Taking place on on the 29th of September, Home Schooling students may be interested to hear about the Home Educator Day that it is to be put on by Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, located in Halifax, Yorkshire.
Below you can see what to expect from the day, get access to more information via Eureka’s own website, and access links for booking a place.
From Eureka!…
We’re excited to let you know that our next Eureka! Home Educator Day is less than one month away and we’d love for you to join us!
On Friday 29th September we won’t take ANY school bookings and our team will be running additional learning activities – JUST for Home Educator families!
Please note that the museum is still open to the general public on this day. However, we are restricting visitor numbers to ensure that you can still have the best possible experience.
You will be able to book online for the following science show…
? Nature’s Superpowers! (5yrs+) ?
Times: 35mins sessions at 10:30am, 11:15am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm
Join us as we dive into the captivating world of Nature’s Superpowers. In this exciting show we’ll explore the incredible links between your favourite superhero powers and the wonders of the natural world. It’s time to unlock the extraordinary in the ordinary because in the natural world, superpowers are not just the stuff of legend; they’re all around us! Get ready to unlock your inner superhero too and be inspired to explore, learn and protect our incredible planet!
Plus special guest workshops will be available to book on the day on a first-come, first-served basis…
? The World of Honeybees (5yrs+) ?
Times: 10:30am, 11:45am. 1:30pm, 2:45pm
Our friends from Springfield Park Bees will be running 45min long workshops where families can learn more about honeybees and other pollinators. We’ll be looking at full frames of capped honey. This is a special process the bees work on to make the honey ready for them and for us to eat. We’ll also be trying on bee suits and gloves/gauntlets to show how a beekeeper dresses, and we’ll be trying some fresh extracted honey. Limited availability.
As well as the below much-loved drop-in sessions…
? Eureka! Explorers (All Ages) ?
Times: Various pop-ups throughout the day
Watch out for the Eureka! Explorers who have a variety of artefacts for you to touch, hold and learn about.
In addition to the bookable science show, workshops and drop-in sessions, you will have our 4 large galleries to explore (plus 2 galleries just for the under 5’s) with tons of interactive exhibits.
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This May, Go Ape will introduce a number of brand-new sessions for home-schooled children to experience adventure and discover the outdoors.
Who Are Go Ape?
Go Ape are a Learning Outside of the Classroom (LOTC), School Travel Award (STA) winning and Gold RoSPA Leisure Safety approved provider. These new sessions aim to give home-schooled pupils the same opportunity that children in schools have.
Go Ape were founded in 2002 and ever since have offered individuals the chance to live life adventurously. At 34 locations nationwide, thrill-seekers of all ages can escape the everyday as they challenge themselves on award-winning forest adventures. They are guided by three core values: keeping the “adventure” in adventure; being socially and environmentally responsible – without being preachy; and doing the right thing.
The Rewards
Senior Sales Manager, George Nolan, says, “Go Ape believe that everything is more fun outside, including learning! Numerous studies prove the benefits that engaging outdoor experiences can have for young people, from developing confidence and wellbeing to improving communication skills.
Learning outdoors is the perfect way to help children grow their natural curiosity, improve their physical and mental health, and boost their self-confidence. Plus, an early-life appreciation of nature can lead to a greater desire to protect the environment as they grow.
The new Home Education days will be available at more than 20 locations across the UK for a discounted rate and participating adults will also qualify for these rates.
How To Book
To book a Home Education Day discounted session, go to Go Ape home Education web page and select your chosen location. Then, click the link to book either Treetop Adventure or Treetop Adventure Plus and apply the discount code HEDMAY23 at checkout.
Adventures Available
Designed for mini-adventurers over 1m tall, this is giant sized fun for kids under 6 years old. Every adventurer must have an accompanying adult on course. Price: From £14 per person.
An extension of the Treetop Adventure experience, this is the perfect step up for older kids over 6 years and above 1.2m who want to explore new heights and dial up the adventure. Price: From £18 per person.
The Emergence Of Influencer Culture In Education
The world has changed drastically in the last decade and the way people communicate and interact with one another is no exception. With the rise of social media, new forms of communication have emerged such as influencer culture. Influencer culture involves people with a large online presence, who have the power to influence the thoughts, opinions and behaviours of their followers. This form of communication has become increasingly popular due to its potential to reach a large audience and create an impact on society.
In the education sector, influencer culture is starting to shape the way students, teachers and school administrators interact with one another. For example, many universities and colleges are utilising influencers to promote their institution and create an atmosphere of excitement amongst potential students. Influencers are also being used to promote certain courses, create student engagement and encourage students to participate in activities such as sports, clubs and societies.
Developing Skills In Tech And Communication
In addition, influencer culture is being used to promote the development of leadership skills amongst students. Influencers are being used to deliver motivational speeches and seminars on topics such as communication and teamwork. This can help to cultivate a culture of collaboration and innovation among students and equip them with the skills necessary to become successful leaders themselves.
Furthermore, influencer culture is being used to help students connect with each other and with their teachers. They often engage with students and teachers through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, creating a more personal and interactive learning experience. This can help to create a sense of community among students and foster meaningful relationships between students, teachers and administrators.
Finally, and perhaps most obviously, the culture of influencers is being used to promote the importance of technology in education. They can demonstrate the power of technology in the classroom, helping to show students how best to use it, promoting it as a tool, and equipping them with the skills necessary to stay ahead of the digital curve.
Trending Up
In conclusion, influencer culture is having a significant impact on the way education is being delivered. If used effectively, this culture will help to create an increasingly interactive and engaging learning environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.
Fresh air, freedom and fun! Forest Schools add an extra dimension to formal education. Here’s what they’re all about and how to access them…
What are Forest Schools?
Forest Schooling is a holistic, inclusive, outdoor learning model which takes place over time, through practical, sensory, child-led sessions. Participants are well-supervised but given the freedom to choose activities, take risks and problem-solve at their own-pace. Depending on age and general group requirements, Forest School activities may include den-building, hammock-making, hide ‘n’ seek, tug of war, wood crafting, lighting a campfire (and if you’re lucky, maybe melting and eating chocolate and marshmallow s’mores!).
How did they start?
Forest Schooling as a UK entity was inspired by the Scandinavian ‘open air’ approach to early years learning: ‘friluftsliv’. It began in 1993, when a group of pre-school teachers from Bridgwater College in Somerset visited Denmark and returned enthused by the child-centred, ‘free-range’, outdoor learning ethos witnessed. Bridgwater offered a BTEC qualification in Forest Schooling two years later and with the help of Local Education Authorities, colleges, the Forestry Commission and the Open College Network; Forest Schools evolved. In 2012, the Forest School Association (FSA) was launched as the professional body – a charity with six core principles, which can be read about here.
How do they work and who can access them?
Forest Schools predominantly cater to pre-school and primary-aged children. Many UK primary schools now offer a Forest School component alongside the curriculum – such as hosting a series of sessions over several weeks for a particular year group. Often this is facilitated by a teacher at the school who has completed the Forest School qualification.
There are also recognised centres throughout the UK that facilitate Forest Schools for visitors. These may be one-off sessions but are far more typically courses spanning a longer period, to enable students, such as home-educated children, to develop skills and confidence over time. Activity sessions occur in pretty much all weathers – hence appropriate clothing is required. The FSA has a list of recognised providers on their site, though an internet search will also yield local Forest Schools, or you could ask your Local Education Authority.
What are the benefits of Forest Schools?
Recent research has shown that children growing up in 2022 are spending an hour a day less outside than their parents did at a similar age, but the rise of Forest Schools could play an important role in reversing this trend and reconnecting our children with nature. And aside from fresh air fun, participation benefits include: growth in confidence; learning to risk-assess and problem solve; acquiring resilience (A Forest School isn’t just for sunny days!); an increase in mental wellbeing and self-connection, team-work and engagement with the natural world.
Why are they gaining popularity?
The rise of Forest Schools is an important part of connecting our children with nature. An article in The Guardian (2021), which cites the head of the FSA, says demand for Forest Schools surged as a result of the pandemic, as their value was recognised in terms of child mental health, behaviour, confidence and Covid-safety (being held outside). They also balance out technology usage and inspire children to consider sustainability issues.
Sources
Welcome to the Forest School Association website | Forest School Association
Forest schools flourish as youngsters log off and learn from nature | Schools | The Guardian
You may have heard of the term “digital nomad” in various online forums, or even seen it in someone’s LinkedIn profile. However, what does the term mean? What is a “digital nomad” and what do they do?
Location, Location, Motivation
Digital nomads are a new generation of workers who are not bound by geographical constraints. Digital nomads are employees that work remotely. They usually travel to different locations around the world, working in coffee shops, co-working spaces, or libraries, relying on mobile hotspots or smart devices to do their work wherever they want. In the aftermath of COVID-19, it is estimated that 34% of employees still work remotely from home without needing to go back into the office. This means that the digital nomad lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular amongst young workers who want to travel to different countries while working on a 9-5 job.
What Are The Benefits?
The digital nomadic lifestyle offers several benefits to your average office job. For starters, some workers find that their productivity increases as there is no time to waste when one is travelling while working. Motivation comes with workers aiming to complete their tasks as soon as possible in order to maximise in which they can explore new places. This lifestyle also allows workers to become more adaptable as they are forced to work outside of their comfort zone. Creativity is increased when the brain connects two seemingly unrelated concepts together. Scientists call this “synaptic play” and it is the reason why working in a different, more exciting place can increase creativity in workers. Digital nomads also report higher levels of happiness than normal workers due to their flexible schedules and work locations.
The Challenges for To The Digital Nomad
However, the digital nomad lifestyle also has its drawbacks. One of the biggest disadvantages of being a digital nomad is that workers incur extra expenses when travelling or living at a foreign place. Travelling is time-consuming and expensive, and many digital nomads are freelance workers that are paid on an irregular basis. This means that there is constant pressure to keep expenses to a minimum in order to support a “work and travel” lifestyle. Furthermore, the nomadic lifestyle can sometimes be incredibly lonely and tiring. Travelling frequently to different locations means having to deal with cramped hotel rooms, new acquaintances and jet lag amongst other things, which may affect one’s productivity and work.
Overall, however,the digital nomad lifestyle is an increasingly popular trend amongst young workers, especially after the pandemic. It is captivating and attractive, albeit it can carry some downsides.
Metacognition To The Fore
Metacognition is often described as the process of thinking about thinking. It is a term that has found itself at the forefront of discussions around education in recent years and, as students, our teachers and tutors will often provide us with tasks or resources that will support or encourage this process of reflection on our own learning. However, having a solid understanding of the principles behind it and some of our own strategies for using it can help to ensure that, as learners, we can see the benefits in our own academic development regardless of the educational context.
Knowledge, Then Regulation
Metacognition can be divided into two areas. The first is knowledge and understanding of cognitive processes and the ways in which we learn new things. Whilst this might include learning about the psychology behind certain educational processes or the science related to the ways in which information is processed and stored by learners, it can also be much more simple than this. Taking time to reflect upon the tasks that you find easy or hard, looking at the ways different topics or areas of study may be connected or identifying what the motivation for completing the learning is, all support this process of understanding. As a learner, you might ask yourself questions such as; why did I find that task easy? Or, how does this information build upon what I learned last time?
The second is the ways we can use this understanding to regulate our learning experiences or adapt them to ensure their effectiveness. Again, there are many simple ways by which we can incorporate strategies for regulation into our study. An easy way to think about how we might do this is to identify the planning, monitoring and evaluation of the learning we complete.
Processes For Planning
Planning is something students often find challenging, but understanding the ways that the process can be considered metacognitive is actually a great way to bring focus to your plans. In this way, planning should be seen as ensuring that you have the appropriate knowledge, skills and resources to complete a task effectively. Knowledge organisers are a great way to begin as they will offer an overview of all of the information you should understand. Identifying a list of success criteria for the task is also a great way to ensure that you are focused on using the appropriate skills. From here, you can then begin to refine how you can bring the two together.
Time To Reflect
Building in opportunities to consider your own understanding of and achievement in relation to a task is an effective way to make sure that your performance is the best it can be. Before you begin a new task or area of study, identify what you already know about it and then come back to this regularly in order to monitor your progress. This will help identify any support you might require and ensure that your learning remains on track.
Effective Evaluation
Having strategies to evaluate your learning and the work you are producing is a vital part of the metacognitive process. Coming back to the initial intentions and reflecting upon your achievements in relation to these will not only allow you to recognise any successes but also support in the planning for your next steps. Remember, when evaluating your learning, as well as considering the work that you have produced, it is always useful to reflect upon the processes you used when producing it as this will highlight what you did or didn’t find useful.
From here, you can then start the planning process all again!
The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted our lives in many ways and will continue to do so for a good while yet. In terms of education, we have all seen the headlines: children have lost their way; school closures will affect classroom progression for years to come; young people from deprived backgrounds have been particularly badly hit. Yes, in many ways, all these points are true – but with the right intervention and support, such gaps can be addressed. But what about the flip side? Surely, despite the ubiquity of such negativity, there are some positives.
The Up Side
Learning remotely, for many, has its benefits – there are few distractions compared to those that might be found in a classroom of 30 teenagers. Students can work at their own pace, extending their learning in ways which might not be possible in a classroom setting. Using technology to learn can mean that a thought-provoking video clip can be watched time and time again, as opposed to just once in a conventional learning setting. Of course, there are always going to be students that do not have their own laptop or are regularly disturbed by everyone else in the family working from home. But it is important, I feel, to realise that not everything about education in the pandemic is doom and gloom.
Focus
This summer’s A-Level and GCSE results were largely decided by a combination of different assessment methods, given that national examinations didn’t go ahead. In terms of A-Levels, those attaining at grades A and A* were up almost 6% on 2020’s results. Admittedly, the run-up to finishing courses would have been stressful for many, particularly considering that examinations did not take place. Some Sixth Form students felt that studying remotely helped them to focus – and avoid the distractions they might ordinarily have had to contend with. During the different lockdowns, some students were limited with what they could do, socially, and therefore this meant that studying was prioritised. After the difficulties of the first lockdown early in the pandemic, schools upped their game in terms of provision for students: live lessons, one-on-one feedback, keeping close tabs on progression.
Looking Beyond The Pandemic
The pandemic has affected us all in many ways, and this is not going to disappear. Having said this, it is important to remember that it is not all bad news – and when it comes to education, we want the best for our students. Young people will not forget the challenges over the last 18 months (and yes, many of these challenges will have been extremely difficult). But as a way of moving on and progressing, it is important to have a ‘glass half full’ approach. After all, we can’t change what has happened – but we can make the best out of a bad situation and this, I feel, is essential.
Educational blogs can be a great way to read about the latest current affairs and news that can help you learn and write better. Blogs are an easy way to read about someone else’s opinions and thoughts on a variety of issues, and can be a fantastic resource to learn about new things. Here are a few more blogs that stand out from the crowd.
1) ICT Evangelist
ICT Evangelist is a great blog run by Mark, a former schoolteacher who has more than twenty years of experience teaching in a classroom. As a former assistant headteacher, the writer gives great classroom advice to teachers and educators and shares innovative ideas to encourage learning in the classroom for teachers and students alike. This is a great blog for not only for teachers, though, students alike can use it as a tool to catch up with the latest education developments.
2) Study Hacks
The author of Study Hacks is a computer scientist and published author, who publishes articles in his blog about what makes students successful. The blog talks about big ideas at the intersection of technology and culture, learning and passion, and discusses topics relating to his books that feature a wide range of educational topics. The author is most famous for his idea that working effectively entails going into “deep work” which means working without distractions in order to thrive in any situation.
3) Thank You Brain
Thank You Brain is a fantastic little blog that offers insights and summaries of research about how to improve memory and learning. The author, Dr. Bill Klemm is a neuroscientist, education consultant, and professor who writes about some of his research on his blog. Learners at all ages will be interested in his interesting articles about how to boost brain power and learning.
4) Grey Matters
Train your brain by following this fantastic little blog which offers brain-stimulating exercises for learners of all ages and abilities. This blog is a great resource for people who want to improve their memory through fun and engaging exercises that can be done alone or in a group setting.
5) Inner Health Studio
This may seem like a strange thing to say, but learning how to relax can help improve efficiency and productivity during studies. This blog contains resources and articles that teaches you how to relax, be mindful and feel less stress in general, which will help you study and learn better.
The COVID 19 pandemic has changed the way students learn significantly. While the most obvious change is that students have started learning online and accessing information on digital platforms, there are a lot of other more nuanced ways learning has been altered. Here are three things that you may not have thought about.
Widening The Education Gap
First, the pandemic has created a wider educational gap between the rich and the poor. Unfortunately, the suspension of in-person learning has meant that children considered disadvantaged may well have had little access to education, when they have had to be indoors throughout much of the last school year. Their parents may not have the right resources to access e-learning platforms and software which are necessarily to support their children’s education. Some families from less advantageous homes may lack access to the Internet, which means that their education will be deeply affected. As a result, some students may be unable to catch up to their peers and fall further behind on their learning. The gap between the advantaged and disadvantaged has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Uncompleted Courses
Secondly, the pandemic has impacted students studying for professional qualifications and degrees much more severely. For example, the combination of cancelled in-person training and exposure to clinical lessons have led to sectors such as medical education being disrupted. Law students were not able to practice their oral advocacy skills in classrooms that mimic a courtroom. This is another major challenge that certain education sectors have to face over the coming months and years. Providers have to think of new ways to provide training in alternative and innovative ways.
The Pandemic Has Made Us More Adaptable
Thirdly, more positively, teachers and students have become more adaptable and flexible when it comes to learning. Because the pandemic has forced schools to adopt a mixed educational model comprising of online and in-person learning, lots of new innovations have been born. Teachers have come up with more creative ways to engage with students online and are showing some of the incredible things that e-learning can achieve.
Perhaps no other sector has been harder hit than that of education. And whilst adaption has arrived, it has been a painful journey for many. The pandemic has impacted learning in a huge variety of ways. These are just some of them. We can hope, though, that sooner rather later, improvement follows experience.
As we enter a new year and find ourselves back in Covid lockdown, it is a great time to think about the skills you could gain to set yourself up for a job.
Building a CV
Although you might be thinking it’s too early to start planning for your career whilst preparing for your GCSEs, the earlier you start writing your CV, the easier it can be to keep track of your achievements.
Coursera is running a free online resume/CV course that will teach you how to organise, write, and format an impressive CV.
Canva is a really useful free tool for building more creative CVs (and countless other visual graphics) that look the part. It’s easy to use, and a popular digital marketing tool. Ability in digital marketing is a great skill to be able to demonstrate to employers.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are defined character traits and interpersonal skills that allow someone to interact well with other people. These skills can make it easier for you to create trust, build relationships, and lead groups.
Many high profile studies into the future of work argue that these skills are the most important – while technology is quickly replacing the need for technical skills, machines will never substitute an individual that can communicate effectively.
The Department for Education has recently introduced a new scheme called ‘An Hour to Skill’, a campaign that encourages young people to spend one hour a week learning online with the Skills Toolkit, with up to 40 hours of free training available. The 18 courses on offer contain lots of options for building soft skills, such as adaptability, resilience and remote working.
Extra-curricular activities are a brilliant way to develop these types of skills and they look great on a CV. For example, positions of authority such as school council roles show leadership, and any participation in interest groups illustrate a great willingness to learn.
Training Courses
For those studying at sixth form or wanting to gain greater insight into the world of work, specialised training courses are a brilliant way to upskill yourself. Online courses can boost your annual pay by £3,640, according to think-tank Demos.
Digital skills are becoming increasingly important – in recent years, the number of digital jobs grew almost three times as quickly as other occupations, with Covid having increased the pace at which workplaces are moving online.
The Skills Toolkit offers everything from coding and computer science, to marketing, social media and design, with courses provided from Google, Amazon and FutureLearn, as well as the Institute of Coding, the University of Leeds, and University Arts London Creative Computing Institute.
LinkedIn is also offering free classes until January 31st for the skills that they have identified as the most important to employers in 2021, such as data analysis and project management. There are also general career development courses on interview preparation available.
Conclusion
With courses taking as little as an hour, why not use a rainy afternoon in lockdown 3.0 to start thinking about your future? Because when it comes to your career, there are no wrong decisions – if you aren’t a fan of the course you take, it simply means that you’ve refined your career path further!
