September 2016

The know zone

  • Leading curriculum change
    When we reflect on how quickly our world is evolving, it is no truism to say that what we design into our curriculum really matters says Suzanne O’Farrell. More
  • Carrots, sticks and Shanghai maths
    Julie McCulloch looks at the government’s latest initiative to introduce the South Asian ‘mastery’ approach to teaching maths in primary schools. More
  • Preventing hate
    Schools and colleges across Britain are seeing a rise in the levels of racism among pupils. Anna Cole looks at why and explains what leaders can do to combat hate. More
  • Exploring the evidence
    In the first of a regular research insights page, Matt Walker, from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), introduces how research evidence can help to improve schools and colleges, and influence policy. More
  • A vital network of support
    Focus on… Macmillan Cancer Support More
  • Adding value
    Centralisation – the key to achieving financial health and efficiency? More
  • Prevent duty
    Since July 2015, all schools and colleges have been subject to the Prevent duty. How has your institution dealt with this requirement and have there been any challenges? Here ASCL members have their say. More
  • Leader's surgery
    Hotline advice expressed here, and in calls to us, is made in good faith to our members. Schools and colleges should always take formal HR or legal advice from their indemnified provider before acting. More
  • Daily grind?
    Sam Ellis offers some tips for the out-of-town traveller in search of a bed for the night and decent food – although perhaps not an espresso. More
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Focus on… Macmillan Cancer Support

A vital network of support

Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the leading sources of support for people affected by cancer (with approximately 2.5 million people living with cancer in the UK today) and works to improve the lives of anyone affected by including the families, friends and carers of those with cancer.

Laura Rentoul, Teenage and Young People Information Nurse at Macmillan Cancer Support, says: “Discussing cancer openly can be difficult and despite the prevalence of cancer and its impact, it is too often left as a taboo topic. Whilst trying to protect children from difficult news is natural, it‘s important to give them the chance to talk about cancer and their fears, as well as the opportunity to express themselves in other ways such as through play, art or movement – and educational practitioners have an important role to play here.”

Free teaching toolkit

Macmillan has everything that schools need to raise awareness of cancer. A free teaching toolkit and online resources can help you give young people the facts they need about cancer. These newly updated and improved resources are suitable for use in both primary and secondary schools and have been developed with the generous help of teachers in all four UK nations, so you can be sure that they fit with the curriculum. The information, lesson plans and assemblies aim to help your students make informed health choices, and to understand the emotional and physical impact that cancer can have. Designed to be educational and fun, the resources will help your school, students and families directly affected by cancer.

Campaigning and fundraising

Macmillan can provide ideas for budding campaigners, or fundraising opportunities: for example, Dress Up and Dance and flagship fundraiser the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. With an increasing number of families affected by cancer, these events are the perfect opportunity to open up a dialogue around cancer in your school while having fun.

School talks

Macmillan speakers can present in assemblies and other school events, give hands-on support with fundraising or awareness events and are involved in seeking ways to work with local schools and organisations.

As cancer and healthy lifestyle choices are relevant to a large number of subject areas, speakers could give short talks in a range of lessons, tailoring their talks to meet your needs.

If you want to learn more about Macmillan and its work in your local area, focus on charities in a class or assembly or introduce the subject of cancer, inviting a Macmillan speaker to your school or group is a great way to kick-start your discussions. These talks will motivate pupils to support organisations like Macmillan, and understand more about how they can help people in their local area.

Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning takes place on Friday 30 September 2016. For more information or to register to hold your own coffee morning and help ensure that no one faces cancer alone, visit www.macmillan. org.uk/coffee

We Are Macmillan Cancer Support

For further information, to request a pack or to see if someone from Macmillan can come and give a talk at your school, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/schools

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