Posts

My trip to CERN August 2023

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Hi All, It is great to be blogging again- it has been too long. And what an amazing topic to be sharing...  I feel lucky and so proud to have visited CERN in Geneva (which was established in 1954) with The Ogden Trust and the University of Birmingham during the holidays.  Research, Innovation, Collaboration. Inspiration. All true of this amazing place. It was such a valuable and inspirational experience which really highlighted to me the value of collaboration, curiosity, resilience and positivity- and the amazingness of the global Science community; if only every element of life had the same humanitarian outlook!   (Surprised and happy to find that my friend and amazing PSQM colleague, Kathryn Horan, was also taking part in the visit). I was so lucky to be participating, with a group of 9 other teachers, in an educational visit with/through The Ogden Trust. It was the most amazing experience where, throughout the week, we all really became friends through participating in shared event
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YE_STEM Equity Compass

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  Hi All,   Another blog about another subject I feel so passionately about… that links to engagement by all pupils in STEM learning at primary school which is vital to help ensure we have a fully qualified and broad-based workforce to meet the future needs of our evolving planet. IT is developing rapidly and the population is rising whilst resources are dwindling. It is so important for the future and for our pupils that we nurture rounded individuals with key skills to cope with these and other such issues.    I learned such a lot during whilst undertaking my Masters in Education throughout 2020/21.  Such pursuits entail challenging stereotypes and engaging our children in relevant, hands-on, problem-solving activities which can support them to develop key ‘habits of mind’ and skills required in their lives going forward- contributing towards enhancing potential future happiness and fulfilment. It is vital that we appropriately facilitate our kids learning and opportunities for them
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Sir Ken Robinson

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Hi All,   It is great to be blogging again- sorry it has been a while…   I wanted to share some learning with you that I did during my Masters in Education in 2019-20 and the work of the fantastic Sir Ken Robinson. So sadly, Ken passed away two years ago. He was an author, speaker and advisor on education who was born and lived in Liverpool and the UK, teaching at Warwick University amongst other things before moving to the USA to continue his career in Education. He was knighted in 2003. What I learned from him- along with many millions of others- has had a profound effect on my teaching pedagogy and understanding of learning. He had such a clear understanding of needs within our education system. Check out these brilliant TED talks and clips which you will find really engaging and enlightening.    ‘Do Schools kill Creativity’ 2006, 74 million views approximately https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity?language=en   ‘Bring on the Learning Revolution’ 2010
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Writing for 'Primary Science Journal'.

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Hi there, I am a proud member of the Association of Science Education (ASE) 'Primary Science Journal' (PSJ) Editorial Board and really love contributing to the journal, regarding issues I feel passionately about that relate to Science/STEM education. Although I had not written a journal article before, I was so pleased when my work was published in the PSJ January 2019 issue 'Curiosity', with support and encouragement from the wonderful Dr Leigh Hoath (and other colleagues). Leigh was PSJ Editor until recently succeeded by Robert Collins. This has undoubtedly enabled me to develop in my role as Science Lead at our school and in becoming a Primary Science Consultant in a wider way.  Articles have included 'Developing the Engineering in STEM' (Issue 161, Jan/Feb 2020) which shared ongoing development of Primary Engineering learning at my school (Burlington Junior School in Bridlington) with our partners, SEERIH/ The Royal Academy of Engineering. Also, 'A Coast
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Environmental/Climate Change Education

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Environmental/ Climate Change Education   In this time of uncertainly regarding our climate and increasing negative environmental issues (in my learned experience) children want to know what they can do to help? They are confused about why more is not being done by adults- especially those in power. Increasing mental health and well-being issues are visible, compounded by COVID 19 and climate anxiety. This is the most important issue/challenge that we face and I feel passionately that we must engage and empower our children with knowledge as they develop into the adults of tomorrow who will inherit responsibility for our planet.   Strategies to begin to address/de-mystify the issues in school. At our junior school in East Yorkshire, we are working hard to provide opportunities to support our pupils in actively recycling, leading a more sustainable/cyclical lifestyle and learning about relevant issues in their own locality. We use ‘ Picture News’ , an excellent assembly resource, to hig
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