Latest News
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
connect_staff 05.09.17Updates From The Apprenticeship Levy Conference
Launched in April, it is hoped that the government’s new apprenticeship levy will offer a multitude of opportunities; however implementation of the new scheme has not been without its issues, with one in three employers claiming the day before it launched to be unaware of it and many more voicing confusion about how it would … Continued
Alastair Fielden 30.08.17JCQ Access Arrangement Update
It is that time in the education calendar when the latest Access Arrangement regulations are updated from the JCQ. Having read through the updated regulations this last week I thought it might be helpful to bring to your attention a few of the highlights that I have noted have appeared and to offer a relevant … Continued
Kirsty Macfarlane 25.08.17Supporting Pupils In The Transition From Primary To Secondary School
The transition from primary to secondary school can have a considerable impact on pupils’ lives. They will be facing many changes such as navigating their way around a new, often larger building, taking on new subjects and meeting new students. It is therefore unsurprising that 65% of pupils have stated that they feel anxious about … Continued
Kirsty Macfarlane 24.08.17An Interview With Connect’s Lead Braille Designer
What does it take to learn braille? Connect’s Lead Braille Designer, Emilia discusses the learning process and describes what a typical day in the studio is like. Can you tell us a bit more about your role at connect? As Lead Braille Designer, I oversee the modifications, transcription, and quality control of all braille products. … Continued
Kirsty Macfarlane 18.08.17What Should Pupils Do If They Fail Their GCSEs?
With exam results rapidly approaching, the next week is sure to be a stressful time for pupils who have recently taken their GCSEs. However, failing an exam is not the end of the world. There are many options available to students if they don’t obtain their desired marks. Talk to the school The first step … Continued
Kirsty Macfarlane 16.08.17Everything You Need To Know About The New GSCE Results
It is estimated that the Government has spent nearly £400,000 on publicising the new GCSE system. However, there is still confusion as to exactly what these changes are and the impact that they will have on pupils who are waiting to receive exam results next week. Read on for answers to common questions that parents … Continued
Kirsty Macfarlane 11.08.17Which Accessible Formats Are Suitable For Your Organisation?
RNIB statistics have shown that half of blind or partially sighted people feel “moderately” or “completely” cut off from the world around them. They also predict that by 2050 the number of people with sight loss in the UK will double to nearly 4M, while a recent Action on Hearing Loss report indicates that the number … Continued
