For most students such information they have about crime scenes before taking the BTEC Science Unit 13 comes from detective dramas on TV.

Which presents a problem. For although some of the depictions of crime scenes and crime solving on TV are accurate (at least up to a point), virtually all such programmes focus as much on the quirky (or even dysfunctional) personalities of the police officers and/or private detective as they do on the crime scene.

But in Crime Scene Investigation School the balance is reversed. The personal difficulties of the investigating officers are set aside and instead all focus is on the Crime Scene itself.

We start in the Training Room where there is a body lying in a pool of blood.

Having seen this, the students have to gather the evidence around them, without in any way contaminating the crime scene. And it is not as easy as it sounds.

Instructions are given aurally and written (on in-game plasma TVs) and take the students around the Store Room, the Locker Room, the Scene of the Crime, and the Crime Lab.

The students use the equipment on hand to examine fibres found at the scene and the DNA ‘fingerprints’ from a blood sample. A computer with a scanner within the program can be used to identify the owners of fingerprints:

Once the evidence is gathered and processed the student can forward the findings to the Crown Prosecution Service office where a further goal involving the use of gas chromatography can be attempted by students who have the completed the initial tasks successfully.

You can see the game in much more detail at www.keylinkcomputers.co.uk/. You then need to click on CSI School for BTEC Science in the left hand panel or click on the main picture.

Alternately, for more information call us on 01926 850909 or email us at sales@keylinkcomputers.co.uk.

If you could ask for one gift from Santa this year, what would it be? We think that many busy teachers would choose the gift of Time. Christmas is a hectic time in schools and it can be challenging to juggle professional and personal commitments at this time of year.

Sign up for a FREE trial with Teaching Resources UK and you can save hundreds of planning hours, while delivering thought-provoking lessons with instantly downloadable lesson plans, activities, worksheets and more!

We guarantee to save you time but as an extra gift this Christmas, we are giving away twelve memberships to Teaching Resources UK in our ‘12 Days of Christmas Competition’. Not only that, everyone who signs up for a FREE trial will receive a selection box as a gift from us.

Competition details

• Sign up for a FREE trial between Monday 3^rd and Friday 14^th December

• The twelfth person to sign up for a trial on each day will win a 12 month membership to Teaching Resources UK worth £299.99

• Every person who signs up for a trial between Monday 3^rd and Friday 14^th December will receive a festive selection box

Twelve reasons to join today…

1. Hundreds of teaching resources for key stages 3 and 4 to give you more planning time

2. Instantly downloadable activities available when you need them available for the whole school

3. Comprehensive, engaging and topical assembly plans

4. Tried and tested lesson plans, covering hundreds of topics

5. Interactive media, including videos, for student engagement

6. Devised by advanced skills teachers and industry experts

7. Easy to use teachers’ website makes it simple to find what you need quickly

8. Professionally presented resources for slick delivery of lessons

9. Guaranteed to save you planning time

10. Reviewed and updated resources added every term

11. Unlimited access to over 300 hours of high quality teaching resources

12. Customer support from real people

…and a partridge in a pear tree!

Enter the ’12 Days of Christmas Competition’ today and win a 12 month membership. Sign up for your FREE trial here and you will automatically entered into the draw.

Please see the website for full competition terms

This workbook aims to provide students with a revision aid for the ‘World at Risk’ element of Unit 1: Global Challenges paper for Edexcel A-level.

The first part of the workbook provides students with focused questions closely linked to the specification content to test their knowledge.

Section 2 allows students to practise the application of this knowledge against past exam questions.

The final section allows students to compare their answers not only against the mark scheme but also against an exam answer.

The volume is only available as a download – not as a printed book.

There are sample pages at http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/authordownloadsamples/T1797samples.pdf

AS Geography Student Workbook: Unit 1 World at Risk is published as a download so that you can receive immediately a copy onto your computer which you can print out for colleagues as often as you want. You can also put it on your school learning platform so all staff can access the document – and indeed you can make it part of the induction documentation for new members of staff.

You can obtain AS Geography Student Workbook: Unit 1 World at Risk by going to http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=76_112&products_id=768

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

AS Geography Student Workbook: Unit 1 World at Risk 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.

For other Geography revision guides that can be bought as download from First and Best please go to http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/index.php?cPath=76_112
First and Best in Education
Earlstrees Road
Corby
NN17 4HH

Website: www.shop.firstandbest.co.uk
Email: sales@firstandbest.co.uk

Creating a new form time activity each week is not necessarily difficult, but it can take time, and it is occasionally the case that form time is not used as fully as it might be..

Of course there are many form time programmes that have been produced commercially – but with these it is not always clear what one will get if making a purchase.

Which is why we offer all our form time activities on a free trial basis. What’s more, if you ask for a trial, you get to choose which lessons you see – not the ones we have chosen for you.

We’ve created a series of KS3 and KS4 form time plans that can be used throughout the year. Each includes a PDF overview and a PowerPoint presentation.

Topics currently include…

Active careers (2 activities)
Alcohol (12 activities)
Credit crunch (6 activities)
Critical consumers (4 activities)
Democracy (7 activities)
Diversity (3 activities)
Economic ideas (7 activities)
Enterprise (5 activities)
Enterprise and the community (3 activities)
Enterprise skills (3 activities)
Gap year introduction (4 activities)
Gap year volunteering (2 activities)
Human rights (7 activities)
The media (6 activities)
Options in year 9 (7 activities)
Prejudice (4 activities)
Revision (4 activities)
SkillsActive professional skills resources (6 activities)
The stock exchange (4 activities)
Preparing for work (5 activities)
Thinking about work (3 activities)

If you would like to have the resources for a completely free 14 day trial, with no obligation to buy, please visit http://www.teaching-resources-uk.com/2012 And if you would like unlimited access to all our resources for the whole school we are now offering this at £299.99 (annual subscription).

‘The Curriculum for Excellence encourages teachers to use their professional expertise and creativity to show how subjects can be linked, just as they are in life and work.’ (The Scottish Government)

National Museum Scotland’s Scottie books present a seriously fun way of teaching 7-10 year olds about Scotland and give them an engaging learning experience. The series provides links between different areas of the curriculum – social sciences, sciences, languages and religious and moral education  – and brings the past to life to inform the present.

Scotties are exciting, full-colour 48pp-information books containing a wealth of interesting facts, stimulating activities, illustrations and photographs, plus lists of places of interest and selected websites. Many of the photographs are of objects held in National Museums Scotland or other collections.

Unless otherwise stated, each title includes an 8pp black/white section of activities photocopiable for classroom use.

Titles available: The Clans (Gordon Jarvie) / The Covenanters (Claire Watts) / Greyfriars Bobby: A Tale of Victorian Edinburgh (Frances & Gordon Jarvie)/ Flight in Scotland (Frances & Gordon Jarvie) / The Jacobites (for 10-12s, activities section not photocopiable Antony Kamm) / Mary, Queen of Scots (Elizabeth Douglas) / Robert Burns in Time and Place (Frances & Gordon Jarvie) / The Romans in Scotland (Frances Jarvie) / Scotland’s Vikings  (Gordon & Frances Jarvie) / Scottish Kings and Queens (Elizabeth Douglas) / Scottish Rocks and Fossils (Alan & Moira McKirdy) / Supernatural Scotland (Eileen Dunlop)

Titles coming soon / in the pipeline: There Shall Be a Scottish Parliament (February 2013 Frances & Gordon Jarvie) Scottish Explorers (February 2013 Antony Kamm) / Pirate Tales from Scotland (tbc Antony Kamm / Scottish Environments (tbc Alan & Moira McKirdy)

If you have any suggestions for subjects we might cover please let us know: publishing@nms.ac.uk

Series editors: Gordon and Frances Jarvie have many years’ experience of primary school teaching and lecturing. Between them they are also the authors of seven titles in the series.

Reviews:

Robert Burns in Time and Place: ‘This book is entertaining because there’s super quizzes in the book to keep you busy.’ P4 school pupil

Greyfriars Bobby: ‘This is a useful resource for those who like to know the story behind the story, and for studying local history.’ School Librarian

The Jacobites: The text is intelligent and clear, with a huge amount of information fitted into a few words. … I cannot recommend it too highly’ History Teaching Review

Mary Queen of Scots: ‘ … an excellent book, the extras are fun for children with good pictures.’ P4 school pupil

The Covenanters: ‘This concise and interesting publication, yet another useful publication by National Museums Scotland in their Scottie range, is a most excellent place to start to gain an overview of the Covenanter movement.’ History Teaching Review

See the books online at: www.nms.ac.uk/books

Prices and how to buy

All Scottie titles retail at £5.99. They are available from your educational supplier, from our online shop as above, or direct from the publisher. If you order 5+ books  direct a 20% discount (plus p/p) will apply.

NMS Enterprises Limited – Publishing, National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF    0131 247 4026     publishing@nms.ac.uk

The answer is undoubtedly yes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cat No: 978 1 86083 890 3
Order code: T1796emn – please quote with order.
Sample pages can be viewed at http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/pshe/T1796.pdf

Price: Photocopiable report in a ring binder plus CD, £29.95 plus £3.95 delivery

You can purchase the report…

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
• On the phone with a school order number at 01536 399 011
• By fax to 01536 399 012
• On line with a credit card at http://www.shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=769

CSIE training in spring 2013
Outstanding outcomes for all      

–      Birmingham 7^th March 2013

–      Leeds 14th March 2013

Book Now

Outstanding outcomes for all       

About the workshop:

Are all pupils at your school fully aware of different forms of bullying, including prejudice-based bullying, and actively try to prevent it from occurring? Does every member of your school community feel safe at school and would they confidently say so if asked? Ofsted’s report “No place for bullying” (June 2012) suggests that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and disabled pupils bear the brunt of bullying in schools. Do all staff at your school feel well-equipped to tackle homophobic and disablist bullying? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, this workshop is for you.

This workshop aims to do more than simply help schools fulfil their statutory duties or do well in an Ofsted inspection. It is a practical, “hands on” workshop designed to be engaging and constructive. It will: provide key information on the Equality Act 2010 and its implications for schools; support participants to explore everyday life in school through the lens of equality; and enable participants to: a) present to parents, staff, governors or inspectors a clear rationale for development; and b) work collaboratively to improve the experience of members of their school community at risk of marginalisation or discrimination.

Who should attend:

• teachers
• headteachers
• inclusion managers
• other senior leadership staff
• learning supporters
• governors
• other people interested in doing more than paying lip service to equality in schools

Aims

This workshop aims to:

• provide an overview of the Equality Act and its implications for schools;
• explore lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and disability equality;
• help improve the experience of LGBT and disabled members of the school community.

Objectives

At the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• recognise how the Equality Act protects LGBT and disabled people;
• be aware of the different ways in which disability is understood;
• develop confidence and language for speaking about LGBT and disability equality;
• identify stereotypes and prejudices facing LGBT and disabled people in schools;
• describe barriers to learning and participation for LGBT and disabled people in their own school;
• work collaboratively to improve the experience of LGBT and disabled members, or potential members, of their school community;
• present to parents, staff, governors or inspectors a clear rationale for change;
• recognise how LGBT and disability equality are evaluated by Ofsted inspectors.

Feedback from autumn CSIE workshops:

“Well presented and thought provoking”

“Knowledgeable credible facilitators”

“Valued time for reflection – thinking in a ‘safe’ environment”

“Presenter was excellent – very informative and enthusiastic”

Science teachers know how difficult it can be to plan their activities for National Science and Engineering Week in March.

It can be a struggle to find a good quality in-school presentation. Sometimes the science is good, but the presentation lets it down. Or the presenter is engaging, but the science is a bit thin. And with so many providers available online, it’s impossible to tell who the genuine professionals are.

SciEnts is a new ‘one-stop shop’ for schools looking to book an entertaining science or maths show. It features only experienced, engaging presenters offering professional levels of service who will be happy to appear at your school or science week event. There are 20 to choose from, covering various STEM subjects and performance skills:  from musicians and magicians to actors and stuntspeople.

An in-school science or maths show supports busy teachers by offering amazing curriculum-linked shows for their students. The site features only experienced, engaging presenters offering professional levels of service. They are all willing to travel UK-wide and all come with an enhanced CRB and adequate public liability insurance. The site allows teachers quickly to select from primary and secondary and also gives guidance for teachers about booking and making their STEM engagement day run well.

Ameoba to Zebra, Ian Dunne, Simon Watt, Visualise and David Hall use the power of theatre to tell a story of science which charms and engages audiences of any age or ability. Former science teachers-turned-Circus performers, James Soper and Dr Ken dazzle their audiences with a combination of physics and high-energy circus skills.

If maths is more your cup of tea, we have several performers with specifically maths-oriented shows. Rob Eastaway can show you mind-reading tricks based on maths from his numerous books, Colin Wright demonstrates the maths of juggling, Matt Pritchard uses his maths magician skills and Bubblz the Maths Clown introduces maths to younger audiences.

The secrets of our universe can be explained through the musical performances of Doctor Lewney through rock guitar, or modern day rap with Jon Chase, or through a magical atmosphere of a darkened dome. Or if you fancy an explosion of science through adventure and stunts try Huw James, Fran Scott, Matthew Tosh or one-man-zoo, Mike Leahy.

Last but not least, the ‘science made simple’ team, Becky Holmes and David Price bring their unique blend of enthusiasm to igniting your pupils’ natural curiosity for science through busking and storytelling in the classroom.

Bringing a real scientist, engineer or mathematician into the classroom provides a direct link of personal experience between science and maths in the classroom and the world outside. If you want to genuinely engage children or adults with profound and practical science and maths for a reasonable price, you simply can’t beat a professional science show. All our performers are flexible and experienced enough to ensure your event goes smoothly and successfully, even if you’ve never hosted one before.

SciEnts offers only the very best performers via a single, easy-to-use web page: www.SciEnts.co.uk

For many young people, parents and teachers exist primarily to stop them doing what they want to do.

According to this view, parents and teachers are out of touch with modern reality, full of “don’t” messages because they don’t actually understand what is going on.

So unless we can demonstrate knowledge of the facts and show young people that we understand the issues they face, little progress can be made.

One issue that is rarely out of the news is that of cyberspace and the dangers that exist online. Sadly, much of what goes on in cyberspace is unregulated. While regulations may control what happens in the US and EU, there is often little control over what is done in many other parts of the world.

And quite often it is hard to tell whether messages are legitimate or not.

So we need to remind young people that, as in all walks of life, there are malicious people dwelling in cyberspace, whose aim is to cause damage and destruction just for the hell of it, procuring young people for sex, and conning the unwary out of money.

The resource Personal Safety in Cyberspace examines these issues and answers all the questions students and pupils might have.

It highlights the dangers that lurk within a computer, tablet, PDA, laptop or mobile phone.

It also identifies ways to protect users from destructive cyber-villains and it includes sections on malware (such as viruses, Trojans and worms), spam email, cyber-bullying (bullying by email and text), phishing, spyware, email hoaxes, website hacking and financial scams.

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

You can order Personal Safety in Cyberspace in any of these ways:

• On our website
• By fax on 0872 115 3933
• By email to sales@allresources.co.uk
• By post to All Resources, PO Box 4526, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 0TJ.

In the 1980’s Polly Peck and Ratners were widely used as case studies on how a perfect business should be run, clearly as time has progressed this perhaps was not true.

In the 90’s and Noughties there were lots of highly successful businesses that started on a shoestring with just an idea and went on to make millions (think Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook). With top TV programmes like Young Apprentice business is now really cool.

In order that children can gain practical experience of how a business works we have put together a series of exercises called The Smoothie Enterprise Challenge. This is an exciting and engaging business simulation where pupils get the opportunity to run their own small business. Their task is to create, design, advertise and sell a new Smoothie.

The children work in small teams and take on the management roles in the business. They agree a name for their Smoothie, design a logo and company strapline, conduct some very tasty market research, cost out their products and then design all the marketing materials. Each team then delivers a presentation to a panel of ‘supermarket buyers’ who will invest in their favourite brand. Working to tight deadlines gives the activity a ‘real’ business flavour.

The ‘Smoothie Enterprise Challenge’ is suitable for Upper KS1 and KS2.

The learning outcomes are: to understand and experience some of the key tasks in running a business, to develop and apply key skills on a ‘real’ business project, to enhance english, maths and art work, to develop social skills and have fun whilst working as part of a team.

This resource contains clear teacher guidance notes that explain how to run the exercises, a pre-event lesson plan so children will understand the vocabulary used, 6 exercises all with colourful student worksheets and a resources checklist which covers each exercise.

There are more details at…

http://c-l-e.co.uk/buy-teaching-resources-online/the-smoothie-enterprise-challenge/

You can pay and download the exercise direct from our website using our secure Paypal system. Or you may wish to pay with either a cheque or a purchase order number. Simply e-mail your purchase order number to julie@c-l-e.co.uk and we will e-mail the exercise to you along with the invoice for payment.

This nationally acclaimed “hands on” stage lighting workshop led by Professional Lighting Designer John Watson. This is a workshop that will definitely inspire and help your students get to grips with stage lighting and improve their grades as well.      

With the use of a massive 2.5metre  tall model stage built up by the students, they will have “hands on “  and explore real Flood lights, Fresnels, Profile spots, gobos, and  new LED lighting,  create fire and water effects. With flown scenery and  “west end sets” this is a workshop your students will never forget!

Don’t take my word for it, here are some reviews by drama teachers of the workshops.

“John’s workshop was the reverse of peeling away at onion layers, he literally built the “layers” of a theatre in front of our eyes and then using totally interactive techniques showed us the “hows and whys” of lighting.  This was learning that was digestible, kinesthetic, revelatory and fun!” Thank you again for a fantastic day today.(16^th Nov 12)..I felt it was pitched really well for our students.  I will certainly recommend you on to colleagues. Ms Nancy  McClean   Head of Drama  The Royal Grammar School, Guildford 16^th Nov 12

SPECIAL OFFER  £199 to schools this term and Spring term

For In-school workshop fees. 1^st workshop has to be 3 hours, normally £250,  now  offer price £199

 (for up to 40 students.)     If you want a 2nd workshop if on the same day 2 hours @ £150

Travel cost will be charged, no vat on workshop fee. 

Relevant for: GCSE , A & AS level Theatre studies and GNVQ, Btech,

 Plus   “get into technical theatre” taster event for younger students, and your technical teams.        

John was short-listed for the Innovative Workshop of the Year award (2003) and now several years on it’s even more exciting!  

          Book now email: john.l.watson@live.co.uk or call John on the number below.  

 “Superb! Outstanding presentation was highly appreciated by all our pupils and has inspired them and me to design lighting for our productions with more confidence and ambition.”  Dermot Murphy Head of Drama Testwood School Totton Southampton

This lighting workshop certainly had the wow factor! The best student based workshop I have ever had. Carol Evans Alder School Tameside

Booking  (call anytime)  01773 712130  mobile 07966 491 543 

EMAIL: john.l.watson@live.co.uk                    

Website: www.creativelightingdesign.co.uk

Inset days and technical advice, refurbishments, and training.

John Watson is a member of the Association of Lighting Designers

Creative Lighting Design Ltd 9 Market Place, Heanor, Derbyshire DE75 7AA

Imagine a company that goes into schools and removes unwanted IT equipment free of charge.

Now imagine a company that does more, such as data wiping and making sure the disposal is environmentally friendly.

And finally imagine a company that will pick up virtually everything unwanted in IT, from computers to telecoms, from monitors to cables. And who will do it before Christmas if that is what you want.

And to make it clear:

First of all, PRM really does offer a free service. There are no charges.

Second, we treat everything in the most environmentally friendly way possible, in keeping with school sustainable education programmes.

Third, all the data on the drives is wiped to the highest standards possible. In fact, on this issue we go further, for we clean out all the data from the drives, and then all the equipment is then recycled within the UK – all without any charge.

The only requirement we have is that you have at least 30 items for collection and that they are all gathered together in one easily accessible place for our driver to pick up.

We can take PC base units, CRT monitors, TFT monitors, servers, laptops, server racks, switches, telecom switches and printers. Indeed as long as you have 30 of these items we will take away other IT equipment at the same time, such as keyboards, cabling and telecoms.

At the end of the process we issue you with free certification evidence so you can see that the correct procedures were complied with.

For more information please call our freephone number: 0800 840 9195 or fill in the form by clicking here www.prmgreentech.com/contact.htm And if you want us to collect before Christmas give us a ring – our last collection date is 21st December.

Starter activities can be invaluable to you as a teacher. They help you to achieve one or more of the following:

• Engage the pupils as soon as they enter the room, preventing instances of boredom that can lead to poor behaviour.
• Set the tone for the rest of the lesson. The pupils have engaged in work right from the start.
• Demonstrate your expectations of the pupils and set a routine. As soon as the pupils enter your classroom they will start work.
• Recap the main ideas or key words from the previous lesson.
• Pass on any general geography ideas or skills that you otherwise don’t get time to teach.
• Get the pupils brains going and instil some motivation.
• Challenge the pupils in a fun way that makes them look forward to the next one.
• Challenge the pupils against one another in an enjoyable way.
• Give yourself the chance to get ready anything you might need for the lesson, or take the register.

Geography Starters is a set of starter activities – crosswords, puzzles, wordsearches, etc – designed for pupils at KS3. It is provided in a photocopiable format so that sheets can be copied and given out to pupils as required – and obviously re-used as much as you wish. Answer sheets are provided.

You can see a full list of the topics and some sample pages at http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/geography/T1717.pdf

Publisher’s reference: T1717EMN ISBN: 978 1 86083 722 7

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… please quote the order ref: T1717EMN

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
• By fax to 01536 399 012
• On line with a credit card at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=544

We guarantee the lowest prices on: PCs, servers, laptops, netbooks, tablets, projectors, storage, workstations, consumables …

Let us know what you are looking to buy and we’ll come back to you with special prices to save you money.

Our latest special offers include:

HP 635 B0W85ES AMD E-450 4GB 500GB DVDRW 15.6TFT CAM BT W7 PRO
£245 + VAT
www.technoworld.com/HP_635_B0W85ES_Laptop/68485/product.aspx

Toshiba NB500-12X PLL50E-04W012EN Atom N455 1GB 320GB 10.1” CAM
£168 + VAT
www.technoworld.com/Toshiba_NB500-12X_PLL50E-04W012EN/64387/product.aspx

HP 4540S B6N83EA i3-2370M 4GB 320GB DVDRW 15.6TFT BT CAM FPR W7PRO
£355 + VAT
www.technoworld.com/HP_ProBook_4540S_B6N83EA_Laptop/70650/product.aspx

HP 650 B6N63EA Intel Pentium B970 4GB 500GB DVDRW 15.6” CAM CASE W7HP
£250 + VAT
www.technoworld.com/HP_650_B6N63EA_Laptop/70648/product.aspx

HP Care Pack UK707A 3Yr Pickup and Return NB Only SVC
£24 + VAT
www.technoworld.com/HP_UK707A/62147/product.aspx

HP PC Tower P3405 QB242EA AMD A4-3420 2GB 500GB DVDRW W7Pro
£ 258 + VAT
www.technoworld.com/HP_P3405_QB242EA/67736/product.aspx

To receive the special discount for schools for any of the above products, all you need to do is quote
“eshot offer 44″.

For any quotes please contact us:

• By telephone on 08444 820 111 or 0208 200 2000
• Or by email at education@technoworld.com

If there is one thing that can readily take a student up a grade it is vocabulary.

Which is why we have produced a resource pack which covers a wide range of French language exercises, which aim to reinforce and expand vocabulary.

The worksheets provide students with valuable language and reading practice. The resource also contain the necessary words and phrases that students need to speak and write confidently and with authenticity.

They can be used in class or as homework tasks. Model answers are also included for each page.

The vocabulary and language tasks can also be used by teachers as benchmark tests to monitor their students’ progress throughout the A-Level and IB French course.

A grand total of 19 different language points are covered, including:

• Les définitions
• Les synonymes
• Les homonymes
• Les antonymes
• Les expressions idiomatiques avec les nombres
• Les expressions idiomatiques avec les parties du corps
• Les expressions idiomatiques avec les couleurs
• Les erreurs courantes en français
• Les faux-amis
• Les niveaux de langue
• Le langage de la rue
• Les paronymes
• Les homographes
• Les prépositions
• Les conjonctions de coordination
• Les conjonctions de subordination
• Les conjonctions de subordination suivies de l’infinitif
• Les adverbes de temps
• La différence entre nombre, numéro et chiffre

This resource contains 51 copiable pages which are available as PDF downloads or as a PDF or editable Word files on a CD. The price of £29.99 + VAT is the same for all formats.

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

To see sample pages please email sales@classroom-resources.co.uk quoting the order code 9223.

You can order the Essential French Language Practice for A-Level and International Baccalaureate French in any of these ways:

• On our website
• By phone on 0117 940 6409
• By fax on 0117 940 6408
• By email (quoting a school order number) to sales@classroom-resources.co.uk
• By post to: Classroom Resources, PO Box 1489, Bristol, BS99 3QJ

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is the UK independent regulator of advertising across all media. We work to make sure that all UK advertising is legal, decent, honest and truthful.

We are pleased to announce the launch of Ad:Check – Understanding Advertising Regulation, a new resource for PSHE, Citizenship, Media Studies and English at KS3 & 4.

Ad:Check offers teachers a range of lessons and classroom activities that will enable students to engage with examples of real ads and explore some topical and controversial issues within the context of their rights, responsibilities, duties and freedoms as citizens of a diverse and democratic society.

The materials and activities have been developed using real life case studies which will allow teachers flexibility in their approach and provide them with resources that will:

• Encourage active learning, rich in student talk, discussion and questioning.
• Prompt students to develop skills of visual literacy, thinking critically, constructively and creatively in analysing and evaluating evidence.
• Help students with presenting ideas in a variety of forms and justifying conclusions.
• Enable students to solve problems and develop their analytical skills while being encouraged to think creatively about topical issues, through decision-making exercises.

Ad:Check can be viewed and downloaded now from the ASA website.

Please also join our mailing list to receive more information from us about Ad:Check and our wider schools engagement programme here

This resource is produced by the Advertising Standards Authority. If you have any enquiries, please contact Priscilla Owusu at schools@asa.org.uk.

In the past 18 months it has become increasingly clear that for Ofsted there is one box that, when ticked, impresses the inspectorate almost more than anything else.

It is almost as if, when you get that right, the inspectors expect everything else to be in place. Instead of walking the school looking for what’s wrong, they walk around expecting everything to be right.

So, you may ask, what is this magic issue that so changes the attitude of the inspectors as they tour the school?

Here’s the answer: the issue is homework.

Show the inspectors that students, their parents, your colleagues and SLTs all know what homework is set day by day, the deadlines for each homework, the details of each piece of work, who was late submitting, what the marks were, and a dozen other factors, and immediately there is the impression of organisation and attention to detail that Ofsted inspectors so love and admire.

If you can show all that within a couple of minutes you will start to see the inspectors’ faces nodding with approval as ticks are put in the boxes.

Then show that you have incorporated the provision for non-English speaking parents to be able to access translations of the homework, and you will see that look that says you are almost home and dry.

Finally, make the point that the students not only know what homework they have to do – they also know that everyone else knows.

That one really knocks them out, because it shows that in one stroke you have eliminated the old story that students used to give parents about no homework being set.

To achieve this solution all you need is “Show My Homework”. It is used by schools across the country, and you can sign up for a free trial on our website by clicking here.

Alternatively you can call us on 020 8133 4560 for more information.

P.S: Here’s a nice little extra, we’ve just been shortlisted as a finalist for the BETT Awards 2013 in the category of Innovation in ICT – www.bettawards.com/522212

Widgit Software is famous for its symbols which are used widely in schools, colleges and day centres. Now they are beginning to develop a set of resources for the Health Service too.

Jane is 19 and has learning disabilities so she sometimes finds it hard to put thoughts into words. She has a 24 hour package of care but goes on her own in a taxi to college, to day care or to visit her friends.

She has several different medical conditions and her family worry about how she would cope in an emergency. Would people understand her? Would she get the treatment she needs?

ICE cards are playing an increasingly important part in health care. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency and users fill in details of emergency contacts, medications and allergies.

Alex Jordan is a volunteer administration assistant for Care Division, a registered care provider which has offices in Hampshire and Dorset.  She knows Jane well. Alex has first hand experience of symbols. She did not speak until she was more than 5 years old and symbols and signing became her lifeline when communicating with others.

I still use symbols on a daily basis to make  visual reminders for myself and to let service users like Jane  know what is happening,’ she said. ‘They might want a visual timetable of activities or a copy of a care rota so they can see when particular members of staff will be on duty.’

Alex is delighted with the Widgit ICE cards. ‘We find that some adults who have never encountered symbols before take to Widgit symbols straightaway because they are so simple and visual.  They help people like Jane communicate with others and make themselves understood. The Widgit ICE cards could, quite literally, be a  lifeline in an emergency.’

Widgit has the largest symbol supported vocabulary of all printed symbol systems and can be printed out in black and white or colour. Black and white symbols are clear and simple, ideal for some of our users who are easily distracted while colour can provide helpful clues for others.

Have a look at their health materials which include resources for diabetics and  information to help health professionals work with people with communication difficulties who have having routine procedures. 

http://www.widgit.com/about/settings/health-care.htm

We have never lived through a time when young people were so disenfranchised.

Currently 1 in 4 young people cannot find work, and a greater number than ever report feeling powerless to influence their future. We therefore have a responsibility to prepare young people for life after school.

Our aim as educators should be to create a learning environment rich in context, value and purpose where young people learn for more than just future exams – focusing on competencies, not just content.

A careers and employability resource has been launched which uniquely helps young people in Years 7 and 8 develop key competencies whilst raising aspirations from an earlier age.

“Career Detectives is an innovative, fun and powerful tool that connects life and learning brilliantly!” Richard Gerver, Author & ‘Head Teacher of the Year’ 2005

Career Detectives, a holistic resource centred around a board game, provides stimulating information about 168 different careers across all sectors alongside a wide range of other games, exercises and starting points for lesson plans across every subject of the curriculum.

The activities can all be run in small groups or as whole classroom exercises making it ideal for breakfast or after school clubs, form time or more focused careers education work.

Career Detectives is a resource for the innovative and forward thinking educator. Yes, the resource helps schools evidence a number of Ofsted outcomes. Yes, it enhances the core curriculum and therefore aids attainment.

But even more, the use of Career Detectives is a significant step in secondary schools helping young people understand their purpose at school and the value they can offer their community and the wider world.

Career Detectives helps create a learning environment rich in context, value and purpose for all young people, not just those who are academically gifted.

Please click here for more information about Career Detectives which has recently been endorsed by Simon Hughes MP, Minister for Access to Education.

P.S. We’re so confident that you will find Career Detectives of dramatic benefit to your school that we offer a Money Back Guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with the resource.

Listen Hear Ultimate CD-ROM package-on ALL your school computers!

500 years of music, scores, text and video-from Renaissance to Rock, Baroque to Blues

Listen Hear will boost your pupils Listening results and dramatically cut your preparation time!

Please go to www.softplanetgroup.com/listenhear for further info.

The package contains….

• 1 master CD-ROM for your school server – available on all your school computers
• 6 additional CD-ROMs for pupils Home study/preparation
• Teachers CD-ROM with hundreds of multi –choice Questions and Answers– typical to GCSE, A level /SQA–to Print and Copy

Highly recommended by HUNDREDS of music teachers across the UK….

“I couldn’t do without it” Jean Macleod, PT Music, Aberdeen Grammar School

Very comprehensive, exceptionally well thought-out and highly entertaining’ Janet Dowsett LLCM, FLCM Senior Examiner for the London College of Music

‘…accessible, enjoyable and intelligent.’ Head of Music, Sheffield High School

The Whole package offer £149.00!! (offer price ends 31 Jan 2013) (prices subject to VAT & Delivery £10) PC & Mac (up to Lion) compatible

You can also send for a FREE demo copy – simply email us at hq@softplanetgroup.com

Call us on 01334 461244 or write/order to

SOFTPLANET LTD , Greenbank House, Prior Muir , St Andrews KY16 8LP

As students face a subject that is totally new to them so they require information of different types presented in different ways.

For example, they need a course overview, and also need step-by-step guides. Equally they need a course reader, and individual PowerPoints plus tasks to undertake, and summary handouts.

In October we published Unit One Modules 1 – 5 and following the success of this, we are continuing with Modules 6-10.

This pack is intended to accompany such course textbooks as AQA Psychology, GCSE by Stanley, Boswell, Harris, Helliwell and McKenzie. Each PowerPoint within the pack follows the AQA specifications and is accompanied by teaching notes, ideas, tasks, hand-outs and activities.

Each module has a PowerPoint that covers the specifications in a progressive, informative way and the accompanying manual contains teaching notes for each slide.

The manual also contains a multitude of resources including: worksheets, workbooks, information sheets, multi-choice questions (with answers), practice examination questions and crossword puzzles (with answers).

This resource contains 203 copiable masters with 194 PowerPoint slides on a CD. The price is £79.99 + VAT.

You can purchase both GCSE Psychology – Modules 1-5 and GCSE Psychology – Modules 6-10 for the special price of £99.99 + VAT.

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

To see sample pages please email sales@classroom-resources.co.uk quoting the order code 19049.

You can order GCSE Psychology ‘A Complete Teaching Resource Modules 6-10 in any of these ways:

• On our website
• By phone on 0117 940 6409
• By fax on 0117 940 6408
• By email (quoting a school order number) to sales@classroom-resources.co.uk
• By post to: Classroom Resources, PO Box 1489, Bristol, BS99 3QJ

Written by experienced English teachers and subject matter experts, these photocopiable resources will help any new or experienced GCSE English Literature teacher deliver lessons. The resources are suitable for A-C students and all have a strong emphasis on supporting:

• The evaluation of how language, structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings
• The relation of texts to their social, cultural and historical contexts
• The creation of creative, informed and relevant responses to the texts, using appropriate terminology and concepts

To order and to see our full range visit our website: http://zigzag.at/US60

GCSE English Literature Activity Packs – what do you get?

1. Section-by-section and whole text activities covering themes, language, extracts and characters
2. Activities that are fully matched to Assessment Objectives so that you can ensure full coverage for exams and controlled assessments
3. Engaging and innovative tasks: fully differentiated to suit your class.
   

GCSE English Literature Study Guides – what do you get?

1. Detailed notes on every chapter or main section of the novel to aid strong comprehension
2. Questions & tasks interspersed throughout to support learning & effective revision
3. Thorough examination guidance & practice

Texts covered include, but are not limited to:

• Literary Heritage texts such as A Christmas Carol, Animal Farm, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
• Different Culture texts such as Of Mice and Men, Anita and Me, To Kill a Mockingbird
• Modern novels such as About a Boy, Lord of the Flies, The Woman in Black
• Shakespeare texts such as Julius Ceaser, Macbeth, Twelfth Night
• Modern plays such as A View from the Bridge, An Inspector Calls, The History Boys

Our independent reviews and satisfied customers say:

“Cuts down on planning and resource development considerably. Saves so much time!” C Davies, Assistant Head of English and satisfied customer

“This is one of the best resources I’ve ever reviewed for ZigZag and I’m looking forward to using it with my own students. Thank you! The activity pack offers a real range of interesting and imaginative approaches to gaining a deep understanding of the text which never loses sight of assessment. Students will feel that they are making progress with the text; teachers will know that they are.” [Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde Activity Pack] M Courtney-Holt, English Lecturer and Independent Reviewer

“Excellent. A thorough, interactive guide to the book which should be purchased by any school teaching this book. lead to thorough knowledge and understanding of the text. A lot of work gone into this. Thanks, that’s a big job done for me in preparing for next year.” R Lodge, HoD and Independent Reviewer

To see our full range and to preview all resources visit our website: http://zigzag.at/US60

ZigZag resources are available as a ‘photocopy master’ with one site licence (as priced) allowing you to pay once and photocopy as often as you need. Additional site licences are also available at a discounted price. For electronic versions of the resource, add an additional 30% for PDF or 50% for PDF and Word; order these to upload the resource onto your internal server for multiple uses.

You can order (please reference US60 when placing your order)

• By phone: 0117 950 3199
• By post: ZigZag Education, Unit 3, Greenway Business Centre, Doncaster Road,
  Bristol BS10 5PY
• By fax: 0117 959 1695
• By email: englishUS60@zigzageducation.co.uk

Imagine your team travelling by minibus to a fixture and the minibus breaks down. Or maybe it makes the journey but it is extremely uncomfortable.

Neither approach is likely to make your team feel particularly well set for the match to come.

But you have a problem too. Minibuses are expensive, and you just don’t have the money in your fund, or indeed in any school fund, to buy a new minibus.

Which is why we have introduced the leasing of minibuses to schools rather than the buying of the bus.

Further, through this arrangement whereby we, as the company that leases out the minibus, are also in charge of maintenance resolves the particular problem of keeping the vehicle fully operational at all times.

Through leasing, a minibus is simply paid for month by month. Where some visits and trips are paid for through contributions from parents and the PTA, it is very possible that the minibus can be funded without taking anything from the school’s capital account.

In other cases the minibus can be funded through small monthly deductions from various departments’ income. Combined, if half a dozen departments agree to fund the bus, and the PTA agrees to put in a monthly amount as well, the funding problem is completely resolved.

Benchmark Leasing specialises in the supply and maintenance of school minibuses. If you are interested in the benefits of a minibus do call us on 01753 859944 or click here to see what we can offer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can purchase the book

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
• On the phone with a school order number at 01536 399 011
• By fax to 01536 399 012
• On line with a credit card at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=760

Twenty years ago young people who struggled with the printed word – for example, those with dyslexia – would typically have found themselves with only a limited range of titles available as audio books.

Today it is quite different thanks to the development over several years of a massive range of audio books in a range of formats from MP3s and CDs to downloads and internet streaming.

These audio books are often read by top actors, and the topics cover much of the National Curriculum and far, far beyond.

Audio books can be used for and by students as an alternative means of accessing information and for their leisure value. In short,they provide an entry into the world of books that might otherwise appear to be impossible.

Audio books have in fact become central to the lives of huge numbers of people, and in the process they have become one of the most dynamic and exciting areas of the book world.

Even better, the purchasing process is straightforward and the cost of downloading and streaming audio books is incredibly low: for £50 per year you can have access to a choice of thousands of titles.

Our library ranges from best selling fiction to titles related to the National Curriculum – and of course they can be accessed at any time, day or night.

For more information…

• Go to our website
• Call us on 020 7407 9417
• Email us at info@listening-books.org.uk

This year we have two new enchanting musicals…

For Nursery & Reception – Robin’s So Excited! (20 mins) Click here

And for KS1 – How Rudolph Got His Red Nose (35 mins) Click here

You’ll find all of our popular nativities here too (including Nursery Nativity and Nativity for Little Ones).

If you decide to order after reading this email, please kindly quote ‘HH1’ on your order or in the comments box in the online shopping basket.

“What a super show, with lots of parts for everyone. The parents thought it was wonderful.”
Y2 Teacher, Gloucestershire.

“A sensational production… the children had huge fun and sang the songs long after!”
Y1 Teacher, Northwood

Your children will love performing a Frantic Production!

Wishing you a very happy festive season!

Frantic Productions Ltd
01425 614665
music@franticproductions.co.uk
www.franticproductions.co.uk

This 88 page study guide will enable students to analyse, explain and make judgements about events, developments and interpretations relating to Henry VII’s reign as required by all the examination boards. It provides a synthesis of the published work on the reign of Henry VII and thus provides GCE students with a comprehensive description and explanation of Henry’s reign as well as an introduction to the various historical debates to which the period 1485 to 1509 has given rise. Invaluable guidance on how to approach key questions is included in each section of the book.

The Reign of Henry VII 1485 – 1509 by John Goode. A contents list and sample pages can be viewed at http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/history/T1696.pdf

Publisher’s reference: T1696EMN ISBN: 978 1 86083 716 6

Prices

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

You can purchase the report… please quote the order ref: T1696emn

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
• By fax to 01536 399 012
• On line with a credit card at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=521

Keeping PE students motivated in their theory learning when they’d much rather be out on the sports field can be difficult, and there is little which really helps them to keep track of how their theory learning is going.

One way to motivate students is to regularly measure their progress in theory learning so that they can see the progress that they are making.

Written specifically for the new specifications, Topic Tests allow teachers to test students’ knowledge at the end of every unit and identify areas which need further work in class.

“This will be a very useful revision tool for the students when preparing for their exams. It allows staff to assess the students’ understanding of the subject area.”
– G Williams, Teacher and Independent Reviewer

• 30–40-minute tests, which can be used in class as an end-of-topic test or handed out for homework
• Answers and mark allocations make these easy for you and your students to mark
• Full coverage in specification order – can be used flexibly with any scheme of work
  

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

For previews and to order, see: zigzag.at/ALevel-PE-Tests

Resources are available as photocopy masters,� PDF files and editable Word files.

You can order (reference US81 when placing your order for FREE postage):

• By phone: 0117 950 3199
• By post: ZigZag Education, Unit 3, Greenway Business Centre, Doncaster Road, Bristol BS10 5PY
• By fax: 0117 959 1695
• By email: US81@zigzageducation.co.uk
• Via the website: zigzag.at/US81

Details of all resources are given at zigzag.at/ALevel-PE-Tests

Would it be…

• To be dehydrated?
• To drink not very exciting coffee?
• To get tired walking from stand to stand?

Or maybe to visit the rather fascinating world of railway trains without drivers on the Docklands Light Railway?

Of course I am just being negative – the BETT show is the place each year to see all the key things that you need to keep ICT in the school running.

And keeping things running is what we specialise in with our storage and recharging solutions, the most diverse product range this side of the Western Spiral Arm of the Galaxy.

Bretford offer environmentally compliant manufacturing and operation practices to ensure that we only offer fully tested and CE certified products.

In short, the highest levels of electrical/build safety and compliance with the latest HSE manufacturing guidelines on electrical safety.

From storage and recharging trolleys to iPad Charging. From laptop charging to charging lockers via the EcoCart. It is all on Stand F56 in the ExCel Modules Hall N1-N17.

There’s also more information on the BETT website at www.bettshow.com/Show_Exhdetails1.aspx?exhid=exhiReg302&id=det

Should I replace my old stage or drama room lighting with modern LEDs?

This is a question we are asked every day.

There is the desire to go green, reduce power consumption, use the latest technology and increase the longevity of the lighting system.

Yes LEDs will offer all of this, BUT:-

Should I buy LED lighting
for my school stage
or drama studio ?

We have commissioned an exclusive FREE report discussing in simple terms the pros and cons of LEDs and how they fit into your drama space.

We look at what is available, what is affordable and what will work.

We take an impartial look at the different manufacturers and their products .

We offer an honest unbiased opinion based on over 30 years experience.

You may be surprised at some of our conclusions!

For your free copy please email: led@centraltheatresupplies.co.uk

Central Theatre Supplies www.centraltheatresupplies.co.uk 0121 778 6400

Innovative Enterprise has been delivering enrichment workshops and supplying enterprise resources to schools since 2006.

Enterprise Soapbox is our most popular resource to date having sold over 500 kits into more than 300 schools nationwide. We’ve even sent kits to Malawi!

Enterprise Soapbox is a self contained Business, Science & Enterprise kit which comes complete with a 70-page teacher pack full of ideas, curriculum links, G&T projects and more.

There’s enough material in the kit to make up to 700 novelty-sized soaps or approximately 140 bars of ‘regular’ sized soaps or. Pack two of the novelty ones together, sell for £1 and you’ve made more than enough money to buy a refill kit and do it all again!

Use it as a Social Enterprise or try it as a cross-curricular activity – it’s amazingly flexible!

Each kit contains:

E-mail: info@innovativeenterprise.co.uk
Website: www.innovativeenterprise.co.uk
Phone: 0845 326 4818

With every three CASIO scientific or graphic calcs you order (min 50) we’ll give you a FREE “exam friendly” A5 size zip-up wallet. Very useful for your students, especially for exams. (offer ends 10 December)

plus “Trident” geometry sets (containing a metal compass, 15 cm ruler, pen, pencil, protractor, set squares, eraser and sharpener) all packed in a robust tin box @ only £ 1.10 each (100+) or £ 1.15 (1-99).

plus the new “Student Essentials” set containing a clear plastic “exam friendly” zip-up wallet with three quality ballpens (black ink), two full length HB pencils, metal sharpener, eraser, 15 cm ruler. (available from 69p)

CASIO FX 83GT+ from £ 5.49
CASIO FX85GT+ from £ 6.65

All prices are Ex-Vat

Please check our website www.signposteducational.co.uk for more details or contact us on signpost@talk21.com

Signpost Educational Ltd
PO Box 999
London
E14 6SH

Tel: 020 7515 1797
Fax: 020 7515 4420

Imagine a situation in which holidays taken during the school break were no more expensive than the rest of the year.

Imagine that all you had to do was to click on the holiday period you were interested in (Christmas, February half term etc) and then a list of holidays appeared that fitted in with the school closure.

From Andorra to Transylvania from Christmas markets to river cruises, every possible option is covered. Disneyland? Eastern Europe?… whatever you are looking for, we have it.

Finding the holiday for you is in fact incredibly simple. You click on the button which selects the date of the holiday you are looking for, and as a result what you will get is a selection of tours and excursions all set around the specific need of teachers.

Our coaches run from around 490 local joining points and you can select from a vast number of tours which are available during school holidays.

To see all the holiday options please visit our website – www.leger.co.uk/SchoolHolidays.aspx#holiday

To claim a 10% saving, you will need to call us on 0844 324 8557, quote the reference – ‘TEACH’ and provide us with the name and address of the school that you work for and your position within it.

Visit www.ravencourt.com for our latest offers

Sizes range from 25cm classroom clocks up to huge 600cm Exam and Hall clocks.

Safety glass lenses are a superb feature for schools making them vandal resistant and safe.

Clear Easy to read dials

Radio controlled clocks set themselves to correct time and automatically adjust for summer and winter time, saving you time and making sure all clocks are always correct.

For more information or to place an order go to www.ravencourt.com

Or phone: 01780 489100, fax: 01780 489099

Automatic 30 day account for all UK schools and colleges.

For as long as any of us can remember, universities have demanded certain A level grades as the entry ticket to a course.

But in recent years a second requirement has been added, a requirement that has had less attention but which can in many cases have as much impact on the success or failure of an application as the student’s grades.

In fact each year we are seeing an increasing number of highly able and talented students failing to get to the university of their choice because their application does not make the most of their potential, their personality, their drive, and their ability to give something back to the university as well as be a good student.

Students now need to be well informed and focused in order to make the right choices and to give themselves the best possible chance of getting a place on the course and at the university that best suits their future aspirations.

They also need to know why they want to go to this university, to study this course, and they need to be aware that being at university is a two way process. The university gives the student opportunities – the student needs to show that he/she will seize those opportunities and give something back in return.

”How to Successfully Apply to University” seeks to clarify the process of applying for university and contains information and insights that will be useful for all students as they face the university application process. It outlines each step from the first thought to the completion of the application, and looks at all aspects of the process of selecting and applying for a university place.

The approach within the book includes carrying out research to find the best suited course/university, understanding the UCAS system, delivering the best possible personal statement, the actual application and the post-application process, funding, and student accommodation, etc.

Sample pages can be viewed at http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/careers/T1779.pdf

ISBN: 978 1 86083 810 1; Order code: T1779emn

The volume is available as…

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

Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the book or CD…

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
• On the phone with a school order number at 01536 399 011
• By fax to 01536 399 012
• On line with a credit card at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=47&products_id=753

SOFTPLANET is offering schools a huge discount on ALL Avid products with up to 30% off – hurry this offer must end January 2013!

Official Avid resellers – includes FREE advice and support & 12 years experience serving UK Music Depts.

Please take a few minutes to view our prices-it can save you hundreds of pounds!

SIBELIUS 7- all our products are latest versions only.

Sibelius 7 Multi seats (£79.00) OUR PRICE £65.00 each (minimum order 5 seats)
Sibelius 7 Multi seats Upgrade (£39.00) OUR PRICE £33.00 (minimum order 5 seats)
Sibelius 7 Media Pack £24.00 (required for above packages)
Sibelius 7 Academic single Student or Teacher (£183.29) OUR PRICE £149.00
Sibelius 7 First –the latest cut down version for students (£74.76) OUR PRICE £59.00
Sibelius 7 First 5 Pack (£175.00) OUR PRICE £149.00

PRO TOOLS 10 – now works on almost any hardware!

Pro Tools 10 Academic Student or Teacher (£182.50) OUR PRICE £169.00
Pro Tools 10 FIVE pack- EXCLUSIVE to this company! ONLY £775.00
Teacher Two-Pack – Sibelius/Pro Tools-latest versions (£308.00) OUR PRICE £285.00

Auralia & Musition – absolutely top notch ear training and theory up to college standards!

Sibelius Auralia 4 Educational License (25-49 seats) (£45.00 each)- OUR PRICE £36.00 each!!
Sibelius Musition 4 Educational License (25-49 seats)( £45.00 each)- OUR PRICE £36.00 each!!
Or call us for any number of seats!

Photoscore & Audioscore – an excellent addition to your Sibelius 7

Sibelius 7 Academic plus PhotoScore Ultimate (£292.00) OUR PRICE £239.00
Sibelius 7 Academic plus Audioscore Ultimate (£292.00) OUR PRICE £239.00
Photoscore Ultimate – (£166.00) OUR PRICE £139.00
Audioscore Ultimate (£166.00) OUR PRICE £139.00
PhotoScore & Audioscore Ultimate Bundle (£249.17) OUR PRICE £219.00

All prices are subject to VAT and £10 delivery

You can order in the following ways:

Email: hq@softplanetgroup.com
Phone: 01334 461244
Post: SOFTPLANET LTD, Greenbank House, Prior Muir, St Andrews, KY16 8LP

Sorry – we do not use fax machines.

www.softplanetgroup.com

This year we have two new enchanting musicals…

For Nursery & Reception – Robin’s So Excited! (20 mins) Click here

And for KS1 – How Rudolph Got His Red Nose (35 mins) Click here

You’ll find all of our popular nativities here too (including Nursery Nativity and Nativity for Little Ones).

If you decide to order after reading this email, please kindly quote ‘HH1’ on your order or in the comments box in the online shopping basket.

“What a super show, with lots of parts for everyone. The parents thought it was wonderful.”
Y2 Teacher, Gloucestershire.

“A sensational production… the children had huge fun and sang the songs long after!”
Y1 Teacher, Northwood

Your children will love performing a Frantic Production!

Wishing you a very happy festive season!

Frantic Productions Ltd
01425 614665
music@franticproductions.co.uk
www.franticproductions.co.uk

This second edition of this core text covers the practical options common to all the current examination boards at GCSE level. Guided by the teacher, pupils can work their way through improvised and scripted work that will allow clear opportunities for assessment and monitoring progress throughout the course. Activities are all clearly described and are supported by guidelines for successful performance.

There is a section which helps students find the right approach to the different written elements included in the current GCSE courses. The book provides guidance on the use of terminology in written work and a glossary of theatrical words and phrases. There are extracts from scripts with comments on language, character and technical considerations. Each section is self-contained and students are given guidance on how to achieve their true potential.

Cat No: 978 1 86083 835 4 Order code: T1785emn – please quote with order.

Sample pages can be viewed at http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/drama/T1785.pdf

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

You can purchase the report…

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
• On the phone with a school order number at 01536 399 011
• By fax to 01536 399 012
• On line with a credit card at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=392

There are all sorts of “difficult” topics that beset teenage lives: depression, alcohol abuse, personal hygiene, sex, bereavement, STDs, being overweight…

Talking to students about these issues can result in an increased awareness of the subject, but experience suggests that for many students the progress made after such encounters can be modest at best.

Where the greatest breakthroughs occur is in situations in which the students themselves will open up and engage in serious conversations themselves.

But the issue is, how does one motivate the silent student to speak? How does one ensure that the mocking or joking student who covers his/her inability to talk seriously about the subject will join in the discussion. How can we help these students put these vital topics into the context of their lives, and the world around them?

In short: how do we control the discussions?

The answer comes with setting the terms of the discussion in advance – and this is exactly what the Egar Choice Discussion Cards achieve.

The students are given the topic to discuss such as “What does smoking do to you and your health?” They then can choose an answer card which they then have to use as the basis for their answer.

There are both positive and negative cards in the pack – in the case of smoking ranging from, “De-stresses you” to “Makes you want more all the time”, and the students then have to put forward arguments to support the card they have selected.

As a result the debate continues in a controlled way, with all possible answers being aired, as they students come to see the logic, or otherwise, of the answers that can be given.

The Choice Discussion Cards cover a wide range of topics incorporating not just the topics above, but also such issues as gun culture, anger, crime, vandalism, love, bullying etc etc.

There are details of all the topics available on the following link http://www.egar.co.uk/choice-discussion-cards-HH1

If you wish to place an order please you can use the check out on the above link (schools can be invoiced on account) or by contacting us via the following methods. Please quote HH1 on all correspondence.

Contact: Sue Scott-Horne
Email: egar@egar.co.uk
Tel: 0844 800 3056
Canonbury Business Centre, Unit 10B, Shepperton House, 89 Shepperton Road
Islington, London, N1 3DF

A book of short, self-contained and original monologues/duologues which will be an ideal introduction to drama within English or for use within a drama group. The monologues/duologues are designed to be learned, rehearsed and performed by pupils and will give them an understanding of pace, voice and body language. Students will develop drama techniques to explore in role a variety of situations.

Each monologue/duologue is accompanied by a number of activities (written and oral) which will encourage students to look critically at their own performance and constructively criticise that of others. They will also develop skills in reading and writing and will be encouraged to reflect on and discuss a variety of topical issues.

Cat No: 978 1 86083 762 3 Order code: T1727emn – please quote with order.

Sample pages can be viewed at http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/english/T1727.pdf

• Photocopiable book: £19.95 plus £3.95 delivery
• CD with school-wide rights: £19.95 plus £3.95 delivery
• Both the Book and the CD: £26.94 plus £3.95 delivery
• Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the report from the publisher:

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
• On the phone with a school order number at 01536 399 011
• By fax to 01536 399 012
• On line with a credit card at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=553

Traditionally tests for dyslexia have been conducted by educational psychologists at a one-to-one meeting, and there’s no doubt that such an approach can give a detailed and insightful view of a young person’s issues with the written language.

However the approach can be expensive and of itself doesn’t always provide an immediate indication of what one should do next to help the individual in question.

With this problem in mind, the Dyslexia Centre has produced an on-line test which can be taken by pupils and students from the age of 8 upwards and which gives a clear idea if the individual might be dyslexic, and if so, what specific help and support should be given to the individual.

If you enter a pupil or student for the test you will receive a detailed written report on the individual’s understanding of the written language and a set of resources that can be used immediately with the individual.

Full details of the on-line test are available on www.dyslexia.ac The cost of a test is £49.95, including the full report and the resources that are considered relevant for the person taking the test.

The reports are written by educationalists with many years of experience in dyslexia, and our reports are widely used by schools to help judge whether students and pupils should have extra time in examinations.

You can pay on-line with a credit card, or if you wish, you can use a school order number. Details of how to make a payment in this way are given on the site.

If you have any enquiries please call the Centre on 01536 399 011 or email me at info@dyslexia.ac

Samantha Bates

Senior Administrator, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Centre

Minibuses – like all vehicles on the road – are subject to licences, rules and regulations.

Some of these are fairly obvious – and you won’t be surprised to read that yes, you do need a licence before you can drive a minibus.

But there are often questions: such as “is a car licence ok?” And, of course, this being the world of regulation, the answer is, “that depends”. Not everyone with a car licence can drive a school minibus.

Then there is the “operating licence” which is different from the driving licence, and the question of the law on seatbelts. Plus all the extra issues that arise if you take the bus abroad.

And more, and more…

In a recent informal survey we discovered that a substantial number of people who were responsible for the running of a school minibus were not fully au fait with all the regulations and could potentially be committing an offence.

So we thought we would try and be of help by producing, “Operating a Minibus – your responsibilities” which is available free of charge.

Of course. some of the regulations cover situations which are fairly obscure – but then in the course of school life, the obscure can occasionally happen – and it is never a bad idea to be fully aware of what the regulations say.

So if you would like a free copy, all you have to do is send an email to laura@schools.co.uk and we will forward you the report. There is no charge and no obligation.

And there’s a further bonus. On reading the report, if you find that the key question you need answered is not there, you can write in and we’ll do all that we can to find the answer for you. We’ll also put that answer in the next copy of the report – so you will be helping many other colleagues in schools across the country by drawing attention to the issue.

If you have any enquiries please do call 01753 859 944.

If you are interested in leasing or buying a minibus we have further information on our website at www.minibusleasing.co.uk/school-minibus.php

You’ve got everything ready. The school is looking bright and lively. The displays have been updated. The choir and orchestra will put on a show…

But you still have to get parents to attend.

Of course, many will turn up because they know about what you do and are half-way to making their choice already. But for many others there is a question: which open days shall we attend?

And, when faced with this question, what such parents generally do is phone up for a copy of the school’s prospectus.

This can be fine if your prospectus fully represents the excitement and warmth that your open day will generate. But if the prospectus is itself a few years old and does not reflect exactly what the school is like now, you might well feel that it is not an adequate representation of what the school has become.

Such a situation is more common than one might think, and in such circumstances many schools often call us in to work with schools that have a tight deadline to create a new prospectus for launch at one of their open evenings.

In such circumstances we can remedy the situation very quickly, supplying all professional photography, direction, design of the prospectus and print for a special delivery in time for the school’s open evening.

From there we can take the prospectus to the next level and create an online prospectus, and also launch a new website.

From design for print through to multimedia and the web – all project managed, created, designed and delivered in a very short space of time.

If you would like to hear more about a school that has used our service to achieve these ends and see the results we achieved with them please do call us on 01902 784 800.

Alternatively, there is more information on the services we provide at www.inco-education.co.uk/services.php

(Formerly named Dyscalculia in Schools)

An article in the Times on 27 May quoted the statistics that last year 43% of pupils failed to achieve grade A to C in maths GCSE and that adults with low numeracy are twice as likely to be unemployed and accounted for two thirds of the prison population.

And yet educational specialists believe that dyscalculia, struggling with numbers, is a specific learning difficulty – an unexpected inability to handle one or more aspects of maths. It has for many years been overshadowed by dyslexia, and yet the inability to handle basic mathematical issues can be just as big a problem for those who suffer from it, as is dyslexia.

Although some children with dyslexia also have great difficulties learning maths, this is not always the case. Research suggests that around 25% of dyslexic children are actually above average in their ability at maths. This suggests that there are different factors at work in dyscalculia from those causing or exacerbating cases of dyslexia.

Understanding Dyscalculia: An Introduction for Schools examines the five main causes of dyscalculia and sets out the methods of working available which can help pupils overcome their dyscalculic problems. The book contains short sections which can be photocopied to give out to other members of staff in school, to worried parents, and to governors, so that everyone can share in the awareness of what dyscalculia is, and how it can be tackled.

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

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

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

Prices

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

You can purchase the book…

• By post to First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
• By fax to 01536 399 012
• By phone with a school order number on 01536 399 011
• On line with a credit card at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=457

• Improve Motivation with Careers4u.tv
• A Daily News Service that helps to raise standards in literacy across the curriculum

Improve Motivation with Careers4u.tv

www.careers4u.tv
Orchard House Studios, Kilmington Common, Warminster, BA126QY

Email: trials@careers4u.tv
Phone: 01985 844820

Careers4u.tv brings information and inspiration through hundreds of short interviews with young people who enjoy their work. Filmed in the workplace, the interviews give students an understanding of careers they may enjoy, and gives them the motivation to study well to reach those goals.

Features:

• Role models for all skill levels and industries
• Searchable by: qualifications, subject, industry, strengths, lifestyle
• A wealth of supporting materials
• Easy access on or off campus with automatic log in
• Full integration with all VLEs

Contact us now for a free full access appraisal.

A Daily News Service that helps to raise standards in literacy across the curriculum

www.theday.co.uk
THE DAY

Phone: 0207 727 6959

The Day chooses three of the most interesting stories in the news each day and provides analysis, background, curriculum links, further research ideas, activities and debates – all on one sheet of A4 or online.

For a free trial click http://www.theday.co.uk/register/school?from=hh201205

A total of 43 teachers were referred to the General Teaching Council for England in 2011 for unprofessional conduct related to the use of social media sites.

14 of these teachers were suspended and 18 were placed on probation.

As a result the NUT have recently advised all schools that they should have policies in place making it clear what teachers should and should not do in the virtual space.

Which is in fact a lot more difficult than it sounds, not least because of the fact that social media is changing day by day.

To help overcome this problem we have liaised with internet and teaching experts to create a trusted, cohesive, accessible and robust school-wide policy that provides clear distinctions between public and private use of the medium and which covers the safe and appropriate use of social media by members of staff in nursery schools and departments.

The policy document is available to download online and can be purchased as a stand-alone document and then distributed in electronic or hard copy format within a matter of minutes to all members of staff.

Detailed guidelines regarding social media communication cover sites like Facebook and Twitter.

The policy document for acceptable use of social media by staff in educational establishments is priced at £49.99, but you can save 5% by quoting HH12SMP when you order from http://www.iteachingresources.com/lessons/details/477/Social-Media-Policy-Nursery-Version

Phone: 0113 2660880
Fax: 0113 2697889
Email: orders@iteachingresources.com
Post to: iTeachingResources, Allerton House, 75 Allerton Hill, Leeds, LS7 3QB.

One of the most important things for students as they approach revision is for them to understand exactly what they know and where they have profound gaps in their knowledge.

For this reason, “Restless Earth – Revision through Questions” starts with a self-review form for students to assess their own knowledge and understanding directly related to the specification.

Specifically designed to meet the knowledge and understanding requirements for GCSE AQA “A” Geography, this resource combines the specific content of a good textbook and also the comprehensive exam-style question practice of exam papers.

The content of the specification is referred to throughout the guide.

In addition, the volume contains a self-supported study guide – a resource that can also be used to generate classroom-based activities and also as a homework workbook.

Links to the most popular texts are also included so that students can refer to them for additional ideas or support if necessary. These books include Heinemann, Ann Bowen and John Pallister New edition 2009, ‘Understanding GCSE Geography’ and the Nelson Thornes, Canavan et al 2009 book, ‘AQA Geography A’.

This resources contains 55 copiable masters which are available as PDF downloads or as a PDF or editable Word files on a CD. The price of £39.99 + VAT is the same for all formats.

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

To see sample pages please email sales@classroom-resources.co.uk quoting the order code 6026.

You can order GCSE AQA “A” Restless Earth– Revision through Questions in any of these ways:

• On our website
• By phone on 0117 940 6409
• By fax on 0117 940 6408
• By email (quoting a school order number) to sales@classroom-resources.co.uk
• By post to: Classroom Resources, PO Box 1489, Bristol, BS99 3QJ

• Helping students to get into employment
• Body Image and Self Esteem Workshop
• 10 Top Reasons to Stay Smoke Free
• What is the most effective way of tackling Sexual Imagery on Social Media, Sexting and Sexual Identities?
• The Civil Rights Movement – Classroom Edition DVDs

Helping students to get into employment

www.allresources.co.uk
All Resources, PO Box 4526, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 0TJ

Email: sales@allresources.co.uk
Fax: 0872 115 3933

The Effective Job Hunting pack provides young people with the tools to find their first job after leaving school. It is suitable both for those who have already gained some work experience or even those who have held a job for some time.

The whole job hunting process is covered, from speculative applications, employment agencies, job centres, newspaper job lists, etc, through to CV preparation, interview techniques, interview follow-ups, etc.

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

Body Image and Self Esteem Workshop

http://www.mybodybeautiful.co.uk/
mybodybeautiful.co.uk, Box 15577, Redditch, Worcs, B97 6AA

Email: workshop@mybodybeautiful.co.uk
Phone: 07774 368561

The workshop’s objective is to equip, educate and empower teens on issues related to body image and self-esteem. Topics include body image, self-esteem, media and advertising, beauty and weight.

10 Top Reasons to Stay Smoke Free

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

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

Great for showing to young people and any groups as a discussion starter this fast moving film version of the best selling leaflet briefly presents 10 reasons for not taking up smoking. Using a colourful mix of facts and figures, body painting, interviews and humour, the action includes tobacco’s impact on health, wealth, complexion, pollution, addiction, fitness and freedom. Preview video clip online and quote promotional discount code: HHM210 at the checkout for a 10% discount!

What is the most effective way of tackling Sexual Imagery on Social Media, Sexting and Sexual Identities?

www.iteachingresources.com
iTeachingResources

Email: info@iteachingresources.com
Phone: 0113 2660880

81% of secondary school pupils aged 14-18 claim that most of their understanding about sex comes from the internet, television and friends.

iTeachingResources have worked with Dawn Clark, a practicing trainee psychologist, psychotherapist and researcher with special interest in young people and sexually risky or harmful behaviours to produce materials that really address the problems faced in teaching in this area.

The new package of sex education lesson plans from iTeachingResources priced at £49.95 is split into a series of four sessions and full details of the lessons can be found at http://www.iteachingresources.com/lessons/secondary-school/pshe-resources/sre-resources where they can be purchases and downloaded straight away. If you quote reference HH12SRE when you buy you will gain a 5% discount on the order.

The Civil Rights Movement – Classroom Edition DVDs

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

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

Trace the Civil Rights movement in the United States through the court cases, protests, and people that transformed American social and political history. Archival footage from ABC News brings you history as it really happened and provides revealing interviews, powerful documentary film clips, and lively commentary, all designed to forge connections to the people, places, and events that shaped our world. Preview video clip online and quote promotional discount code: HHM210 at the checkout for a 10% discount!