Friday, April 25, 2008
Have Your Say ( April 08 )
There are a number of DCSF consultations currently running. We provide links to these and other opportunities we have spotted this month.
DCSF Consultation on the new 14-19 strategy for England and Wales.
Contribute your ideas and views on the new strategy for 14-19 years olds, including the new Diplomas and plans for A Levels .Open for six weeks from March 31st 2008. Click here.
Children's opinions on the impact of advertising.
Childrenand young people are being asked for their views on how and to what extend they feel their childhood is being influenced by advertising and merchandising. The consultation is part of a study for the government on the commericalisation of childhood. The work is led by Prof David Buckingham at the Institute of Education and will be used alongside expert evidence to inform the government as part of the ten year Children's Plan, launched earlier this year. This link leads to separate consultations for young people, parents and interested parties. Click here to take part.
Consultation on post 19 education
A joint consultation has been launched by the DCSF and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) seeking views on reform of the education of skills post age 19 and responses to the proposed changes to funding arrangements. Closes end of May. The proposals and the opportunity to submit to consultation are available by following the link . Visit the DCSF consultations site
Early years and primary maths review
Sir Peter Williams is currently undertaking a review of the teaching of mathematics in early years and primary settings and this week is the last chance for schools to take part in the consultation on his interim report. Visit the consultations area of the DCSF website to respond to this consultation
Futurelab gaming technolgy consultation
Futurelab are running a consultation asking for comments and information on how technologies are being used in schools to encourage student voice and thinking skills. They are particularly interested in the use of Gaming Technology and in BSF projects. Click here to take part.
Junior Language Challenge 2008
The Junior Language Challenge is now in it's sixth year, looking for the Champion for 2008. The competition is open to any child under 11 (on 1st September 2008) and the challenge is to try to learn up to three languages in nine months. All entrants are given a free cd-rom to learn the first language, Dutch, with further free software for those making it to the second language stage of the competition. Over 10,000 children have taken part in the competition in the past six years. Interested? For more information, Visit the EuroTalk website for more information
Shine Festival 30th June -4th July
Shine is a joint initiative between the Arts Council, Creative Partnerships, DCSF and others to have a nationwide festival celebrating the talents of young people. The idea is for as many schools as possible to hold an event to celebrate and share talent at the end of the school year. The emphasis is on including all young people and as wide a range of talents as possible. Visit the website for more information on Shine Week and to sign up for the free Creative Ideas pack available for every school in the country. Click here
BECTA ICT Excellence Awards
The deadline to nominate for this years awards is fast approaching. The awards are designed to recognise innovative and creative ways of using ICT in schools in the UK. Nominate here.
Free European Union resources aimed at 10-12 year olds
Passport to the European Union has been produced by the European Commission office in the UK, this free resource contains stickers of coins, flags and buildings of the 27 countries of the EU, as well as useful and interesting facts and information. It is free to schools to use in activities to mark Europe Day on May 9th. Order the booklet
It's alright to be bright
The National Association for Gifted Children has launched a campaign to raise awareness amongst children and young people that it's alright to be bright. Their website has free resources and support for parents,schools and children. The is a dedicated day (May 9th) for the campaign when NAGC are asking schools to promote positive attitudes to being gifted and talented with a suggestion of a wearing bright clothes as a mufti day. Click here