Ideas, Practices & Personal Insights

When we sent a camera into space

Last December, we took 8 of my Year 6 children on an extraordinary school trip! Armed with our GoPro camera, a GPS tracker, a polystyrene protective case designed by our caretaker, a large weather balloon, 2 canisters of helium and our brave Lego stuntman (the children named him Bob), we set off to find a suitable launch area. Rather than tell you about what happened next, here is some writing from the children's ...

Apprenticeship advice for students

If you have students who are interested in the work/study route, you may want to provide them with the following apprenticeships advice. * Getting an apprenticeship is not an easy option. You will need to plan ahead - research is key. Don’t expect college or training providers to find your students a placement. In fact, colleges or training providers will happily recruit but not necessarily find work placement, so ...

What is digital literacy and why is it needed?

Technology affects all of us: from our working lives, to our home and social lives. There is no denying that the growth of technology, particularly in the last ten years, has been at an unprecedented pace. Becoming digitally literate is something that affects anyone that uses computers, the internet, mobile phones, tablets and other devices to communicate with friends, work colleagues, business. As educators we need to ensure our students ...

Are visualisers the next big technology for educators?

Just as interactive whiteboards revolutionised our classrooms ten years ago, visualisers (sometimes called document cameras) are set to change the way educators teach and children learn over the next decade. Visualisers enhance teaching cross curricula – but more than that, they support key educational strategies. Here's a few examples of how visualisers are already improving teaching and learning:

Engendering creativity through app development

As the Government abandons its plans to replace GCSE’s with English Baccalaureate Certificates, it has unveiled proposals to strengthen the national curriculum in England. The consultation exercise includes plans for a new computing curriculum designed to equip students with the basic skills and drive higher expectations and standards. Under the new approach, schools will be encouraged to shape the curriculum to meet the aspirations and priorities of pupils. But ...

To flip or not to flip the classroom

To flip or not to flip, that is the question. The concept of the "flipped classroom" - where "homework" is done in class and class work is done at home - has been around for a few years and, thanks to advances in video technology and gradually shifting attitudes towards independent learning and technology, is now emerging as a viable alternative to the status quo. The flipped classroom is particularly ...

Board games as an assessment tool in the classroom

Like most people, I absolutely love a good board game. Many a Christmas has been spent playing, enjoying and reveling in entertaining games with close friends and family. They never seem to disappoint, they always bring the family together, and are great for improving team work and collaboration skills. This has made me think about how could they be integrated into the classroom. The three board games that I am ...

IWB, mirroring apps or Apple TV? Big iPad decisions

There has been a great discussion forum within our school system about iPads, Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) and sharing student's work. It started with a question from a teacher just wanting to connect their iPad to the IWB. What then followed was an in-depth discussion about classroom practice and workflows. We have all spent time and energy creating resources for our IWB, but is it time we move to new technology? ...

What educators can learn from BMX riders and gamers

One of the most important things for young people growing up today is the appeal of embracing change. The catch for educators in preparing students for the 21st-century workforce is how to get them to question and challenge our current understanding and practices. In the past, what we’ve commonly referred to as the gaming disposition provides insight into this. If you consider the gaming industry − the hardcore gamers, those ...

11 ways to be an inquiry-based teacher

It's hard to run an inquiry-based classroom. Don't go into this teaching style thinking all you do is ask questions and observe answers. You have to listen with all of your senses, pause and respond to what you heard (not what you wanted to hear), keep your eye on the big ideas as you facilitate learning, value everyone's contribution, be aware of the energy of the class and step in ...

5 reasons to ditch the spreadsheet for an asset management software solution

Save time. Save money. Top of the list of reasons is the prospect of saving both time and money in moving to an asset management software solution. A dedicated system can have big financial benefits for schools and academies – making sure the budget is used for providing pupils with an excellent education, instead of paying for excess overheads. An automated asset management system dramatically frees up time across the board ...

Getting started with Google Analytics - Part 1

Google Analytics is the most exciting opportunity a school has to find out what students and parents, both current and prospective, are using your web site for. At first glance Google Analytics may appear something of a monster but, with a little knowledge, you can gain valuable insights into what your users are looking for and make informed judgements on engaging them online. By following a few simple steps you ...