EDUCAT iON edit
MARCH/APRIL 2022
Inquisitive minds INNOVATIVE TEACHING
Learning at work DEVELOPING NEW SKILLS
Revision tips BEAT EXAM NERVES
A leading independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 4-18, set amid stunning countryside in Northern England
Home away from home full-time and flexi boarding in a happy, stable environment
‘Barney’ is situated in an excellent rural environment, well served by a range of transport links
Scan to learn more about our School and what makes a Barney education so special Alternatively, contact 01833 696030 or email admissions@barneyschool.org.uk @BarnardCastleSchool
@barnardcastleschool
@barney_school
Barnard Castle School | Co Durham DL12 8UN | www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk
The Edit
Welcome
MAR/APR 22
Welcome to The Education Edit. Our very own personal prospectus for the North East’s leading education establishments.
04 Expand, explore, imagine
The past couple of years have proven difficult. We have found ourselves in circumstances we never envisioned, adapting to a new way of life and living in uncertainty. But as we prepare to step out into a world without restrictions, let this informative magazine be a reminder that no matter what obstacles life throws your way, education remains a beacon of light and a place of hope and opportunities.
06 Living essentials
On the pages ahead, we recognise some of the brilliant work going on in our region’s schools, we get the lowdown on new and engaging learning techniques and there’s a university kit list for those flying the nest. All of that, plus ways on which you can extend your learning, skills and knowledge beyond school, college and university.
A revolutionary new approach to learning for young ones
All the best kit for anyone university-bound
09 Top tips for GCSE success We ask the experts how best to prepare for exams
Pens at the ready, it’s time to take notes and prepare for a year of possibilities.
10 Driving workforce development
Editor
Contributors
Cover image
Claudia Robinson
Nicole Wood
Sean Elliot
The University of Sunderland’s work-based learning solutions
If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Debi Coldwell: debi@allies-group.com / 07910 918366
Allies Group Ltd, Enterprise House, Kingsway, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, NE11 OSR allies-group.com All contents copyright ©2022 Allies Group Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, February 2022.
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EDUCATION EDIT MAR/APR 22
Innovative Learning
imagine
EXPAND, EXPLORE, An enchanting Swedish approach to outdoor learning at a leading North East private school is teaching future generations to cherish their natural environment
Skogsmulle was created in Sweden by Gösta Frohm in the 1950s, with the intention of bringing children closer to forests and fields, and teaching them to respect nature. The concept is now used extensively throughout Scandinavia, Germany, and Japan. Dame Allen’s is one of a small, but growing number of UK schools recognising the benefits of the practice to its younger pupils. The school’s outdoor learning site includes a large camp area, mud kitchen and story chair, as well as the Whispering Woods, which is home to a plentiful number of woodland animals, birds and minibeasts. Last year the pond was redeveloped with funding from the Dame Allan’s Schools Parents Association. Outdoor learning continues throughout Junior School, with two members of staff trained to Level 3 Forest School qualifications. Gill says: “Forest School is slightly different to Skogsmulle in that naturally, children move on from imaginative play to learning with an inquisitive mind. “As they get slightly older, learning outdoors allows them to develop skills, build resilience and improve their wellbeing and mental health. Forest School brings new challenges and instils a healthy relationship with the natural world.” Dame Allan’s outdoor and leadership education continues after Forest School at the Senior School with opportunities for climbing, canoeing and mountain walking. Gill adds: “We are teaching our children to love the great outdoors and respect their environment from a very early age so that they will continue to cherish it for the rest of their lives, generation after generation.” Dame Allan’s is hosting its Nursery and Junior School open morning on Saturday 19 March. To register an interest and learn more about its early years teaching please visit dameallans.co.uk.
Skogsmulle, a unique Early Years pedagogy developed in Sweden, has been adopted by Dame Allan’s Schools to inspire young children to learn about nature through fairy tales and adventure as they play outdoors. The niche approach has enriched teaching at the independent school, which has an extensive outdoor learning site including a woodland classroom, yurt and pond area within its grounds in Fenham, Newcastle. Skogsmulle centres around a fictional forest character, Mulle, dressed in a moss-green suit and a birch-bark pointed hat, who is designed to capture children’s imaginations as they explore the outside world. Early years teacher Gill Williams, who trained to become a Skogsmulle leader at Sweden’s original Rain or Shine Forest School, is responsible for embedding the philosophy into Dame Allan’s curriculum. “We introduce our pupils to Mulle in Early Years, at the ages of three and four, then he becomes a key part of our learning in Key Stage 1 when the children are the perfect age to engage with a fantasy character,” explains Gill. “They believe that he is actually a creature from the woods and they empathise with the fairy tale behind him. It is an incredible child-led approach that not only allows children to be outdoors having fun, but enables them to deepen their knowledge of the world around them.” EDUCATION EDIT MAR/APR 22
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Build a brighter future. Junior School and Nursery Open Morning 19th March There is limited availability in some year groups for 2022. Applications are now being accepted for 2023.
Register at dameallans.co.uk For further information please contact the Head of Admissions on 0191 275 0608.
RATED EXCELLENT BY THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE
essentials
LEARNING
University Treats Beats by Dre Beats Studio3 Wireless £299.95, beatsbydre.com
Martha Brook Pastel Scalloped Pen Pot in Mint Green £19.95, marthabrook.com
Apple Apple MacBook Pro From £1,899, apple.com Sir Gordon Bennett Ltd Stainless Steel 18ct Rose Gold Pen £275, sirgordonbennett.com
Martha Brook Personalised Vegan Leather Refillable Notepad £20.95, marthabrook.com
Helen Loveday Magic Blooms Hardback Notebook in Powder Blue £20, helenloveday.com
Rebecca Udall Round Rattan Laundry Basket in Rustic White £179, rebeccaudall.com
essentials
LIVING
Sweetpea & Willow Pascal Desk in White £1,135, sweetpeaandwillow.com
Amaura London Allure Eco Luxury Candle & Diffuser Gift Set £103, amauralondon.com
BeanBagBazaar icon® Teddy Support Cushion in Grey £39.99, beanbagbazaar.co.uk The French Bedroom Co House of Valois Upholstered French Bed £2,295, frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
Rose & Grey Pink Velvet Office Chair £235, roseandgrey.co.uk EDUCATION EDIT MAR/APR 22
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Luxe Loves
Fuelling up
The perfect size for on-the-go hydration, this insulated Klean Kanteen water bottle is a must-have essential for school children and university students. This sleek and slim design is ideal for fitting into backpacks with an opening large enough to fill with ice - perfect for keeping drinks icy cold throughout the day. £27.95, kleankanteen.com
EDUCATION EDIT MAR/APR 22
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Education experts
tips
TOP
Royal Grammar School
“Make sure your revision timetable involves an appropriate balance of activity alongside your plan for studying. Be realistic about the amount of time you are able to focus effectively for and, in parallel, take exercise, sing, make some art or do whatever gives you joy as an incentive for the end of each session. It may also help consolidate your revision if you can explain concisely to your family what you have been studying each day. Meanwhile, dial down social media and technology, switch off devices at least an hour before bed and your mind will be noticeably better able to function. Finally, as with any top performer, nutrition and hydration are fundamental to the best cognitive function required in exams. Eat well balanced meals and make sure you are properly hydrated for optimum performance!” Geoffrey Stanford, Head at Royal Grammar School.
FOR GCSE SUCCESS Luxe checks in with the region's most esteemed education establishments to rally up top tips and tricks for pupils sitting their GCSE exams in 2022. Here's what we found... Barnard Castle School
“It might sound trivial, but ensuring you know and are aware of where the examination is taking place – and arriving 15 minutes beforehand – can support preparation. Things like making sure you have the correct equipment can also help and alleviate any worry or stress. Stress is to be expected during exam season, but it is nothing to be scared of. Anxiety is not inevitable and using breathing exercises and staying hydrated can help candidates learn to cope more effectively. This is something that we preach at ‘Barney’.” Susan Houghton, Exams Officer at Barnard Castle School.
"Be brave: you must organise your target grade, even if it means confronting topics you are uncomfortable with. Start with two priority subjects and list simple tasks to be completed in each one during the week and at the weekend. A fortnight later, add another subject. Speak to a parent, guardian or member of staff about the one subject you feel completely lost in. You will feel better! Take the opportunity of doing little and often: choose your favourite platform - GCSE Pod, Educake, Seneca, Cognito Platform, Mathswatch etc. It is astounding how much your brain will remember in the summer." Alan Nolan, Private Tutor
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development
DRIVING WORKFORCE COURSE TUTOR LAURA TOKELL SAYS: “Gender
Over the past two years there has been a take up of new hobbies, changes in lifestyles as well as new ways of working. It’s been a time for reflection, future planning, and re-evaluation, which has led to some of us looking for new opportunities to develop skills and knowledge to further progress our careers. The University of Sunderland is passionate about people and skills development and aims to provide work-based learning solutions that are attainable to everyone...
and Diversity is an inspirational, contemporary course which aims to increase your knowledge and understanding of gender diversity and transgender lives. By enabling reflection and evaluation of your inclusive practice, in relation to the content delivered, we hope to facilitate implementation of your new knowledge within your business. It will help you create inclusive, supportive, representative and celebratory experiences and spaces for everyone across your working community-no matter how they identify across the gender spectrum.”
COURSE TUTOR CHARLOTTE FEATHER ADDS: “For me, the Gender &
The university works in collaboration with businesses across the region and nationally to develop courses that are industry relevant. It aims to meet the needs of employees and support businesses in the delivery of highly specialised training, and has designed a vast portfolio of work-based learning programmes, relevant to all businesses and sectors. The university is the lead partner of the ESF North East Workforce Skills Programme, aimed at upskilling employees. They offer over 100 short courses designed to fill skills gaps within the region. The courses include areas such as leadership, media, project management, education, workplace wellbeing and more. There is a fantastic suite of education related courses ideal for those in senior management teams, education and training settings. It is a great opportunity to plan CPD and access fully funded courses that support progression and development.
Charlotte Feather BA Primary Education, MA Education, Academic Tutor within Professional Development, Faculty of Education and Society
THE EDUCATION SPECIFIC COURSES INCLUDE >>
Diversity course has an unstoppable power propagated through a ripple effect of understanding. Through the facilitation of thoughtprovoking discussion and debate, together we are able to analyse current policy and practice, challenge our thinking, and empower each other to create more inclusive spaces for our students and colleagues.”
ESF North East Workforce Skills Programme is dedicated to improving skills development across the North East and runs until August 2023, meaning there is a lot of scope for businesses to get involved and sign up. Contact esf@sunderland.ac.uk
Mentoring and Coaching Leadership in Educational Settings Curriculum in the Contemporary World Supporting Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs Gender and Diversity EDUCATION EDIT MAR/APR 22
Laura Tokell Academic Tutor- BA (hons) Primary Education, MA Education
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The University of Sunderland launched its first Degree Apprenticeship programme in 2014 and since has established a proven record among a range of clientele.
KIM SAID: “Being able to earn an income while I study towards a higher apprenticeship has made such a difference, and something financially I never thought possible. Every one of the sessions is relevant to what you’re doing. What l learn on the day I can put into practice the next day.”
Starting with just a handful of employers, the university scheme has grown year on year, now partnering with more than 100 organisations. There are 15 higher or degree level apprenticeship programmes available across a range of sectors and job roles. For those involved in education and training they include:
Teacher Apprenticeship - for anyone who currently works in or plans to work in primary or secondary school education (teaching ages 3-19), the Teacher Apprenticeship is an ideal route into teaching. Designed to integrate practical experience with academic studies and the techniques involved in the design, development, delivery, assessment, and evaluation of learning. This apprenticeship rewards successful apprentices with a PGCE qualification and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Kim Newby Learning and Skills Teacher apprentice, Beacon of Light
Senior Leader Apprenticeship - this programme explores leadership and leader identity and what that means to each individual in the context of their organisation. This apprenticeship is ideal for those who are in or moving to strategic roles within the business and it incorporates a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
DAVID PEARSON, PROGRAMME LEAD SAID: “The wide variety of backgrounds and organisations on the programme allows for rich and meaningful debate about the issues and solutions that impact senior leaders every day. As the world in which we live and work changes, it is important that the programme David Pearson reflects this and incorporates Senior Leader Programme Lead more sustainable and digital strategies that also promote the development and wellbeing of employees.”
Apprenticeships offer a cost-effective solution for employers and are a great opportunity to develop existing staff or bring in new talent. For the apprentice there are no fees to pay. Large organisations can use their government levy to cover all tuition fees and smaller organisations can get 95% government funding. With funding available to businesses – now is the time to invest in skills for the future.
SUNDERLAND.AC.UK/MORE/ENTERPRISE-INNOVATION SCAN THIS TO SIGN UP TO ONE OF THE UNIVERSITY APPRENTICESHIP INFORMATION EVENTS.
Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship - designed to equip those involved in post 16 adult training with the skills, knowledge and behaviours to become outstanding and effective trainers and teachers. This apprenticeship rewards apprentices with a recognised teaching qualification for the Further Education and Skills sector.
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University of Sunderland Upskilling your workforce
Access a range of funded short courses or higher and degree apprenticeships at the University of Sunderland.
ESF short courses • ESF funding can address your business CPD requirements. • Available for organisations in the Northeast • Fill any skills gaps within your workforce. • Over 100 funded courses available
Start your ESF journey email esf@sunderland.ac.uk
Higher and degree apprenticeships • Maximise levy funding to support workforce development • Develop job role specific skills and knowledge • Upskill and motivate existing employees • Attract new talent to your business • Over 15 programmes available
Scan here to discover your apprenticeship options