Headlines – 24 March 2023

27th March 2023

Upcoming CPD Next Term

For more information or to book a place click on the links below…

SIAMS

Leaders

RE

Governors

 

Christian Worldviews and Advocacy Project Resources Now Available

The Christian Worldviews and Advocacy Project resources are now on the DBE website (scroll down until you see the project logo). They are free to use but users need to complete a survey first so that we can go back to people at a later date with a further survey to investigate what the impact of the resources has been in different schools. On completion of the survey you will be given the password to access the resources. If you don’t wish to do this for any reason please contact us for access. These are the links schools might make with their existing RE curriculum units:

Coventry & Warwickshire Agreed Syllabus:

  • L2.2 Why is the Bible so important for Christians- a lower KS2 unit but the resources on Climate Change and Digital Religion could be used
  • L2.7 What does it mean to be a Christian in Britain today- lower KS2 but Digital Religion & Golden Rule Christian resources would be suitable
  • U2.3 What do religions say to us when life gets hard?- any of the resources could be linked here, but especially the Race and Politics resources
  • U2.7 What matters most to Christians and Humanists- any of the resources could be used so that topics could be looked at from both Christian and Humanist perspectives
  • 3.2 Does living biblically mean obeying the whole Bible- the topics that deal with Hermeneutics of Suspicion link well here e.g. Race, Politics, Motherhood & Family, The Body, Human Rights & Sexuality
  • 3.10 Does religion help people to be good?- The Golden Rule Christians & Climate Change resources would fit here but you could also look at the impact of Christian activism with regards to Abortion and LGBTQ+ rights
  • 3.10 Is religion a power for peace or a cause of conflict in the world today?- the resources on Race and Politics would fit well with this unit

Understanding Christianity:

  • 2b.2 Creation & Science: Conflicting or Complimentary?- the Climate Change (KS2) resources would support this unit well
  • 2b.3 How can following God bring freedom and justice?- The Race and Politics resources might support this unit
  • 3.2 Should Christians be greener than everyone else?- the Climate Change (KS3) resources would fit very well with this unit
  • 3.4 Does the world need prophets today- you might use several of the topics to focus on what key figures within Christianity are saying with regards to societal issues today

 

SIAMS – ‘Why we’ve ditched the grades from SIAMS inspections’

In this article from Schools Week, Dr Margaret James, the Church of England’s National Director for SIAMS explains the decision to remove grades from the SIAMS inspection framework in a move described as ‘radically different; radically the same’.

 

Do Contact Your Deanery Rep Prior to the Heads’ Briefing…

The Headteacher Reference and Advisory Group (HTRAG) meet on the morning of the Heads’ briefing  to discuss and advise the DBE on its strategic work with schools. Next term this will on 27 April.  They are keen to hear feedback from colleague Headteachers to bring to the meetings. This could be issues in your deanery that you think the DBE should be aware of, areas of support you and your colleagues feel the DBE could help with, news to be celebrated or anything else you feel is relevant.  Here is a list of the Deanery Representatives and links directly to their email addresses – please do take the opportunity to contact your representative to feedback to the DBE.

Alcester Deanery – Andy Simms – Headteacher of Bidford upon Avon CofE Primary

Coventry Deanery – Allison Underhill – Headteacher of St Andrew’s CofE Infants  And Michelle Cuskelly – Executive Headteacher of St Laurence’s CofE Primary

Fosse Deanery – Lindsey Oscroft – CEO of Fosse MAT

Kenilworth Deanery – Tracy Drew – Headteacher of Berkswell CofE Primary and Sarah Rayson – Headteacher of St Nicholas CofE Primary

Nuneaton Deanery – Hannah Carvell – Headteacher of Queen’s CofE Academy

Rugby Deanery – Jill Vavasour – Headteacher of Knightlow CofE Primary and Michelle Cuskelly – Executive Headteacher of St Oswald’s CofE Primary

Shipston Deanery – Sam Welsby – Headteacher of Newbold and Tredington CofE Primary

Southam Deanery – John Brine – Headteacher of St Lawrence CofE Primary

Warwick and Leamington Deanery – Suki Owers – Executive Headteacher of St Margaret’s CofE Junior Warwick

 

Knowledge Organisers for Understanding Christianity

Has your school developed knowledge organisers for Understanding Christianity? If so, we’d love to hear from you. If you’d be willing to share your work on this please contact Joanne Evans.

 

‘Earth Cubs’ Environmental Learning Platform is Now Free

Earth Cubs is an environmental learning platform for primary schools. The unique curriculum covers the UN’s 17 Global Goals including sustainability, climate change and equality. There are interactive teaching resources with new resources released every month. These range from interactive lessons, videos and quizzes to downloadable worksheets. There are also outdoor activities that promote real world action, lots created with charitable partners. Find out more on the website here: https://earthcubs.com/

 

‘How to Stay Calm and in Control’ Webinar for Education Staff

The various demands of teaching and working in schools can be stressful. Whether it’s the mountain of books staring at you or the lesson plans tapping you on the shoulder; or it may be those budgets that need preparing or staff recruitment. If you want to know how to gain control on your stress-levels join Education Support for their next webinar on Tuesday 28 March 16.00-17.00

You’ll hear from a panel of teachers and mental health experts. The speakers will explore how to handle your stress and protect your mental wellbeing.  They will share:

  • how to recognise stress and burnout symptoms in yourself and others
  • understanding how stress works and how it can be helpful when managed correctly
  • strategies on how to remain calm and grounded when stressful situations arise
  • successful ‘stress-busters’ specifically for those working in education and support on what to do when feeling overwhelmed
  • tips for minimising stress in your professional and personal life

There is no cost but as a national charity supporting teachers, they ask for a £1 donation. Find out more or book a place here.

 

Thrive Podcase – Neuroscience: What Classroom Staff Need to Know

Have you ever struggled to work out why a pupil is behaving as they are? If so, you’re not alone and you’re in the right place. If a child is closed down, lashing out or trying to run out of class, they are unable to access the part of their brain that allows them to learn. They are in survival mode. And it’s impossible to teach children and young people when they are in this stressful and frightening place. In the latest episode of the Thrive podcast, Kay Hamilton, Thrive’s Partnerships Lead and a former teacher, SENCO and headteacher, looks at how educators can use an understanding of neuroscience to help pupils move out of survival mode and allow them to engage with education. In under 20 minutes you’ll learn:

  • How to translate neuroscience into effective classroom practice
  • The role of serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin in human connection
  • Why connection between humans is so important for good mental health
  • Why disconnection can lead to an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone
  • The link between social connection and the brain’s ability to form    new neuronal pathways and to learn
  • Practical language and activities that help to build connections

Listen to it here

 

A Culture of Good Treatment at Lunchtimes?

Top Tips to Make the Lunch Break More Sociable and Calm

We all know how important eating together is – sitting around a table and having opportunity to chat is a valuable social experience. ‘Headteacher Update’ contributor Suzanne O’Connell gives ten tips for making lunch-times sociable, calm, and harmonious.

 

5 Reasons Every Global Citizen – Including Your Pupils – Should Watch Disney’s

‘Little Mermaid’ 2023 Trailer

Representation matters. People of colour everywhere need to be seen and celebrated for their worth in order for us to overcome a world where inequality exists, and that’s why seeing a Black Disney Princess is important not just in the context of teaching children to respect all races, but also as a reminder to society that Black women and people of colour are capable of just about anything.  This 3 minute read from ‘Global Citizen’ explains five reasons why this Disney film trailer is such a positive step forward for social justice.


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