We have been sent a list of activities that are taking place in Neath and Port Talbot in the next month.

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BETT returns to London Olympia in January 2010 with even more content than ever before. BETT will offer educators the opportunity to join the debate with key sector stakeholders. Visitors are invited to air their views during BESA’s keynote seminar led by renowned education journalist, Merlin John. Joined by Prof. Stephen Heppell, Prof. Angela McFarlane, award-winning teacher, Tim Rylands and RM CEO, Terry Sweeney, discussions around pertinent sector issues are expected to be lively, controversial but ultimately constructive.

Everyone is welcome to be a part of this spirited session however pre registration is highly recommended.

Ray Barker, director, BESA explains the decision for this new feature at BETT 2010; “We are currently experiencing massive changes in the sector which drives the need to understand people’s future thinking and then feed this back to the industry. Every year BETT continues to thrive because it evolves in line with current sector issues. It is this appreciation of educator’s thoughts that enable the industry to keep in line with sector requirements.”

Richard Joslin, exhibitions director at Emap Connect continues; “There are few opportunities for educators to openly express their views and voice their opinions to key sector stakeholders with the knowledge that it will be fed back to the industry. As the largest and most successful ICT in education event in the world, BETT is the ideal place to bring teachers and the industry together. We are very excited about this new feature of BETT.”

Visitors can now register for their free pass to BETT 2010, with registration for seminars available from the autumn. BETT is the world’s largest technology in education show that runs from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 January at Olympia, London. They can do so quickly and easily online at www.bettshow.com.

Some schools may feel slightly reluctant to engage with parents, many not realising the positive impact that parental involvement can have on pupils and schools, both in terms of raising pupil attainment¹ and improving parent-teacher relations. There are a variety of ways in which schools can look to develop parental involvement. One way is through the school website; schools should be aware of the multitude of possibilities for engaging with parents at their fingertips. Daniel Clarke of SchoolWebsite.co.uk discusses.

The 21st century is a digital age; technology has become an ever important tool and schools are now utilising the power of technology. A school website is often high on the priority list, with schools looking for new ways to connect with both existing and prospective parents. A school website enables this because it can place itself as a portal to routes of other information concerning the school. The information does not have to be of formal content; it can also be fun and creative. Blogs for example offer a fresh way for schools to communicate with parents and can be displayed through the school website. A blog provides a means for an individual to share their thoughts and experiences with readers. The ‘blogger’ may be the headteacher, updating parents on the latest news and happenings within the school, or the student, sharing their thoughts on a recent school event, or simply updating others on what their year group has been learning about that week. The parents are often the readers, keeping abreast of the latest issues at school and can make comments in response, creating an open dialogue amongst the school community.

Podcasts are another facility that the school website can offer a point of access to. They are a great way for the pupils to get involved with providing content for the school website. Using a microphone and a computer, pupils can record a sound-byte in the form of a podcast, such as a recording of the latest school fundraising event, informing listeners of activities undertaken and how much money was raised. This way, listeners such as parents can find out about the event. By informing parents about school activities, it encourages parents to become more involved in their children’s education and a spring board for discussion between parent and pupil is formed.

Schools can also use simple methods such as message boards to promote communication between the school and the parents. By simply updating the message board with the latest news, parents are instantly informed. Communication between school and parent is also more direct; schools no longer need to rely on students to take letters home to their parents for a message to be delivered. Schools are of course dependent upon parents checking the message board, however with more and more households moving online, ever more parents are logging on. Schools should always consider however that if a school website is going to offer updated information to visitors, someone at the school should be responsible for ensuring that all information is relevant and up to date.

A school website can offer as much or as little information as the school would like it to give. It is certainly one increasingly successful way to break down the barriers between the school and the parents; these two groups should be working together to make sure that their children make the most of their education, and by offering a means of communication, schools and parents are one step closer to doing so.

For more information please visit www.SchoolWebsite.co.uk

1.www.Becta.org.uk

Britain’s oldest museum, The Royal Armouries (RA), has secured a £28k Government grant, to support its commitment to tackle youngsters’ attitudes to guns and knives.

The Home Office grant, to be spent over three years, will fund Staying Safe days, pioneering initiatives to make Britain safer.

The Safe Day programme, to be piloted in the autumn and spring, aims to:

Reduce knife crime among young people and demonstrate the danger of carrying weapons, especially for self-protection.
Tackle gun crime and gang-related violence and prevent young people becoming involved.
Raise awareness of knife-crime, not just for assailants but also victims and the wider community.
Encourage conflict resolution through non-violent means.

RA Museum director Peter Armstrong said, “The Royal Armouries has earned a formidable reputation for its collections and its knowledge of the history of weaponry, but less well known is the organisation’s work to help make Britain safer. We aim to raise awareness of the effects of gun and knife crime, by working in partnership with the police and also through education.”

The RA secured the £28k by applying to the Home Office Community fund, set up to help communities tackle gun, gang and knife crime. In West Yorkshire, the figure is well below the national average.

The Safe Days will aim to provide an action packed programme of events, both for hard-to-reach, disengaged youngsters – and also cater for mainstream schools and community groups.

Using the RA’s Staying Safe exhibition (covering gun and knife crime), the days will build on the RA’s successful programme to date, which includes delivering a Weapons Awareness Programme across Yorkshire; a Knife Possession Prevention Programme (funded by the Youth Justice Board); and Flashpoint, a conflict resolution programme for youngsters alienated from the school environment in Leeds and Portsmouth.

Royal Armouries also implemented No to Knives, a national peer-to-peer initiative, designed to encourage Britain’s young people to shun knives.

Royal Armouries has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London, Fort Nelson and Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first British national museum to open a permanent presence in another country
Admission to the museum is free. However, there may be a small charge for some special events.
Open all year daily, 10am-5pm. Closed 24-26 December
Ticket booking Line: 0113 220 1985
Information Line: 08700 344 344
Website: www.royalarmouries.org

Abbey Wood from Ryton Comprehensive School, Tyne and Wear is this year’s Heinemann and Nursery World Childcare Student of the Year. Abbey, who was selected from 80 national entrants, was presented with her award by leading childcare author Penny Tassoni, Liz Roberts, editor of Nursery World, Virginia Carter, Heinemann’s Commissioning Editor for Childcare and Sue Weston, National Workforce Development Manager for day care at National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA).

The award, sponsored by Heinemann and Nursery World, provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of outstanding childcare students who show the potential to be brilliant childcare practitioners.

Abbey’s tutor, Sue Stead explained why she nominated Abbey; “Abbey has been an outstanding student since the first day of her course. She has achieved A grades throughout her course, possibly because she takes the time to research every child’s specific learning need.”

On winning Abbey explained; “It feels great to have won! I am so passionate about what I do and never underestimate the influence I can have on a child’s learning”.

Abbey wants to take her career as far as she can and has already won places at three universities to train to be a teacher. Abbey is also a fitness and dance instructor and led a fundraising event for Multiple Sclerosis by planning a dance show.

Sue Stead adds; “This is quite an achievement for our school as I have had to convince the traditionalist staff that CACHE Diploma Level three is a very worthwhile course and that it does lead to university entry”.

Sue Weston commented; “It is important to celebrate the success of our childcare students as they are the practitioners of the future. What I’ve heard and seen today has impressed me and the quality of work displayed has been exemplary.

“All the students here are winners, but Abbey demonstrated a strong commitment to children which was backed up by some excellent written work.”

Abbey received a cheque for £300 and a year’s free subscription to Nursery World magazine. Ryton Comprehensive School, the winning college, will get £300 worth of Heinemann vouchers.

The runners-up Sadia Hussain, Lizzie Wavell and Hannah Lindley each received a cheque for £100 together with £100 worth of Heinemann vouchers for their colleges.

System virtually eliminates projector shadow and glare 

June 17, 2009 — SMART Technologies announces the SMART Board™ 685ix interactive whiteboard system - a high-definition, high-performance collaboration tool that virtually eliminates shadows, glare and projector light in the eyes. The fully integrated system comprises a SMART Board 685 interactive whiteboard and the new wall-mounted, ultra-short-throw UX60 widescreen projector with a 16:10 aspect ratio and WXGA resolution (1280×800). As more and more developers of multimedia and video content shift to a widescreen aspect ratio, the projector’s widescreen format provide a future-proofed investment for school districts, post-secondary institutions and businesses. With high-definition image quality and easy access to other peripheral devices from the front of the room, the SMART Board™ 685ix interactive whiteboard system delivers a top-of-the-line interactive whiteboard experience.

The UX60 projector uses Texas Instrument’s (TI) DLP® Brilliant Colour™ technology high-contrast engine to produce stunning colour performance and vibrant, crystal-clear images. The DLP technology virtually eliminates colour decay and maintains colour quality even after years of use. The ultra-short-throw projector mounts on the wall directly above the SMART Board 685 interactive whiteboard and extends from the wall just 16 inches (41 cm), minimising its footprint. The system comes equipped with an extended control panel that provides controls for power, source selection, volume and an integrated USB hub. With the wire management bundle’s integrated VGA, USB and audio connection, easy connectivity is provided for a PC or Mac. The projector can be network-enabled for easy maintenance. Technical support can perform a task or run diagnostics remotely, reducing time and labour costs. Unlike projectors using LCD technology, the UX60 projector does not contain a filter or require monthly cleaning.

“The SMART Board 685ix creates an immersive, unparalleled interactive whiteboard experience,” says Alexandra Dunn, speech language pathologist for a school district in Ontario, Canada. “Its features, including minimal shadowing and direct USB access, will not only ensure more time on task, but also promote inclusion and meaningful educational and social participation for students with special skills.”

“Globally, SMART Board interactive whiteboards are the most widely adopted interactive whiteboards in both the education and business sectors,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “The introduction of the SMART Board 685ix interactive whiteboard system demonstrates our commitment to innovation and to providing our customers with a high-quality, user-friendly interactive whiteboard experience.”

Features
Minimal footprint – Extends from the wall just 16 inches (41 cms)

Widescreen – 87-inch (221-cm) diagonal, providing 20 percent more workspace than a SMART Board 680 interactive whiteboard (the world’s most popular interactive whiteboard)

Crisp image – UX60 projector uses TI’s Brilliant Colour technology with high-contrast DLP engine

Aspect ratio – 16:10

Network-enabled – Can be network-enabled for tech support and diagnostics

Lumens – 2,000 lumens

Contrast ratio – 2000:1

Extended control panel – Controls for power, source selection, volume control and an integrated USB hub

Wire management bundle – USB, VGA and Audio inputs provided

Filter-free – Filter-free for low maintenance

No colour decay – TI’s DLP engine is virtually immune to colour decay

Long lamp life – 3,000 hours in standard mode, 4,000 hours in economy mode

Theft resistant – A Kensington lock slot and a projector padlock loop

SMART product integration – Integrates with SMART Notebook, SMART Meeting Pro, SMART Hub SE and SMART Hub PE

Pricing and availability

The SMART Board 685ix interactive whiteboard system will be available October 2009 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of £3,359. The system is available from SMART authorised resellers.

For more information, specifications and a list of SMART authorised resellers, visit www.smarttech.com.

About SMART

When SMART Technologies introduced the touch-sensitive SMART Board interactive whiteboard in 1991, the company began a tradition of creating innovative, easy-to-use products that has earned worldwide recognition and trust. SMART is the global leader in the interactive whiteboard product category and has a strategic alliance with Intel Corporation. The company’s ever-expanding line of powerful technology solutions has put collaboration and learning at the fingertips of millions of people. With a simple touch, SMART’s products help teams around the world work together and share ideas.

In response to overwhelming demand, independent schools throughout the UK can now participate in the Becta-funded JISC Collections for Schools. Six trusted, high quality online resources are available as part of this landmark not-for-profit scheme, with 14 more on offer from 1 September 2009.

The online resources have been specially selected to support teaching and learning across the curriculum. They range from a copyright-cleared image library containing over 50,000 photographs from the Getty Archives to 200 years of fully searchable newspaper archives from The Times, The Guardian and The Observer. Other resources now available to independent schools include the Keesing’s World News Archive, the History Study Centre, and the Science Resource Center.

Joyce Martin, Programme Director for JISC Collections for Schools, comments:

“Since our launch last year, we have been inundated with requests from independent schools to be able to take advantage of agreements along with state-funded schools. We are thrilled that, following negotiation with publishers, six JISC Collections for Schools resources are now available to independent schools at discounts of up to 75 per cent and that 14 more will be available from September. Not only will they be invaluable for teachers, these trusted resources offer a safe and secure online learning experience for students.”

Generous licensing conditions have been negotiated on behalf of schools to offer value for money. An unlimited number of pupils and teachers can use the resources simultaneously from wherever they are – school, home or even internet cafe – and whenever they like. Excerpts from resources can also be used in teaching materials and student projects, and links can be made from virtual learning platforms to individual articles and images.

Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of Becta, comments:

“JISC Collections for Schools is an excellent initiative with the potential to create untold benefits for schools. At the click of a button, students and teachers can have online access to millions of articles and images. Thanks to the negotiations at a national level and Becta’s support, the cost savings for schools are already huge.”

Savings of up to 75 per cent are available following central negotiation with publishers on behalf of schools at a national level. Discounts are available to individual independent schools, but the greatest savings are on offer to schools subscribing together as part of a group – for example through an association or regional grouping.

Further information about the JISC Collections for Schools resources on offer to independent schools is available at www.jcs.nen.gov.uk/independents, and schools can sign up for 30-day free trials at www.jcs.nen.gov.uk/freetrials.

‘And the winner is….’ 
Prestigious BETT Awards now open for entries

Thursday 4 June 2009: The BETT Awards partners, Emap Connect, Becta and BESA (The British Educational Suppliers Association) are pleased to announce that online entries for the 12th annual BETT Awards are now being accepted.

The BETT Awards highlights exemplar digital products intended for the education marketplace, and is considered the most esteemed accolade in the industry. The awards run alongside BETT, the world’s largest technology in education event, and winners are seen to have excelled in supporting ICT and ICT provision for nurseries, schools, colleges and special schools alike.

With the continued success of the use of technology in education, this year the organisers are celebrating more award categories than ever, incorporating both products and companies themselves. Secondary, FE and Skills have been combined to form one award; Secondary, FE and Skills Digital Content. As well as old favourites, brand new categories for 2010 include: Digital Collections; Promoting Safer Learning; Learning and Teaching Tools; Digital Devices; and the ICT Service and Support Award.

The BETT Awards 2010 categories are:
Early Years Solutions
Primary Digital Content
Secondary, FE and Skills Digital Content*
Digital Collections*
Leadership and Management Solutions
Special Educational Needs Solutions
Promoting Safer Learning*
Learning and Teaching Tools*
Digital Devices*
ICT Company of the Year
ICT Exporter of the Year
ICT Education Partnership
ICT Service and Support Award*
Outstanding Achievement in ICT Education

*new for 2010

Richard Joslin, exhibitions director at Emap says: “The BETT Awards seeks to reward exceptional resources that help improve learning standards across the UK, as well as on an international level. Last year attracted such a great host of outstanding entries and we certainly hope for more of the same this year to celebrate some of the very best on a fantastic evening when the world of ICT in education is together in London for BETT.”

Ray Barker, Director of BESA comments: “For educational suppliers, winning a BETT Award is a true mark of excellence in ICT. Judged by a comprehensive panel of independent ICT expert practitioners and consultants, the industry holds the awards in high esteem as a means of creating informed consumers and purchasers. Suppliers are offered the opportunity to showcase their most innovative resources which must realistically face the challenges of educators in today’s schools.”

Dr Stephen Lucey, executive director of strategic technologies at Becta adds: “We’re very hopeful that this year’s entries will impress us with an even greater level of innovation which offers real and practical support for teachers and learners alike. Becta will also be interested in how the products are being developed to encourage greater use of technology ‘outside the classroom’ so that products offer flexibility of learning on the go – whether that is in the classroom or at home.”

Stephen Heppell, winner of the BETT 2009 award for Outstanding Achievement Award summarises: “BETT is the premier meeting place for those building 21st Century learning with new technology. This community assembles annually from all around the world to swap ideas. Just being there is electrifying; being honoured with an award was humbling. At an event where there is so much to say, the award left me speechless and proud.”

Judges review the entries based on specific criteria, including design, cost-effectiveness, enabling effective learning, e-safety considerations and supporting learning beyond the classroom.

Award entries can be completed online at www.bettawards.com until the closing date, Wednesday 22 July, and the shortlist will be published in November. The winners will be announced at a prestigious gala evening event at the London Hilton, Park Lane on the 13 January 2010, the opening day of BETT (13-16 January 2010, Olympia, London, www.bettshow.com). To reserve your table please visit www.bettawards.com.

A victim of abuse who set up an e-security company to protect children has been awarded the Prince Philip Medal. 

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh presented the honour to Bill Jenkins in recognition of his outstanding enterprise. Innovator Bill saw the potential dangers associated with internet use in schools and launched his own company, Securus Software, to target this gap.

Bill’s commitment to e-safety has arisen from his troubled past. As a child in care, Bill sadly experienced abuse. On receiving his award he said:

‘Some people would argue that business and private lives should be kept separate. However I feel privileged that I am able to use my challenging childhood experiences in my business to ensure fewer children suffer the same or similar abuse. Having my vision to protect children recognised by such an outstanding award is truly a lifetime honour.’

Securus software is now run on more than 1,500 school networks and monitors against bullying, predator grooming, harassment in all forms and drug misuse.

Chris Jones, Director-General of City & Guilds, commented at the ceremony:

‘We are here to celebrate outstanding individuals who have used the City & Guilds path to make their ambition a reality. These achievements are more important than ever during a recession when innovation and diversification of skills are needed the most.’

2009 Winners:

The Prince Philip Medal – Bill Jenkins, Securus
Bill Jenkins joined the Royal Navy aged 17 as a junior radio operator, completing a City & Guilds in Naval telecommunications and serving on a number of warships during his seven years of service. A career change to IT led Bill to develop e-security software to protect children in schools and saw the launch of his company Securus in 2002.
Highly Commended Certificate – Lee Davies, Institute for Learning
Lee started his career as a plumber, successfully completing his City & Guilds Craft Certificate in Plumbing and Advanced Craft Certificate to distinction level at Highbury College, Portsmouth. Motivated by the staff, Lee went on to teach and spent a highly successful 12 years at the college. In 2004 he joined the newly formed Institute for Learning and now holds the Deputy Chief Executive position.

Highly Commended Certificate – Gary Saunders, Swift Horsman
Gary began his working life as an apprentice joiner with William Sindall in Cambridge. There he completed his three-year City & Guilds in Basic and Advanced Craft, attaining distinctions in both. He went on to work for a specialist building contractor before joining Swift Horsman where he is now Managing Director and has recently financed a training school for industry newcomers.

The President’s Award – Iain Baillie, South Downs College
Iain has been individually responsible for the ongoing progression and success of cookery programmes at South Downs College since 2000. His drive and passion for modern cookery and the achievement of the highest industry standards has been recognised at both a local and a national level. Iain tirelessly involves himself in many charity activities for Hospitality Action and the Ark Foundation amongst others.

Students from across the country will be putting their skills to the test in the national final of the WorldSkills UK beauty and related therapies national competition to be hosted by Barnfield College, Luton on Saturday, 6 June, 2009.

The suite of competitions are organised and supported by the sector’s leading awarding body, VTCT. They strive to recognise individuals who are in training or newly entered into the industry to become beauty therapists, nail technicians, make-up artists and holistic therapists. The event will see finalists demonstrating a full range of treatments including: waxing; manicuring; make-up and facial techniques. The competitions encourage and inspire a wealth of creativity, and see the country’s crème de la crème of future therapists battle to take first place.

Competitions for the sector include:
Beauty Therapy

Nail EnhancementsNail Art