3. NEWS NEWS
MASTERS PROGRAMME TONY BALDRY
IN EDUCATION OPENS NEW
LAUNCHED IN INDIA DYSLEXIA
CLASSROOM
By Professor Richard Rose
Tony Baldry, Conservative MP for North
Oxfordshire, officially opened the Banbury Schools
new dyslexia classroom and resource centre.
Dyslexia is a learning difference, she has been able to develop her The dyslexia classroom at
a combination of strengths and knowledge and understanding of Banbury School will be a place
weaknesses which affects the dyslexia and her ability to deliver for students to come during
learning process in reading, effective teaching for students and the school day to develop their
spelling and writing. Dyslexic support for other teachers in the strengths and weaknesses and
learners may also have school. She has almost completed to be taught and supported by
accompanying weaknesses in her Level 7 Diploma in Specific specialist staff. We’ve purchased
the speed at which they process Learning Difficulties which has several games to help students
information, sequencing material enabled her to develop her ability develop their blending skills and
and with their short term memory. to carry out diagnostic assessments we have bought netbooks to help
These are the tools that students and write dyslexia reports. students develop their touch
need in order to learn in a typing skills and use electronic
classroom. Dyslexia can’t be I have learned a tremendous games like Nessy. We have also
‘cured’, learners will always amount from the course. I have purchased a library of Barrington
The module was taken by placed a new emphasis on learned the importance of
have dyslexia . Stoke books so the students have
experienced teachers working in a teacher responsibilities to multisensory teaching and a range of reading material that is
At the end of April 2012 the range of schools and other provision address special educational Natalie Dale, the specialist dyslexia overlearning skills and how to accessible to them.
School of Education launched from within Karnataka and Tamil needs and students with whom teacher and English teacher at administer standardised tests for
its MA Special and inclusive Nadu states. All participants were we are working in Bangalore are Banbury School, has completed students with specific learning NATALIE DALE
Education cohort for students very enthusiastic and engaged with keen to learn from the experience the Level 5 Certificate in Specific difficulties. I’ve grown in
a range of resources developed and expertise of tutors from the Learning Difficulties at The confidence when analysing the
in Bangalore, India.
specifically for this cohort of School of Education. University of Northampton where results from the tests also.
students. The next module will
The first module of the
be delivered in Bangalore
programme provided evidence of
in September.
enthusiastic and skilled teachers
The first module, promoting inclusive Many Teachers in India are who are already making a The new dyslexia classroom will also Netbooks, interactive games and
practice was delivered intensely over enthusiastic about studying for significant contribution to the enable Natalie Dale to hold after learning aids have been purchased
six days and will be followed over the an English Higher degree with lives of children with special school classes where students can to help them learn in a multi-sensory
next couple of months with face to The University of Northampton but educational needs and who develop their reading and writing way. Resources to help students
face tutorial support given by our two find it difficult to travel to England are determined to apply new skills, memory strategies, planning develop their literacy skills have
India based tutors and through skype leaving behind their families and learning and knowledge in strategies, complete homework and been placed on the school’s
tutorials given by Richard Rose other responsibilities. The Right the classroom. feel more confident in their abilities. learning platform too.
and John Visser. to Education Act in India has
PROFESSOR RICHARD ROSE
4 WWW.NORTHAMPTON.AC.UK/EDUCATION INSPIRE MAGAZINE. ISSUE 7, SUMMER ‘12 5
4. NEWS NEWS
TDA PILOT
MUSIC
MODULES
Sue Nicholls and Hilary Miles have
been delivering TDA pilot music
modules to a mixed group of 40
Year3 BA QTS, GTP and PGCE
students from the Universities
of Northampton and Leicester.
The modules are taught at two
levels, catering for the needs of The 40 enthusiastic students from SUE NICHOLLS,
both generalists and specialists. The University of Northampton SENIOR LECTURER OF MUSIC
Participants are exploring a very and the University of Leicester
full programme which has so far have attended the TDA pilot
included djembe drumming and music modules. Eager participants
an introduction to the ukulele. have explored djembe drumming
Feedback so far has been extremely and taken ukuleles and ocarinas
positive and there are two more home to practise. The students’
practical sessions this month response to the lectures and
and then students will undertake practical workshops has been so
an assignment involving teaching enthusiastic, that we are planning
and evaluating music lessons
PE SPECIALISTS
to put on an extra session before
On Wednesday 16th during their first term as NQTs. the end of term!
May 2012, 21 Year 1 PE
Specialist Students
VISIT CAROLINE from the BA QTS Primary
Education Course hosted
MATHEMATICS SPECIALIST John is a well-known international
writer and researcher who has
inspired many mathematics
CHISHOLM SCHOOL a Multi-Skills Sports Festival at
Caroline Chisholm School. TEACHERS GRADUATE teachers, including those on
our programme.
Almost 200 people gathered at The celebration provided an
our Park Campus to celebrate opportunity to stop and reflect on
the graduation of our first cohort what we have achieved through the
The event was a tremendous The students were encouraged to of Mathematics Specialist development and delivery of the
success involving a total of 240 adapt their plans and activities to As a result of the Multi Skills Teachers (MaST). MaST programme. It has been a
Year 7 children participating in a suit each individual group they Sports Festivals success, privilege to work with such
wide range of sporting activities received, offer praise and further events are being John Mason, who was Professor committed teachers and see their
under the guidance of the Year 1 PE encouragement when required. In organised between The of Mathematics Education at expertise grow. Their schools and
Specialist students. This fantastic addition the Year 1 students were University of Northampton the Open University for many children have benefited from their
opportunity provided the University required to adapt their teaching and Caroline Chisholm School years, was the keynote development and I know that the
students valuable teaching style depending on the groups they together with its feeder schools speaker commented. future of mathematics teaching
experience enabling them to put worked closely with to encourage for the next academic year. is safe in their hands.
I enjoyed the afternoon,
many of the teaching strategies maximum progress and fun from
and was thrilled to see so DEBBIE MORGAN, MATHEMATICS
previously learnt into practice. the Year 7 children.
much energy and enthusiasm SENIOR LECTURER AND
KIM DUFF - SENIOR LECTURER OF PE for mathematics. PROGRAMME LEADER
6 WWW.NORTHAMPTON.AC.UK/EDUCATION INSPIRE MAGAZINE. ISSUE 7, SUMMER ‘12 7
5. NEWS NEWS
UNIVERSITY STONEWALL LECTURE ON
TACKLING HOMOPHOBIC
AMBASSADORS BULLYING IN SCHOOLS
The School of Education was delighted to welcome Chris
In the Spring Term the School
Gibbons, from Stonewall, the UK lesbian, gay and bisexual
of Education staff have played
equality charity on Friday 27th April.
a key role in the establishment
of the ‘University Ambassador’
scheme. Through this scheme
30 undergraduates from the Chris delivered two keynote lectures Chris points out that, this is clearly The School of Education is looking
across the University have on Tackling Homophobic Bullying in indicative of how any young person, forward to extending its work with
been employed to work in local Schools. Chris’s lectures, featuring student, teacher or member of Stonewall, perhaps building on
schools on improving levels of everything from banned books, staff can experience homophobic the work of honorary Northampton
the repeal of section 28 and gay bullying and how we all have a duty graduate, rugby player Ben
aspiration and achievement. penguins were very well received, to challenge it. He also describes Cohen. Ben reports that he is
described by several students as the ITE students The University of passionate about tackling bullying
the highlight of the professional Northampton as amongst some of and homophobia in sports. He set up
studies programme this year. the most considered and reflective the Ben Cohen Stand Up Foundation
Students were selected through an Chris also ran small seminars with he has come across whilst giving which has been supporting the work
open application process and had PGCE students professional studies these lectures around the country of Stonewall’s Education
to undergo 20 hours of compulsory groups exploring in very practical for All campaign.
terms how students and NQTs I was highly impressed by the
training prior to being paid to work response and calibre of your Homophobic bullying doesn’t
in local primary schools. Staff from can make a tangible differences in
tackling this problem in schools. trainees. I think they’ll all go just affect young lesbian, gay
across the School of Education on to do very well. and bisexual people, it can affect
were involved in the selection and I suffered from homophobic any young people perceived to
projects in partnership with their The University’s commitment to CHRIS GIBBONS, SENIOR
training of the Ambassadors. This bullying throughout most of my be different, and stop them from
‘host’ schools. These projects are School Engagement is one founded EDUCATION OFFICER, STONEWALL
training included: teens at high school despite the achieving their potential, but
designed to help with raising securely in our moral purpose. We
• Teaching and learning strategies levels of aspiration amongst the believe that the intellectual capital fact I’m straight. Therefore, your we don’t have to stand for this.
pupils in the primary schools. of the University and its students lecture was very personal for me Stonewall resources are now in
• Behaviour management is a resource to be shared with and I feel you opened up a lot of every school, helping to tackle
The Ambassadors scheme is part of our community and that we have thought about how this type of homophobic prejudice
• Presentation skills the HE-School Engagement agenda a responsibility to work with our bullying can be prevented. and bullying.
• Lesson and activity planning which focuses on work with our school-based colleagues to enhance
partner schools to raise educational TRAINEE COMMENT BEN COHEN
• Safeguarding -Child protection and enrich the curriculum; provide
aspirations and achievement for the opportunities for personal growth
and disclosures young people of Northamptonshire. Learn
and development and to support ut
• Guided reading We believe that children are never young people with the transition from For further information on how the School of Education intends to m ore abo
too young to be thinking about Ston ewall
school to University. This project is a work with Stonewall or to get involved please contact
Following the training the their future or to be encouraged to useful first step in the development education@northampton.ac.uk
‘Ambassadors’ have been matched aspire to be the best they can be. of an aspiration raising programme.
to a local Primary or Secondary This particular project is aimed Working with schools brings real More information about Stonewall’s education work
school where they will work with specifically at widening children’s benefits not only to schools and their can be found at
classroom teachers to support horizons and allowing them to see students but also to the University, www.stonewall.org.uk/atschool
the development of literacy the extent of possibilities and the its staff and students.
skills and also manage bespoke range of opportunities that exist.
8 WWW.NORTHAMPTON.AC.UK/EDUCATION INSPIRE MAGAZINE. ISSUE 7, SUMMER ‘12 9
6. NEWS NEWS
EXPLORING CONFERENCE NEWS
NEW
TECHNOLOGY INCLUSION WEEK
The Inclusion Conference at The all our colleagues and external
University of Northampton 26th professionals for the high quality
Our international students had The Education -28th March 2012 for Year 2 BA seminars and workshops they
an opportunity to explore the Intel Show at the NEC QTS, GTP and PGCE students in provided. I would like to thank
Reader which converts text-to- in Birmingham. Initial Teacher Education proved all of the students for their It is hoped that the Inclusion
speech. They were also shown the The aim of the to be a great success with some engagement, enthusiasm and Conference affirmed amongst
beta version of the Achieve Tablet, visit is define very positive evaluations. discussions in the workshops/ us all the need to include all
which will be released in April 2012. criteria that seminars which really children/people, to embrace
I would like to thank Peter Wells demonstrated high levels of
The session enabled the students could be applied when purchasing and celebrate difference and
(Deputy Dean of School) for debate and commitment to
to examine some of the benefits of and using educational resources how to improve the outcomes
Opening the Conference and Jenny SEN and Inclusion.
such technology, but also some of to support inclusion from value for all children and young
Digges (formerly Senior Advisor
the limitations. Their suggestions for money (VfM) perspective. STEVE CULLINGFORD-AGNEW,
people with SEN including
SEN - National Strategies), Marie
for further development will Therefore they will be SENIOR LECTURER – SEN AND vulnerable youngsters.
Howley and Jane Badger for
be passed onto the company. considering purpose, input, INCLUSION
their keynote lectures and for
impact and outlay in the
Towards the end of the week, context of their home countries.
the international students will visit
3rd TEAN
Conference
AMERICAN EDUCATION
THE JOY OF SCIENCE RESE ARCH ASSOCIATION
– 18TH MAY
The theme for this year’s conference
S
(AERA) CONFERENCE NEW
was “Creating Effective Teachers”.
Dr Caroline Daly, from the Institute
During the last National Science children visited Think Tank and of Education (London) delivered the
and Engineering week across the
county, children met present day
Studfall children were able to use
a telescope won in a competition
– VANCOUVER, CANADA opening key note, encouraging
academics and higher education
scientists, pondered on problems by the Science Coordinator. institutions to think outside the
and engaged with practical work. students with a Statement of box in terms of course design,
Caroline Chisholm held their first On April 16 2012, Meanu
Special Educational Needs in widening participation and
Primary school children at Kettering Science Fair. It was a most exciting Bajwa-Patel, one of our PhD
England”, was well received. working collaboratively with a range
Science Academy participated evening with 52 children taking part students, and Dr Cristina
Congratulations to Meanu of partners. Debbie Morgan shared
in a competition on flight; St Loys in 18 teams from year 6 to year 12. Devecchi successfully
on her achievement. The some of her research and delivered
encouraged parents to support presented interim findings
I was delighted to act as one AERA conference is a highly a snapshot session on ‘Developing
children’s learning with a potato of Meanu’s doctoral study to
of the judges. The children competitive one where only Effective Teachers of Mathematics’,
plant event and Thrapston primary a roundtable audience. The
demonstrated their ability and around 20% of submissions whilst Anita Devi and Andy Smith
school focused on ‘movement’; in paper, entitled “Nowhere
genuine willingness to articulate are chosen to be included contributed to a seminar session on
Great Casterton, children and their fits: Exploring the issues
their findings. It is simply a joy to in the programme. ‘The paradox of learning: can good
families were challenged to build
see young eyes light up! around parental choice relationships between the teacher
circuits to light the Olympic flame; and school placement for and the student lead to greater
Old Corby children were enthralled ELAINE BATCHELOR - HEAD OF
independence of the learner?’
by the Commotion company, Flore INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING
10 WWW.NORTHAMPTON.AC.UK/EDUCATION
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8. NEWS NEWS
WELLINGBOROUGH
PRISON PROJECT
Second year BA Childhood and The students are investigating
Youth students taking the module the effectiveness of the Trust’s
Learn more
‘Children in Society’ met the Vice programmes and are hoping to
Chancellor to discuss their on-going gain an enhanced understanding about Anne
research at Wellingborough Prison. of inclusive practices within the Frank trust
prison setting.
The research focuses on the
work of the Anne Frank Trust. Four students were selected for
The ‘Anne Frank Prison Project’ the research, but the whole group
was founded in 2002 in response to of students also participated in
growing concern about racism and an open forum with prisoners and
prejudice in prisons, young offender prison staff to debate issues of
KEY NOTE Estelle Tarry and Anna Cox were
key note speakers at the Council
of British International Schools
school) as well as Colin Bell, the
Executive Director of COBIS. The
sessions, which included the Role
institutions and secure units. The
Trust runs educational programmes
racism, xenophobia, homophobia
and prejudice.
SPEAKERS
which include an exhibition on the
(COBIS) ‘Teaching Assistants of the Teaching Assistant, Teaching The Anne Frank Trust has invited
life and times of Anne Frank, the
Professional Development’ Assistant support for children the students to their Head Office to
historical context within which
AT COBIS
Conference in Rome 18th/19th with SEN and Effective Classroom present and discuss their findings on
she lived and the contemporary
February. The 18 Teaching Assistant Management, were very positively completion of the research in May.
relevance of this point in history.
delegates from International received. The newly validated
Schools in Rome, Rome La Storta, Certificate for Teaching Assistants
Milan, Alicante and Basel were in an International Context was
Thinking of becoming a
joined by 3 members of the senior promoted at the event and it is
management team of St George’s hoped that further international
International School (the host links will be generated.
Partnership school?
KEYNOTE ADDRESS The School of Education works in strong
partnership with schools throughout
Schools have welcomed this increased
involvement in teacher education not only
AT CONFERENCE
Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, for the insight it gives them into general
Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, professional development but also for the
Warwickshire and Leicestershire. access it gives them to a pool of high quality
IN INDIA
Newly Qualified Teachers (NQT’s).
We value the contribution of our partner
schools very highly and work collaboratively We are always looking to increase the number
to produce inspiring teachers of the future. of schools within our partnership and offer free
Our partner schools have a clearly defined in-house mentor training for all staff members
Last week Feb Richard Rose Development Goal on achieving
shared responsibility with the School of and an ongoing program of regional training for
presented a keynote address to universal primary education.
the Fourth North South Global Richard’s paper Supporting
Education for programme development, all staff involved in mentoring our students.
Dialogue Conference in India. This Communities Towards a More recruitment of students and for improving and
conference bought together NGOs, Equitable Education System was increasing students’ school based experience.
national politicians and researchers based upon work in which he has
to consider work undertaken been involved with colleagues in
If you would like to find out more please contact the Partnership Team on:
in support of the Millennium Southern India since 2000.
01604 892473 or email sarah.miller@northampton.ac.uk
14 WWW.NORTHAMPTON.AC.UK/EDUCATION INSPIRE MAGAZINE. ISSUE 7, SUMMER ‘12 15