Category: Connect News
Natalie Preece 
25.10.17Theatre in education and the social and emotional development of young people
Kevin & Perry (Enfield, Burke), Lauren Cooper (Catherine Tate), Vicky Pollard (Matt Lucas), any teacher would dread finding any one of these names on their register. TV, film and literature have provided us with some classic teenage archetypes. All of these characters share similar traits; over reactions, a lack of rationality and heaps of attitude. … Continued
Alastair Fielden 04.10.17The Assistive Side Of Ed Tech
We jump in our car, turn it on and expect it to get us from A to B without needing to understand its internal workings, unless one happens to be into vehicle mechanics. Most of us approach the use computing devices in the same way; we turn it on, expect it to work and call … Continued
connect_staff 28.09.17The Importance Of Drama And Theatre In Education
Most people are familiar with the Chinese proverb “tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember. Involve me and I will understand. Step back and I will act”. Theatre in education is the embodiment of this sentiment. Embracing the pupil as an active participant in the learning process. This empowers the … Continued
connect_staff 21.09.17Revamp Of Primary Assessment
After a twelve-week consultation, the UK government’s website announced this September its plans to, “create a stable and proportionate primary assessment system for the long-term.” These reforms are intended to: Introduce a new baseline assessment at the start of reception from September 2020 Make the Early Learning Goals clearer, aligning them closely with Key Stage … Continued
Susan Day 20.09.17Teacher Retention: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
A famous song by The Clash but very much the tune of choice in many teachers’ heads. Teacher recruitment in the UK is reaching crisis point. By 2025 there will be 3 million pupils of secondary school age, but very few of these are choosing careers for themselves in the world of education. We hear every … Continued
Kirsty Macfarlane 15.09.17Improving University Recruitment And Retention
Recent surveys have left several UK universities falling behind bench marks set for student satisfaction. Furthermore, application rates have decreased in 2017 by 4%, while research from 2016 indicates that only 37% of British students believe that their university offers value for money. It is clear that many factors such as increased fees and less … Continued
Kirsty Macfarlane 13.09.17Connect Are Now Working With Bath Spa University
Connect are delighted to announce they are working in association with the Institute for Education at Bath Spa University who will be using C-Live, our innovative teacher-training aid as part of their teacher training programmes from September onwards. Bath Spa is a teaching-led university, committed to promoting excellence which is one of many reasons why the Institute for Education … Continued
Alastair Fielden 12.09.17Autumn Colours: Seasonal Motivation For Writing
“To everything – turn, turn, turn, there is a season turn, turn, turn…” So sang The Byrds, in their 1965 version of Pete Seeger’s song. Which brings us to the turning of the season, when summer struggles to hold on before gracefully bowing down to the colours of Autumn’s majestic cloak. Words can tickle the … Continued
Kirsty Macfarlane 08.09.17How To Ensure That CPD Has A Lasting Impact
Having previously discussed the effects that ineffective Continued Professional Development (CPD) can have, it is also worth thinking about how to ensure that any training undertaken has a lasting impact as even the best CPD can be rendered useless if it is not applied or monitored properly. How, then, can schools ensure that teachers receive … Continued
Kirsty Macfarlane 06.09.17How To Avoid The Pitfalls Of Ineffective CPD
CPD for teachers offers a multitude of benefits ranging from improving pupil interaction skills to ensuring that they stay up-to-date with industry developments. However, while Continued Professional Development can increase teacher motivation, ineffective training can have the opposite effect. With teacher retention at the lowest level it has been in a decade, it is important … Continued
