Features

Changing minds

Learning outdoors and school gardening are brilliant starting points for developing a fundamental understanding of our dependence on the natural world. Eden project explains

By RIO Schools Service Lead Consultant Jonathan Clitheroe
It’s a challenging time for schools right now. Funding cuts, policy shifts and an emphasis on value are driving change in the sector and the need for schools to function effectively as businesses is more apparent than ever.

An inspirational environment

Design and Build

By putting staff and students at Phoenix High School in control of their new building project, Hammersmith & City now has one of the most iconic and functional sixth forms in the country

Serving up a great lunchtime experience

Catering

Good food at school? It comes down to six staples – enough time for lunch, decent dining rooms, freshly cooked food, affordable prices, stay on site policies and cooking in the curriculum

Learning with benefits

Curriculum

The new English Baccalaureate certificate is causing much debate within the secondary sector. Ray Barker, director, BESA outlines the various views and potential implications for the primary sector

Nurturing the next generation

Outdoor Learning

There’s much to learn in British classrooms today, however, Garry Campbell from environmental charity Groundwork, explains how moving lessons outdoors can be a practical way to boost schoolchildren’s learning potential while reconnecting them with nature

Learning lessons in school site security

Security

Accessing schools is hardly a challenge, so protecting the perimeter and buildings themselves with physical security measures is essential in order to deter intruders. Such measures can be cost effective, according to James Kelly, CEO of the British Security Industry Association

Off-site ticks the boxes

Design and Build

Modular and portable solutions are becoming increasingly popular within an education sector struggling for space, says Jackie Maginnis of the Modular & Portable Building Association

Committed to continued improvement

School Management

Through simple changes and real desire for change, Perry Beeches has achieved the seemingly impossible; radically transforming behaviour and academic achievement without any extra funding

The long reach of early childhood

Special Education

Sue Gascoyne, educational trainer and founder of Play to Z Ltd, discusses the importance of providing rich sensory experiences to strengthen brain development and how these can be accessed

Beneath the surface

Sports

The choice of site and installation of a synthetic sports surface can be a minefield. Mike Abbott, from the Sports and Play Construction Association, offers a comprehensive guide

A helping hand for applicants

Sports

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, gives pre and post-funding advice by addressing some of the applicants’ most frequently asked questions

Learning lessons in energy efficiency from the star performers

Energy

Over half the public buildings on the DEC energy rating database are schools. When only a tiny percentage of these were awarded an A rating, for many it was a clear case of ‘could do better’

The importance of better eating environments

Catering

According to the saying, you are what you eat, but what about where you eat? The School Food Trust offers help and advice to increase meal take-up and make your dining space inspiring

Charity backs classroom initiatives to confront violence among youths

Bullying

What do a short film and a classroom of children have to do with reducing violence on our streets? A lot, according to violence prevention and reduction charity Stand Against Violence

Schooling young minds in the web’s darker side

ICT

Cliff Lineker, director of qualifications at BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, says the long-standing need for online safety skills to be taught in schools is finally starting to gather some momentum

Shaping citizens in the great outdoors

Outdoor Learning

David Harvey, acting head of two Lake District outdoor education centres, and chair of the AHOEC’s Northern Region, argues that outdoor experiences can deliver profound benefits and nurture skillsets that extend young personalities in ways not achievable in the classroom.

Unique and inspiring

Conferences and Events

With a warm welcome, fine food and drink, and venues to suit all budgets and tastes, Scotland is the perfect place for your conference, meeting, incentive and event management needs