February 2016

The know zone

  • It's a jungle out there...
    As I walk around school during the day I am struck by the differing groups of students that I meet and observe. Each group has its own social structure, feeding pattern and natural habitat. While there has been little scientific research into these groups I have tried to collate my observations. More
  • Lessons in life?
    A new report from the Office of the Children’s Commissioner recommends compulsory personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) lessons in schools. What are your views – should PSHE be a compulsory component in the National Curriculum? Here ASCL members share their thoughts. More
  • Leaders' 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
  • Great opportunities for leadership development
    ASCL Professional Development (PD) offers a range of support to provide you with the solutions you need. Our events, which are accessible to members and non-members alike, are packed full of practical ideas that you can take back to school or college and are led by expert education practitioners from ASCL’s team. More
  • The appliance of science
    British Science Week (11–20 March 2016) is the UK’s largest grassroots celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) that takes place each March. Every year, it brings together schools, colleges, professionals and communities to celebrate and explore STEM. More
  • Engaging with parents to raise pupil attainment
    Parents say work commitments are the most common barrier to getting more involved in their child’s school life* but parents who have insight into their child’s progress can help to support their development. With the busy lives that parents lead, schools need to find new ways of engaging parents with their child’s progress: More
  • Know your rights
    Academies have changed the landscape on employment and too often staff find themselves with fewer entitlements than expected, so study your contract before you sign, says Sara Ford. More
  • Broadening their horizons
    As the latest research shows, children learn the basics best when they are taught as part of a broad and balanced curriculum, rather than in splendid isolation, says Julie McCulloch. More
  • Braced for change
    Working in a MAT or stand-alone school? Operational or strategic role? Val Andrew looks at what the future holds for school business leaders and school business managers. More
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The appliance of science

British Science Week (11–20 March 2016) is the UK’s largest grassroots celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) that takes place each March. Every year, it brings together schools, colleges, professionals and communities to celebrate and explore STEM.

How can schools get involved? 

Run by the British Science Association (BSA), British Science Week events will be taking place across the UK. Getting involved in British Science Week is easy to do and students can take part in many different ways. There are plenty of ideas and resources on the British Science Week website: www.britishscienceweek.org Here’s a snapshot of how you and your students can get involved: 

Become a citizen scientist 

This British Science Week, citizen science projects are all things bat-related for 2016. They have teamed up with Zooniverse on an audio-visual project to identify and classify bat calls. Find out more and get involved at: www.batdetective.org 

Organise a demo 

Taking place on 17 March, Demo day is an annual campaign during British Science Week that aims to inspire secondary school teachers and technicians to explore new concepts, provoke discussions and generate excitement through running science demonstrations. It has run successfully for the last two years in hundreds of schools across the UK. 

Schools that are planning to run a demonstration on Demo Day are being asked to pledge their involvement. Pledges will be added to an interactive map that will display all the pledges from participating schools across the UK. BSA Director of Programmes Katherine Mathieson said, “Demo Day is a great opportunity for teachers across the UK to inspire their students about science. It’s just one of a range of activities that support teachers to try something new during British Science Week. Through activities like these, we want all students to see science as part of their everyday life and culture.” 

A new resource is available on the website that is full of ideas and demo insights for teachers including tips, stories and thoughts from professional science communicators, ranging from presenters, writers and lecturers to magicians and filmmakers. 

Take a quiz 

An easy and popular way to get involved in British Science Week, students can test their knowledge and see how much they know about the world of science! 

Run an activity 

Looking for inspiration on a rainy day, or do you need a quick activity to entertain your STEM club? Browse through the library of activity packs and find a fascinating and fun idea to keep people of all ages occupied.

Organise an event

Running an event of your own may seem daunting, but there is plenty of help along the way on the BSA website. Download the organisers’ leaflets for schools, read the how-to guides to help you get started, see their advice about finding a presenter, or learn about some successful events from previous years with case studies

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Find out more: 

For all the latest information and resources on British Science Week including on how you and your school or college can get involved, see online: www.britishscienceweek.org

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