Known knowns, known unknowns, unknown knowns and unknown unknowns

I face a group of pupils and I am terrified.  Not because I don’t know how to teach – I like to think I do.  But because, just occasionally, I realise I might be found out.

For there is a secret to my teaching. A really awful secret.  A secret so awful that its awfulness is never normally admitted or accepted or revealed or spoken about or…

The fact is, I don’t really have a clue what the young people I teach are thinking.

Oh I like to pretend that I do, pretending that I can read their thoughts through their actions, their speech, their body language, but really inside me I know that this is not always the case.

For I have this nasty feeling that sitting in front of me in every class there are always at least a couple of youngsters whose thoughts are so far removed from anything I might ever entertain or encounter, that I can’t even imagine them.

Of course, that is not to say that these pupils of mine are badly behaved or unteachable.  I just have the suspicion that the way they see the world is so completely different from my perception that they are, to all intents and purposes, aliens.  I have no idea what is going on in their heads.

Now as long as I know that these youngsters are “different” in their mode of thinking, then they are, in the Donald Rumsfeld classification of life forms, “known unknowns.”

But my dark and deep fear is that also in my class is at least one person who has thoughts I can’t imagine, but whom I think I do understand.  Is that an “unknown unknown”.  I’m really not sure, and have started to get worried.

Of course, I am not the first to tread this path.  “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” went there long before me, and in my view this is a book that everyone should experience, just to get a notion of just how weird things can get.

That’s why we have published a graphic SEN revision support version of the book for GCSE English.  To help combat the terror of facing an unknown unknown.  You can see how unknowingly unknown things can look by reviewing the sample pages here.

You can order the graphic novel version of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (if you dare) on our website.

For more information and to see sample pages visit:

https://www.brilliantpublications.co.uk/book/the-strange-case-of-dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde-741

Alternatively, you can contact us by phone on 01449 766629 or by email at orders@tradecounter.co.uk

We are known, and you know that you know.  We are known knowns.  And thus safe.

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 768047

Guaranteed Holiday Discounts Exclusively for Teaching Professionals

Finally, you will no longer be affected by holiday price hikes!
We’re dedicating ourselves to providing teaching professionals and their families with a GUARANTEED discount when booking with the UK’s leading travel companies. Discounts are exclusive to our members and can be used as often as required, whether you’re booking a country cottage or an all inclusive luxury break we will ensure you never pay full price again!

Time to put your feet up!
You will no longer have to spend hours searching for the code that works or for the best deal available. As a member, you will have a guaranteed discount when booking your travel with any of our partners.

Our website www.tghd.co.uk will be launching soon but you can still visit and pre-register in order to be kept posted on our progress.

Please also like and share our facebook page www.facebook.com/TGHDUK as the more pre-registered members and facebook likes we get the better deals we can negotiate.

We look forward to providing you with the best travel discounts really soon!

www.tghd.co.uk

www.facebook.com/TGHDUK

Who’s eligible? Any teaching professional who has a QTS or teacher reference number.  You’re also eligible if you are employed by a local authority maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special schools and all primary, secondary, and special academy schools and free schools.

Classroom chairs with a TWENTY year warranty

Classroom chairs with a TWENTY year warranty can save schools and colleges hundreds or even THOUSANDS of pounds  and eliminate time wasted trying to repair damaged or vandalised chairs….…

Improvements in design and manufacture mean that the quality and durability of classroom chairs have improved significantly  since 1996. The result is that it’s now possible to obtain classroom chairs with a TWENTY year warranty.

That’s twenty years with NO replacement costs and NO repair costs …. a considerable saving of time and money compared with many chairs still in use in UK schools.

….and the chair in question  ?  It’s the POSTURA  PLUS, now in its  twenty first year.

Designed not only to be durable and virtually vandal proof it also encourages good posture and is available in 16 colours and six sizes from nursery right through to college and university.

If you’re looking for an attractive,  practical and durable chair  with an ergonomic design which  encourages good posture  and which can be used throughout your organisation then the Postura Plus chair is worth serious consideration.

For further information on Postura Plus chairs (which by the way, are manufactured here in the UK) please visit the website:  www.centraleducational.co.uk 

or contact them by email:  info@centraleducational.co.uk or phone:  020 7515 1797  and ask to speak to Martin Evans who will be pleased to help with any questions you may have.

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

Want your teaching life to be better?

 

  • Are you fed up with large classes?
  • Are you fed up with work overload and long days?
  • Are you fed up with your low pay?
  • Are you fed up with all the administration and data uploading?
  • Are you fed up feeling so tired and stressed?
  • Are you fed up with the weather?

Then consider working overseas and discover a life of:

  • smaller classes,
  • more time to relax and participate in activities,
  • saving more money with possible tax free salaries,
  • free private education for your children,
  • greater opportunities to travel,
  • longer school holidays
  • better weather.

Sign up and login for free at uTEACH WORLDWIDE today.

Then for a small monthly fee you can upload your teaching profile to receive opportunities from some of the best international schools in the world.

Your decision today could change your life forever.

Worth a look? Then visit:

https://www.uteachworldwide.co.uk/

Does your tracker make it easy for you to see your pupils’ in-year progress?

All trackers will show pupils’ attainment at various points in the year, but reporting on progress seems to be more of a problem.

Particularly if you want to have your own curriculum/objectives and your own assessment system, which defines pupils’ steps on the way to mastering the curriculum.

With our Primary Progress toolkit reporting on progress is easy. We can assign a value to any step on your attainment system and use those values to calculate progress.

We also make it easy to set Age Related Expectations for each term, so that you can see which pupils are making expected progress and which need support to get them on track.

The toolkit provides multiple easy to access reports – subject attainment, combined subjects, statements achieved, ARE, individual pupil, whole school overview, with group filters.

If you need reports in a format which the toolkit doesn’t provide, we can extract the data from the database and present it in a special Excel report, at no extra charge!

Our Online Primary Progress toolkit has been built with flexibility as its main aim. We believe it can meet any school’s assessment needs.  It’s also a modern online database system, professionally programmed, so you don’t have to worry about maintaining it. It’s not expensive and training and support are free.

So, if you aren´t 100% satisfied with your current assessment tracking system, why not check out our Online Primary Progress toolkit at primaryprogresstoolkit.co.uk?

If you need more information, or would like to discuss your specific needs, email me at statsed@gmail.com or ring me on 01279 652183.

We can give you free access to a demo site, where you can try out the toolkit for yourself.

Roger Watson

Statistics for Education Ltd, 5 Bridge Street, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts, CM23 2JU
Tel: 01279 652183; Email: statsed@gmail.com

Probably the most popular laboratory and art room stool in UK schools and colleges…………..

 …and often available at short notice.

WSM  laboratory and art room stools are used by thousands of  students in many UK  schools and colleges and there are FIVE good reasons why…..

1.  Manufactured in the UK  with a six year frame warranty for peace of mind.

2.  The frame is fully welded for strength and durability.

3.  A choice of ten seat colours and  five frame sizes.

4.  A choice of two frame types:  four legs or skid base.

5.  Moulded and shaped seat for comfort.

For more details of these excellent  UK manufactured stools plus competitive  prices please see the website:

www.centraleducational.co.uk/stools-wsm%20skidbase.html

Central Educational Supplies  Ltd can be contacted by email on:

info@centraleducational.co.uk   or tel:  020 7515 1797  and ask for Martin Evans who will be pleased to assist.

Delivery lead times tend to be longer during the summer months so  if you are planning to order, sooner is better than later!

 

 

A unique and active, engaging approach to Maths

I am writing to introduce you to Numbermix – an award-winning Social Enterprise that designs innovative numeracy based interventions.  Numbermix provides schools with a unique mix of active and engaging solutions that help raise attainment and increase physical activity levels.

The Numbermix offering includes:

  • Numberfitwww.numberfit.com – An exciting mathematics course designed to revolutionise the way that students (aged 3 – 14) are taught numeracy in a manner that actively engages young minds.  Numberfit delivers active sessions with a fun blend of mathematics, energetic physical activities and team games.  The Numberfit sessions are designed to challenge, motivate and encourage students of all ability levels.  They follow the National Curriculum and EYFS and will be tailored to match your calculation policy and priorities. The dynamic format and team games that used to teach numeracy and problem solving are always well received by students.  Numberfit also runs innovative and immersive story-led Maths Day programmes.
  • Numberprep www.numberprep.com – A successful mathematics and science tuition centre run by a professional team of Oxbridge tutors.  To support schools, Numberprep helps students who have missed periods of time at school and those that have transferred mid-year to a new school, to catch up by offering tuition that follows their schools’ calculation policy and focuses on areas that the teacher has highlighted.  Numberprep can also run group sessions for all ability levels with extension activities for the gifted and talented set or going back to fundamentals with the lower ability groups should their teacher not have time to focus on these groups.  A personalised learning plan is designed for each tutee and we are able to cater for SEN, home-educated, G&T students and all ability levels in between.  We have an extensive bank of resources and cover all exam boards.  Numberprep also offers revision courses, holiday courses, a STEM Club and workshops for parents.
  • Numberbundle www.numberbundle.com – The mathematics activity box that enables parents to become their child’s favourite maths teacher.  With at least seven different numeracy based activities in each monthly box, children will have fun whilst learning key topics from the National Curriculum.  The guided discussion points will help parents lead the learning and the ‘I can’ checklist will encourage children to complete the activities and take pride in what they have learned.

Tried, tested and piloted by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham’s LEA, and most recently across Buckinghamshire, the Numbermix results have been remarkable.  Numbermix aims to educate students, promote exercise, increase engagement, create enjoyment and encourage teamwork whilst delivering impressive results.

From Maths Days to Numberfit classes, we have various offerings to allow all schools to reap the benefits of the Numbermix programmes. Allow us to help you find solutions to your unique challenges with a tailor-made programme.

BOOK BY AUGUST 15TH, 2017 AND GET A 10% BACK-TO-SCHOOL DISCOUNT!

If we have spiked your interest, please get in touch for a bespoke proposal for your school.

For more information, please visit www.numbermix.com or email us at enquiries@numberfit.com.

Yours sincerely,
Ashley

Numbermix
Merritt House, Hill Avenue
Amersham, Buckinghamshire
HP6 5BQ
www.numbermix.com

Mending pupils’ minds – reducing the risk

The majority of pupils’ minds are ready for learning but overall 20% have behaviour and other emotional problems that pose risks to a school.  This minority take up a disproportionate amount of staff’s time. They:

  • Cause stress to teaching staff
  • Lower the school’s overall teaching results
  • Disturb other pupils’ learning and emotional well-being
  • May cause physical harm to pupils and staff and damage to property

But there’s also the risk that untrained, unqualified staff can cause further damage. A proven, safe and cost effective solution is to train your staff in Play Therapy as registrants on the ‘Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists’ accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.  When delivered to Play Therapy UK (PTUK) standards, it results in a 77% to 84% positive change, as observed by teaching staff and parents based on over 12,000 cases.

Our registrants, many of whom are school staff, already work in over 1500 primary schools in the UK

Experience how play therapy works and how we train – 13 venues throughout the UK: http://www.playtherapy.org.uk/Training/TrainCrseAPACIntrod1day

Or have a chat with Monika 01825 761143 Email: mokijep@majemail.com

More information:

www.playtherapy.org.uk    Play Therapy Register

Have a good summer break!

Jeff Thomas – Registrar Play Therapy UK

Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and A Christmas Carol at your school in 2017-18

As the current academic year draws to a close, everyone at Fred Theatre wishes you a great summer.

We’ll all be fitting in holidays, but the office remains open to respond to enquiries regarding our three in-school shows for next year.

MACBETH

“All of the actors in this show gave passionate and haunting performances.”

“Fred’s production of Macbeth proved that a small theatre company can produce big theatre in a small space.”

“Despite being an hour and a half, the show did not feel rushed and the integrity of the show was not compromised.”

(Quotes from student reviews, details on file)

This year’s 90 minute Macbeth is returning in spring 2018. Fred Theatre brings Shakespeare’s tragedy of greed, lust and betrayal to life in a new and intimate production.

Six actors present this timeless classic in a contemporary setting. The production asks who, in the twenty-first century, can be trusted to tell us the truth? How easy is it to manipulate others? And, what happens if ambition is left unchecked?

ROMEO AND JULIET

We’re delighted to announce the addition of Romeo and Juliet to the schools’ repertoire for spring 2018.

As with Macbeth, Shakespeare’s text is cut to be performed in 90 minutes, with the focus firmly on the young lovers and their journey from the bliss of first true love to tragic victims of a family feud.

Performed by six actors, Romeo and Juliet will be an excellent introduction to the text or a timely revision tool.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

This autumn Fred Theatre is on the road with Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Recognised for our quality, professionalism and accessibility Fred has built an excellent reputation for our schools friendly productions.

Our 90 minute adaptation is a fresh and exciting re-telling of the familiar and much loved story.

A Christmas Carol is already booked in to perform at many schools in the run-up to Christmas, but there is space on the schedule if you’re interested.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Simply email our office (admin@fred-theatre.co.uk) or call Robert on 07974 210265. We’ll collect a few details from you and respond with potential dates and a quote soon after.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Fred Theatre Limited

classic drama, contemporary theatre

www.fred-theatre.co.uk    @FRED_Theatre

PS: Our office remains open throughout the summer holidays, so feel free to get in touch at any time.

 

When a really clever question asked at the start of the lesson didn’t quite work as intended.

“What would happen,” I asked, “if we didn’t have numbers?”

The answers from the class were rather predictable.  A few puzzled looks and then the notion that we wouldn’t have clocks so playtime could be longer – which met with approval.

“But would we have any problems if we didn’t have numbers?” I asked.

And another answer emerged: I wouldn’t be able to count the class to make sure everyone was here.

“But I could ask everyone to sit at a desk, and then see if there were any empty desks,” I replied.  And yes, they agreed that would work.

There was puzzlement. Until the suddenly excited answer came, “Money.”  And we agreed we wouldn’t know how much we had, and how much anything cost without numbers.

But still I wanted more, so I gave a hint.  “You are all in this room and you can all sit down, and I know this room can take 35 children.  And we have ten classes in the school.   Which means we have…”

They got that of course – 350 children in the school.  There were surprised looks – they had no idea there were that many.

“But supposing we couldn’t count – lots of children might turn up and we wouldn’t have enough spaces.”

“You’d have to say that the first ones in would have a desk,” said the class’s official Bright Spark.

And that’s when my carefully evolved lesson plan fell apart.  Because the next voice added, “And everyone else could go home,” came the call.  And thus the fact that a lack of numbers would be a jolly good idea was born.  Because turning up late would mean the school was full, and late comers could go home.

Maybe instead I should have stuck with the Sum Fun Maths Assessment series pack of Maths Assessment Puzzles.  You will find more information on our website.

You can order

  • by visiting the website
  • by phone on 01449 766629
  • by fax on 01449 768047
  • by email to orders@tradecounter.co.uk
  • or by post to Brilliant Publications, Mendlesham Industrial Estate, Norwich Road, Mendlesham, Suffolk, IP14 5ND.

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 768047

What’s the best way to ensure that your school or college gets its new stock of chairs, stools or tables in plenty of time for the start of the new school year?

The summer holidays are traditionally a very busy time for UK manufacturers of school tables, chairs, cupboards etc.  Hundreds, maybe even thousands of schools and colleges order new stock …most of which has to be manufactured and delivered in a relatively short space of time.

Sadly it’s not always recognised that this puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the factories …… the need for more raw materials, perhaps taking on extra staff to cope with increased demand and last but not least, delivering huge quantities of furniture the length and breadth of the UK to many schools, often in the space of just a couple of weeks. 

Four suggestions to improve your school’s chances of getting new stocks of tables and chairs etc in plenty of time for the new school year…….  

1.  Order early!    This is usually the key to avoiding chaos at the start of the new term. Most manufacturers will be pleased to produce your furniture early in the summer term and store it for later delivery….either in the holidays or just before the new term starts.

2.  Never throw away your old furniture until the new stock has arrived!  However tempting it may be to clear out old chairs and tables and throw them in a skip, please resist doing so.  Your new stock may be delayed until after the terms starts…if this happens then what will your students sit on or write on?

3.  Take delivery “guarantees” with a pinch of salt (sometimes even a boxful of salt). This is particularly important if you are late in ordering and are desperately searching for a supplier to deliver in just a few days. It may be tempting for a firm to quote a quick delivery date  just to get your order, knowing full well that they can’t do what they say, but hoping they can keep you hanging on week after week until you finally receive your order.

4.  If you are ordering late then try to be flexible.  Could you change the specification slightly?   Can you change the colour or style of chairs you want?  Could you perhaps accept tables with a black frame rather than a grey frame?   A good supplier should be able to give you a fairly accurate idea of lead times for different products so at least you can make an informed decision.

If you need new school furniture for August or September you might like to contact

Central Educational Supplies Ltd on 020 7515 1797 or info@centraleducational.co.uk

Ask to speak to Martin Evans who will be pleased to discuss your requirements and can make suggestions and provide prices, all without any obligation.  For examples of their range of educational furniture please see:  www.centraleducational.co.uk

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

Booking Now for Autumn Musicals in Tunbridge Wells

The new Autumn season at the Assembly Hall Theatre includes three striking musicals, two of them based on hit films (Flashdance and The Wedding Singer) and the third (Son of a Preacher Man) a brand new musical set in 60’s Soho featuring the songs of Dusty Springfield.

The Wedding Singer
Tue 5 Sep to Sat 9 Sep

It’s 1985. Hair is huge, greed is good and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart (Jon Robyns: Avenue Q, Legally Blonde) is New Jersey’s favourite wedding singer. When his own fiancée dumps him at the altar a seriously bummed out Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own.

Can sweet natured Julia, (Cassie Compton: X Factor) and her best friend Holly lure Robbie out of the dumpster and back into the limelight?  Or is he going to see her head off down the aisle with Wall Street bad boy Glenn (Ray Quinn: X Factor, Dancing On Ice)? Only Grandma Rosie (Ruth Madoc: Hi-De-Hi!, Little Britain) seems to be able to see that Robbie and Julia are the couple that are meant to be.

https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/musical-theatre/wedding-singer

Performance Times

Evenings at 7.30pm
Matinees Wed & Sat at 2.30pm

Tickets: £15 and the eleventh ticket free

Plus a £1.75 per ticket booking fee

Flashdance – The Musical
Mon 13 Nov to Sat 18 Nov

Dance like you’ve never danced before! Flashdance – The Musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer.  When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream.

Based on the Paramount Pictures film (Screenplay by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, story by Tom Hedley) Flashdance is an inspiring musical about the power of holding onto your dreams and love against all the odds.

Prepare to be blown away with an astonishing musical spectacle and phenomenal choreography to this iconic score including the smash hit Maniac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Love Rock & Roll and the sensational title track Flashdance – What a Feeling.

Produced by the award winning team at Selladoor Productions- producers of Footloose, Avenue Q and Little Shop of Horrors, and Runaway Entertainment – producers of Lazarus, In the Heights and Guys and Dolls, Flashdance – The Musical is not to be missed!

No school rate, but tickets from £15 plus £1.75 per ticket booking fee and requests can be put to the producers

https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/musical-theatre/flashdance-musical

Son of a Preacher Man
Tue 31 Oct to Sat 4 Nov

Three broken hearts, one Soho hang-out, and the only man who could ever help them…

Welcome to the Preacher Man, the swinging 1960s Soho joint where the kids danced the night away to the latest crazes and dared to dream of love, while the legendary owner, The Preacher Man himself, dispensed advice to cure the loneliest of hearts.

Only, that was a long time ago and all that remains are the memories, the stories and the myths. Until now, that is, when three random strangers, generations apart but all in need of help with their hopeless love lives, are inexplicably drawn to the site of the original venue. The Preacher Man is long gone, but his son, with help from the wonderful Cappuccino Sisters, might just find it in himself to channel the spirit of The Preacher Man and once more give these three lovesick strangers the look of love.

Featuring the greatest hits of Dusty Springfield, including “The Look Of Love”, “I Only Want To Be With You”, “Spooky” and of course, the classic “Son Of A Preacher Man”, this sparklingly funny and sweetly touching new musical play by internationally-renowned writer Warner Brown will have you laughing, crying and singing your heart out to some of the greatest songs ever written.

Directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood and starring Diana Vickers (Little Voice, Rocky Horror Show, The X Factor) and Debra Stephenson (The Impressions Show, Bad Girls, Coronation Street), Son of a Preacher Man comes to the Assembly Hall Theatre for one week only. So you know just what to do with yourself – book your tickets now!

Please note there is some Parental Advisory material in this production.

https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/musical-theatre/son-preacher-man

Evenings at 7.30pm
Matinees Wed & Sat at 2.30pm

Tickets: £15 and the eleventh ticket free

Plus a £1.75 per ticket booking fee

To book your tickets and ask questions please email Bethan.Minter@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or telephone 01892 554221.

Please speak to us if you would like to book a backstage tour before the matinees and we can add an ice cream to your booking for just £2 per person.

Antony Pickthall
Sales and Marketing Director

Assembly Hall Theatre, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2LU

T: 01892 554165

M: 07875 280038

www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Science experiments for the new academic year

Topical Resources

         

Start the new academic year with science experiments that will instil a love for science from the off

Science experiments can instil a love for science, which is precisely why we have created the Practical Science series – so that you will never run out of science experiment ideas!

Practical Science contains a wealth of science experiments and activities and has been divided up into six volumes (one for each year group), not least so that you can effortlessly find an experiment that is suitable for the age group and topic that you are teaching at any given time.

For more information and to see sample pages for any of the volumes in the Practical Science series, simply visit the links below.

Practical Science Year 1

Practical Science Year 2 

Practical Science Year 3 

Practical Science Year 4 

Practical Science Year 5 

Practical Science Year 6  

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

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Virus-free. www.avast.com

How a revolution in the design and manufacture of classroom chairs can save your organisation hundreds if not thousands of pounds, as well as reduce maintenance costs and improve your students’ concentration………

Introduced back in 1996  the “one piece” Postura chair was the first classroom chair to be manufactured from a single mould of polypropylene.  Today hundreds of thousands of these chairs are in use throughout the UK in schools, colleges and nurseries.

What’s so special about the “one piece” Postura chair? 

Before the introduction of the Postura chair, most classroom chairs were  made either of wood or  a metal frame  which was fixed to a polypropylene “shell” (the seat)  by screws or rivets.  If you have ever worked in a school then you will almost certainly  have come across broken or vandalised chairs ……… and how do they get broken ?

The weak link is the fixings which join the shell to the frame. They can usually be unscrewed or damaged, either deliberately or by the constant stresses and strains of wear by students for several hours everyday, week after week, month after month and year after year.  Sometimes they can be repaired using a replacement shell or frame but more often than not such repairs tended to be of a temporary nature. 

The Postura chair has done away with all this.   Its  one piece design means there are no screws or rivets to be broken or damaged.  When you take delivery of Postura chairs you get a TWENTY year warranty with each one. That’s how confident  the manufacturers are that you’ll get at least twenty years of trouble free use from each chair.

How can the Postura chair save us  hundreds or thousands of pounds? 

Simple. The warranty covers any possible manufacturing defects for  20 years.

This means that you’ll get 20 years of trouble free classroom seating from as little as 35p per term per chair…and this cost is based on the largest size, being used by ages 11 upwards…for primary and nursery schools the cost is even less !  So you can wave goodbye to broken and vandalised chairs…..no more time wasted in repairs, no more “wonky” chairs, no more expenditure for replacements when they have become unrepairable.  It all adds up to big savings when you switch to Postura chairs from the traditional classroom chair.

What about improving students’ concentration ? 

If you’ve ever sat on an uncomfortable chair you’ll know, well, how uncomfortable it is.

You  change your position, you fidget, you can’t sit comfortably and if you’re in a meeting the chances are you’re just as concerned with your sitting position than concentrating on what is being said.  It’s no different with your students, which is why the Postura chair was designed to be ergonomically correct …… to be comfortable and encourage good posture, so students can concentrate on lessons rather than continually trying to make themselves comfortable.

If you’d like to know more about these excellent chairs or make an order,  please visit the website of:  Central Educational Supplies Ltd,  www.centraleducational.co.uk

or phone 020 7515 1797 and ask to speak to Martin Evans.  If you prefer to email then it’s info@centraleducational.co.uk or fax  020 7515 4420

PS.  orders are usually delivered within 5-10 working days.

What is perhaps the most effective way to prevent radicalisation among your students?

Despite the counter-terrorism duties of schools (which include: assessing the risk of students being drawn into terrorism,working closely with your LA, training staff to identify at-risk children, keeping students safe online, and managing prayer and faith facilities), educating your students about terrorism is perhaps the most effective way to prevent radicalisation.

Which is why Brilliant Publications has produced

Radicalisation and Terrorism: A Teacher’s Handbook for Addressing Extremism

This practical handbook provides an objective resource to enable secondary school teachers to tackle the complex subjects of terrorism and radicalisation with confidence. It sets political violence within a broad context of perceived injustice, using familiar emotions of anger to introduce the notion of grievance (a precursor of all forms of terrorism).

The resource covers issues of citizenship, human rights, respect, civil and political engagement, identity, and how we identify with others while examining different forms of violence, from historical precedents to more recent examples of 21st century terrorism.

The handbook considers the causes and consequences of terrorism, what terrorists do, and why they do it; how to differentiate between the reasons, goals, and methods of terrorists; why the media and terrorism are inextricably linked; what makes terrorism start; and what factors bring the cycle of terrorism to an end.

Your students are invited to explore the process of reconciliation, taking Northern Ireland and South Africa as examples, as well as being encouraged to consider the definition of “terrorism” and debate fact and bias through examining the role of the media.

You can order Radicalisation and Terrorism: A Teacher’s Handbook for Addressing Extremism on our website either in PDF for £13.99 or as a hardcopy book for £19.99. There is also the option to buy the hardcopy and PDF together at a discounted price of £24.19.

For more information and to see sample pages visit https://www.brilliantpublications.co.uk/book/radicalisation-and-terrorism-588. Alternatively, you can contact us by phone on 01449 766629 or by email at 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 768047

What is the single most effective way of teaching everything, from history to creative writing, from diversity to science?

It is a fact, often forgotten, that everything that we know and everything that we learn ultimately is learned as a story.

How people in different parts of the world live.  How people in different countries have different ways of celebrating Christmas.

How they have their own stories associated with their past.  How England is actually just coming up to its 1000th birthday.   How our understanding of the world has changed across time.

How Galileo Galilei (then professor of mathematics at the University of Pisa) is said to have dropped two spheres of different masses from the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Everything comes back to stories.  And this is why, as part of their learning, it is vital that children listen to stories told by expert professional storytellers.

We have stories covering almost every aspect of the primary school curriculum and childhood development.

You can find out more about a few of our story themes at www.snailtales.org/stories, but please do remember that there are many more available.  If you have a story that you would like to see explored, please do drop us a line and let us know, and we’ll come back to you and tell you what we can do.

There’s no obligation – we are happy to share our ideas with you. And if you are looking for a theme that we have not explored before, we would be delighted to see if we could develop a storytelling day or half day in your school on that particular theme.

You can select from one of our existing themes by clicking here, or ask us to pencil you into our diary by completing our online booking form.

Or, if you want to explore a different theme – without any obligation please do:

We look forward to hearing from you

From Hans Christen Anderson to the Little Princess

From Hans Christen Anderson to the Little Princess,
from The Secret Garden to the Little Prince…
at just £1.87 each.

 Or come to that from Little Women to Moonfleet, from What Katy Did to the Wind in the Willows, all at just £1.87 each (after discount) with free delivery when ordered directly from us.

I could go further, of course, and add, The Railway Children, Beatrix Potter, Kidnapped, Treasure Island

In fact, we have a list of over 50 children’s classics, all available at this special price.

There is even a box set collection of eight titles available for just £19.99 – less a 25% discount when ordered directly from ourselves.

In fact Wordsworth Editions has over 400 titles in print, and not only does each volume naturally have the full text but with all of our classics there is also a set of exclusive introductions and notes.

And don’t forget, you get a 25% discount on all of the prices shown, not just on the classics.

Plus there’s a free book offer.   Because it might well be that you are thinking this all this seems far too good to be true, so we really do have an offer of a free book, with free delivery.

We offer the free book because if you have not ordered from us before we’d like to assure you of the quality of our publications, and second because we know that when teachers do see the quality of our books they do tend to place an order.

There’s no pressure to buy – we let you make the decision, whenever you wish.

So, if you would like a free sample of one of our books, just email education@wordsworth-editions.com with your name and the school address, and we’ll put it in the post to you, with our compliments.

But just before you do that, please do have a look at our list of children’s classics.  I know you will be rather surprised at the range of titles we have.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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

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

In an attempt to solve this problem there’s  now a  product called the

“Value Maths set ” which, as the name suggests, contains all the basics that students need for their  maths lessons.

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

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

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

     www.signposteducational.co.uk  

You can order by:
email:  info@signposteducational.co.uk 
phone   020 7515 1797
fax:  020 7515 4420

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

From Hans Christen Anderson to the Little Princess, from The Secret Garden to the Little Prince… at just £1.87 each.

Or come to that from Little Women to Moonfleet, from What Katy Did to the Wind in the Willows, all at just £1.87 each (after discount) with free delivery when ordered directly from us.

I could go further, of course, and add, The Railway Children, Beatrix Potter, Kidnapped, Treasure Island

In fact, we have a list of over 50 children’s classics, all available at this special price.

There is even a box set collection of eight titles available for just £19.99 – less a 25% discount when ordered directly from ourselves.

In fact Wordsworth Editions has over 400 titles in print, and not only does each volume naturally have the full text but with all of our classics there is also a set of exclusive introductions and notes.

And don’t forget, you get a 25% discount on all of the prices shown, not just on the classics.

Plus there’s a free book offer.   Because it might well be that you are thinking this all this seems far too good to be true, so we really do have an offer of a free book, with free delivery.

We offer the free book because if you have not ordered from us before we’d like to assure you of the quality of our publications, and second because we know that when teachers do see the quality of our books they do tend to place an order.

There’s no pressure to buy – we let you make the decision, whenever you wish.

So, if you would like a free sample of one of our books, just email education@wordsworth-editions.com with your name and the school address, and we’ll put it in the post to you, with our compliments.

But just before you do that, please do have a look at our list of children’s classics.  I know you will be rather surprised at the range of titles we have.

We look forward to hearing from you.

What is the most important thing to do now, in order to improve literacy results in September?

Averages have a most annoying effect.  Because for every child who is above average, it means you’ve got one who is below average.

But there is an upside to this, because the children who are struggling with literacy are the ones who can make the most substantial and sustained progress and attainment.

Which means when they make their leap forwards in literacy, that change improves the ranking of the whole year group.

And this is what we offer: an approach using one to one tuition for the children who are slipping behind in literacy achievement, at a very affordable price, whenever needed.

Naturally with such claims the first thing you will want to do is have a trial – and we can arrange this at once.   Even better, if you arrange a trial now and then want to proceed, we can have everything in place for September.

Through our program every misunderstanding and every concept not understood is instantly spotted, and results in the pupil being taken back a step for remedial work. After this, progress and advancement resumes.

Each individual’s literacy needs are analysed and then the pupil is directed to an engaging set of activities which remedy any deficits, before advancing through to the next set of skills.

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

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

Of course you’ll want to see this in action before making any decisions, and you can do that this term, without any cost or commitment.  First you can read more about Core 5 which achieves these extraordinary results here.

You can also read a variety of case studies here. You will then also find on the top right of the page the link to gain full access to the program for 30 days without any payment or commitment.

If you want to know more about the program, please do call 0191 482 1939 or email info@lexiauk.co.uk

Rob Kay

LexiaUK Software Consultant.

2017-18: Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and A Christmas Carol

Fred Theatre is back in schools over the coming academic year with three lively and engaging productions.

MACBETH

“All of the actors in this show gave passionate and haunting performances.”

“Fred’s production of Macbeth proved that a small theatre company can produce big theatre in a small space.”

“Despite being an hour and a half, the show did not feel rushed and the integrity of the show was not compromised.”

(Quotes from student reviews, details on file)

This year’s 90 minute Macbeth is returning in spring 2018. Fred Theatre brings Shakespeare’s tragedy of greed, lust and betrayal to life in a new and intimate production.

Six actors present this timeless classic in a contemporary setting. The production asks who, in the twenty-first century, can be trusted to tell us the truth? How easy is it to manipulate others? And what happens if ambition is left unchecked?

ROMEO AND JULIET

We’re delighted to announce the addition of Romeo and Juliet to the schools’ repertoire for spring 2018.

As with Macbeth, Shakespeare’s text is cut to be performed in 90 minutes, with the focus firmly on the young lovers and their journey from the bliss of first true love to tragic victims of a family feud.

Performed by six actors, Romeo and Juliet will be an excellent introduction to the text or a timely revision tool.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

This autumn Fred Theatre is on the road with Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Recognised for our quality, professionalism and accessibility Fred has built an excellent reputation for our schools friendly productions.

Our 90 minute adaptation is a fresh and exciting re-telling of the familiar and much loved story.

A Christmas Carol is already booked in to perform at many schools in the run-up to Christmas, but there is space on the schedule if you’re interested.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Simply email our office (admin@fred-theatre.co.uk) or call Robert on 07974 210265. We’ll collect a few details from you and respond with potential dates and a quote soon after.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Fred Theatre Limited

classic drama, contemporary theatre

www.fred-theatre.co.uk    @FRED_Theatre

PS: Our office remains open throughout the summer holidays.

What is the best way to support students on the autism spectrum with teen issues and relationships?

For many teenagers on the autism spectrum the world of feelings, emotions, relationships, and indeed the whole range of issues related to being a teenager, can be extremely difficult.

While many young people develop their ability to handle these topics and cope with such issues as sexuality, personal hygiene, body image, social drinking, fashion, self-confidence, and so on, for the student on the autism spectrum this can be difficult.

The same is true with everyday situations such as going to the pub, responding to suggestions that a friend is gay, speaking in public, having a tattoo, etc, etc.

As a result your SEN students can require a bit more support if they are to become able to form and maintain healthy relationships throughout adolescence and adulthood and deal with all the issues that can make the teenage years problematic.

Which is why we have devised the “Relationships” series and its companion “Teenage Issues” series of resources.

These are comprehensive resources offering guidance to teenagers with a reading age of around seven. The approach is one of being sympathetic to the way that autistic teenagers and others with related special needs typically view the world.

Each series consists of:

  • Two copies of each of six story books which support the ASDAN Transition Challenge and Towards Independence Life Skills courses.
  • A CD-ROM providing electronic versions of the six books, making it ideal for interactive whiteboard presentations and for students who would also benefit from listening to the text. It is also possible to edit and save the text to make your own story, create differentiated texts, and personalise the text.
  • Supporting resources for teachers including page-by-page notes for all the stories and assessment resources (feedback sheets and student record sheets).
  • An extensive range of activity worksheets and interactive activities that encourage reading comprehension.

Each of the two series come in Value Packs costing £139 plus VAT (save 10%). Individual elements from the two packs are also available separately. There is information on the contents of each pack through these links:

 Relationships Value Pack           Teen Issues Value Pack

Alternatively, please email info@senpress.co.uk or call me on 01582 833205.

Janie Nicholas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KM classroom chairs & stools are available again…….

For many years KM Furniture were producing what were arguably the best and most popular classroom and reception chairs.   Their chairs could be found in hundreds, if not thousands of schools and colleges throughout the UK.

However, three years ago KM Furniture went into liquidation.  It was a sad day as it meant that many people in and around Chesterfield  (where their factory was located) lost their jobs;  and schools and colleges were unable to replace their existing KM chairs with the same models.

Now for the good news..…  KM chairs are available again AND they are still made in the UK.

The most popular KM chairs, the P3,  P6 and P7, together with the NP and  CLS  stools can be obtained from Central Educational Supplies Ltd...usually within a couple of weeks  (although delivery lead times may be somewhat longer during the summer). The chairs are available in sizes from nursery through to colleges and in a range of colours.

For more information  about KM chairs and stools plus educational furniture from other  well known brands such as Postura Plus, Titan, Hille, DLB, Spaceforme  and  Metalliform etc, please visit the website:

  www.centraleducational.co.uk  

or contact them by email:  info@centraleducational.co.uk  or phone 020 7515 1797  and ask to speak to Martin Evans who will be pleased to assist.

They are always pleased to talk about educational furniture and their  suggestions and advice are free and without obligation.  They would be pleased to hear from you.

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

October is National Poetry Month

Dear Head of English,
        
October is National Poetry Month: this is our 17th year. 

How to get the new school year off to an exciting start? 

Every year the Performance Poetry Society arranges a National Tour of Interactive Poetry and Song Shows to enrich and entertain students in Year 7 and Year 8.
To find out how your secondary school can take advantage of this and join in, please telephone Sandra Dennis our Tour Co-ordinator on 0208 688 6951 or email performancepoetry@yahoo.com for further details.
Jim MacCool

Premier Poet 
JIM MacCOOL
leads the Tour
 THE PERFORMANCE POETRY SOCIETY
Working In Universities, Colleges, Schools, 
Arts Centres, Libraries And Prisons
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
October is National Poetry Month
We operate throughout the year.

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