30 April 2009 Edu-zone Information and Resource Bulletin - Issue 5 V2

Education expert Sir Jim Rose today published the findings of the most fundamental review of the primary curriculum in a decade, and a series of recommendations to modernise it for 21st century pupils.

Ed Balls had asked Sir Jim to propose a curriculum which would inspire life-long learning while reducing prescription and giving teachers greater flexibility. Read The full Statement

For more information about the Independent Review of the Primary Curriculum please see http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/primarycurriculumreview/

Since Easter and the last edu-zone e-Bulletin the DCSF have announced massive investments and funding for education. The DCSF are already planning record investment in education for 16 to 18-year-olds from September this year.

Every young person who wants to study or to take up training will have their place guaranteed by the Government, thanks to a £655 million funding announcement in thid weeks budget Budget. This additional money will help tackle youth unemployment and ensure continued investment in skills through the downturn. Read The full Statement

Accepting the findings of an independent review led by Sir Alasdair Macdonald, Ed Balls this week confirmed his intention to make Personal Social Health and Economic (PSHE) education a compulsory part of the curriculum at both primary and secondary school. Read The full Statement

Schools Minister Sarah McCarthy-Fry at the begining of the month praised the hard work of pupils and teachers across the country as the Department for Children, Schools and Families published the Primary School Achievement and Attainment Tables. The results showed record numbers of children achieving the expected level in English, maths and the two subjects combined. Science results remained stable with 88 per cent of 11-year-olds reaching the expected level. The figures can be found here: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000836/index.shtml and http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/PER/p000837/index.shtml


What we saw at the Education Show
Edu-zone was lucky to be at the Education Show for two of the three days. Here is our round up of the things we saw.

What Was Really New At the Education Show? Imagine a classroom at the beginning of the day, all the pupils sitting with their eyes closed. Each one is settling down to a silent yet fully awake state of awareness, and at the same time gaining profound physical rest. This was on offer at the Consciousness-Based Education stand. Ten minutes of Transcendental Meditation for teachers and students in a whole school, scientifically validated method, for dealing with stress, absenteeism and poor academic achievement. Projects for over tens may be funded by the David Lynch Foundation. For an information pack go to www.consciousnessbasededucation.org.uk

Use Your Whole Brain Seminars by American scientist Dr Fred Travis, one of the world’s most published researchers in meditation, brain functioning and education, will take place at the end of April Cambridge and London on the 29th and 30th respectively. Each will include a live demonstration of high brain integration during meditation. Book online now: www.consciousnessbasededucation.org.uk

The Education Show created a big bang in more senses than one over three days at the NEC with 15,509* visitors attending the UK’s leading event for education resources. That figure represents an impressive six per cent increase compared to 2008, and feedback from visitors and exhibitors alike confirmed that the Show was a huge success. “It was a great Show,” said Keith Clifford, Marketing Manager for event organisers Emap Connect. “We were absolutely delighted with the attendance and also the positive response from everyone who came.

New BESA procurement research: the recession bites, but it’s the little things that make the difference The British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) has published new research analysing ‘Procurement in English Schools’, which has found that the impact of the recession on schools is affecting many in ways that may have not been expected, including the reduction of external funding and bank interest.

The research, comparing responses from March 2009 to those from December 2007, indicates that 36 per cent of primary and 23 per cent of secondary schools are experiencing an impact of the wider economic climate on funding for resources. But bigger issues for them include falling pupil rolls, and the impact of increased fuel and lighting costs on budgets.

Although falling rolls affect some schools every year, a common focus of concern that does relate solely to the current recession is the potential decline of parental contributions to schools.

Ray Barker, director of BESA explains: “Schools, particularly smaller rural schools, rely on contributions by parents and businesses to help fund special purchases such as a new ICT suite, or play equipment. As parents and local businesses come under financial pressure, schools are starting to see some of these contributions dry up.” Ray Barker continues: “Another interesting issue that has been raised within the BESA research is that as the recession has taken hold, schools have seen a reduction in interest on school bank accounts.

Many used this interest to purchase important additional resources for teaching and learning, and without this extra money, it has negatively impacted their budgets.” Significantly more schools indicate that current funding arrangements may impact on the purchase of resources. 48 per cent of primary and 61 per cent of secondary school respondents to the BESA study stated that there is an impact on funding arrangements.

Read all the latest news released from the DCSF - links on the right.
Use the Edu-zone website to read archived material.




BBC Education News Headlines Link>>

The TES link and the other popular organisations and information providers are in the top left column. Below left are the supplier links of the week. Proving very popular we have found more free resource sites for you to look at and some recommendation too.


Use the links on the left to look at class and school resource and below are some highlights of resource which have recently come to our attention - - Feel free to email us if you have information which you would like to share with the education community through this Weekly Bulletin.

Transforming Young Lives Enhancing well-being through school-home links
Thursday 2nd July 2009
School and home are the major focus points in all young people’s lives. The Children’s Plan puts children and young people at the heart of everything we do and represents a changing culture which requires schools, children’s services, the voluntary sector and Government to work together to achieve its goals.

The purpose of the new 21st century school is to prepare children and young people for life by delivering excellent personalised education and development.

This event will bring together experts in children’s services, the education sector and local authorities to identify the key interventions that work for at risk young people and their families.

It will examine the new duty of reporting and practical examples of how it will work. It also will provide a timely examination of the achievements and challenges of the Children’s Plan, discuss the way forward for joined up services, disseminate best practice and engage stakeholders in a forward looking debate around children’s well-being.

Learn more: www.neilstewartassociates.com/ja149k

Whatever the sport or ability level, student performance will improve with video analysis
Kandle Software has been specifically designed for education and are ideal for maximizing the use of video in lessons. This software allows both teachers and students to perform analysis by simultaneously reviewing multiple video clips using powerful tools. From Cricket to Dance, Gymnastics to Rugby, Tennis to Trampolining, Football to Athletics, Team or Individual pursuits Video Analysis improves the game, plus the advantage of embedding ICT into the PE curriculum.

"The systems value is considerable in any skill situations where spatial and body awareness are very important, but difficult for the performer to visualise." Herts County Council - Read the White Paper on Video Analysis in PE by Herts County Council.

Book a Free demonstration at your school or Request our Demonstration Software CD today so you can see how easy it is to use Video Analysis to improve class and individual performance and attainment.

Kandle Software is used in 1000's of schools across the country. Are you raising performance and attainment levels in your school with Video analysis? Contact Derek Stewart at Kandle Software on 0845 437 9535 or email info@kandlesoftware.com to request a Free software evaluation or arrange a staff team Demo at your school.

Flexprint Services - Shoe Bags and much more
PRINTING 4 SCHOOLS 10% discount on all products ordered. Flexprint Services specialise in supplying printed products to the teaching profession. They offer a comprehensive range of products which include all printed business stationery items plus promotional merchandise.

Alternatively we offer the Flexprint services print price guide 2009 which we would be delighted to post out to you on request.

Flexprint would be pleased to discuss any requirements you or your colleagues may have. Please contact me directly on 0113 245 8210 or email davesilverwood@flexprintservices.co.uk. Please visit www.flexprintservices.co.uk to explore the full product range.

EduRecruitment has finally arrived!
The New Name for CVS Recruitment The only true Education sector recruiter supplying both your teaching and non teaching staff. Whether you require a Bursar, Network Manager or a Science teacher, we are your total solution provider.

They offer a full understanding of the needs and problems associated with identifying quality candidates in the educational market place.

Simon Levinsons' experienced team has assisted over 40 LA's and numerous educational establishments where we are suppling both contract and permanent personnel in the following areas:-

For Schools & Local Authorities:
•School Business Managers / Bursars
•Finance Managers / Estates Management
•School Administration
•Examination Officers
•E-Learning & ICT / MIS (SIMS, CMIS/Facility)
•Sales & Marketing
•Senior Management
•Timetabling Construction (Nova-T)
•Daily Teacher Supply
•Learning Support Staff
•Long Term Teacher Cover
•Permanent Teacher Recruitment

For the Education Sector Service Providers:

•E-Learning & ICT / MIS
•Project Management
•Sales & Marketing
•Bid Managers
•Operations


School Security and ID Badges
Specific responsibility for school security is not set down in legislation. School security is related to health and safety and so whoever has responsibility for health and safety should consider what security measures are necessary to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the safety of the staff and pupils. Schools need to be aware of their own security needs.

Promoprint are offering a FREE NO OBLIGATION SAMPLE with all your own school details, logo, etc. -

They supply many schools across the UK with their Photo ID Badges
We have supplied photo id badges since 1996, your details are secure with us
Same quality as the NEW UK Driving Licence, totally tamper proof
NO MINIMUM ORDER and we only invoice for the goods we provide
£30 One off set up fee, then only £2.95 per badge thereafter
Next day turnaround service

We accept pictures in all formats digital image, disc, email, passport photo, etc
All accessories supplied, holders, lanyards
Please email your school name, address, and details to: sales@photoidbadge.co.uk and we will take care of the rest

Please call if you require additional information, 01254 694555
Paul Booth Managing Director

Please contact us for a free sample with all your own school details/badge, etc.
01254 694555 www.schoolidbadge.co.uk

Edu-zone is an EMAP Events Media Partner