be reviewed by the teacher who taught it and then, when desirable, shared and discussed with colleagues.

The system comprises two cameras (allowing excellent room coverage), a Classbox recorder and high definition audio. All images and audio are recorded to the Classbox and access is strictly password protected.

And there’s a bonus too. We are currently offering the next 50 schools who contact us a free lesson recording so you can see how Classwatch can work for your school.

To book a free lesson recording or to find out more, click here or email us at info@classwatch.co.uk. Alternatively, for more information call us on 0800 043 9510.

No Problem, just tell us the number on the lock and we will send you out a replacement.

Replacement keys for your lockers or cabinets are normally despatched within 24 hours of order.

Keys from as low £1 each *

*Please quote HH1 for this special rate or call for bulk discounts on locks and other key series

Tel: 0208 343 2943

Email: sales@keysplease.co.uk

www.keysplease.co.uk to order online direct.

A study by Alison K Banikowski on ‘Strategies to Enhance Memory Based on Brain Research’ found that ‘Information that is meaningful to students and contains an emotional “hook” is more likely to be attended to and remembered’. Among these strategies of emotional learning is the role play. This technique gives students the opportunity to engage in real life experiences and provide for hands-on learning tool. You can read the full study here: http://sc-boces.org/english/IMC/Focus/Memory_strategies2.pdf

With that in mind, we have developed a photocopiable resource to support your teaching of A Level OCR Law. It includes 10 carefully crafted role plays covering each step of the legal process and one ‘ultimate role play’ following a single case from stop & search to sentencing. With full instructions for each participant, and supporting material (e.g. mock bail forms, charge sheets, etc.). Perfect for helping students retain knowledge and deepen their understanding about Law.

Independent reviewers are saying:

“This resource is fantastic; it includes a wide variety of material and is a good
way of bringing often dry subjects to life. I particularly like the well-thought out
scenarios and clear directions for all the people that are going to be involved.”
E Skinner, Subject Leader for Law

“The role plays would require very little extra by way of resources. All the work is done by
the author. Role play exercises can help make the learning activity more enjoyable for the
student as well as for the teacher. The author obviously uses such exercises quite a lot.”
A Padfield, Law Lecturer

For more information, to preview the full resource and to order, please visit: http://zzed.co.uk/WD42

Available as a photocopy master with site licence (£89): also available as a printable PDF file (£89+30%^+vat each) and an editable Word file (£89+50%^+vat each).

Please reference WD42 when placing your order to receive free postage & packaging.

ZigZag Education, Unit 3, Greenway Business Centre, Doncaster Road, Bristol BS10 5PY | Tel: 0117 950 3199 | Fax: 0117 959 1695

Solving the problem of finding suitable plays that meet
GCSE Drama exam board criteria

One of the most frustrating and time consuming problems associated with GCSE drama classes is the seeking out of suitable plays for the students to perform.

There are, of course, many plays around, but not so many that have the right amount of engagement per candidate and the right number of pupils involved within the cast.

What’s more, given the restriction that some exam boards now impose on the taking of scenes from published plays and the need for the play to have a unified sense, finding suitable plays is getting more difficult – especially if one wishes to avoid using the same plays as last year.

This is the problem that “Here comes Godot now!” by Lindsay Jones solves. It contains 12 plays each containing multi-roling and the variety of theatrical techniques that exam boards now seem to love.

The plays particularly engage with themes not often found in other sources, such as dark comedy, fantasy, horror, humour and urban myths. Thus the themes in this volume avoid the social topics such as drug taking which other volumes (and indeed assemblies and PSHE lessons) will already have covered extensively.

As for performances, the plays are written for a variety of combinations of participants from two boys or two girls up to four boys and four girls. Because the volume is photocopiable (or printable from a CD rom) only one copy of the book need be bought, and it can be used among the class without further cost.

ISBN: 978 1 86083 856 9 Order code: T1820emn – please quote with order.

Sample pages incorporating one complete play can be viewed at http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/drama/T1820.pdf

• Photocopiable book, £29.95 plus £3.95 delivery
• CD with school-wide rights: £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
• Both the book and the CD £36.94 plus £3.95 delivery
• Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the report…

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
• On the phone with a school order number at 01536 399 011
• By fax to 01536 399 012
• On line with a credit card at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=790

There are many different ways of approaching creative writing, and no one way suits everyone. 

There are many different ways in which children approach the writing of a story, a poem, a review… 

Some just start writing, confident that the result will be reasonable, and that one can go back and improve. 

Others need preparation and planning before the writing starts, while a third group will freeze, unable to do anything at all. 

But then, even when the writing has begun, again different approaches can be seen. Some are able to follow the story and make a coherent whole. Others can lose the plot (literally) and wander into completely new areas. And some will freeze. 

Which is why the Boost Creative Writing Skills series of books exists. 

The planning sheets within the series help with the gathering of ideas, and there is coverage of a range of different genres such as stories, poems, book reviews and newspaper reports. 

Each sheet generates discussion within a defined framework and then aids pupils to write more descriptive stories and compose longer pieces of writing.

There are also techniques included which assist with both narrative and descriptive writing and which cater for different learning styles. 

The Boost Creative Writing Skills series of books address the Programmes of Study for writing composition in the new (2014) National Curriculum for England. 

They have been shown to boost children’s writing skills, give pupils confidence and make them believe that they can write. 

There are 3 books in the series: 

Boost Creative Writing Skills for 5-7 year olds 

Boost Creative Writing Skills for 7-9 year olds 

Boost Creative Writing Skills for 9-11 year olds 

You can also purchase all 3 resources for the special offer price of £40.00. 

This book is available from 31^st January but may be pre-ordered. The e-book version will be available to buy once the book is published. 

You can order Boost Creative Writing in any of these ways: 

• On our website at the web links above
• By phone on 01449 766629
• By fax on 01449 767122
• By email to orders@tradecounter.co.uk

Brilliant Publications,
Mendlesham Industrial Estate,
Norwich Road,
Mendlesham,
Suffolk,
IP14 5ND. 

website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk
email: orders@tradecounter.co.uk

phone: 01449 766629
fax: 01449 767122

What is the most effective way of using creative music to explore the interdisciplinary teaching of themes and topics in the classroom?

There is a method of teaching which helps to deliver the national curriculum both for music and also a number of other subject areas.

What’s more, it can be used by you or your colleagues irrespective of whether you have had any musical training or experience in the past.

The approach incorporates lesson plans written in simple language with a clear layout, teacher’s guides, and a website that incorporates everything you need to teach the lessons.

As a result the approach allows all children to compose and perform their own rhythms from Year 2 onwards.

Better still, it is possible to use these materials free of charge for a month so that you can experience in detail the process that focuses around the performance of music which the children in your class create themselves.

For most primary school children this is one of the most exciting activities that they can imagine. Very quickly they develop a great sense of pride in the fact that the music is “their” music. They wrote it, they created it, they perform it.

The approach – which can be experienced via the free trial – is achieved through using the multiple possibilities of the interactive whiteboard.

From the start children learn about the basic building blocks of music by creating with them and performing the results using age appropriate notation that is easy for non-musical teachers to understand and use.

This develops general musical skills in rhythm, pitch, singing, and using instruments, and as a result children begin to explore both creativity and personal performance skills, all within the context of team work.

There are clear links to literacy and numeracy from the very beginning of the project, and later on the children are encouraged to make up music and lyrics in relation to other subject areas.

You can find more information about this resource by clicking here.

Sign up for a free trial course at http://www.abcmusic.org.uk/trial.php

Alternatively, please do email me at tom@abccreativemusic.com

Tom Bancroft

The 10^th International Conference on Practice Teaching and Field Education, Glasgow, 7^th-8^th April.

As a trainer or educator of professionals in health and social work, you will find a wealth of stimulating new ideas to take away and apply in your own workplace.

• Over 70 workshops and papers accepted!
• Truly interdisciplinary with offerings from health, medicine, social work and care.
• International – presenters from 14 countries!
• Practical! Take away new useable ideas from workshops and papers by trainers in the workplace, as well as academics.

We’ve held most prices to the level of the last event in 2011, and places are limited, so book soon to ensure your place.

The booking form is now available here : http://www.whitingbirch.net/cgi-bin/scribe?showinfo=ip005.

The detailed programme will be on the website in 10 days time. In the meantime, the full list of workshops and papers accepted, together with abstracts is also available at: http://www.whitingbirch.net/cgi-bin/scribe?showinfo=ip005

If you have any questions, please email:
jm4whitingbirch@aol.co.uk.

David Whiting
Publisher
Whiting & Birch Ltd
90 Dartmouth Road 
London 
SE23 3HZ
davidwhiting@whitingbirch.net
+44(0)20-8244-2421

To help you and your team get even more sparkling maths results in 2014, we’d like to offer you the following.

1. Visualise maths clearly with Autograph 3.3. There’s no better tool to easily portray mathematical ideas and show how they work. See www.chartwellyorke.com/autograph

2. Communicate maths quickly and precisely, on screen or in print with MathType. No more Doctor’s Handwriting and searching for maths symbols. See www.chartwellyorke.com/mathtype

3. No more marking! Use MathsNet or Mathster to set online tests and get them marked and reported automatically. See the highly popular www.mathsnetgcse.com, www.mathsnetalevel.com, or www.mathster.com (Mathster is particularly good on iPads, iPhones, smart phones and tablets and for creating printed tests too).

Take a free trial for your whole school if you haven’t already got these. Just call us on 01204 811001 or email us at info@chartwellyorke.com and we’ll arrange it.

All the best
Philip Yorke

Chartwell-Yorke (Mathematics Software and Books)
114 High Street, Belmont Village, Bolton, Lancashire, BL7 8AL
info@chartwellyorke.com, www.chartwellyorke.com
Tel +44 (0)1204 811001, Fax 01204 811008

Half of this summer’s Unit 3 exam (full course) and Unit 1 exam (short course) AQA GCSE PE is based on AQA’s pre-release scenario, this year featuring ‘Westshore Netball Club’. The team-based scenario is tougher than previous years, so effective exam preparation will be essential.

How well will your GCSE PE class know ‘Westshore Netball Club’?

This unique resource, totally focused on maximising exam performance, contains all the preparation material that students need for Section B of the pre-release scenario:

• An introduction to the scenario – what is there and what does it mean? With key terms highlighted and explained.
• Clear and concise revision notes, related specifically to ‘Westshore Netball Club’ and in spec order. Activities for every section to develop exam skills and consolidate learning.
• Section B mock exam questions, with useful ‘what is the question asking you to do’ sections, model student answers and marking tips.
• Teaching PowerPoints for delivery of the scenario material.

Plus, brand new for 2014: structured revision cards

Pre-order this year’s pack for 10^th February at: http://zzed.co.uk/Westshore

As with all ZigZag resources, you can be confident of the highest standards. All resources go through a rigorous process of checking, proofreading and professional styling before reaching you. ZigZag resources are available as ‘copy masters’ or in editable format and come with a site licence, allowing you to pay once and copy as often as you need, or put on your server for multiple use.

The ‘Summer 2014 – Westshore Netball Club’ Pre-Release Resource Pack is available as:

1. Black and white photocopy master with site licence (£54)
2. PDF for easy printing in full colour (add 30%+VAT)
3. PDF with editable Word files (add 50%+VAT)

Order now at http://zzed.co.uk/Westshore

ZigZag Education, Unit 3, Greenway Business Centre, Doncaster Road, Bristol BS10 5PY
t: 0117 950 3199 | f: 0117 959 1695 | PE-WE25@zigzageducation.co.uk

Give your promotional code WE25 to get free postage!

Many geography departments entered their students for the January sitting of the GEO4B exam, with the back-up plan of entering at least some students for the summer exam as a resit. With that option gone, how are you preparing your students for this challenging exam, to help them to ace it first time?

One superb way of doing this is to make use of past Advance Information Booklets, and to do a complete mock exam. Choose an AIB that links in with the topics your students are studying for GEOG3. For example, the Brazil AIB touched on ‘Weather and Climate’ and ‘Contemporary Conflicts and Challenges’, and the Christchurch Earthquake pack was an excellent case study for ‘Plate Tectonics and Associated Hazards’.

Here’s one approach:

• January: Issue AIB from a previous year, along with the corresponding Pre-Release Resource Pack (from ZigZag Education, see below). Tell students that we will study this booklet in preparation for a mock exam in February.
• January–February: Dedicate some class time to studying aspects of the booklet, using the student workbook, PowerPoints and activities in the ZigZag Resource Pack to structure the work. Emphasise to students that this work will not be ‘wasted’ – it both covers their GEOG3 topics and prepares them for the real AIB in June.
• Last week before February half term holiday: Give students the final tasks in the Pre-Release Resource Pack. Tell them to revise for a mock exam that they will sit next half term.
• February half term: Set a mock paper in exam conditions, using one of the two papers provided in the ZigZag Resource Pack, or the actual past paper from AQA. Have the students mark each other’s work and discuss and reflect on common errors and what they have learnt. Encourage students to share pre-release techniques.
• 24^th March 2014: Issue the real AIB (from AQA) to your confident and well-prepared students. Perhaps compare it with the one they have already studied, highlighting similarities and differences.
• 31^st March 2014: Issue the ‘Getting to Know…’ initial activities as a homework for Easter.*
• 21^th April 2014: Straight after Easter, get to work on the AIB properly with the Pre-Release Resource Pack from ZigZag Education (dispatched by 15^th April).

To facilitate this approach, ZigZag Education have discounted Pre-Release Resource Packs from previous years. You can also pre-order the June 2014 resource below. Order now at http://zzed.co.uk/WE24

The GEO4B Resource Packs are available as a photocopy master with site licence (£22 each for extra practice packs; £59 to pre-order the 2014 resource). Also available in:

1. Easy-printing PDF files (add 30%+VAT), or
2. PDF with editable Word files (add 50%+VAT).

* We will send you the preliminary ‘getting to know’ activities to support you in getting started with your students for whatever the topic turns out to be! Pre-order and register to receive the activities via email as soon as they are available (within a few days of the AIB release).

ZigZag Education, Unit 3, Greenway Business Centre, Doncaster Road, Bristol BS10 5PY

t: 0117 950 3199 | f: 0117 959 1695 | WE24@zigzageducation.co.uk

Give your promotional code WE24 to get free postage!

The brain and the hand are closely linked together,
which is why handwriting is so important.

If there is danger, the hand moves to provide defence. If there is a delicate task, the hand is called upon. If contact is required with an unknown object, the hand goes first.

Which helps us to understand why handwriting is so important. For not only does good handwriting make it easier for exam markers to read the student’s script, but it also develops hand, eye and brain co-ordination.

This means that as well as helping with exam scores, good handwriting gives students the chance to develop their essential fine motor skills.

This is why we have produced not just the Handwriting Rescue Scheme for fully cursive handwriting, but also two books of follow-on-exercises.

First, the Handwriting Rescue scheme: it contains over 300 copiable structured exercises designed to establish complete cursive letter formation. Tests have shown that the use of such material encourages the development of an automatic response to frequently used spelling choices.

Second, moving beyond Handwriting Rescue we have the follow-on-exercises.

Each of these two books contains 65 copiable activities which help with the embedding of cursive letter formation across every letter combination in the language.

As such, the volumes cover both key words and irregular words. Additionally, they cover the writing of speech marks, handwriting practice with useful word lists, and exercises writing of frequently misspelt words.

In effect, through the profound brain-hand connection the students can learn to improve their handwriting while simultaneously improving their grasp of the written language.

There are more details of Handwriting Rescue follow-on-exercises Book 1 on our website.

You can also find information on Handwriting Rescue follow-on-exercises Book 2 by clicking here.

If you already have the Handwriting Rescue Scheme and purchase both follow-on books they will be supplied at a 10% discount.

The Handwriting Rescue course itself should be used before the follow-on books. You can find more information on the course on our website.

If you have not purchased the Rescue Scheme already you can buy the Scheme and the follow-on books for the special price of £85.

You can order The Handwriting Rescue Scheme and follow-on materials in any of these ways:

• On our website at the above links
• By phone on 01604 505000
• By fax to 01604 505001
• By email to info@msl-online.net
• By post to Multi-Sensory Learning, Highgate House, Creaton, Northants, NN6 8NN 

There are a large number of mandatory issues, essential facts and highly desirable details that should be on every school website.

In 2012 the government laid down details through legislation, which have to be on every school website, from admission arrangements to details regarding the pupil premium.

Beyond that there are a few issues which evidence shows are the key facts that parents will look for on the site, beyond the basic issues the government lays down. These range from copies of letters to parents (in case they never arrive!) to term dates for the next two years.

And then there are further issues that are so highly desirable that if any were to be omitted parents (and those considering applying for admission for their children), might well wonder what was going on.

Which means there are a large number of different points which each school ought to include.

And yet a quick review of school websites selected at random, suggests that something like half of all schools either don’t cover all these issues, or, if they do, make it so hard to find some of them that the average parent is likely to give up the search.

Which really takes us on to the key point: if parents can’t find an answer that they are looking for on your website, they will do one of two things. They will either stop looking and (if a prospective parent) go elsewhere, or they will telephone the school.

Of course the phoning solution might seem perfectly acceptable – except that each phone call which is asking for information that is (or should be) on the website takes up the time of school administrators.

Now given that a survey by the School of Education Administration and Management last year found that over two thirds of school administrators said that they regularly had to undertake unpaid overtime to complete their work each week, any reduction in the phone calls they handle, will be welcomed in the office.

So it really does make sense to have these topics, issues and details not only covered on your website, but also set out in such a way that everyone can find them.

If you would like to discuss the list of topics together with a brief overview of your website (free of charge) and its effectiveness in leading to these topics, then email us at info@inco-eduction.co.uk

Alternatively if you woul d like to talk to us first, please call us on 01902 784 800.

You can also find out more about how we work with schools on our website at www.inco-education.co.uk

SAM Learning has always provided a complete on line structured learning package that takes students up a grade. Now there is more.

SAM Learning’s ability to take students up one or more grades at GCSE after just ten hours independent study has been well known and well documented for years. 

Each year the programming and content has been upgraded and refined to improve the service and generate even greater improvement for students that use it. 

But now we’ve gone a stage further, not only is SAM Learning now compatible for tablets, it is also possible for you and your colleagues in your school to customise test questions and exam papers to your own specific requirements.

As a result you can set questions on recently covered topics, upload your own images, choose your own marking criteria and yet still save time via the self marking system. 

Equally you can now also receive results of these custom-made tests in an easy-to-access report format. 

And all of this is achieved without any compromise to the fundamentals of SAM Learning – the ability to take students up a grade after just ten hours study.

You can find more information on Activity Builder, along with free sample activities by clicking here. 

Alternatively click here to request a free, no obligation, on line demonstration.

Finally, as you would expect we will be at Bett as usual on stand B294. However if you are not able to get to Bett never fear, for we have created a video of last year’s event including commentaries by teachers on the new features and benefits recently added to SAM Learning. The video is available at… 

https://www.samlearning.com/#popupvideo=2014/01/Bett-Finalv2-1-mobilNEW.m4v

To kick off the new year, we’ve made available a free presentation on Electrolysis for you to download and use in your teaching.

Taken from our GCSE Additional Science product, this latest addition to our Science free stuff page includes:

• An introduction to ionic compounds and electrolysis;
• Virtual experiments demonstrating the conduction of molten ionic compounds and dissolved ionic compounds;
• A summary quiz testing which substances conduct electricity.

Download the presentation from our Free Stuff page, where you’ll also find a free virtual experiment on testing antibiotics and resources on thermal energy!

Regards,
The Boardworks Science team

P.S. Boardworks offers complete coverage from KS3 to A-Level. If you would like to try a more extensive sample from one of our products you can request a free presentation of your choice.

So fundamental is the notion of Enterprise to our society that it is rather sad to think that many young people leave school – and indeed many leave university – without much of an idea as to what enterprise is all about.

One way or another they earn money, and generally speaking they spend it. But the whole basis of the system, and their part within it, can often remain a mystery.

It was because of the utterly fundamental nature of enterprise within our society, and the fact that so many young people don’t seem to grasp what it is all about, that we commissioned “Enterprise Education: The Course Book”.

Written by a teacher who went on to set up his own successful business this copiable volume starts from a detailed review of what Enterprise Education is, and then helps the students come to terms with what the world of business is all about.

The volume explores the notion of Enterprise and how it can be applied throughout the school, as well as examining the career implications of enterprise.

The volume then covers the setting up of a work-related programme before going into examples of enterprise opportunities including simulations, school generated projects and engagement with business.

At the end of the book there is a set of forms that can be used in terms of an agreement with companies over work experience, report forms, placement letters, etc etc.

Enterprise Education: The Complete Coursebook includes everything that is required for the successful implementation of the Key Stage 4 Enterprise Education programme, from classroom teaching materials to an in-service training programme, from work-based learning modules to simulations and live enterprise projects.

Enterprise Education: The Complete Coursebook is available as a book or on CD and includes:

• INSET activities – as a result of which staff will feel confident in their knowledge and understanding of the enterprise culture within industry and how it will impact on pupils who are exposed to it.
• Champions of Enterprise: Pupils can evaluate local business enterprises and draw their own conclusions as to which firms are truly involved in enterprise culture.
• Simulations: Mini-enterprises in which pupils can engage in an enterprise activity in a controlled environment.
• School generated projects: Pupils organise an actual event or act in the local environment in a planned and organised way.
• Real life situations: The Coursebook sets out programmes which ensure that the organisation, the school and the pupil all work together to generate a true understanding of enterprise.

The copyright licence allows the copying from either the book or the CD, so that all students can have pages relevant to their study at any time. It is also possible to place the CD on the school’s learning platform, so that students may access it at any time.

ISBN: 978 1 86083 8606

Price:

• £25.95 for the book or CD, plus £3.95 postage.
• £32.94 for the book plus CD, plus £3.95 postage.

You can order in four different ways. In each case please quote our reference T1790emn. Sample pages and a contents list can be viewed prior to ordering on http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/business/T1790.pdf

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House Mailings plc, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Rd., Corby, Northants NN17 4HH
• By fax on 01536 399 012
• By phone with a credit card or with an official school order number on 01536 399 011
• On line with a credit card at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=51&products_id=552

Bring street children into the equation with the
LASCO Maths Challenge.

The annual LASCO Maths Challenge begins on February 3^rd 2014 and is open to all Primary and Post Primary schools and Colleges in the UK and abroad.

There are 6 different competition categories available, with questions suitable for children of all abilities between the ages of 7 and 16, samples of which can be found on the website.

Click here to view some sample questions.

Schools can register on www.lascomaths.com and can participate at any stage during the 2 week period for which the competition is open.

To participate, the teacher simply selects the quiz most appropriate to his/her class. The class work together as a team and submit one answer sheet only per class, electronically via the website.

For the outcomes of last year’s event, click here

Who is LASCO?

LASCO is the Latin American Street Children Organisation, registered charity number XR27362. The charity raises money to fund projects that provide Education and Healthcare to the impoverished street children of South America.

I just wanted to congratulate you on a fantastic, well organized and fun filled day.
Our year 9 and Year 12 students took part in the challenge and they all really enjoyed it.
This is the first tine we have been involved but it certainly won’t be the last.

Helen McToal, St. Louis Grammar School

To view more teacher feedback please click here

Not only does this event give your pupils a positive and pastoral experience within the domain of mathematics, it also gives your school the chance to win a share of our fabulous prize fund – all the details of which can be found on the website.

This is a wholly inclusive event whereby teachers can select the quiz they feel is most appropriate for their pupils in the knowledge that this competition provides a shared learning experience for pupils of all abilities.

Above all, the competition is FUN, and pupils love it.

Please take a few minutes to view the video presentation on the homepage of the LASCO Maths website and consider affording your pupils the opportunity to participate in this magnificent competition.

Please join the 15,000 pupils already registered for LASCOMaths 2014 now by clicking here

Thank you

Franz Schlindwein

LASCO Maths Challenge Director

The Paper Tower Exercise is a practical exercise for small teams of students that will help to develop teamwork, communication and problem solving skills. It’s fast paced, competitive and great fun. It will get everyone talking, laughing and learning.

Students have to work together to build the highest Paper Tower for the least possible cost. Maths skills are put to the test as students work out how much they have spent on resources. Time penalties apply to any late entries.

The exercise easily fits into a single lesson and contains a resources checklist, timings and assessment criteria. The exercise can also be used as part of an activity day and run with multiple teams.

Suitable for KS3 or KS4

There are more details online at…
http://c-l-e.co.uk/buy-teaching-resources-online/paper-tower-exercise/

You can pay and download the exercise direct from our website using Paypal or you may wish to pay with a purchase order number. Please phone or fax your order to 0113 3909814 or e-mail your purchase order number to:
Julie@c-l-e.co.uk. Your order will be dealt with within 24 hours.

Julie O’Brien
Creative Learning Events
0113 3909814
07977 489779
www.c-l-e.co.uk

Many children like what they know. But it is never a bad idea to introduce a few new activities each year.

It is that thought – that all learning situations benefit from the introduction of new ideas, new techniques, new games and new activities – which drives us to bring out a new catalogue three times a year.

But also, as I am sure you imagine, we don’t want to use up resources by sending a printed copy of our catalogue to any nursery schools which, for whatever reason, do not wish to receive it.

So, we do two things.

First, if you would like to receive a printed copy of the new Edventure catalogue all you have to do is click here, complete your details and we’ll send one out to you.

Alternatively if you can’t wait you can see the full new catalogue immediately by clicking here.

You can also see our full range on our website at www.edventure.co.uk

There’s one other interesting point. It is now possible to order anything in the catalogue without paying any delivery costs at all.

To achieve a free delivery, just quote TA0613 when you place your order and you will indeed get the items you order without any delivery charge. Otherwise the carriage charge is £3.95 if ordered online or £7.50 if ordered by fax, phone or post. Payment is required with order; you may pay by credit card or (if ordering by post,) by cheque.

Should you wish to place an order please:

• Order from our website at www.edventure.co.uk
• Fax us on: 01323 50 10 41
• Post to us: Edventure Ltd, Hargreaves Business Park, Hargreaves Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6QW.
• Call us between 9am and 5pm: 01323 50 10 40

Edventure Ltd
Hargreaves Business Park
Hargreaves Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN23 6QW

Tel: 01323 50 10 40

Website: www.edventure.co.uk
Email: sales@edventure.co.uk