Independent schools today are effectively their own mini-economies; as well as providing students with an outstanding education, they must also succeed as effective financial entities. Needless to say, parents expect fee-paying schools to lead the way, whether in terms of extra-curricular activities on offer, quality of teaching staff or innovation in the use of resources and new technology.
Designed to support these needs and provide ideas and advice to schools, the Education Show returns as the UK’s leading training and resources event from Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 March 2014 at the NEC Birmingham.
The free programme of continuing professional development (CPD) at the Education Show is renowned for bringing the biggest, brightest and best ideas, case studies and advice directly to visitors. This year is no exception.
The benefits of learning technology in the classroom can be experienced by all types of schools. A panel of exemplary school leaders will join the session ‘Using technology to enhance learning’ in the School Leaders Summit at 10.50am on Thursday 20. The potential benefits of using tablets and mobiles in the classroom and how it can effectively raise attainment, will be discussed. The work of exceptional school leaders around the country in raising the standards of UK education as a whole is inspirational. At 12.25pm on Friday 21 inthe School Leaders Summit session, ‘Power half hour: Innovating teaching and learning’, three such school leaders will each have seven minutes to present interesting examples of what they are doing in their schools to raise standards and student achievement, using only pictures.
Visitors to the show will also benefit from the knowledge and advice of more than 350 leading education suppliers who will showcase the latest teaching tools and most cost-effective procurement schemes. From whole-school solutions to best-value classroom resources, visitors can try and test a range of products and services.
Being aware of students’ viewpoint is crucial to ongoing success. On stand A47, a new exhibitor, Me and My, will showcase its unique online software to help capture and interpret pupils’ views. The Pupil Insight Software provides school leaders with insight across key demographic groups and instant live analysis of whole-school performance. Real-time data allows reports to be produced automatically, providing staff with the information they require instantly.
The learning environment can have a significant impact on the ease of lessons and the final outcomes. Learnstor™ Teaching Wall on stand C64 is a multi-purpose storage system, proven to free up classroom space by storing all classroom resources, including shelving, trays and suspension filing. With a whiteboard and projector mounted centrally, it provides a superb backdrop for teaching. Learnstor™ can upgrade an existing room or be part of a visionary new build interior.
With the centenary of the First World War this year, schools up and down the country will commemorate the event. To support this, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is launching two new educational programmes on stand L61. The Virtual Cemetery is an interactive online resource that will engage students in the work of the Commission through film clips, lesson plans and activities. The new, nationwide ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’ experience will raise awareness of the 170,000 war graves in the UK, providing opportunities for schools to visit cemeteries and memorials across the UK with an expert guide to deliver a bespoke lesson.
Wondering what else to see? The British Educational Supplier’s Association (BESA) will be on hand managing the show’s main Information Point, helping visitors plan their day, find the most appropriate seminars, workshops or resources and maximise their time at the event.
To discover more about the Education Show 2014 and to register for free fast-track entry, please visit www.education-show.com.
