Lord of the Flies – An Abridged Text

Quite often the content of the National Curriculum can be intractable for pupils who speak English as a second language. The teaching of English can now be made wholly accessible using set texts which have been effectively differentiated so that they are understood by pupils who may find the original version difficult.

This pdf workbook has been designed for use with the novel ‘Lord of the Flies’ written by William Golding. With over 70 exercises covering a broad range of ability there is something for every student here. The exercises cover factual recall, knowledge of the text, understanding of the plot, analysis, personal interpretation and speculation. Worksheets are clearly laid out and are user-friendly. They can be completed with a minimum of equipment and they can be used in a variety of ways to fit into any course of study.

This text has been widely used in English and Special Needs classrooms to promote the development of reading writing and listening skills. It has proven to be popular because of its accessibility and at the end of each section there is a series of stimulating exercises designed to enhance language acquisition. Developing literary appreciation is an integral part of the National Curriculum and this resource is designed to develop this skill.

84 Photocopiable masters £29.99 + VAT

Once purchased, the CD can be freely copied and networked throughout the school!

To see sample pages please email info@classroom-resources.co.uk quoting the order code H5046 or visit our website to download.

You can order the Lord of the Flies – An Abridged Text CD-ROM in any of these ways:

  • On our website
  • By phone or fax on 0117 940 6409
  • By email (quoting a school order number) to info@classroom-resources.co.uk
  • By post to: Classroom Resources, 9 Logan Road, Bristol, BS7 8DU

Classroom Resources Ltd
9 Logan Road,
Bristol,
BS7 8DU

www.classroom-resources.co.uk
info@classroom-resources.co.uk

Tel: 0117 940 6409

Demonstrate to your students that music diversity exists and inspire your young musicians to try something new.

As a musician it can be surprising when someone says that they do not possess an interest in music. Not least because music is so different from one genre to the next, from one decade to the next, and from one culture to the next.

Thus, it is not typically the case that these people are disinterested in music, but rather that they have not yet experienced a style of music that they are naturally drawn to.

Indeed, to demonstrate this music diversity to your students you could take them to see the Palestine Youth Orchestra at Town Hall Birmingham at the end of the month (29 July 2016).

The Palestine Youth Orchestra (PYO) brings a musical programme featuring Arabic songs from Egypt and Lebanon alongside contemporary British music, Beethoven, and Mussorgsky’s much loved musical interpretation of an art gallery.

The PYO was established with the vision of bringing together young Palestinian musicians from around the world as one ensemble. And over its first decade, it has performed throughout the Middle East and Europe.

If you have any questions about the event, please do call me on 0121 644 6078 or email antony.pickthall@thsh.co.uk.

Antony Pickthall

Head of Marketing and Communications

Bring History, Law, Careers Enrichment and British Values to Life for Secondary School Pupils

Hands-on educational visits with the NCCL    

How can your school get involved? 

   
Law workshop with NCCL

 

NCCL delivers memorable learning experiences in legal and heritage sites including working courts  

We help bring History, Law, Careers Enrichment and British Values to life!

Activities can include:

•Contemporary and historical courtroom workshops

•Debates

•Q&As with legal professionals

Where We Work:

•Galleries of Justice Museum, Nottingham 

Civil Justice Centre and Crown Court, Manchester and Bolton Magistrates’ Court

•The Royal Courts of Justice, London

Find your nearest NCCL education team:   

London

 

Get involved, inspire young minds and book your visit now!

Tel: 0115 9939 811 Email: education@nccl.org.uk Website: www.nccl.org.uk

Testimonials:

“It was very insightful and our students learned an awful lot about the justice system.” Hayley Bennett, Titus Salt School

“I feel that my pupils have learnt a lot from this trip and skills too; advocacy, time management and problem solving” 

Lantern of Knowledge Boys Secondary School 

 

  “Learning outside the classroom (LOtC) offers a valuable stimulus and context to learning that motivates learners and facilitates application of knowledge and skills” 

 LOtC Sectors Working Group 

Galleries of Justice Museum, City of Caves and NCCL are trading names of The Egalitarian Trust.

Registered Charity: 1030554 Company Registration: 2866265 Registered in England and Wales

www.nccl.org.uk

 

What is the best way to encourage your students to reason mathematically and solve problems?

The new National Curriculum in Mathematics has at its heart an active, process-orientated delivery of the content; greater emphasis is placed on reasoning and problem solving.

These teaching materials will supplement your chosen textbook and provide your pupils with the opportunity to think for themselves about developing a mathematical strategy to fit a given activity.

The materials have been updated with the content from the new National Curriculum to cover:

  • Developing fluency
  • Reasoning mathematically
  • Solving problems

Topics covered are:

  • The nth term
  • Percentages
  • Tessellation
  • Probability

Each topic contains: details of the mathematical content covered; a pupil’s target achieved/progression sheet, lesson plans; worksheets; assessment. A section providing answers to all worksheets is provided at the end of the book.

Selected Topics in KS3 Maths is available as a photocopiable book or on CD Rom, and individual activities can thus be readily copied and distributed to students as required. The copies can also be shared with colleagues or given to supply teachers, without any fear of the original book being misplaced.

An extract from  Selected Topics in KS3 Maths, ISBN 978 1 86083 745 6, order code T1678EMN, is available at http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/maths/T1678.pdf 

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 report…

When ordering the book please quote the reference T1678EMN.

What is it that children always notice?

The answer has to be change.

For children, the school and playground become such familiar areas, a regular part of their lives.

Which is why a change – and that can be any change – will be a matter of huge interest, and even excitement, for all the children.

So of course when the change is one that has an educational message at its heart, it can be a very good way of influencing the children’s behaviour.

And there is no better way of doing this than putting up signs containing a message of your choice.   The message can then be discussed for a moment in class and the meaning behind the message can be further understood.

The message itself can be anything.  We have put a few sample ideas on our website but of course the choice of both message and colour are up to you.    You can write about playing safely, making friends, being positive, anything you wish.

Some schools create texts relating to their school values, some change it to school rules, some offer school quotes, class names, house names…  The choice is of course yours.

The signs can be purchased individually or as a collection, and in a variety of sizes.  To see how the price changes with size do take a look at this sample idea and then change the size in the grid, to see the implications for the price.

For more information or to order click below:

Positive Pebble sign – Blue

Positive Pebble sign – Yellow

Positive Pebble sign – Red

Positive Pebble sign – Orange

Positive Pebble sign – Lime

Set of 5 Positive Pebble Signs

Alternatively you can call us on 01423 521654 or fax us on 0844 443 2455

Email info@upsondowns.co.uk

Upson Downs
13 Claro Court Business Centre
Claro Road, Harrogate
North Yorkshire, HG1 4BA

School fundraising opportunities to make the most of between now and the end of the year

Schools will soon be inviting members of the local community to join them at their annual summer fete, not least because it’s an occasion that creates a sense of community cohesion (generating good PR), but also because it presents a perfect school fundraising opportunity.

But whilst almost every school hosts a summer fete in order to raise funds, only a small number of schools are making the most of the lead up to Christmas to raise funds, despite schools having great fundraising success at this time.

Indeed, schools that are successful at raising funds in the lead up to Christmas typically join the School Christmas Card Project – I know Christmas seems a long way away, but registration for our 2016 School Christmas Card Project is now open.

With the School Christmas Card Project an average school of 250 pupils can easily raise £500 or more and there is absolutely no upfront cost, whatsoever, to the school.

The School Christmas Card Project allows children to create their own artwork which is then printed on to professionally produced cards which the school sells at a profit to parents.

Parents place their orders and pay the school before we ask for any payment at all, and as we offer very competitive prices for our high quality products, you can maximise the earning potential for your school.

You will find everything you need to join our School Christmas Card Project on our website, including:
How it works
A free information pack
And our price table 

If you are unlikely to be the person to get involved in co-ordinating this kind of school fundraising project, please do forward this email onto a member of staff or a member of the PTA who is likely to be responsible.

Kind regards,
Steve

School Christmas Card Project
Start your 2016 School Christmas Card Project now!
Tel: 0114 453 9562
Ecclesall Print, 237A Ringinglow Road, Sheffield S11 7PU.

Improve wellbeing – the greater the potential

You know that some of your pupils are held back because they have social, emotional, behaviour or mental health issues.  Throughout the UK 20% of children suffer from these problems.

You also know that there’s usually a long waiting time before they can be seen by a specialist service.  In the meantime these pupils drag down the overall academic results which may cause disruption to other pupils learning and may cause stress for teaching staff.

Now there’s a proven solution being used in over 1200 primary schools.   When Play Therapy is delivered to the standards of the Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists, it results in a 77% to 84% positive change, as observed by teaching staff and parents. (Evidence based on over 12,000 cases.)  The UK needs 22,000 therapists to work with children – there are less than 4000 at present.

Train as a Registered Certified Practitioner in Therapeutic Play Skills – 15 days, typically spread over nine months, mainly at weekends.  13 conveniently located training centres.  The training is mainly experiential and practical – not just classroom taught theory.

Normally you can start practising in your school, whilst on the course, after the first 6 to 9 days of training.

Find out more by attending a one-day Introduction to Play Therapy course.

Ask for APAC’s 28 page career and training guide.

You can change the lives of others for the better and most probably your own as well.

More information:

www.playtherapy.org.uk    Play Therapy Register

Email: mokijep@aol.com    Phone: 01825 761143

Gapforce Introduction Science Fieldtrips Overseas

I understand you are the best person to contact with regards to Science-based overseas trips for school groups.

By way of introduction, we run subject specific trips such as Biology as well as general education, adventurous activities and volunteering, all tailor-made to meet each school’s requirements.

We work with a number of UK and International Schools each year and I would be happy to provide sample itineraries and references.

Popular destinations for Science trips include:

  • Costa Rica
  • The Galapagos Islands
  • Tanzania

To receive a free brochure about our School trips, please click here

Best wishes,

James

What more can be done to raise literacy attainment among your dyslexic pupils?

It is rare that a pupil with dyslexia will only have problems with his or her understanding of literacy, yet the majority of teaching resources for use with dyslexic pupils focus solely on developing these skills.

In fact, problems with understanding literacy are just part of the problem for pupils with dyslexia as many will also have problems with their visual and auditory recall and their sequencing and organisational abilities (all of which can hinder literacy attainment).

Which is why we developed the Dyslexia Games Manual.

The Dyslexia Games Manual is a ring bound photocopiable resource which contains a wealth of enjoyable games and activities that not only support dyslexic pupils in developing their literacy skills, but also increases their visual and auditory recall, as well as strengthening their sequencing and organisational ability.

You can order the Dyslexia Games Manual in book format by:

  • Visiting www.msl-online.net
  • By phone on 01536 399017
  • By fax to 01536 399012
  • By email to msl@schools.co.uk       
  • By post to Multi-Sensory Learning, Earlstrees Court, Earlstrees Road, Corby, NN17 4HH

Or, if you would prefer to receive the Dyslexia Games Manual in PDF, simply visit this link, select the ‘International’ option and click the ‘Pay by Credit Card (PayPal)’ button to check out.

Once we have received payment, you will be sent the Dyslexia Games Manual in PDF by email within 12 working hours.

Please note that all rights are reserved and no part of this publication (The Dyslexia Games Manual) may be circulated or shared in any form without the prior permission of the author.

Stone Age assembly and writing workshops

Tie in story writing with your history topic and bring the past to life with a Stone Age assembly. It’s fun and interactive. Pupils will get hands on with a mammoth hunt and find out about Neolithic life.

The Stone Age assembly is a perfect primer for story writing workshops where pupils will write their own stories. We’ll use the innovative Accelerated writing method (as used by Creative Writing Club). I’m a children’s author who teaches creative writing in schools, so I can also answer their questions on writing and perform short extracts from my book.

As well as the stone age, other topics include: The Bronze Age, the Iron Age Celts, the Greeksthe Egyptiansthe Romansthe Celtsthe Anglo Saxons, the Aztecs, Mayans, the Great Fire of London, Flooded world (natural disasters), the Vikings, the Normans, the Tudors, the Victorians, Shakespeare, Traditional tales, the Rainforest and many more.  I’m an ex-BBC editor and I can also offer workshops on factual writing (using a historical frame).

About me
I’ve written 14 books for children, over a wide age range (Y1-Y9) including: Spartapuss (Romans), Beowuff (Anglo Saxons vs Vikings) Olympuss Games (Greeks), Boudicat (Celts), Cleocatra’s Kushion (Egyptians).  My graphic novel ‘London Deep’ was chosen as a Recommended Read for World Book Day. I co-wrote the musical version of Julia Donaldson’s books The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom. I’ve led writing workshops for Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust and The Young Archaeologists Club. Check out my profile on Love Reading For Kids:

  • No school is too large or too small
  • I am DBS checked and I have insurance cover.

For dates and prices please call 0845 838 5526 or email robin@mogzilla.co.uk

Please reply to this email with ‘Stone’ in the subject line and I will send you my free PDF
‘7 Tips for story writing
and a Stone Age writing frame.

What can be done to help those children, who want to learn a musical instrument, learn more effectively?

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Next term a new, national, School Music Week is to be launched.  Not a Music Week to celebrate what the pupils in schools across the UK have done in the past year, but rather what they might well do in the coming year.

It is a website to help music teachers encourage children to practise and keep learning their chosen instrument.  It is also there to help parents and non-music teachers understand the huge benefits that accrue both to the school and to the children from the study of musical instruments.

Its aims also include helping parents understand the process of learning an instrument, how to go about buying an instrument, and how to maintain the enthusiasm for learning an instrument.

As part of our preparation for School Music Week next term we are also undertaking some research into the range of instrumental tuition in primary schools, looking at any difficulties schools might be facing and the opportunities for expansion.

The survey is, of course, completely anonymous, but if you wish we can send you back a copy of the results once we have them analysed.

The questionnaire will only take two to three minutes to complete, and doesn’t ask for any details about your school.  I do hope you will spare a moment to help us gather this information.

To take the questionnaire please just click here.

If you have any questions about the questionnaire please email hq@schoolmusicweek.co.uk or call us on 01536 505 622

Delivering British Values at Key Stage 2: a strategy to embed British Values

Following the momentous events of last month’s EU Referendum it has never been more important to make pupils aware of their ability to change the world around them through casting their democratic vote.

!cid_76c94d5dfe5e4f33294aeb2a1dc3fd2f Developed with advice from highly experienced primary school PSHE practitioners our British Values series of books and learning resources provide thought provoking, fun and a highly effective strategy to embed an understanding of the concepts of democracy, freedom, the importance of the rule of law and respecting the faiths and beliefs of others.

Books and learning resources also provide an excellent response to guidance from the Department for Education in November 2014, that all schools must now have a clear strategy for embedding British Values showing how their work with pupils has been effective in doing so.

Ofsted and the independent inspectorates now take the work of schools in this area into account during inspections.

The British Values Starter Bundle – £50 a whole year of British Values class activities

Two copies of each of five British Values books (RRP £3.99 per book):

  •   It’s The Law!
  •   Looking After Britain
  •   Our Country, Our World
  •   Let’s Vote On It!
  •   God Bless The Queen

With a broad range of comprehension and discussion activities for individuals and the whole class. The chatty and highly accessible style of the books makes them ideal for directed reading activities.

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Two Posters:

A British Values Poster beautifully illustrated featuring colourful and highly memorable cast of British Values characters.

 

A Class British Values Strategy & Progress Poster with colourful stickers for the class to be able to record class British Values activities providing visual evidence of a strategy in action
!cid_3d6a59347d0793644ad2bf9d2048db24 !cid_88f1c118df0632d4c7a0af9348ca5e16
Sheets of fun stickers

 

Featuring the cast of fun British Values’ characters. Use the stickers on the Strategy and Progress Poster or to reward individual achievement.

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Click here for details on how to get your Starter Bundle

How to… acquire a brand-new school minibus for half the cost

A growing number of schools are finding that by sharing their minibus with a nearby school, they can halve the running costs of the minibus and thus reduce their expenditure on school trips and away games by a considerable amount.

Moreover, a growing number of schools are finding that by sharing a leased school minibus (meaning that there is no initial large payment required – just a monthly lease fee) as opposed to one which has been purchased outright, their costs are further reduced.

Better still, in leasing a school minibus with Benchmark, any repairs, servicing and the like are included in the arrangement and the costs are conveniently built into the lease.

If you haven’t leased a minibus or thought about sharing one, please do give me a call on 01753 859944 and I can talk you through how it all works.

But if you want to take a look at who we are and what we do before you call, you’ll find more information about leasing at www.minibusleasing.co.uk.

What is the single most effective way to protect the floor of the sports hall from damage during exam times?

Although the sports hall is only used for exams maybe once or twice a year for a period of no longer than two months, it is at these times that the floor can suffer the most damage. Which is why we have devised the Smartsquare system.

The Smartsquare system is made up of 2m x 1m protection pieces which will prevent the floor of your sports hall being dented and scratched by desks and chairs during exam periods. Moreover, it will reduce the distraction caused by noise during exams (invigilators’ footsteps, movement of chairs…) which are often amplified due to the echoey nature of sports halls.

The process of laying and taking up the protection pieces is made easy by the fact that Smartsquare systems come with a purpose-built Smartcart trolley designed to hold approximately 200m² flooring.

What’s more, when not in use the protection pieces pack away easily. The trolley is built with non-marking wheels and once packed up the average school only requires between 4m² and 7m² of floor space for storage.

Smartsquare can be purchased outright or bought on a lease over a period of time. It is also available on a two-week free trial – along with a Smartcart – so you can try it out for yourself.

And best of all it is very easy to clean. Indeed if you were ever to get a badly soiled tile you simply take it outside, hose it down and leave to dry.

You can read more about Smartsquare on our website

Or if you would like to talk about these possibilities please do call us on 01302 836777 or email jon@smart-square.co.uk.

Jonathan Layton

Smartsquare
Unity House, 14 Durham Lane, Armthorpe, Doncaster, DN3 3FE

What is the best way to take students from a predicted lower grade up to the achievement of an A* at GCSE?

Not surprisingly one of the best ways of helping students in French to get a higher grade is to give them a clear summary of the criteria the exam boards use, written in a student friendly language.

And that was what this booklet gives.  The authors have analysed the writing and the speaking criteria of various exam boards and have come up with a simple and clear summary of these criteria written in a student friendly language. These criteria have been divided into four sections; each section corresponding to a GCSE level while at the end of the booklet students can find a very useful list of recommended idioms and high level expressions.

Additionally the booklet includes the conjugation of the 50 most used French verbs, including the modal verbs, into different tenses.

This is followed by different language structures which the students can use to develop their writing.

The use of this booklet is proven to improve students’ levels not only in writing and speaking, but also in listening and reading.

How to get A* in French? is published as a download so that you can receive immediately a copy onto your computer which you can print out for colleagues and your students as often as you want.

There are sample pages from the book at http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/authordownloadsamples/T1815samples.pdf and you can order it at  http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=76_125&products_id=785

The price is £10 plus VAT (the VAT can be reclaimed in most cases by the school).

How to get A* in French? is published by First and Best in Education, part of the Hamilton House group.  If you have any enquiries you can call 01536 399 011, or email sales@firstandbest.co.uk or write to us at First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Rd., Corby, Northants NN17 4HH.

The full range of First and Best books can be seen at www.shop.firstandbest.co.uk

Devising a whole-school Literacy, Numeracy, and/or Science Programme for just a quarter of the price

Since the demand for digital teaching resources has now surpassed the demand for hardcopy teaching resources, we are selling our hardcopy teaching resources for just £5 each so that we can move to selling digital teaching resources only, sooner rather than later.

This means that between now and September 2016 (or while stocks last) your school can get a whole-school Literacy, Numeracy, and/or Science Programme for just a quarter of the price:

A whole-school Literacy Programme = £5 x 68

A whole-school Numeracy Programme = £5 x 36

A whole-school Science Programme = £5 x 18

Alternatively, you can buy the teaching resources separately (at £5 each) by clicking on the subject links above and browsing the categories.

We also have an extensive range of teaching resources for Art and Design, Cross Curricular Materials, Design & Technology, Geography, History, PSHE, Religious Education, Special Needs, and Work Books.

To see our full range of teaching resources, please visit: www.topical-resources.co.uk/.

And, as always, you can order any of our resources by:

  • visiting our website
  • calling 01772 863158
  • faxing 01772 866153
  • emailing sales@topical-resources.co.uk            
  • or by sending your order in the post to Topical Resources, P.O. Box329, Broughton, Preston, Lancashire PR3 5LT

 
www.topical-resources.co.uk
sales@topical-resources.co.uk

How can you help students, who find writing a CV an intimidating task, to write a CV?

HR Review has reported on the results of a survey created by Barclays LifeSkills which has revealed that 60% of young people in the UK find compiling a CV  an intimidating task.

So intimidating, in fact, that 39% avoid writing one altogether.

One reason for this is that a high proportion of students do not yet know which career path to pursue and thus find it difficult to create something for an end goal that doesn’t yet exist.

Nonetheless, by issuing your students with a Record of Achievement file in which they can record all that they have achieved thus far, your students will have something to base their CV on, making the task of writing their CV much less daunting.

School Smart regularly supply schools with customised Record of Achievement files.  Please see below product description:

Classic Record of Achievement (from £2.25) – A4 polypropylene files containing quality A4 plastic wallets with your school name and logo and the wording ‘Record of Achievement’ on the front in either gold or silver print. Choice of 10 or 20-pockets. Available colours – Black, Blue, Red, Green.  Further details can be viewed on our website

Click here to request a sample Record of Achievement file

If you have any questions or would like to place an order

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jonathan Layton

Exceptional School Supplies

!cid_96c78ca8c876256bd6cecee822787df2The Buying Agency

The Buying Agency offers a new, unique service by comparing the markets’ suppliers for the products you require. How do you know you are getting the best price from the best supplier? You don’t, until you have used The Buying Agency to Compare the Market and the service is Free to use! Don’t buy at catalogue prices, we know suppliers can always do better. We Compare, You Save. Send us your enquiry today.

Contact: John Moulton
Email: john@thebuyingagency.org
Telephone: 01803 607440

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School Bottle

School Sport Bottles – NDA Packaging Services are an established, leading UK schools and business water bottle supplier.

Email: sales@ndaps.com
Telephone:
01792 863331
Postal address:
NDA (Packaging Services) Ltd, PO Box 516, Swansea, SA8 3YN, UK.

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First and Best in Education

Aprons – cream aprons with pockets, cream aprons without pockets, navy aprons with pockets, navy aprons without pockets.

Email: sales@firstandbest.co.uk
Telephone:
01536 399007
Postal address:
Hamilton House Mailings Ltd, Earlstrees Ct, Earlstrees Rd, Corby, Northants, NN17 4HH

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Signpost Educational Ltd

Dictionaries, Thesauri & the Essential Students’ Companion – Collins English dictionaries, the “Essential Students’ Companion”, Word Power dictionaries, Word Power thesauri, Word Power Pocket English dictionaries, School English dictionaries.

Calculators – basic calculators, Casio scientific calculators, LK 183 scientific calculators, Sharp scientific calculators, Texet scientific calculators and Aurora scientific calculators.

Calculator Storage Boxes – Gratnell’s storage boxes (with transparent clip-on lids and foam inserts for 30 basic or scientific calculators) are a convenient way of storing your classroom calcs.  The slots in the foam mean that you can see at a glance if any calcs are missing as well as providing protection for your calcs.

Geometry Sets – consists of a metal compass with 1/2 pencil, ballpen (black ink), 45 and 60 degree set squares, 180 degree protractor, 15 cm ruler, pencil sharpener, eraser, packed in a robust tin box.

Student Packs for Lessons and Exams – designed to provide your students with the equipment they need for most of their lessons and exams. Consists of a clear plastic, “exam friendly” zip up wallet containing: Three quality ballpens (black ink), two HB pencils, 15 cm ruler, metal sharpener, eraser.

Telephone: 020-7515-1797
Postal address:
SIGNPOST EDUCATIONAL LTD, PO Box 999, London, E14 6SH, UK

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You can find more Exceptional Teaching resources at exceptionalteaching.org.uk.

Something to consider when preparing your dining hall for a higher than usual September intake

If you require more seating in the dining hall to accommodate increased numbers of pupils, Versa Design has designed a table which is arguably the most space-efficient mobile table in the world.

With the Benchmark table, space optimisation comes as standard as (for example) six tables require less than 5ft x 8ft of space when packed away, with each additional table adding just 11-inches to the nested depth.

And when the tables are set out the extended table-tops and end-to-end positioning (with no gaps between table-tops) will massively increase the dining capacity of your school’s dining hall.

The Benchmark table has safety at the forefront of its design with locking latches, anti-glide legs, and DoubleGuard anti-tipping feet, and has a built-in Lift Assist System to provide controlled operation when setting out and packing away the tables.

Furthermore, all Benchmark tables can, if you choose, be customised with a graphic of your choice and are covered by a manufacturer’s 15-year warranty.

To see pictures of our Benchmark tables, click here.

For more information please visit www.versadesign.co.uk/portfolio/benchmark/, call 01752 306 200 or email ideas@versadesign.co.uk.

What is the simplest way for a left handed person to achieve perfect handwriting?

Many left handed pupils and students find handwriting difficult.   Some reverse d’s and b’s, some smudge their work, some report physical discomfort, such as backache and hand ache as they write.

Yet although many left handed people battle on with this problem, the solution to the issue left handed people face in writing is quite simple: it is to provide them with pens that are designed specifically for those who write with their left hand.

This is the issue we have approached, and after considerable experimentation and research we evolved the ideal solution – a pen with an S bend neck and grip area.

Swanneck

Such a pen enables left-handed writers to hold the pen comfortably at a balanced angle and easily view all letters and words as they are written.  In other words the left handed writer and the right handed writer are now set up on an equal footing.

Indeed so successful was the experimentation that led to the production of this solution, the resultant Swan Neck Pens have passed all the requisite British Standards approvals including EN71 part 1, 2, 3 and BS7272 2008.

You can see a video of the pen being used by a left handed writer here.

Obviously these pens are now being sold to left-handed adults for their own use and for use by their children, but we are also currently offering a special 20% educational discount.  This is available to schools if you quote the reference “Learning 0124” and where we are delivering to the school address.

For more information please…

●       Call 01454 325873.
●       Email: Schools@swanneckpen.com
●       See our website at www.swanneckpen.com
●       Write to us at Swanneck, 151 Sydney Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 6NT

How can you ensure that everyone knows what positive play is, why it is beneficial, and how to do it?

Though Positive Play Week 2016 has been and gone, encouraging positive play among your pupils is an all year round activity which can easily be achieved by creating an environment in which everyone knows what positive play is, why it is beneficial, and how to do it.

One way that this can be achieved is by ensuring that you are confident in implementing playtime activities that promote positive play. Which is why we have devised the Pocket Books Set with FREE Top Tips for Midday Supervisors.

The Pocket Books Set includes seven titles: Pocket Playground Games Volumes one and two, Craze of the Week Games, Ball Games of the Week, Long Rope Skipping Games, Playground Games from Around the World, and Wet Playtime Games.

And Top Tips for Midday Supervisors provides helpful advice in an easy-to-follow, accessible style that is full of good ideas to help create calm and happy lunchtimes.

Another way in which you can create an environment that encourages positive play is by displaying signs in your playground such as those that can be found at this link.

As always, you can place an order with Edventure in a variety of ways, including:

  • on the website www.edventure.co.uk    
  • by faxing us to 01323 50 10 41
  • by calling us on 01323 50 10 40
  • by emailing us at sales@edventure.co.uk          
  • by post to Edventure Ltd, Hargreaves Business Park, Hargreaves Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6QW.

What’s more, if you quote HH0515 when you place your order, we will deliver it for FREE!
(Without quoting the code the charge is £3.95.)

Why do History teachers take part-time qualifications from the University of Cambridge?

We all tend to have our own reasons for approaching each course we take and each additional qualification we work towards.

Some courses can cover an aspect of a syllabus that one is teaching and which has not been central to one’s studies in the past. Some allow participants to study elements of their subject they have not studied before, and some involve original research.

And then the status and credibility of the awarding body is also important, not just for the quality of the teaching and the work, but also in terms of how the qualification will look on our CV should we wish to apply for a new post at some time in the future.

This coming academic year the University of Cambridge is offering a range of part-time courses in archaeology, historic environment, international development, local history, and the study of medieval England.

The Certificate in Local History opens by providing participants with the key skills and concepts used by local historians before considering early modern communities (c.1500 – c.1750) and their cultures.  The final unit examines the impact of the First World War on churches and church-going at the local level.

The Certificate in International Development introduces the various actors in international development and discusses how development is shaped by the interactions among these actors. We also examine approaches to sustainable development using case studies from across the world.

The Certificate in Archaeology II starts with research on the development of the state, of urbanisation, and of the world’s progressive integration illustrated by discoveries in ancient Iraq and Mexico and in Britain. It also includes a term-long case study in Egyptology and concludes by examining the Greeks and the Romans, focussing on their interaction and the influence they had on the emergence of Western civilisation.

The Diploma in Archaeology I covers the theoretical and practical aspects of osteoarchaeology alongside sessions examining its integration into field and research archaeology and funerary studies and the ethical aspects of working with human remains.  It also considers the Aztec and Inka cultures and Neolithic Britain.

The Certificate in the Study of Medieval England course looks at contemporary assumptions and how they changed across time, considers English social and economic history in medieval rural settlements, and considers the period from 1000-1530 which saw a flowering of the arts.

The Diploma in International Development examines how a variety of separate issues translate into sustainability challenges. We also examine the different facets of globalisation and how it shapes and is shaped by economic, cultural, and social changes worldwide.

Finally, we offer four advanced diploma courses:

These are part-time, research-based courses which offer those involved the opportunity to undertake supervised independent study over two academic years, culminating in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words. Students choose their own research topic and the research proposal is considered when they apply.

The advanced diplomas provide a good foundation in research methods for those who wish to continue with their research at a higher level, either through a postgraduate course or on their own initiative.

Alternatively, if you’d like to dip your toe in the water or explore a specific topic, we also offer a range of short courses throughout the year.

You can find out more about all of the above courses and apply online by 5 September on our website

Or you can contact me directly with specific enquiries on 01223 746 417 or email me at enquiries@ice.cam.ac.uk.

Paul Ireland
Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge
Madingley Hall, Madingley, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ

Arranging Your French Trip

With the busy period of exams drawing to a close, we think it’s time for our hardworking teachers to breathe a sigh of relief and start thinking about a trip that both you and your class can look forward to.

One of the best resources for learning French, and experiencing French culture is surely France itself; however, we also offer an exciting range of on-site adventure and team-building activities, perfectly designed for those tricky new year / new class transitions.

For more information, please visit: www.chateau-beaumont.co.uk

We have been organising trips for schools, to suit any budget, for nearly 20 years; we are fully registered with the British Activity Providers’ Association (BAPA) and hold the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge.

I look forward to your response,

Katherine Anderson
Business Development
Château Beaumont

01388 741 361

katherine@chateau-beaumont.co.uk

www.chateau-beaumont.co.uk

How can you limit the extent to which your students develop back and neck pain as a result of their school days?

There are two things which have been proven to cause back and neck pain among students: carrying heavy school bags; and sitting for long periods of time.

Which is why a growing number of schools no longer require their students to carry around heavy course material – often by providing them with lockers where they can store books until needed.

Unfortunately, however, the issue of sitting for long periods of time cannot be avoided quite so easily.

So there is clearly a need for classroom chairs which enhance wellbeing, comfort, and concentration. And which are durable and able to withstand even the toughest of environments.

And it is for this reason that Don’t Lean Back (DLB) has produced the Max 2 chair.

The Max 2 chair, which has been designed by a teacher, reduces incidents of back and neck pain, is designed not to rock back and forth, and is built of the sort of materials that will ensure a long life (they come with a ten year guarantee).

Furthermore, the Max 2 chair has been designed to inspire a fresh approach to learning spaces which have an immediate impact on the expectations of all stakeholders within a school.

And there are other positives as well, such as the zero environmental impact of the chairs (they are 100% recyclable) and delivery in just 7-10 days from order. You can see the chairs (and all the colour options) and find out more here along with details on how to buy.

If you want any further information or if I can help in any way, please do call us on 0345 257 8850 or email info@dlb.co.uk

Tom Wates

Why discussing Christmas with your pupils is perhaps one of the most effective ways to develop their cultural understanding and awareness

Christmas is generally a time of generosity and kindness, but in many other ways Christmas can vary enormously from one culture to the next as traditions take root and evolve over time.

Furthermore, not only is Christmas celebrated in a different way from one culture to the next, but it is not always celebrated at the same time of year. And whilst some countries have no holiday at this time, one country has managed to get two Christmas holidays a year!

This country is Australia, where the traditional English style of Christmas cards with the robins in the snow-covered environment are regularly exchanged. But because December is in the middle of summer, a lot of Australians also have a “Winter Christmas” holiday in June.

In Ethiopia and Eritrea Christmas is not on December 25, but can either be on 7 or 27 January.  And rather than being accompanied by a larger than normal amount of eating, it is related to a 40 day Fast of the Prophets.

In China Christmas is not a public holiday, but that has not stopped many Chinese people increasingly celebrating the traditions of western Christmas and importing Christmas designs into the shopping areas.

So the story continues. Christmas is different everywhere – and yet in many countries the images of Christmas remain the same. The presents may be given on Christmas Eve in many countries, but the idea of Christmas has spread almost worldwide.

Which is why there are so many Christmas stories from around the world which originate in different traditions but which are all recognisable as part of Christmas.

And it is this vast array of ways of celebrating Christmas which lives on in a whole variety of different stories and different storytelling styles – stories that encourage children to expand their cultural awareness at the same time as developing their literacy skills, while enjoying the fun of Christmas.

Snail Tales specialises in telling Christmas stories that reflect the multiplicity of ways in which people across the world relate to Christmas.  We tell stories in assemblies and in individual classes and include a free after-school INSET with every whole day booking.

There is more information about our Christmas Storytelling activities here, or you can call us on 020 328 76245, or email us at stories@snailtales.org

Exceptional Art Teaching Resources

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First and Best in Education

Aprons – cream aprons with pockets, cream aprons without pockets, navy aprons with pockets, navy aprons without pockets.

Art Aid for Key Stage 3 – comprises a set of project sheets which have been especially developed for KS3 level by practising Art teachers. The approach involves encouraging students to be more independent in their research by giving them the opportunity to choose, select and make decisions as they become independent enquirers and learners.

Art and Design at Key Stage Three – this book will provide your students with support, advice and information about Art and Design at Key Stage 3. It will provide them with invaluable guidance on skills, methods and materials and will show them how to do well in the subject at this level.

Arty Tasks – incorporates step by step instructions for 35 separate projects each of which requires pupils to produce a piece of artwork based on the work of a selection of artists as diverse as Georgia 0’Keeffe and Joseph Cornell.

Teaching Art to KS3/KS4 – Teaching Art to KS3 / KS4 is a highly illustrated book of lesson ideas. The bulk of the book covers a series of 10 skill based lessons for KS3 & 4, a series of projects involving working with industry and reports on making links with art schools.

Cross Curricular Art – contains over 40 project sheets and links art to seven different subject areas.  Within the Art, RE and Citizenship section, for example, there are projects which encourage pupils to consider what makes a good citizen, faiths and communities, the architecture of Gaudi and other design ideas.

Presenting Research in Art and Design – This book is an effective and invaluable guide to putting together a case study, something which can often present difficulty to students due to lack of confidence and lack of the necessary skills for the successful completion of work.

Email: sales@firstandbest.co.uk
Telephone:
01536 399007
Postal address:
Hamilton House Mailings Ltd, Earlstrees Ct, Earlstrees Rd, Corby, Northants, NN17 4HH

……………………………………………………………………………

UniTasterDays

Search Taster Day Events – helps Art teachers discover an array of events to book their students on to, such as university and college taster days, workshops, residentials, open days, outreach events and widening participation opportunities.

Email: info@unitasterdays.com
Telephone:
+44(0)208 798 0982

……………………………………………………………………………

ZigZag Education

Art Teaching Resources – Art teaching resources for KS3.

Email: sales@ZigZagEducation.com
Telephone:
0117 950 3199
Postal address:
ZigZag Education, Unit 3, Greenway Business Centre, Doncaster Road, Bristol, BS10 5PY

……………………………………………………………………………

You can find more Exceptional Teaching resources at exceptionalteaching.org.uk.

An interactive experience that motivates and inspires

Inspiring and motivating maths and science students, now there’s a challenge.

If you’re looking for an alternative way to cement the concepts you’re teaching, Dr Matt Pritchard is the answer.

Tailored to each group’s age and ability, Dr Pritchard will visit your school and perform his maths and science shows using live demonstrations, magic tricks and multimedia.

Using real life examples, the captivating shows are clear and relevant to what your students are studying.

Current secondary school shows include:

  • “Superhero Science” – Are superpowers fact or fiction? Explore invisibility, super strength, body armour, levitation, mind control and find out what they do (or don’t) have to do with real science.
  • “Surprising Science” – Can you discover the sneaky scientific secrets behind the surprising illusions? The show will challenge the audience to think creatively like both a scientist and a magician. Superb for Critical Thinking skills.
  • “Magical Maths” – Predicting the future, reading minds, sending secret messages and making objects vanish are easy when you’re a maths magician. With shapes, symmetry, patterns and numbers forming the basis of the maths behind the magic.

Performing to over 50,000 people each year, Dr Pritchard works with a number of organisations including The Royal Society, Royal Institution, British Science Association, The Big Bang fairs, Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to name a few.

What’s more, he is one of only 300 members of the prestigious Associate of the Inner Magic Circle.

You can find more information on our website at www.sciencemagicshows.co.uk

Alternatively, you can email us at hello@sciencemagicshows.co.uk to make a booking.

The cost for a day visit for up to 3 performances (no limit to audience size), is £500 plus travel.

Click here to read what other schools thought of our recent shows.

FAO the Head of Maths – Work Less. Boost Results.

Dear head of department,

I used to work hard: 12-14 hour days, 7 days a week.

But the results of my students did not improve until I did less – a lot less.

This is because I created a revision program that was “self-taught”.

It showed students how to revise for their upcoming GCSE maths exam (in a step-by-step manner) from day 1 right up to the day of their exam.

The best part about it is, my program didn’t require me to be there and hammer-home the key concepts.

Since I put it into place, my workload has reduced by 50% yet the results of all my students have improved considerably.

If you want to reduce your workload significantly and boost your student’s results in the near future, I highly recommend that you get my unique revision program from: www.gcsemathsforschools.co.uk.

Kind regards,

Jeevan Singh
GCSE Maths For Schools

Why do Psychology teachers take part-time qualifications from the University of Cambridge?

We all tend to have our own reasons for approaching each course we take and each additional qualification we work towards.

Some courses can cover an aspect of a syllabus that one is teaching and which has not been central to one’s studies in the past. Some take participants into the world of further study, and some involve original research.

And then the status and credibility of the awarding body is also important, not just for the quality of the teaching and the work, but also in terms of how the qualification will look on our CV should we wish to apply for a new post at some time in the future.

This coming academic year the University of Cambridge is offering part-time courses in cognitive psychology, philosophy and social sciences starting this October. Brief details are given below, and more information is available on our website.

The Certificate in Cognitive Psychology course opens with a review of the history, core themes, and methods in the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behaviour and reviews the historical dominance of behaviourism, the shift to cognitive science, and the eventual adoption of the broader ‘cognitive neurosciences’.

Our second unit provides an introduction to the study of memory, language, and perception and introduces the core distinctions between different memory systems and their neural underpinnings.

The final unit introduces core topics in cognition, the notion of general intelligence, and neural mechanisms involved in domain general problem solving.

The Certificate in Philosophy I begins by addressing philosophical problems concerning time, space, possibility, and the relations between objects and their properties, considering such questions as: Is there a metaphysical difference between us and past people?

In the second unit we look at formal logic, the language within which we can formulate arguments clearly and test whether they are valid or invalid. At the same time we consider the philosophical issues raised by our formal language.

Finally we consider the two key areas within ethics: normative ethics and meta-ethics starting with what “goods” our ethical theories should promote, and ask (among other things) whether there are principles which determine what it is right to do, and, if so, what they are.

The Certificate in Social Sciences examines sociology, politics, and psychology as three different ways of exploring human behaviour. It opens by asking “What is sociology” and considers how it is relevant to modern social life.

It also considers politics and power and, in particular, the power exercised by the state over its citizens while introducing the key elements of political theory and tracing the evolution of the contemporary nation-state.

In the third unit we ask, “what is psychology and why should we study the human mind and behaviour?” We also consider the application of psychology within modern society and the different schools of thought that have developed since its inception.

The Advanced Diploma in Philosophy is a part-time research based course that offers the opportunity to undertake independent study based around a series of eight structured supervisions over two academic years. You can choose your own research topics and your research proposal is considered when you apply.

Alternatively if you’d like to dip your toe in the water or explore a specific topic, we also offer a range of short courses throughout the year.

You can find out more about all the above courses and apply online by 5 September on our website

Alternatively, you can contact me directly with specific enquiries on 01223 746 417 or email me at enquiries@ice.cam.ac.uk.

Paul Ireland
Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge
Madingley Hall, Madingley, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ

Grofar gets even better!

!cid_c14a3b9b0e0e6aeb9e2954faf37d4f79The summer holidays may be just around the corner, but we’re still working hard to make Grofar even better for your school.  As well as many other exciting improvements, Grofar can now create Student Entitlement Statements using the same wizard driven templates that are used in the Grofar Career Plan creator. Read more in our latest blog post.

Schools using Grofar have been impressed by how much time they are saving and how routine tasks are now so much easier to manage.

  • The leading MIS system designed just for Careers Leaders, Managers and Administrators
  • Everything in one place
  • Saves time on administration
  • Put yourself in control – use as many of the tools as you like
  • Engage your students and monitor progress
  • Evidence for Leadership Team & OFSTED
  • Achieve Gatsby “Good Careers Guidance” report benchmarks
  • Easily generate a career plan for your school
  • Affordable – starting from £495 p.a.

If you would like to start benefiting from the Grofar Careers Management solution, then please contact us before the summer term ends. Visit www.grofar.com or email info@grofar.com to start your FREE no obligation trial.

We hope to hear from you soon, but in case we don’t, have a great summer.

Yours sincerely,

James Robertson

Managing Director – Grofar

Hands-on educational visits with the NCCL

How can your school get involved? 

Law workshop with NCCL

 

NCCL delivers memorable learning experiences in legal and heritage sites including working courts  

We help bring History, Law, Careers Enrichment and British Values to life!

Activities can include:

•Contemporary and historical courtroom workshops

•Debates

•Q&As with legal professionals

Where We Work:

•Galleries of Justice Museum, Nottingham 

Civil Justice Centre and Crown Court, Manchester and Bolton Magistrates’ Court

•The Royal Courts of Justice, London

Find your nearest NCCL education team:   

London

 

Get involved, inspire young minds and book your visit now!

Tel: 0115 9939 811 Email: education@nccl.org.uk Website: www.nccl.org.uk

Testimonials:

“It was very insightful and our students learned an awful lot about the justice system.” Hayley Bennett, Titus Salt School

“I feel that my pupils have learnt a lot from this trip and skills too; advocacy, time management and problem solving” 

Lantern of Knowledge Boys Secondary School 

 

  “Learning outside the classroom (LOtC) offers a valuable stimulus and context to learning that motivates learners and facilitates application of knowledge and skills” 

 LOtC Sectors Working Group 

Galleries of Justice Museum, City of Caves and NCCL are trading names of The Egalitarian Trust.

Registered Charity: 1030554 Company Registration: 2866265 Registered in England and Wales

www.nccl.org.uk

 

Pupils love poetry and song

To help schools enjoy and promote the reciting and learning of poetry, the Performance Poetry Society is offering Primary Schools the opportunity of having Jim MacCool’s Interactive Poetry and Song Shows to visit this Autumn Term.

Jim MacCool’s Shows have proved to be suitable for all ages and abilities of primary school pupils and will enrich and entertain your pupils and staff alike.

Here are some comments on schools’ Web pages and newsletters, after Jim’s visit.

A Poet Visiting Kings Avenue School

On Tuesday the 26th April a fantastic poet named Jim MacCool came to Kings Avenue to tell us about his job. The assembly was so upbeat it was like a concert. We did loads of singing; everyone was having so much fun. He did riddles and was very inspirational. He inspired me to write more poems. Jim brought some fabulous instruments; I want to give Jim special thanks for being so inspiring. By Lattisha – 5S

Jim MacCool at Cragside School

We were so pleased to have Jim MacCool from the Performance Poetry Society today. He performed for reception to year 6, including parents and grandparents, and had everyone clapping, stomping and joining in with a variety of Scottish and Irish verse. It was fabulous to see the children sharing such an exciting experience with their families.We’re all now looking forward to the children writing and presenting their own performance poetry in the classroom. Thanks so much to everyone who came and joined in the fun; sharing the experience with parents and grandparents was very special and exciting for the children.

To find out how your school  can take advantage of this opportunity and join in, please telephone me, Sandra Dennis on 0208 688 6951 or email performancepoetry@yahoo.com for further details.

THE PERFORMANCE POETRY SOCIETY

Working In Universities, Colleges, Schools, Arts Centres, Libraries And Prisons

www.octoberisnationalpoetrymonth.co.uk

The Performance Poetry Society is the longest-serving provider of quality Poetry Services to Schools.

Performance Poetry Society
Tigh a Bhaird
7 Harepit Close
Croydon
CR2 6PN
Tel. 0208 688 6951

performancepoetry@yahoo.com

We operate throughout the year.

www.octoberisnationalpoetrymonth.co.uk

Why do Religious Studies teachers take part-time qualifications in from the University of Cambridge?

We all tend to have our own reasons for approaching each course we take and each additional qualification we work towards.

Some courses can cover an aspect of a syllabus that one is teaching and which has not been central to one’s studies in the past. Some take participants into the world of further study, and some involve original research.

And then the status and credibility of the awarding body is also important, not just for the quality of the teaching and the work, but also in terms of how the qualification will look on our CV should we wish to apply for a new post at some time in the future.

This coming academic year the University of Cambridge is offering part-time courses in philosophy and religious studies starting this October. Brief details are given below, and more information is available on our website.

The Certificate in Philosophy I course looks first at metaphysics and addresses philosophical problems concerning time, space, possibility, and the relations between objects and their properties, considering such questions as, “Is there a metaphysical difference between us and past people?” and “Are there things which exist but are not part of the actual world?”

This is followed by an introduction to logic and the philosophy of language, examining formal logic, a language within which we can formulate arguments clearly and test whether they are valid or invalid, while asking, “How do sentences get their meanings?” and “Are there any sentences which are neither true nor false?”

In the final unit on Ethics, normative ethics and meta-ethics are considered and we begin by considering what “goods” our ethical theories should promote and ask whether there are principles which determine what is right thing to do and, if so, what they are. We ask, “Can moral beliefs be true?” and debate whether ‘It is wrong to hurt others needlessly’ is to be taken as a statement, a prescription telling others how to act, an expression of disapproval, or something else?

The Advanced Diploma in Philosophy and the Advanced Diploma in the Study of Religion is a part-time research-based course that offers the opportunity to undertake independent study based around a series of eight structured supervisions over two academic years.  You can choose your own research topics, and your research proposal is considered when you apply.

Alternatively if you’d like to dip your toe in the water or explore a specific topic, we also offer a range of short courses throughout the year.

You can find out more about all the above courses and apply online by 5 September on our website

Alternatively, you can contact me directly with specific enquiries on 01223 746 417 or email me at enquiries@ice.cam.ac.uk.

Paul Ireland
Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge
Madingley Hall, Madingley, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ

Why do Drama teachers take part-time qualifications in creative writing and literature from the University of Cambridge?

We all tend to have our own reasons for approaching each course we take and each additional qualification we work towards.

Some courses can cover an aspect of a syllabus that one is teaching and which has not been central to one’s studies in the past. Some take participants into the world of creative writing, and some involve original research.

And then the status and credibility of the awarding body is also important, not just for the quality of the teaching and the work, but also in terms of how the qualification will look on our CV should we wish to apply for a new post at some time in the future.

This coming academic year the University of Cambridge is offering a range of part-time courses in Creative Writing and English Literature of relevance to Drama teachers, starting this October. Brief details are given below, and more information is available on our website.

The Certificate in Creative Writing I starts by considering different forms of fiction – such as the novel, flash fiction, and short stories. Using published works and their own writing, those on the course examine the difference between fiction and other forms of writing such as poetry.

The second unit studies the structure of a range of novels to see how different authors have followed or subverted the “rules”, while the final unit considers the ways in which a piece written for performance tells its story and engages with its audience.

The Certificate in Creative Writing II looks in depth at creative non-fiction and the different forms of writing it involves, such as writing about food, narrative history, popular science, comic writing, and the essay.  It then considers the importance of creating a memorable sense of place, while the final unit explores “life writing”, such as memoir, biography, letter, and diary writing.

The certificate courses can be taken independently and in any order, as indeed can the Diploma courses below.

The Diploma in Creative Writing II starts with historical fiction from Tudor England to Cold War Germany considering issues from creating convincing flashbacks to the interweaving of storylines from different points in history.

The second unit on Advanced Crime Writing considers key elements in all such writing, such as the compelling plot, convincing dialogue, a strong sense of place, and accurate research in different types of crime novels such as: “urban noir”, “rural noir”, “Scandi noir”, as well as true crime.

The final unit studies techniques used in writing for TV, film, stage and radio along with the art of adapting a story from one medium to another.

The Diploma in Creative Writing I focusses on advanced techniques for identifying a potential story, constructing a coherent sense of time and place, keeping dramatic control, etc.  The second unit examines different approaches to structure and the use of pace, drama, description, characterisation, and humour.

The final unit considers the tradition of writing inspired by art, exploring sculpture, portraiture, landscapes, and modern art to observe the evolution of word-and-image in world literature.

The Diploma in English Literature I focusses initially on the adaptation of literary works into film and other forms, examining questions of genre, authorship, and form along the way using examples from Shakespeare, Emily Bronte, and Lewis Carroll, and filmic works by directors including Stanley Kubrick, Andrea Arnold, and Jane Campion.

The second looks at a range of major writers in poetry and prose, encompassing the religious debates that characterise much 17th-century writing and focussing on how each writer manifests his particular concerns in the minutiae of form and style.

The final unit considers matters of place, identity, and the spirit of discovery in a range of 19th- and 20th-century works, questioning what it once meant to travel and settle in the age of empire.

Finally the Advanced Diploma in English Literature is a part-time research-based course which offers students the opportunity to undertake supervised independent study over two academic years, culminating in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words on a topic of their devising.

The course provides a good foundation in research methods for those who wish to continue with their research at a higher level, either through a postgraduate course or on their own initiative.

Alternatively if you’d like to dip your toe in the water or explore a specific topic, we also offer a range of short courses throughout the year.

You can find out more about all of the above courses and apply online by 5 September on our website

Alternatively, you can contact me directly with specific enquiries on 01223 746 417 or email me at enquiries@ice.cam.ac.uk.

Paul Ireland
Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge
Madingley Hall, Madingley, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ

What is the most effective way of helping students come to terms with all the key topics within the subject?

One of the problems that some students face when coming to the philosophy of religion is that of the multiplicity of concepts.  They learn about verification and falsification, but then as other new issues arise, that piece of knowledge slips from their mind…

What is needed is a quick and easy way of going back and being reminded of each of the topics that arise within the philosophy of religion course, so that when there is any uncertainty (for example, half way through writing an essay) they can resolve that at once.

With this in mind Francis Beswick created a straightforward book which can be photocopied, or put on the school network and made available to everyone, and which covers 22 of the key topics within the philosophy of religion.

Thus every student taking A level religion, and those in the sixth form who are interested in such topics, can get an immediate insight into the issues.

Each topic is dealt with in a short article (usually around 1000 words) which gives the student an immediate awareness of the key points within the topic and which is ideal both as a basic learning resource and as a source for revision when needed.

The essential philosophical arguments covered in this book are supplemented by research topics and discussion points which will make philosophical language more accessible and enjoyable for your students.

Topics within the volume include: Design Arguments; religious experience; verification and falsification; theories of revelation; near death experiences; life after death and reincarnation, etc.

The essential philosophical arguments covered in this book are supplemented by research topics and discussion points which will make philosophical language more accessible and enjoyable for your students.

The Philosophy of Religion by Francis Beswick
Publishers reference: T1700; ISBN: 978 1 86083 741 8

A sample of the book is available on line at http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/philosophy/T1700.pdf

Prices

  • Photocopiable book: £21.99 plus £3.95 delivery
  • CD with school-wide rights: £21.99 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Both the book and the CD: £28.98 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the report…

What makes successful schools successful? And what makes them continue to build on their success?

It is a simple but nonetheless valid observation. No organisation – and more particularly no school – improves by itself. Schools get better because someone (or more often some people) put energy into improving the school.

But is that it?  A round of improvement, an inspectors’ report, and then “steady-as-she-goes”?

Of course, that is one way of working, but there is a problem.  Because any organisation that is then left alone will slowly start to become inefficient.   Processes will change, corners will be cut, issues will be missed.

This is not a criticism of teachers or schools – it is simply the ways things are. The only way around this is constant improvement.

Now this approach, which has become increasingly common in business in the past ten years, is something that many teachers and managers resist.   The old phrase, “Why can’t you just leave me alone to get on with the teaching?” can readily be heard in response.

And yet, as the schools that use this approach have found, such an approach puts no strain on the school, and the result can be extraordinary.

Better still, the ever improving school is most certainly not in a state of constant revolution.  Rather the schools that adopt this approach work carefully from department to department, instituting changes step by step, and not moving on to the next department until the previous department is once again settled and secure.

In short, we are talking about a mechanism for bringing change into a school with the full co-operation and agreement of each department in turn.  An approach which runs continuously without in any way disrupting the working on the school on a daily basis.

It is an approach that recognises that there may be some resistance to change, but has built within it ways of overcoming that resistance.

And better still, there is no chance of the school, having improved, resting on its laurels. It continues and it grows, for as long as the leadership of the school want the process to continue.

The entire process is described in The Ever Improving School, a report commissioned and produced by the School of Educational Administration and Management – a body set up with government funding and the support of the Faculty of Education at the University of Northampton.

The Ever Improving 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 852 1   Order code: T1843emn – please quote with order.

Sample pages can be viewed at http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/education/T1843.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
  • Kindle book: £9.99
  • Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the report…

Classic stage plays on DVD featuring top actors

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Classic stage plays on DVD featuring top actors

Hello,

If you’re looking for a great way to make end-of-term learning a bit different with a lot to enjoy, then our classic stage plays on DVD could be just the ticket.

Stage on Screen plays are all popular choices on leading exam curriculums, but even if your students are not focusing on any of them directly, they’re perfect complements for anyone studying Shakespeare or other early modern dramatists.

Our current titles are as follows:

Dr Faustus – themes from this Marlowe classic are echoed in Macbeth in particular, but also Othello, Timon of Athens and other plays. Marlowe heavily influenced Shakespeare, and with this, probably his finest play, it’s easy to see why.

Volpone – another play that has echoes in Othello, but which is also interesting for comparison of Jonson’s more classical approach to drama when compared to Shakespeare, his contemporary and great friend.

The Duchess of Malfi – this dark masterpiece by John Webster finds many echoes in Shakespeare with its themes of corruption, cruelty and class, while the use of madness makes an interesting comparison with its treatment in Hamlet.

The School for Scandal – this Richard Brinsley Sheridan comedy of manners was written much later of course, and we can’t by any stretch describe it (let alone him) as a Shakespearean companion. However, we mention it here as it makes up the fourth of our current available titles and, like the others, it’s on many curriculums in its own right. As we currently offer all four titles for a special price, you may wish to consider it.

Approved texts – and all round approval

Each play uses full approved texts (other filmed productions are often heavily cut or adapted), and each is staged and recorded live in front of an audience at London’s Greenwich Theatre.

They’ve all received excellent reviews from students, teachers and academic journals plus mainstream and specialist press.

Here are just a couple:

‘Pitched perfectly to suit both casual and academic audiences, Stage on Screen offers an unparalleled array of material on these productions that will be a welcome addition to those who wish to study early modern dramatists.’ (The Shakespeare Bulletin)  

‘..Unlike many modern productions of the classics, Stage on Screen productions are rarely cut, putting pupils who see them at a distinct advantage.’  (Times Education Supplement)

You can see clips from each play at https://www.youtube.com/user/StageOnScreen/

Buy all four titles and enjoy big savings

Each play is available in special Education Packs, which include three DVDs: the play (with optional subtitles); extensive interviews with the theatre company; and a master-shot recording, invaluable for teaching stagecraft, lighting and blocking. Our DVDs play on any system worldwide.

Available for £35.98 for each 3-disc title on Amazon, this special offer gets you the box set of all four titles for just £100 plus P&P, and VAT (if applicable). To order, just email stephen@hamilton-house.com with your completed order form. Alternatively, call us on +44 (0) 20 3174 3249.

If ordering from outside the UK, we’ll automatically convert the cost to your currency at that day’s exchange rate. (Currently, £100 is around US$145 or €130.)

Best wishes,

 

Phil Rees

Director, Stage on Screen

 

Exceptional Nursery Teaching Resources

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KIBLO

Coloured Building Blocks – Kiblo’s unique building choices stimulate logical and deductive thinking. Building skills are developed and then natural creativity released.

Email: sales@kiblo.com
Telephone:
01792 863331
Postal address:
NDA (Packaging Services) Ltd, P.O. Box 516, Swansea, SA8 3YN.

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MSL

Active Learning Place Mats – use a simple, self-checking method of learning and reinforcing Early Learning letter skills. They aim to speed up an automatic response to letter recognition, alphabetical order and rhyming patterns.

Email: msl@schools.co.uk
Telephone:
01536 399017
Postal address:
Multi-Sensory Learning, Earlstrees Court, Earlstrees Road, Corby, NN17 4HH.

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You can find more Exceptional Teaching resources at exceptionalteaching.org.uk