After only 5 weeks, a lot of news seems to have accumulated. Please use the list on the right to find the articles that are relevant to you.
CAS Hub Meeting
We’ve got the first proper CAS Hub meeting at the UEA next Weds 12th Oct at 4:30pm.
We’ve got a few folks registered but if you’re planning to come along could you register at http://casnorfolkteachers2.eventbrite.com/ so we can track names, contact details and so on. Alternatively, just drop me an email to let me know you’re coming along.
Also – we’re a bit light on numbers so if you know of anyone who might be interested but may not yet have heard about CAS, please pass this on. The more the merrier!!
Qualifications Update
We are yet to find out which vocational qualifications will be counting towards the maximum 20% (1 GCSE equivalent) for the 5A*-C incl English and Maths measure. We also know that some qualifications have a limited lifespan. We will discuss this in more detail during the subject leader network and I have contacted some of the exam boards to invite them to update us.
New GCSE for ICT being trialled
There are some interesting developments, not least because of an active lobby of those involved in promoting programming within or instead of ICT education. The links below take you to the same document, first page 4 regarding news of another new GCSE and then page 11 with a useful commentary on the current debate.
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/e01cd379#/e01cd379/4
GCSE Computing Specification Accredited
This two-year pilot course is now available for first teaching in September 2011. GCSE Computing gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. Students will develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life. “I love every aspect of the course from the programming to the problem solving!” GCSE Computing student from Emmbrook School, Wokingham
This course is already being deliverd in Norfolk and you may be interested in the Computing at School Hub if you are planning to introduce this type of course.
Ofqual to launch GCSE consultation
On Monday 26th September Ofqual launched a consultation into the implementation of reforms to GCSEs. The consultation covers the changes being made to current GCSE specifications.
The specifications for GCSEs are to be made linear rather than modular, and greater account will be taken of spelling, punctuation and grammar in some subjects. The consultation will ask specific questions on how these changes will be implemented.
The consultation will run on our consultation platform for six weeks. LINK
Your Future Ditital Event
Your Future in Digital has been a very successful event in recent years, giving older secondary pupils an insight to career opportunities in digital industries. This year the event takes place on 9/10 November at the EPIC Studios in Norwich. Please see the flyer for more details.
Young Leaders Award at Hellesdon High
Laura Boddy (AST) from Hellesdon describes how this award enables young people to produce ICT based lesson starter and plenary activities, teach year 6 pupils ICT and even support elderly people with web surfing. Take a look at her brief report here.
Fronter Y11 and Wednesday Webinars
Fronter Y11 is coming! The current release date for Norfolk is Thursday 13th October. A lot of support can be found on their website: http://frontersupport.com/, including some useful webinars and recordings of previous events.
Norfolk has a Futurelab Hub - Congratulations to City Academy Norwich (CAN)!
The first five Hubs – City Academy Norwich, Copland Community School (Wembley), Fallibroome Academy (Macclesfield), Tudor Grange Academy (Solihull) and Wilmington Grammar School for Girls / Wilmington Grammar School for Boys (Dartford) - are actively engaging with the research base and working on a range of strategies to improve learner outcomes, for example;
The development of ‘World Class Departments’
Tackling within school variation (development of ‘100%
system’)
Defining the ‘language of learning’ and the specific 21st
century skills every pupil will require to succeed in the future
Engaging use of technologies (e.g. iPod touch)
Understanding the role of ICT in bridging the work between faculties in cross curricular enquiry based
learning
Futurelab Hubs are expected to adopt a disciplined approach to school improvement based on action research (a reflective process of progressive problem solving led by individuals working with others in teams) involving staff and students to transform the quality of learning and teaching.
Futurelab are now looking to recruit the next cohort of Futurelab Hub schools. Further background information on Hubs can be found on the futurelab website. Please contact Stephen Breslin if you would like to discuss how Futurelab might support you to transform your teaching and learning.
Other articles in brief
Should we teach social networking - http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6112083
Self directed homework projects - http://www.guardian.co.uk/teacher-network/2011/sep/16/homework-engagement-teaching-resources
Professional Network Secondary
Our next subject leader network will take place on November 15th in Norwich at the PDC and providing there is sufficient take up, we'll also meet at the West Norfolk PDC on November 17th. The agenda will include updates on Norfolk results, national and local changes and news from individual schools. We will also have some time to consider the new GCSEs and other qualifcations and take a closer look at the new Ofsted Framework and what it means for ICT.
You can either book each individual Network Meeting, or sign up for 3 in one go, with an additial 1/2 day of advisory support. This brochure explains it.
To apply for a place please visit our website at: http://www.cpd.norfolk.gov.uk/sdms/
or email: claire.browne@norfolk.gov.uk / lisa.poploski@norfolk.gov.uk
or fax the booking form: 01603 438272
E2BN e-Safety Conference
The E2BN E-Safety Conference 2011 takes place on November 16th 2011 in Essex.
The programme includes:
? Protecting your own online identity - Simon Finch - NorthernGrid
? What to do if an E-Safety incident occurs – Penny Patterson - LGfL
? Dealing with Cyberbullying - Tim Pinto – YHGfL
? Being Brave Safely – Ken Corish – SWGfL
http://www.e2bn.org/events/86/e2bn-e-safety-conference.html
News from Vital
Vital continue to offer an online and face to face ICT related training programme. They do have a presence in the East of England and it may be worth considering some of their courses as part of the ICT CPD you broker for colleagues in your school.
See http://link.imailshot.co.uk/rsps/wlnk/c/1572/r/12698/e/20
ICT Subject Leaders: Primary - coming soon!
This new online course is for current and intending ICT leaders and senior staff in primary schools wishing to improve the quality and range of ICT in their school. Based around the respected ICT Self-review Framework, course members will explore and evaluate core aspects of ICT through workplace assignments, reading, online activities and provided resources. On completion they will have developed a vision for ICT, know the schools current position and have created a strategic three-year ICT development plan.
Register your interest at the Naace website (www.naace.co.uk) if you are interested in taking part in the pilot version of this course which will be starting VERY soon.
ICTCPD4FREE
We are delighted to announce that we have completed the upgrade to Moodle 2.0 for the ictcpd4free site.
Visitors to the site will notice the revised look and feel and over the coming weeks we will introduce you to the addidional features that we can now make use of within the site.
We will shortly be announcing some new courses for all to access and hope that you continue to use this valuable resource for your own and your schools CPD. You are part of a contuinually growing group of practitioners making use of this asset - the site now has almost 3500 users.
Take a look now at www.ictcpd4free.co.uk.
New Strategic Leadership of ICT programme launched for school and Academy leadership teams
EXite (Exploiting Information Technology in Education) is a new programme designed and led by some of the original Directors of the highly successful SLICT programme.
Focused on improving learning and teaching and raising standards, EXite is a 10-12 week programme that also incorporates how to ensure a return on investment; gain real value from ICT; and lead and exploit technology.
Three pilot programmes will be operating, each starting with a day learning together followed by online support, the chance to join an interim online conference and then culminating in a concluding day together in spring 2012.
The Academy pilot programme launches on 9 November 2011 in Nottingham
The Primary pilot programme launches on 24 November 2011 in Birmingham
The Secondary pilot programme launches on 30 November 2011 in Birmingham
The Academy and Secondary pilot programmes are designed for two members of the leadership team; the Primary pilot is designed for the head teacher however additional places can be requested for each programme.
Fees for the 10-12 week primary pilot programme are reduced by 25% and places are limited.
To find out more about this innovative programme go to www.exite.org.uk – or go straight to the registration page at www.exite.org.uk/bookings.
Naace Art Competition for Schools – entries now open!
Put your ICT skills to use and be in with a chance to win fantastic ICT tools donated by Naace Partners.
Please visit: www.naace.co.uk/events/conference2012/schoolcompetition for more information and to download your competition flyer. With a record number of prizes on offer this year, this great opportunity is definitely one not to be missed and we’d like to encourage as many schools as possible to submit their entries.
3rd Millennium Learning Art Competition
Naace’s Art Competition is now open to all schools in the UK. This year we’ve secured a record number of great prizes from Naace Sponsoring Partners and we’d like to encourage all pupils from Early Years to KS3 to get creative and design art work for next year’s Conference Magazine. To see examples of last year’s entries please see this page.
The T&Cs of the competition are available at www.naace.co.uk/events/conference2012/schoolcompetition or please contact aga.kelly@naace.co.uk for more details.
Win €15,000 worth of NEC Display Solutions technology to upgrade your classroom!
Is your classroom in need of updated ICT equipment? The NEC competition is open to any school or college wishing to upgrade their technology. They can enter the competition by sending a video clip to NEC under the theme of ‘Why does our school need to upgrade the classroom?’ depicting their technology-deficient classroom.
The competition is open to any registered learning institution within the European Union. Entry videos must be no longer than five minutes and must be submitted by 30 November 2011 by uploading to www.nec-display-solutions.com/educampaign
For more information please visit: www.naace.co.uk/schools/NECcompetition
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