Redbridge Schools' ICT Leaders

ICT Mark changes - a summary

2011-05-06T10:06:00.007+01:00

Firstly - it's definitely still here which is great news. For those who don't know ICT Mark has become the benchmark for schools to review their ICT management against looking at the 6 key elements of:

Leadership and management

Planning

Learning

Assessment

Professional development

Resources

The self-review framework website, and the assessment process, were both part of Becta's work - with the management of this contracted to Naace. Since Becta has left the stage it has been confirmed that the ICT Mark will now be endorsed by the Department for Education. A recent email to schools from Naace includes the phrase "Naace is delighted to announce that it has received a concession from the Department for Education to continue to administer and quality assure the ICT Mark for Schools". This means that the transfer process is incredibly seemless.

There are a few changes, however, which are worth highlighting.

The cost of initial assessment has changed to three bands £400, £550 and £650 depending on the size of the school.

From 1st June 2011 a method will be put in place for some schools to renew the ICT Mark by conducting a remote assessment. This should reduce the cost for renewing schools and can be used up to 6 months after the expiry date. It looks like to be eligible for this remote assessment the school will need to evidence that they have continued the self-review process and have documented progress on the identified areas of improvement.

Schools who have prepared for ICT Mark renewal with support from a Licensed ICT Mark consultant will result in a reduction in fees depending on the report the consultant passes on to NAACE.

The ICT Mark has long been the benchmark of good practice. Naace are developing a further accreditation stage for schools who demonstrate excellent practice.

Details concerning all these changes are available on the ICT Mark pages on the Naace website.
Redbridge has an Intermediary Model arrangement enabling assessments to be done at significantly lower prices. If you are in a Redbridge maintained school please get in touch to find out how you could benefit from this.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Redbridge Technicians Forum - Thursday 19th May 2011

2011-05-05T15:37:00.004+01:00

The Technician's Forum is open for all technical staff within Redbridge Schools to network and gain from some thought provoking presentations, opportunities to share good practice and find out what is going on in other schools across the borough.

Your place will cost £35 (to cover administration, venue and refreshments) but if your school subscribes to School Improvement services there is no extra cost. This is very useful CPD at a very low price! Book your place now on the http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ website.

This will be the 6th RTF meeting and on the agenda we will look at Microsoft's new licencing process, managing large projects and different ways to manage printing across the school. We will, of course, also ensure you are up to date with what is going on across the borough.

Feedback from the last meeting shows over 90% of attendees said it was 'worthwhile' or 'very worthwhile' attending. Delegates listed a variety of particularly good points, including statements like "all sessions had information relevant for my role", "[I valued the] professional input from suppliers" and "updating with local authority information [was] very useful". Book now on http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/!

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

(If you are not a Redbridge maintained school and would like to attend please contact us.)

School breaches Data Protection Act

2011-05-03T12:50:00.010+01:00

A school in Oldham had a laptop stolen from a teacher's car. Following this press release from the information commissioner’s office several issues have returned to the forefront of senior managers' minds within schools:

• Which data is included in the Data Protection Act?
• What should we be advising staff on the use of laptops?
• What should we be advising staff generally?
• What encryption systems are considered acceptable?
• Should we have a policy on this?

This blog post will respond to these common questions and give you a starting point if you are considering these issues yourself.

What data is included in the DPA?

Fundamental to the Data Protection Act is the need to protect data “which relates to a living individual who can be identified”. It includes “expression of opinion” (e.g. school reports) and “indication of the intentions of the data controller” (e.g. the school’s plan to involve an external adviser to review a child’s behaviour). Summary data is not included. For example a graph summarising last year’s exam data would not be a problem, but a list of which students got what grades would be.

For more detail on what personal data is see this quick reference guide from the ICO.

What should we be advising staff on the use of laptops?

If laptops simply contain teaching materials there is no problem. If the laptop may contain pupil or staff data as well then you must have taken reasonable steps to protect it. ‘Reasonable’ is redefined as technology changes. It has included in the past password protecting the computer, password protecting the file and now it is considered standard to use encryption as it is now a mature technology. (See below for further details.)

The Redbridge advice to council staff in the workplace is:
• If you leave your laptop switched on but unattended you must activate the password protected screensaver.

When out and about:
• Only use encrypted removable media approved by ICT Services
• Never leave your laptop unattended and never allow anyone else to use your laptop
• Beware of your surroundings when working out of the office. Consider the location you choose with care. Ensure you are not easily overlooked and never open documents or communications that are of a commercial or personally sensitive nature.
• Ensure you are not exposing your laptop to opportunistic theft.
• Only connect to approved or known wireless networks.

This advice is quoted from "Laptop User, Mobile Working and Removable Media Security Guidelines".
Redbridge Schools may obtain the full document on request.

What should we be advising staff generally?

The data security advice available on the LGFL website includes the following list of Do's and Don'ts - courtesy of Brent Council:

DO...
• Strictly limit access to personal data to those who need it to do their jobs.
• Tailor the subset of data users can see to that required to do their job.
• Enforce the use of strong passwords that contain both numbers & capital letters.
• Enforce regular password changes that do not allow users to reuse old passwords.
• Regularly review users & rights to ensure that these reflect job needs, they are current & correct.
• Do ensure that remote access to the school network is limited & that connections are encrypted.
• Limit & control the personal data that is taken from the school on portable devices (Memory sticks, PDAs, Laptops etc.)
• Ensure that all personal data that is taken out of the school is in encrypted form.
• Ensure that personal & other data is regularly backed up & that a copy is securely stored off-site wherever possible.
• Ensure that all file servers that contain personal data are in a secure, normally locked location.
• Ensure that PCs that have regular access to personal data through the logged in user are provided with a password protected screensaver.

DO NOT
• Allow any personal data to be taken from the school in unencrypted form on removable media (memory sticks, portable hard disks etc.) or on laptops, netbooks or PDAs.
• Allow remote access to fileservers using products such as PCAnywhere or Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Connection software.
• Post unencrypted spreadsheets or databases containing personal data on public facing web sites.
• Post children’s photos on school websites without ensuring that no personal details are present in the file name or metadata.
• Do not allow children’s photos to be downloadable from school web sites by right-clicking the image.
• Allow remote access to file servers from “Any IP Address” without strictly limiting the range ports that are opened.

Your school will need to ensure that this is communicated on to staff. Many schools achieve this by having an Acceptable Use Policy which is signed by staff on an annual basis.

What encryption systems are considered acceptable?

Current advice from the Information Commissioners Office states:
"Encryption software uses a complex series of embedded mathematical algorithms to protect and encrypt information. This process hides the data and prevents any inadvertent access or unauthorised disclosure of information. Since encryption standards are always evolving, it is recommended that data controllers ensure that any solution which is implemented, meets the current standard such as the recommended FIPS 140-2 (cryptographic modules, software and hardware) and FIPS – 197."

USB keys are on the market using FIPS 140-2 level of encryption costing upwards of £40 (examples here) and laptop encryption software costing about £90 per device (example here) . The cost of these might prevent a school from encrypting all laptops, however, choosing to encrypt key laptops (e.g. those used by the senior management team) may well be appropriate.

N.B. By listing these example products, LBR is not recommending them, simply demonstrating that such products exist.

Make sure you have discussed within your school which devices need to be encrypted and take steps to ensure that this is done.

Should we have a policy on this?

The simple answer is ‘Yes’. Should you wish to review your current policy then you may like to look at the following template policy listed on the LGfL website.

What should we do now?

The Information Commissioners Office have asked the school (the ‘data controller’) to undertake a set of actions as follow up from this security breach. You could use this list as a checklist for your own school, making sure the following takes place:

(1) Portable and mobile devices including laptops and other portable media used to store and transmit personal data, the loss of which could cause damage or distress to individuals, are encrypted using encryption software which meets the current standard or equivalent;

(2) Staff are aware of the data controller’s policy for the storage and use of personal data and are appropriately trained how to follow that policy;

(3) Compliance with the data controller’s policies on data protection and IT security issues is appropriately and regularly monitored;

(4) The data controller shall implement such other security measures as it deems appropriate to ensure that personal data is protected against unauthorised and unlawful process, accidental loss, destruction, and/or damage.

Further reading on this topic from the Becta archive available here. Should you have any further questions please get in touch with myself, the Redbridge ICT Unit, or your ICT support provider.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Learnmeet 2011 - 1st July 2011

2011-04-28T10:49:00.002+01:00

What is a Learnmeet?

"This year the Redbridge Games Network is running an event to celebrate the creative, inspiring and innovative work carried out in schools - but it has a slight twist. We are all used to teachers talking about their work, this time it will be the children in the classes showing off what they have done."

There is extensive detail about this initiative on the Redbridge Games Network website. I am very much looking forward to supporting this event and celebrating with schools the excellent work that is taking place across in Redbridge Schools.

Whilst the idea has come out of the enthusiasm of the Redbridge ICT team it is not necessary for the idea to be the result of an ICT lesson. In fact, some of the best innovatory practice we have seen has been when technology has been applied successfully to other subject areas. Technology can speed up or slow down time, allow students to model complex systems, to meet and collaborate with people on the other side of the globe, to become the author, the video editor, the presenter in their own learning.

On the RGN website the Learnmeet entries will be judged on the following:

Impact factor – Number of children who benefited from the project;
Innovation factor – The innovative way of using technology;
Learning factor – The quality of learning shown;
Inspiration factor – Could you inspire other schools to do it too?;
Wow factor – Make us go wow!

Could your class do that? Events like this provide the opportunity for students to experience and present learning in a situation they may remember forever! They will also be able to see and hear from other students and schools. I am pleased to be supporting the Redbridge Games Network in this initiative and am already looking forward to the 1st July!

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Where are the resources now?

2011-04-26T14:59:00.010+01:00

Becta is no more, the removal of the National Strategies website has left many members of the education community feeling more than a little bereft, and Teachers TV is soon to follow suit. In these changing times we can be reassured that electronic resources are rarely lost - simply relocated. This is a quick post to say where things are now.

Becta:

The main Becta website was 'captured' by the National Archive service on 30th January 2011, a day before the website closed.

It will possible to access indefinitely by clicking on the image to right or using this link.

Becta also ran a second website - Next Generation Learning - which was known by some staff as their 'Wow' website. It was intended to provide information quickly about technology in schools to a wide audience. It was also promoted to parents in national newspapers.

This website was archived on the same day and is available here.

National Strategies:

This website was archived on the 5th April 2011 and is the latest archive available. All these resources are available here.

Teachers TV:

The current site is still live but "The Department [for Education] is making all 3,500 15min Teachers TV programmes and related content freely available on a non-exclusive basis" (DfE website). Whilst the twittersphere is talking about downloading the content to non-Governmental servers the DfE is clearly planning a method by which we can all maintain access to the majority of the content. When a URL for the new site becomes available this blog will be updated.

These archives will become a very interesting snapshot for historians in years to come of what education looked like by the end of the Labour Government 1997-2010. The technology schools used, the pedagogical advice teachers were provided with and the videos of how this then looked in practice will all be archived. What will be of tremendous interest to all is how much of this will all seem dated in this new world of academies, free schools and the eBacc, and what will stand the test of time.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

eSafety ideas for schools

2011-01-27T11:56:00.004Z

As promised the Redbridge LSCB eSafety subgroup have compiled a set of eSafety ideas to start the thinking going in preparation for Safer Internet Day 2011 - 8th February. Whatever age group you work with, from KS1 to KS5 here are some discussion starters, assembly ideas, lesson activities, competitions and even links to age-appropriate posters.

All the resources are available from weblinks given within the document, although some interactive resources will only work for London schools. This document is not a comprehensive list of everything, rather a start point for teachers thinking and planning for eSafety lessons.

SID2011 - School Planning

Ofsted say that in outstanding schools "In the five schools where provision for e-safety was outstanding, all the staff, including members of the wider workforce, shared responsibility for it. Assemblies, tutorial time, personal, social, health and education lessons, and an age-appropriate curriculum for e-safety all helped pupils to become safe and responsible users of new technologies."

Get everyone involved, be creative and get the message heard.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

eSafety information direct to your MLE

2011-01-18T14:04:00.003Z

There are various eSafety feeds available to access. Redbridge has its own one running for this half term in preparation for Safer Internet Day on 8th Feb. It will be updated at least 3 times a day over the next few weeks allowing eSafety messages and discussion starters to filter out during this period.

The information feed is managed through the social networking system Twitter and is available to see by going to www.twitter.com/LBR_eSafety. Twitter limits information to 140 characters and so this is just long enough to give an interesting fact, signpost a useful resource or some interesting research and give the web link. Take a look at the feed to get an idea of the sort of information. (Web links are often given in their smallest possible format – e.g. http://ow.ly/3F1MU - as defined by the Twitter website being used and the code #SID2011 is used to label this piece of information as related to Safer Internet Day 2011.)

We recommend you add the feed to your online staffrooms, or with older students you may like to add it directly to PSHE pages that they access to start discussions. If you use twitter yourself you may like to ‘Follow’ the username @LBR_eSafety to get updates to your own account.

A quick 'how to’ guide if you are using Fronter

To link this feed into Fronter you need the ‘RSS feed’ code:
https://twitter.com/statuses/user_timeline/239332819.rss

1. Go to the page where you want to the information feed to appear and add a container onto the page.

2. From the list of possible things to include in your page you will see “Inset Dynamic Today Element”. If you select this one of your options will be for an ‘RSS feed’.

3. This will add a section onto your web page for RSS feeds. You now need to click “Edit RSS Feed” which will take you to a screen where you can “Add RSS feed”.

4. Copy the RSS feed code above into the box labelled “Url to RSS”, choose a number of articles to display (e.g. 8) and don’t worry about displaying the abstract. Save your changes by clicking Save.

5. Now return to your page and you should see a set of information articles appear signposting interesting eSafety information or resources.

Last note
If you work in a Redbridge school and would like us to add the RSS feed to your online staffroom please get in touch and one of us may be able to do this for you.

Alex Rees

Redbridge Network Nominated for Award

2010-12-16T14:36:00.003Z

The Redbridge Games Network has been nominated for an award for Hero Innovators & Innovations for Learning. The Network has been working on how games based learning can be used effectively in the classroom. This is an exciting opportunity and its all down to the public vote!

Text REDBRIDGE to 07950 080 667
(Its charged as a normal txt so don't worry about that!)

So get voting!

Check out the rest of the nominees here and more about the awards here.

Thanks

LGFL Next Generation Learning - Spring dates

2010-12-16T09:00:00.000Z

There are four opportunities for school leaders to benefit from the Next Generation Learning programmes in the Spring term. These are open to school senior leaders as well as ICT subject leaders. However, it is strongly recommended that at least two people attend from each school so as to take full advantage of the opportunity the programme provides for planning the integration of Digital Technologies across a full range of school activities. Wherever possible, one of those attending should be the head teacher.

The programme is delivered in the context of:

In an outstanding school:

Use of Digital Technology has a significant impact on OFSTED grades
Digital Technologies are fully integrated, ensuring pupils have the necessary digital skills to succeed
Excellent management of Digital Technologies ensures high levels of safeguarding for pupils, staff and data
Digital Technologies promote quality engagement with parents and the broader community

To book places please email julie.walker@lgfl.org.uk and provide the following information:

Full name, job title, School, LA, email address
London MLE user name (Fronter) if you have one. (For access to programme resources)

Further information can be found at http://www.ngl.lgfl.net/

New York and Oaks Park video conference

2010-12-15T11:34:00.004Z

Students from Oaks Park spoke at the opening ceremony of the London-New York video conferencing partnership, set up by Mina Patel from London Grid for Learning.

Representatives and students from London and New York schools and local government were linked by video conference at the Tower Hamlets City Learning Centre. There was a ceremonial cutting of the ribbon by Lord Jim Knight (former Minister for Schools) in London and Charles Dedrick (District Superintendent) in New York.

Both Lord Knight and the Mayor of Havering were impressed with our students and they also found an appreciative audience in the New York students.

Here is the link to the news on Teachers TV taken by ITN

http://www.teachers.tv/news/82891

Redbridge school sees Africa United

2010-11-23T09:35:00.000Z

Pupils from Beal High School were invited to the Mayfair Hotel in Central London on October 15th to interview the actors of Africa United and watch the movie. The interview trailers featuring Beal High pupils can be found here:

Filmstreet - Africa United

(Click bottom left of the screen.)

Film Street is delivered by a partnership of http://www.artistsatwork.org/ and the London Grid for Learning.

Mina Patel

mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk

Secondary Fronter User Network

2010-11-22T14:46:00.003Z

The next meeting of the Redbridge Secondary Fronter User Network meeting will take place at Wanstead High School on the 30th November 2010. The meeting will start at 4:15pm and will last for about 1 hour. It is an opportunity for staff to share news, experiences, highs and lows of managing the Fronter MLE in their environment. The meeting will be chaired by Wanstead High School. If you would like to attend please see your MLE project manager or email me directly.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Education City offer for Redbridge

2010-11-17T14:50:00.003Z

Following an opt-in scheme arranged in Autumn 2008 the London Borough of Redbridge currently holds a licence for 38 schools to have access to the Education City online content. Information about the product is available at http://www.educationcity.com/. The current licence arrangement is due to expire for the majority of these schools December 2010.

We are aware that many Redbridge schools make extensive use of this product and are confident that it is making a significant difference to the educational experiences they are providing for their students. It is not our policy to promote individual ICT products. However an educational demand has clearly been demonstrated for this product and the Borough has therefore negotiated an arrangement to the benefit of the schools.

If you would like details of this arrangement please email me directly. I will only be able to provide the offer details to known Redbridge schools' ICT contacts or your school's Headteacher.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Redbridge ICT Subject Leaders - THIS THURSDAY!

2010-10-31T12:59:00.003Z

Final reminder to book yourself on this terms subject leaders course. http://redbridgepdc.org.uk/

Can I remind everyone that you shouldbring a laptop, there will be a limited supply to borrow as normal.

Also more importantly can you bring with you your staffmail username and password.

Thanks

Nic

ICT Subject Leaders Agenda - 4th November

2010-10-24T11:02:00.002+01:00

Hopefully you have all booked on though PDC. If not what are you waiting for. Got to http://redbridgepdc.org.uk/ and search for ICT subject leaders.

The exciting Agenda this time is as follows.

9:00am - Welcome and News

Where we will be feeding back on a wide range of issues across the borough. Including USO and Educationcity.

9:30am – 10:30am

Key theme: Planning your school’s ICT Curriculum -

How do you start reinvigorating your ICT curriculum?

10:40am – Here’s something new…

Whats PurpleMash? 2simple will be along to demo their newest product.

11:00am - Training Experience – Hands-on with online tools

Have you heard of these? Prezi, Busy things, j2e, iBoard

- A chance to learn a new tool.

12:00pm - News from the floor

How have we have saved money?

12:15pm - Close

What events are coming up?

--------------------------------------------------------------------

1.20pm - 3.30pm - Afternoon Session

Choice of 2 sessions.

1. What is G2? How can the class teacher use this flexible tool?

2. Stuck with your learning platform? Not sure where to go next? How to get unstuck!

Redbridge ICT Subject Leaders - 4th November

2010-10-20T12:15:00.004+01:00

Sign up now for the first ICT Subject Leaders of the year.

Go to redbridgepdc.org.uk and search for ICT Subject Leaders. Its on Thursday 4th November.

The agenda will be posted on Thursday this week.

Hope to see you all there.

Nic

Highly Commended: Churchfields Infants’ School

2010-10-20T11:45:00.000+01:00

ICT Excellence Awards 2010: Best Whole School - London

In the best whole school category, schools must demonstrate that their strategy and vision for ICT stretches across the whole school and beyond and is having clear impact on the outcomes for pupils, staff, parents and the wider community. This award recognises schools that are at the very forefront of transformational use of ICT, who are keen to share this practice and continue to find new ways of working.

Highly Commended: Churchfields Infants’ School and Nursery, South Woodford

Highly commended for continuous professional development and advanced use of their learning platform.

Find out more about this school at: http://www.churchfieldsinfants.redbridge.sch.uk/

ICT guidance for Ofsted inspectors

2010-10-18T15:07:00.006+01:00

It is important to note that this guidance is intended only to inform the judgements made by specialist inspectors carrying out subject survey visits. It is not for use on Section 5 whole-school inspections. The statements copied below refer to what is considered to be Outstanding practice. If you are interested in the other ICT statements or other subject guidance notes click here.

This advice was published 30 September 2010.

Achievement in ICT

Pupils show exceptional independence and discernment in their use of ICT. They are able to think for themselves and take the initiative in, for example, asking questions, carrying out their own investigations and in working constructively with others. They show significant levels of originality, imagination or creativity in their understanding and skills within the subject. Appropriate to their age and ability, they make highly effective use of a wide range of equipment and software. Their knowledge and understanding of how to keep themselves safe when using new technologies is extremely thorough and comprehensive. They are highly enthusiastic about using ICT.

Quality of teaching in ICT

Teachers of ICT communicate high expectations, enthusiasm and passion about their subject to pupils. They have a high level of confidence and expertise, both in terms of their specialist knowledge and technical skills and their understanding of effective learning in the subject. As a result, they use a very wide range of innovative and imaginative resources and teaching strategies to stimulate pupils’ active participation in their learning and secure outstanding progress across all aspects of the subject.

The Curriculum in ICT

The imaginative and stimulating subject curriculum is skilfully designed to match to the full range of pupils’ needs and to ensure highly effective continuity and progression in their learning. All strands of the statutory ICT National Curriculum are covered extremely well for all pupils, in ICT lessons or in a planned and monitored way across the school curriculum. Pupils are able to use their ICT skills in realistic and challenging situations. Excellent links are forged with other agencies and the wider community to provide a wide range of enrichment activities to promote pupils’ learning and engagement with the subject. Students in KS4 have access to a wide range of appropriate ICT qualifications, including vocational options.

Effectiveness of Leadership and Management of ICT

Leadership is informed by a high level of subject expertise and vision. There is a strong track record of innovation. Subject reviews, self-evaluation and improvement planning are well-informed by current best practice in the subject and in education generally. Subject leadership inspires confidence and whole-hearted commitment from pupils and colleagues. There are effective strategies to delegate subject responsibilities where appropriate and to share good practice and secure high quality professional development in the subject. The subject has a very high profile in the life of the school and is at the cutting edge of initiatives within the school. Access to ICT equipment is outstanding, and the school is likely to have promoted the use of mobile technologies. The school has a virtual learning environment (VLE), which gives pupils and staff very good access to their work and to the school’s learning resources at all times, and has a significant impact on pupils’ achievement.

Overall effectiveness in ICT

Overall effectiveness in the subject is likely to be outstanding when:

Achievement in the subject is outstanding, or achievement is good and outstanding leadership and management underpin the capacity for sustained improvement in the subject. At least one, of teaching or the curriculum in the subject, is outstanding, and neither is less than good.

Course info: FITS training

2010-10-18T09:55:00.001+01:00

The London Borough of Redbridge is an accredited FITS provider, and will be repeating the FITS Practitioner course 4 times this academic year.

11-12 November 2010

23-24 February 2011

3-4 March 2011

Cancelled: 31 May - 1 June 2011

Replaced with: 16 - 17 June 2011

This course is a 2 day course for ICT technicians and network managers responsible for supporting the school's network. It provides a range of strategies and management approaches to ensure the delegates run an effective support service for their school.

The benefits shown are recorded by schools who have already completed FITS training.

FITS is based on the industry standard ITIL framework and it is a certificated course with a formal exam on the second day. The examining board is SQA and the resulting professional qualification for successful candidates is NQF level 4.

It costs £200 per Redbridge delegate and you can book online using the http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ website.

Alex Rees

alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Course info: eSafety awareness

2010-10-15T10:55:00.005+01:00

On the http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ website listing this course is repeated on three mornings this academic year:

Wednesday - 1st December
Tuesday - 1st March
Tuesday - 14th June

The course is being coordinated by the Local Safeguarding Children's Board enabling education and non-education professionals to attend together. To book on this course you need to use this link to the Redbridge i LSCB training catalogue, and complete this nomination form to register on the course entitled: "Safeguarding Children in a Digital World:e-Safety & Cyberbullying".

The "Safeguarding Children in a Digital World" course is ideal for eSafety Coordinators in schools or other organisations to give a strong grounding in all the key eSafety issues.

On the afternoon of each of these days there will be the opportunity to stay on and formally do the Child Exploitation and Online Protection training, which allows you to use police made education resources with young people. The course is entitled "Half day CEOP Thinkuknow Training Course". It is a requirement of the police that all who attend this course must be able to present a valid CRB form or a warrant card, and current id with a photograph on it.

For further information about these courses please follow the links above, contact the LSCB directly or get in touch with me on the email address below.

Alex Rees

alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Fronter training in Redbridge

2010-10-13T14:29:00.004+01:00

We have once again pre-arranged Fronter trainers to be in Redbridge throughout this academic year. They are running courses on Fronter Administration (Basic/Intermediate/Advanced) and Webfronter - the tool that enables schools to create public websites using the Fronter system. (It is always valuable to have several trained administrators in a school to provide backup in case of illness.)

Most of these courses are charged to schools at the subsidised rate of £95 per delegate. To book onto them please use the Teachers' Centre website http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Which is the best whole school?

2010-09-28T12:31:00.005+01:00

Following recently news from the political front line Becta have unfortunately not been able to trumpet the ICT Excellence Awards 2010. That hasn't changed the fact that judging has been done, inspectors have visited and a short list has been published. Two of our own Redbridge schools are waiting to hear the final decision on who is the best whole school for the London area.

Best whole-school - London

Churchfields Infants' School, South Woodford, London
Gearies Infant School, Ilford, Essex
Scargill Infant School, Rainham, Essex

We are incredibly impressed that Gearies Infants and Churchfields Infants have been shortlisted. There are well over 2200 schools in London and for two Redbridge schools to be in the top 3 is a incredible achievement. It is worth mentioning that the third school in the list is from neighbouring borough Havering so here in the East there is clearly much good practice.

The winners will be announced in October and we look forward to hearing the final result. In the meantime, these 3 schools deserve the praise that is due for being shortlisted. Well done!

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Home Access ICT Grant - Thanks a million!

2010-09-23T11:04:00.004+01:00

This government grant was designed for families with students studying at KS2 and KS3 who did not have access to ICT at home. Each family could apply for a computer and a year's worth of internet connectivity fully paid for by the Home Access Grant scheme. Many of our schools were very proactive in ensuring their students who were eligible put in strong applications.

Across Redbridge we supported 2080 successful applications across 67 schools. In addition Social Services and the Children Looked After Support Service made a further 30 successful applications on behalf of foster carers.

Given that each grant was worth £528 the success of this project is equivalent to an amazing £1,114,080 additional ICT funding to support students studying in Redbridge.

Well done all those of you who supported this project. The impact of this project is already being seen by the teachers who work with these students, but it will only become truly measurable as these students reach the end of KS4 and start taking public exams. Let us wait with hope to see what a £1m seed into the collective futures of Redbridge children will grow into.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Fronter Training`Hands On`@ RTC

2010-09-22T08:12:00.002+01:00

Fronter Training (Primary and Secondary hands on workshop )– Tuesday Oct 12^th, Teachers Centre

The course will run from 9. 15am -3.45pm at the Redbridge Teachers Centre.
The training is for teachers with all different levels of experience in using Fronter.
Please go to www.redbridgepdc.org.uk to book your place.
The workshops will be ran by Mina Patel (LGfL). Rosemary Hunt( Fronter), Rob Spriddle ( Redbridge Primary) and Alex Rees (Redbridge LA).
The day course will consist of four different hands on workshops where you may choose which workshop to attend.
Please bring your own lap tops with you to enable you to access the wireless internet connection at the Teachers Centre.
Agenda below:

Time	Trainer	Title
9.15 – 10.30 (session 1)	Rosemary Hunt	Using Fronter for Foundation and Early years
	Mina Patel	Using LGfL content and Fronter

10.30 - 10.45 BREAK

10.45 -12.00 (session 2)	Rosemary Hunt	Using Fronter Learning Paths
	Rob Spriddle	Using Fronter for Literacy

12.00 – 12.45 LUNCH

12.45 – 2.00 (session 3)	Rob Spriddle	Using Fronter in Maths
	Alex Rees	Using Fronter for Heads for Department

2.00 – 3.15 (session 4)	Mina Patel / Rosemary Hunt	Primary Lesson Plans( KS2 )
	Alex Rees	Using Fronter for Student council

3.15 – 3.45 ( END)	Rosemary and Mina	Show and tell & Fronter Tips and Tricks

What is a TeachMeet?

2010-09-21T10:47:00.005+01:00

Learn something new, be amazed, amused and enthused. This is an informal gathering of those curious about teaching and technology. Anyone can share great ideas they've trialled in their classrooms, ask important questions or simply sign up to take part in learning conversations. Everyone is welcome to join in: teachers from all types of schools, teaching all subjects and age groups. The main part of TeachMeet is hearing stories about learning from teachers. It is a chance for teachers to hear ideas from each other and be inspired by colleagues, along with a whole bucket load of networking to boot!

If you have never been to a TeachMeet, then the good news is that there are two coming up in our local area.

TeachMeet Essex will be held on Tuesday 19th October 2010 at The Pioneer School, Basildon, Essex, starting at 5 pm.

For more information and to sign up-
http://teachmeet.pbworks.com/TeachMeetEssex

TeachMeet East London will be held on Wednesday 3rd November at the CEME centre, Rainham, Essex, starting at 6pm.

For more information and to sign up -
http://teachmeet.pbworks.com/TeachMeet-East-London-2010

Dawn Hallybone

dawn.hallybone@redbridge.gov.uk

National citizenship film competition for 11-16 year olds

2010-09-17T11:01:00.003+01:00

This creative filmmaking competition is open to 11-16 year olds in schools and youth groups across the UK. The competition theme asks students: 'If you could make one law what would it be?'. With support from Parliament's Education Service, teachers and youth group leaders can help participants explore their understanding of lawmaking and its impact on their lives by producing a short film clip. Shortlisted filmmakers will be invited to Parliament for a screening, celebration and award ceremony.

On the 22nd October there will be a free one-day course that will help you combine filmmaking and lawmaking. This practical course will focus on creative cross-curricular planning using the Lights, Camera, Parliament! project as a stimulus for the delivery of Citizenship, ICT, English and Media Studies in your school.

For more information click: http://www.parliament.uk/lightscameraparliament

LGfL Primary Schools’ Conference - 1st November 2010

2010-09-16T13:45:00.002+01:00

There are a wide range of relevant seminars for teachers to choose from, plus key presentations in the plenary sessions. We are very pleased to welcome Professor Stephen Heppell ‘the UK’s leading online education guru’ as our opening keynote speaker.

Mark Ducker, Headteacher of Gonville Primary School, who featured at the LGfL Consortium Conference in July, will explain how he has used the London MLE to great effect to drive school improvement, as well as saving considerable time and money. This presentation follows the Ofsted framework and reveals how Ofsted inspectors came to upgrade their assessment of Mark’s school from good to outstanding before even entering the school through prior access to the school’s MLE.

While there is a strong focus on the use of learning platforms, and the London MLE in particular (the conference is jointly organised with Fronter), the event provides an invaluable opportunity for schools to increase the benefit they derive from a wide range of LGfL services and on-line content as well as the opportunity to discuss individual issues and gain ‘hands on’ experience with LGfL Curriculum Consultants and LGfL supplier partners.

The date has been carefully chosen, being the first Monday after the half-term break, when some schools may wish to take advantage of an Inset closure day and bring the entire teaching staff for a full day of CPD.

As with the successful Secondary event held in July there is a small delegate charge of £48+vat which includes lunch and refreshments through the day. There will also be an opportunity for delegates to take a conducted tour of the stadium at the end of the Conference for an additional £10 fee.

Places are limited and registration is essential (ASAP), and available via www.events.lgfl.net.

Brian Durrant, LGFL

ICT Transition Project

2010-09-13T10:44:00.000+01:00

Woodlands Junior School, South Park Primary school and Loxford School took part in a transition project to help year 6 pupils find out more about their Secondary school. The pupils were all added into a shared room. Year 6 pupils were each asked to post questions to year 7 about life at Loxford.

The Year 7 pupils created ppt presentations to answer their questions. Year 6 then voted for their favourite presentation using a debate forum to describe why it was the best one.

Mina Patel

mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk

Churchfields Infants’ School, MLE Good Practice

2010-09-10T10:40:00.000+01:00

Churchfields Infants’ School in Redbridge have been using the London MLE extensively for all their classes. Three video tours include examples of parental engagement, showcasing work and extending learning from Nursery to Year 2. See examples on the Embedding ICT good practice page.

Mina Patel

mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk

Multimodal Literacy at KS3

2010-09-09T14:36:00.000+01:00

Year 8 pupils at Wanstead High School and Oaks Park High School both created multimodal books using windows movie maker and MS PowerPoint. The books were uploaded into a shared room in the MLE. Pupils voted for their favourite books and wrote reviews for each other’s presentations. Sarah Dyer, children’s book illustrator, also wrote her review onto the forums and met the pupils via Video conference to discuss their stories.

Mina Patel

mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk

Primary TA ICT Course BOOKING NOW!

2010-09-09T10:24:00.002+01:00

Starting next week will be the Primary ICT TA Course.

Over six sessions TAs will be taught a wide range of ICT skills that they will be able to use in the classroom.

We will be covering:

How to use Interactive Whiteboards
How to use digital cameras in the classroom.
How to use a range of Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Foundation software.
How to effectively use Web resources.
How to support SEN and LA children using ICT.

Each school can send a maximum of 2 TAs. No more than 15 schools will be able to attend so places are limited.

They will need to come with a digital camera which is charged and the correct cables and a USB Key to save any work.

If you are interested can you please book all sessions via PDC. (Seach for ICT TA) TA's are expected to attend all sessions and complete some short gap tasks within school. Sessions run from 9AM till 3PM.

Primary ICT TA 1 (six day) 16 September 2010

Primary ICT TA 2 (six day) 24 November 2010

Primary ICT TA 3 (six day) 20 January 2011

Primary ICT TA 4 (six day) 23 March 2011

Primary ICT TA 5 (six day) 18 May 2011

Primary ICT TA 6 (six day) 22 June 2011

Thanks

Nic Hughes

ICT AST and Advisory Teacher

Maths Transition Project - Manic Measuring

2010-09-08T14:29:00.000+01:00

Beal High School working with its two feeder schools, Redbridge Primary and Parkhill Juniors, all took part in a manic measuring project. The year 7 and 6 pupils had to collect data about their schools and add it to a forum in a shared room. Then the pupils were given the task to present their data, and interpret it. They then uploaded their findings into a folder for each other to see.

Mina Patel
mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk

ICT Consultancy 2010-11 - what's on the menu?

2010-09-06T09:50:00.005+01:00

Within Redbridge there is a range of additional ICT consultancy available to schools - the 'menu' is listed below. All support packages can be tailored to suit your own school context. If you would like access to one of these packages please email tina.pennells@redbridge.gov.uk in the first instance who will be able to send out a detailed description of what each heading might entail. She will also collate the requests for termly prioritisation.

The list of consultancy packages is as follows:

1: STRATEGIC ICT COORDINATION AND LEADERSHIP
1.1 Whole School ICT Leadership & Management
1.2 Planning Your School’s ICT Curriculum
1.3 Ensuring Quality ICT Learning
1.4 Robust Assessment Of ICT Capability
1.5 Sustainable ICT Professional Development
1.6 Resourcing ICT In Your School

2. MAXIMISING LEARNING PLATFORM EFFECTIVENESS
2.1 MLE Initial Implementation Meeting
2.2 Learning Platform Progress Review
2.3 Teaching With Fronter: Basic Training 1 & 2
2.4 Teaching With Fronter: Advanced Features

3: HANDS-ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
3.1 Interactive Whiteboard Usage
3.2 New/Inexperienced Subject Leader Support
3.3 ICT Teaching Support

4: OTHER
4.1 Innovative Technology In Learning Projects
4.2 Games Based Learning Projects
4.3 eSafety Strategy Review
4.4 eSafety Parents’ Presentation
4.5 Enhancing Learning Using LGFL Services4.6 Cluster Projects

All Redbridge schools continue to access ‘Universal Support’ for ICT in the shape of:

Email and telephone
Our blog: http://redbridgeictsubjectleaders.blogspot.com/
No-cost events held at Redbridge Teacher Centre: http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/
Technician Forums / Hands-on Fronter training / Primary Subject Leader Meetings, …
Chargeable courses held at Redbridge Teacher Centre: http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/
Fronter administrator training / FITS accreditation / Webfronter training…

(ICT Technical Support can be obtained from the IT Unit by contacting gary.jelks@redbridge.gov.uk.)

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Attend a 30min Fronter Webinar

2010-08-30T12:30:00.003+01:00

Fronter are putting on some free webinars over the next few weeks.

08/09/2010 - How to...create a test

14/09/2010 - How to ...create hand-ins

15/09/2010 - How to ...use the new ILP

22/09/2010 - How to...use the new Goal Tool
29/09/2010 - How to....use Fronter and Elluminate for learning games and competitions

06/10/2010 - How to....use Creaza for shared multimedia projects

13/10/2010 - How to....run effective Fronter forums

20/10/2010 - How to....use Fronter and Elluminate for creative writing projects

They take a bite-sized 30 minutes of your time for a Fronter trainer to take you through some of the Fronter tools online and after school. For more information click here.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

The app-store for Fronter?

2010-08-16T15:19:00.004+01:00

Following the recent presentation at the Primary ICT Subject leaders event, the Resource Gateway, from Pearson, is now available for our Fronter schools.

The Resource Gateway provides a straightforward new tool to access and use digital resources within our Fronter platform. There is the opportunity to work with free resources and a useful preview of hundreds of other assets to support teaching and learning across the curriculum. Think of it as the app-store of the Fronter world - your school can add professionally made resources and share them with staff and students to access from home and school. If you already have licences for some of the resources in CD-ROM format, Pearson will give you access to the online versions for no extra cost.

To find out more, please open the Fronter e-newsletter: http://www.fronter.info/uk/news/UK_Resource_Gateway2.html

Engaging girls - a quick how-to...

2010-08-10T13:48:00.010+01:00

A nice 15 minute TeachersTV video of ideas from the secondary ICT environment to get the thinking going at the beginning of a new term. Some key messages that come out of it are:

Context: make it relevant - not exclusively gender-biased
Collaboration: enabling team and pair work
Creativity: set tasks that allow students to show flair and difference

The programme also extols the virtues of setting up a CC4G club (with resources prepared for KS2 and KS3) and points out that when girls do opt to engage in ICT - most obviously at KS4 and KS5 - they often outperform boys with regard to the grades achieved. Also when you take ICT out of the ICT classroom, girls claim to be enjoy using it more.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

ICT CPD for free

2010-08-10T11:23:00.005+01:00

Naace, the professional association for those interested in advancing education through ICT, has made available FREE on-line continuing professional development opportunities for ICT practitioners. Online courses have been developed and fully evaluated and can be accessed by anyone, simply by registering on the site http://www.ictcpd4free.co.uk/.

Current courses:

Monitoring Using ICT –BRAND NEW!!
Web 2.0 Visual Learning Collaboration Tools (Primary) –NEW!
Web 2.0 Visual Learning Collaboration Tools (Secondary) –NEW!
Assessment of ICT in the Primary Phase
Assessment of ICT in the Secondary Phase
Developing Higher Order Thinking Skills Utilising ICT
Embedding e-safety in the Curriculum (short course)
Embedding e-safety in the Curriculum (long course)
Introduction to finding Digital Resources
Exploring Digital Media
Finding Digital Resources
High Interaction, Reflection and Peer Assessment Through Online Forums
ICT Subject Knowledge in QCA Primary Framework
Modelling and Models for Learning
Monitoring Using ICT
Using ICT in Innovative Ways

I have checked some of these out and they are brilliant! If you have a spare hour and you are pondering how to enhance your career - this is a brilliant place to start.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Home Access Grant - final update

2010-08-09T12:33:00.003+01:00

If you thought it was all over read this from the Home Access team, written on 5th August 2010.

"Limited funding is still available for around 10,000 grants mainly due to some families choosing not to return their application forms. The telephone lines are reopening to send out additional application packs; as before, grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Families that have already received application forms, or have been asked to provide further evidence, should return their completed documents as soon as possible or run the risk of missing out. To request an Application Pack families should contact the Home Access helpline on 0333 200 1004."

Could you still make use of this grant?

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Facebook advice for parents and young people

2010-07-21T12:40:00.007+01:00

Several schools have requested a simple guide-sheet that can be given to parents to enable them to have an informed conversation with their children about their Facebook settings. The first version of that guidance is available here.

Please feel free to distribute to parents if you feel it is relevant in your school. Remembering that it is not meant to be an exhaustive "how to..." but it is meant to ensure the parents have an informed discussion with their children, knowing the sorts of settings that can be changed.

If you are a Redbridge school and would like the original document to customise to suit your own school, or you would like to offer some comments on how this guidance should be adjusted, please get in touch.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

What does DfE think about ICT in schools?

2010-07-06T11:47:00.006+01:00

The Department for Education have just released a paper entitled:
Department for Education addresses £1bn of unrealistic inherited spending commitments

In it they state:
"We have previously announced small cuts of £8m to specialist schools capital, of £15m to the extended schools programme, and of £50m to Harnessing Technology grants, as contribution to the Chancellor’s £6.2bn fiscal consolidation, and in order to make progress this year on the government’s commitment to free schools."

The go on to announce that they will further reduce the Harnessing technology grant as follows:
"Harnessing Technology: £50m. a further saving is being achieved. The programme will now be worth £100m to all local authorities. They have received the first quarterly payment and will get the second, giving them time to plan to reconfigure their broadband and IT infrastructure programmes."

The DfE attempts to pre-empt some key questions:
"Q Does this mean that you do not see IT as a contributor to the improvement of educational standards – you have just also disbanded Becta?
A Appropriate IT is a strong supported of good teaching and learning. It is however now well embedded in schools, and we do not think that further hypothecated capital investment is needed."
Q Does this mean that schools will have to abandon broadband contracts that are essential to a data rich IT environment?
A These contracts are a call on revenue, not capital, funding."

Whatever your opinion might be of the DfE's position LBR will necessarily invest "time to plan to reconfigure their broadband and IT infrastructure". If you wish to share your opinion - you are welcome to comment on this blog. You may well wish to read today's news within the context of the LGFL executive position previously published on this blog.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Help - there are videos of our students on Youtube!

2010-07-06T10:59:00.005+01:00

A number of schools have discovered parents busily uploading their memories of children's sports days and school performances up onto the video sharing site: youtube.com. Such videos containing other students can be cause for concern, both to the school and to other parents.

What can be done now that it has happened?

Firstly the school unfortunately has little right of recourse with youtube if you want to remove footage of school events that includes your students, unless the footage for some other reason breaks youtube's Community Guidelines.

However, the students are data subjects, and under the data protection act youtube will remove footage of identifiable children upon their parent's request. On the youtube site there is a Privacy Complaint Report that parents of other children in the footage can use to get videos removed.

How can I prevent the situation from occuring in my school?

Your school policy could outline that footage of school events can be used for personal memories, but must not published onto any public area of the internet, including social networking sites. A reminder of this policy can be put at the bottom of programmes for events. (If you are particularly concerned you could ban parents from using cameras completely but this might be detrimental to parents enjoying and celebrating their child's achievements.)

As with many eSafety concerns the easiest way to remove any content from the internet is always to ask the person who uploaded it to delete it. They will often comply when they realise that it breaches your own safeguarding rules. Most schools ask permission from parents on an annual basis before using their children's images on publicity, prospectuses or any other public material. Given that you have taken care with their child's privacy, most parents will agree to show similar care.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

LGfL and Harnessing Technology Grant

2010-07-02T11:41:00.001+01:00

The following information has been provided directly by the LGFL trust:

On 18th June, the DfE website published an announcement that £50m would be cut from Harnessing Technology Grant (HTG) in the current year. There could be some concern or speculation that this element of the £200m grant would threaten the continuation of services supplied by LGfL to all London maintained schools. The purpose of this note is to clarify the position and set aside any concerns.

Using funds provided by agreement, by all London LAs, LGfL provides centrally a range of services to all London maintained schools, including the LGfL core network (in effect the ‘power station’ which feeds all schools’ broadband connections) and many other services and resources set out in the LGfL Services Guide (online at www.services.lgfl.net). Also at this URL is a report on the savings achieved for schools by London LAs through the LGfL regional collaboration – over £100m per year.

LAs agree and commit in advance to contribute the necessary funds to supply and maintain these services, under the contracts in place between LGfL Trust and each LA. Each LA will be working to establish how to manage funds locally in order to accommodate the reduction in HTG and to ensure the continuation of LGfL services for schools, meeting the agreed and contractual LGfL contributions, which in fact the great majority have already settled.

I hope this note is helpful in allaying any concerns regarding any impact on LGfL services from the recent DfE announcement.

LGfL has been active in writing and lobbying in a number of ways to draw the attention of Government to what can only be regarded as an ill-informed decision, and is currently arranging for a parliamentary question to tabled in respect to the Government’s future intentions in respect to HTG, and asking the Minister to make a statement.

LGfL has been consulting schools, and LAs have been working together for some time, looking at different approaches to maintain the best possible services, at the best possible prices, whether or not there is, in future a continuation of HTG. Further detail on this will be addressed in the near future in consultation with LAs.

A new publication for schools helping them to make the most of LGfL will be distributed with each copy of the TES in the London region on 9th July – watch out for yours!

Brian Durrant
Chief Executive
London Grid for Learning Trust

Getting Fronter ready for the end of the school year

2010-06-24T11:43:00.002+01:00

During the summer term a number of schools will be in the process of updating their MIS system to prepare for the next academic year. To ensure that the Fronter MLE does not reflect those changes in advance of September, Fronter strongly advise disabling the import of data until such time as a school wishes their next year’s rooms to be created.

Fronter issue guidelines directly to every school explaining sensible steps to ensure the correct data is being used, and to ensure that teaching resources are not lost and ready for next year. It is, in many ways, a digital equivalent of organising your classroom for next year.

In Redbridge there are several opportunities to get support on this procedure.

At the 7th July Fronter Hands-On training session there will be a 30 minute workshop for teachers relating to end of year (EOY) procedures.
On the 21st July there is a EOY workshop for Fronter Administrators to attend. The workshop will be run 3 times to enable administrators to attend at either 8:30am, 11am or 1:30pm. Book on at the www.redbridgepdc.org.uk website.

Alternatively please email Tina Pennells in order to request an additional copy of Fronter's EOY advice sheet.

Alex Rees

One week to take part in the big consultation

2010-06-10T07:10:00.001+01:00

The Redbridge 2010 eSafety Survey

"The rapid growth of the internet and a wide range of personal communication technologies is both exciting in their potential use for building learning and community networking opportunities and concerning in the myriad of new ways for our children to encounter new dangers. Children and young people need to be protected from these risks where possible and need to be educated and supported to develop the skills to keep themselves safe when using technology."

These lines are taken from the opening paragraph of the recently released Redbridge eSafety strategy. The child protection staff within your schools have been briefed on the strategy, the Local Safeguarding Children's Board have endorsed it and set up an eSafety sub-group to action it and all Head Teachers will receive a briefing on the 30th June. As the strategy is enacted there are many things the borough's eSafety team will provide to ensure your school is meeting or exceeding the safeguarding expectation.

Initially we would like you to get involved in the following: The Redbridge 2010 eSafety Survey

The Redbridge eSafety team would like to have a true snapshot of the eSafety landscape here in Redbridge. We would also like to provide for you an outline of the eSafety landscape within your school. An online survey has been set up which we would like at least one class from each key stage from each school to complete. Please email me directly to get access to the survey.

It is intended that students from Key Stage 2 upwards complete the survey although you may want to support younger children to complete it too. It takes about 7-10 minutes to complete, although younger children may take longer. You may like to use it at the beginning or the end of an ICT or PSHE lesson and it will undoubtedly stimulate some interesting discussions.

We will feed back to you the results summarised across the borough and also individually for your school. To do this we would like all surveys to be completed by the end of the school day on the 18th June. Obviously the more children you get involved from your school the more accurate a statistical picture you will have. The immediate results of this survey we will outline back to schools by the end of the month, and a more detailed analysis for your school will be sent to your school by the end of the term.

Thank you very much for getting your students involved in this initiative. We look forward to serve you pragmatically and effectively in ensuring our children across Redbridge are kept safe online.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Primary ICT Subject Leaders - Friday 25th June

2010-06-09T07:43:00.000+01:00

New subject leaders is approaching on Friday 25th of June.

We hope that if you haven't already booked on via PDC, you will do now.

ICT Subject Leaders is for just then morning session again, but we have worked hard to provide some extra opportunities in the afternoon that you will have a choice of.

Agenda.

Welcome and News

Key theme: Assessment - We will spend on final session looking at this issue and tie it back into what ICT assessment should be based on the NEW Becta Self Review Framework Guidelines. I would be great if you could bring along once again some example of the assessment work you have done with your children.

Resource Gateway - New opportunities for Fronter Resources

Project Feedback from the Redbridge Games Network

Improving your school

Training Experience - A whirlwind of ideas of how to use ICT outside the classroom.

New from the floor

In the afternoon after ICT subject leaders finishes you will have three opportunities.

1. EducationCity will be running a training session on how to use this resource effectively, as well as explaining some of the new features. (This was requested by a number of schools) You need to email nicholas.hughes@redbridge.gov.uk to state if you would like to attend. This way EducationCity can prepare packs. They will be covering :-

effectively navigate through the product & find relevant activities quickly

use key features of the resource relevant to your key stage, such as Topic Tools

use tests and Revision Pathways

plan differentiated lessons to support personalised learning goals

monitor whole class and individual children’s progress in SuccessTracker

use advanced feature management e.g. Setting a myCity

If there is anything else you would like covered either email me and I'll pass this on to the Trainer.

2. Has your school shown a commitment to ICT? Do you want recognition for the work you have done on ICT? We will be running a session where you can work in a stress free environment to develop your schools response to the Becta Self Review Framework. The new changes to the SRF will be explained and a ICT Mark assessor will be on hand.

3. Go back to school. - Where you will miss out on all the opportunities the above sessions give.

REMEMBER

1. Bring a charged laptop, though there will be a limited amount to borrow.

2. Some examples of ICT assessment that you have done.

We look forward to seeing you on the 25th.

Nic and Alex.

LGFL Annual Secondary and SEN Awards

2010-06-07T15:55:00.002+01:00

The London Grid for Learning Annual Secondary and SEN
Conference Awards – awards.lgfl.net

The 2010 LGfL Schools’ Conference Awards for Secondary and SEN celebrate best practice and innovative approaches in using the wide range of learning resources and services provided through LGfL. This year students and staff can collaborate to make a 2 -5 minute video outlining the good practice that is going on in your school.

There are two categories of awards:
A) Use of the Fronter London MLE to enhance teaching and learning and/or raise attainment and/or promote community cohesion
Sub categories: Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, 14-19, PRU, SEN, Use of Webfronter, General

B) Use of LGfL resources or services to enhance teaching and learning and/or raise attainment and/or promote community cohesion (more information about LGfL services can be found at services.lgfl.net)
Sub categories: Podcasting, Videocentral, Video Conferencing, Use of LGfL Premium Content, London Plan, Weather Stations, London Mail, Other, General

Overall winners in each category will receive an engraved plaque, an LGfL ‘excellence’ logo, and a Visualiser worth £250. Runners up will receive a certificate, an LGfL logo and a high quality Microphone worth £50.

Your entry should ideally be in Video format, be between 2 and 5 minutes long, and should be
uploaded to Video Central via videocentral.lgfl.net. You will need a USO or Fronter account to log-in.

Your entry should contain some information about:
• An overview of the school
• What you did
• How you did it
• Strategies you used for success
• Impact of what you did (include evidence where possible)

This year, staff may if they wish involve and collaborate with students. In the case of an entry from a student or students on behalf of their school, this information can be presented from a students’ perspective. (A support video for staff and students is available at awards.lgfl.net)

All entries must be received by Monday 14th June 2010

Winners and runners up will be announced during the LGfL Schools’ Conference for Secondary and SEN at the Emirates Stadium on Monday 5th July 2010.
(For booking details and further information regarding this event please go to events.lgfl.net)

LGFL

Fronter Hands On Training - July 7th @ RTC

2010-05-26T08:17:00.001+01:00

Please inform your ICT staff - Fronter Training (Primary and Secondary hands on workshop )- Wednesday, July 7th

Thank you

We are pleased to invite you to attend the Fronter Training (Primary and Secondary hands on workshop )– Wednesday, July 7^th

The course will run from 9.15am -3.45pm at the Redbridge Teachers Centre.
The training is for teachers with all different levels of experience in using Fronter.
Please go to www.redbridgepdc.org.uk to book your place. Please call the Redbridge Teachers Centre if you have any problems on 0208 708 8810.
The workshops will be ran by Mina Patel (LGfL). Tanya Hurst(Loxford High), Rosemary Hunt( Fronter), Rob Spriddle ( Redbridge Primary) and Alex Rees (Redbridge LA).
The day course will consist of four sessions, consisting of different 1.25 hour hands on workshops where you may choose which workshop to attend.
Please bring your own lap tops with you to enable you to access the wireless internet connection at the Teachers Centre.
Agenda below:

Time	Trainer	Title
9.15 – 10.30 (session 1)	Rosemary Hunt	Visual Mail in Fronter
	Mina Patel	“Free Apps” / Web 2.0 in Fronter

10.30 - 10.45 BREAK

10.45 -12.00 (session 2)	Tanya Hurst	Coursework Management
	Rob Spriddle	Homework in Fronter (Hand in tool)

12.00 – 12.45 LUNCH

12.45 – 2.00 (session 3)	Rob Spriddle	Assessment in Fronter (Test tool )
	Alex Rees	Using Fronter for Heads for Department

2.00 – 3.15 (session 4)	Rosemary Hunt	Primary MLE lesson plans
	Mina Patel	Today Page and Portfolio tool

3.15 – 3.45	Rosemary and Mina	EOY/SOY process and tips & tricks in Fronter

Mina Patel
Curriculum Consultant
London Grid for Learning
mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk

Could you be Lead Fronter Primary School 2010-11? (Funding available)

2010-05-12T17:00:00.000+01:00

We are looking to expressions of interest from Redbridge schools to be the lead Fronter primary school 2010/11. The successful school will currently be demonstrating strong practice within their own organisation and be confident supporting other primary schools in building their own practice. This role was expanded last year to include a day a week of funded time for your MLE project leader / ICT Coordinator to support the activities listed below.

As the Primary lead school for Fronter you would:

Demonstrate and disseminate good practice within your own school
Hosting 2 termly after-school cluster meetings for other Redbridge primary schools to enable the sharing of good practice
Issuing half termly update communications supporting schools on the implementation journey
Managing an MLE room to enable sharing of good practice
Represent Redbridge schools' views at the annual Fronter regional forum

As a associate consultant:

Guided by the LA contact individual schools to discuss support requirements
Training groups of staff in schools as required
Supporting other schools strategically providing models of ensuring good practice is developed across the school, exploring how they could work in context.
Supporting other schools tactically guiding decisions on how certain educational benefits can be effectively achieved on the Fronter MLE system (e.g. sharing school calendars, gifted and talented collaboration, literacy enhancement, etc.)

(funding for guaranteed until Easter 2011)

Previous lead schools have been:

08/09 Lead school HIghlands Primary
09/10 Lead school Redbridge Primary

If you are interested in this role please contact Alex Rees by 24th May to discuss it further.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

The Webfronter course is back!

2010-05-10T16:08:00.004+01:00

By popular demand the 'Fronter Advanced Administrator' course on the 18th June has been changed to a 'Webfronter' course. The 'Webfronter' course will go through how you can design and publish your own school website within the Fronter system.

Please book onto this course via www.redbridgepdc.org.uk which will be updated shortly to reflect this change.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Book now: Redbridge Technical Forum 03 - Thursday 27th May

2010-05-10T14:59:00.002+01:00

“Switched on and networked for learning.”

This conference is the third in a series of events set up for technical staff supporting and administrating the computer systems within Redbridge primary and secondary schools. The programme is designed to ensure that whatever previous experience you have – whether as an expert systems engineer or as someone completely new to the role – you will find the RTF of real value with relevant information and fresh ideas you can apply easily within your own school.

This term there is a definite hands-on feel to the day. The morning will be a mix of best practice sessions, LA news and Hardware presentations with suppliers bringing in a range of their latest greatest education friendly kit. The afternoon will include the popular 'In my school' slot followed by some really practical FREE tools that you take back to your school to have a positive impact almost immediately.

Registration will be at 9am for a 9:30am start, and the event will close at 3:30pm. To book a place at the Redbridge Technicians' Forum 03 please go to www.redbridgepdc.org.uk and search for "Redbridge Technicians".

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Facebook concerns in Primary Schools

2010-05-06T10:32:00.003+01:00

We are aware that recently primary schools have become increasingly concerned with the use of the Facebook social networking site amongst their students. Every anonymous survey conducted by staff within our primary schools consistently shows that students (mostly KS2 although not always) are setting up Facebook profiles to keep in touch with their friends. If your school has become concerned about this then this article suggests the steps you could take.

Remove the usernames if necessary

Very simply Facebook does not allow under 13’s. The difficulty is in removing their online profiles once they have been made.

Facebook has a “Report and Underage User” form . However you have to know the profile address of the child you are concerned about. These profiles are of the format http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=123456789 and whilst a search within Facebook may give you a profile address for a given name (e.g. John Smith) their directory listing may not be enough to ensure you have the right profile (e.g. children often use a fake photo when making the profile to appear older).

Since you must be logged into Facebook to either search for profiles or to remove profiles this is a time-consuming course of action unless you have a specific reason to do this for a particular child or group of children. It is however a more realistic thing to ask parents or children to do following the appropriate eSafety lesson or presentation. It is always easier for a child to remove their own profile with their parents help than it is for a parent/teacher to put a formal request through Facebook.

Review your eSafety strategy

A good eSafety strategy involves a 3-pronged attack: Policies, Infrastructure and Education.

1. Ensure you have appropriate POLICIES to encourage correct behaviours and actions. Policies should encourage the correct preventative behaviours and also appropriate responsive behaviours should an issue arise. The key policy to have in place is a good “Acceptable Use Policy” explaining what staff and students can use school technologies for. Ideally this should be signed by staff and students’ parents so that the expectation is very clear. Other related policies that should reference eSafety appropriately include a school’s “Anti-bullying policy”together with the general “Safeguarding policy”. For further advice on drawing up these policies: http://www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk/safeguarding-learners/Case-studies/Acceptable-use-policies/

2. Review your technical INFRASTRUCTURE to ensure your systems enable students and staff to access and use web sites that you are comfortable with. A website filtering system can be reinforced by using monitoring software that will ensure that worrying actions can be picked up. Whilst monitoring systems can appear to be a bit ‘big brother’, often the installation of such systems can generate significant eSafety discussions within the school and then the software acts as a deterrent from thereon. All Redbridge schools automatically have access to LGFL web filtering to remove inappropriate content coming in, and LGFL has recommended Policy Central monitoring systems which schools can purchase (http://www.forensicsoftware.co.uk/) to ensure that systems are being used appropriately.

3. Have a strong EDUCATION programme. Whilst the first two points focus on ensuring that children and staff are safe within the school, the majority of internet usage by young people happens outside the school, and increasingly using mobile devices. Ofsted have reported that “where provision for e-safety was outstanding, all the staff, including members of the wider workforce, shared responsibility for it. Assemblies, tutorial time, personal, social, health and education lessons, and an age-appropriate curriculum for e-safety all helped pupils to become safe and responsible users of new technologies”. A good eSafety strategy is far more about strong education than it is about the previous two points. For more details on the Ofsted eSafety report please see: http://redbridgeictsubjectleaders.blogspot.com/2010/02/ofsteds-official-view-on-esafety.html

Advise the parents

If Facebook (or equivalent systems) are becoming an issue in your school you may choose to write directly to the parents. In this situation consider saying the following:

New technologies and the internet are tremendously useful tools to support children’s learning. There is a wide range of good quality websites designed to support learning such as your Fronter learning platform, and BBC Learning. We emphatically promote good use of technology at school and at home.
Whilst children want to communicate with their friends outside school Facebook is an inappropriate place for young people to socialise. Facebook’s terms and conditions states in their “Statement of Rights and Responsibilities” that “You will not use Facebook if you are under 13.” (Section 4:5). It is your responsibility as parents to ensure your children do not use it.
There are age appropriate websites that young people may more safely use for social networking (e.g. http://www.superclubsplus.com/ and http://www.clubpenguin.co.uk/ . As a school we recognise that whilst the Internet is a great tool, it is not the only place to socialise and learn new things. As a parent it is your responsibility to ensure your child has an appropriate balance between screen and non-screen time.
The next eSafety event to be held at the school will be on XYZ date. We will look at some of the technologies available to our children today and how we as parents can ensure our children have a good experience of technology without encountering the dangers.
We recommend that you discuss your child’s use of the internet regularly and if there are issues raised that you need further guidance on look at the childnet website (http://www.childnet.com/kia/parents/) or come in and talk to Miss ABC, who is the senior member of staff overseeing our own eSafety strategy.

As a school you may also need to refer to the incident that raised your concerns initially but the above 5 points are nearly always relevant to communicate to parents. (It is also possible to order the Childnet material on a CD free of charge for distribution to parents. To order ring 0845 60 222 60 quoting reference 00308-2007CD0-EN. )

If you work within a Redbridge school and you have a more specific eSafety discussion you would like to have with a member of the School Improvement Team please do get in touch.

Alex Rees
Alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Computing at School

2010-04-30T17:47:00.001+01:00

The Computing At Schools groups has been set up to promote the teaching of
Computing at schools. Members come from schools, universities, industry
and examiners. Members get access to a growing range of resources and
there are groups that members can get involved with to develop the
teaching of Computing. It would be of interest to anyone teaching A Level
Computing or the new GCSE in Computing. Teachers delivering ICT at KS3
may also be interested as there are useful resources on Scratch, Alice
etc... Their website says "Our goal is to put the fun back into computing at school".

Please see http://www.computingatschool.org.uk/ for more details.

If you are teaching computing within your secondary school (usually at Key Stage 5) this open working group has been recommended by Trinity Catholic School.

Home Access - Latest Information 05

2010-04-30T14:10:00.003+01:00

32% of the eligible students in Redbridge have received free computers and interent connections on this scheme. This equates to 1331 families who now have access to ICT who didn't before. I actually have these stats broken down by school so please, as per the last update, if you would like your school's exact figure (which you can then compare against your FSM KS2 and KS3 numbers) please get in touch.

When this grant was launched it was said that funds were set aside to support 270,000 grants. Nationwide 153,651 grants have been successfull. If both these figures are true then 57% of the funds have been allocated. This suggests that Redbridge students are at real risk of not getting their applications through on time. Of course, the figures upon which this calculation is based may well change (especially in the current political climate) but it is still relevant to remind your students again of how to take advantage of this scheme.

To see back copies of Home Access updates please click on the HomeAccess label on the right hand side.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Free local Becta events: Engaging parents through the use of ICT

2010-04-21T12:22:00.004+01:00

Find out what leading secondary and primary schools are doing now to engage parents through online reporting. Parents have a bigger impact on their children's learning than schools or technology, which is why all schools have been expected to exploit ICT to improve parental engagement since June 2008. There are clear expectations for online reporting in secondary schools for September 2010 and primary schools for 2012.

Primary focus:

Friday 2nd July, 9:30am - 12:00pm Redbridge Teachers' Centre - book at http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/

Secondary focus:

Friday 2nd July, 1:30pm-3:30pm Redbridge Teachers' Centre - book at http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/
Tuesday 13th July, whole day, Central London - book directly with Becta

These events, led by Becta directly, are for primary and secondary schools interested in learning more about how ICT currently available in schools can be exploited to work in partnership with parents and improve parental engagement in their children's learning.

As well as hearing from advocate schools, you will talk with them, share experiences and see practice in action. These are practical, pragmatic and engaging events to equip you to do even more in your school and to encourage and support peers in your own area.

Please note that these events are free of charge to school leaders and staff.

Alex Rees

alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Games Based Learning

2010-04-15T11:57:00.003+01:00

Redbridge was represented at the recent Games Based Learning Confernece. Watch the contribution from the Redbridge Games Network, led by Nic Hughes and Dawn Hallybone.

I was lucky enough to attend click here to check out my thoughts - My thoughts are here.

Nick Hughes

How many ICT marked schools in Redbridge?

2010-04-14T12:01:00.006+01:00

The Self-Review Framework is getting upgraded! This framework is the standard in the UK for schools to meet to demonstrate that ICT is well managed with clear vision and the appropriate systems and processes in place to ensure it continues to be so.

Since the launch of the Next Generation Learning Charter there have been 4 levels schools can achieve using the SRF tool. The framework is designed not just to be an accreditation scheme, but a school improvement tool allowing staff to assess the school's current performance against national standards and then using guidance to move up through the levels.

Most schools will use the ICT Mark Accredited level as a long term goal - looking to achieve that within 2-3 years of using the tool. Many schools like the opportunity to be "Recognised" for their progress and this is a realistic aim after 1 academic year.

In Redbridge we have many schools that are committed to ICT. From a borough perspective we are able to offer specific support and consultancy to help schools work through this process and move to the next level. The map on the left is available publicly on the Next Generation Learning website.

The changes that Becta are implementing on the SRF come after a period of review and the impact that schools should see will include principally:

· a reduction in the number of elements, strands and aspects
· a more streamlined look and feel based on feedback from colleagues in schools
· an automatic migration of previous data you have entered to the revised framework.

As a borough we believe that this framework is an excellent way to ensure that your school is using and applying ICT in the most sustainable, most cost-effective and most cohesive way. We are happy to work with any Redbridge schools to support this journey up through the Next Generation Learning charter levels.

If you are not currently featured on the map and would like to be, or if you would like further support, please get in touch.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Fronter: what works well?

2010-04-12T11:43:00.001+01:00

LGFL are pleased to announce that a range of examples on how schools are using the London MLE, collated by the LGfL Curriculum Consultant team, is now available online at: http://www.goodpractice.lgfl.net/

These examples will be supplemented by a growing range of presentations, media clips and virtual tours. Along with a section for sharing room templates, these examples are intended to complement those already available from Fronter at http://www.londonmle.net/

Mina Patel works in Redbridge as an LGFL Curriculum Consultant and she will be collating further examples of good practice in discussion with schools, and selected rooms will be hosted online in Fronter’s own demonstration site. If you have a good idea that you would like recognised as such please get in touch.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

"Inspirational Mathematics Live" Videoconference

2010-04-02T11:28:00.001+01:00

LGfL in partnership with Waltham Forest LA, Maths Motivate and the ATM (Association for Teachers of Mathematics) would like to invite all schools to:

“Inspirational Mathematics Live”

For pupils:Thursday 17^th June 2010

(10am – 3pm)

www.mathsvc.lgfl.net

A series of inspirational maths sessions scheduled across the school day via video conference, aimed at and involving a variety of pupils across key stages 1 to 4. Creative, fun, problem solving and games based in nature, these sessions aim to entertain as well as to leave teachers with thought provoking ideas that can be used in the classroom.

To see primary programme click here:

To see secondary programme click here:

Schools wishing to take part must complete the registration here by the end of May.

Schools without VC equipment can still participate using their LGfL internet connection, via the live stream.

Mina Patel

mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk

Home Access: Latest Information 04

2010-03-30T11:00:00.001+01:00

Statistical Update

By March 15th Redbridge has had 701 successful applications for the Home Access Grant. This means that about 1 out of every 6 eligible students has so far successfully applied. This is a really good start but it does show that much more work needs to be done. Nationally 28% of eligible families have successfully applied, whereas here in Redbridge that number is only 17%. Please keep getting the message out to ensure that the Redbridge community has the information to benefit from this grant. If you would like to know your own school's statistics please email me directly.

What's on the inside?

Logging into http://www.homeaccess.org.uk/ gives you access to a range of information sheets and presentations that you can use when raising awareness of this grant. If you are tasked with ensuring your students are not missing out then registering on this site is well worth it.

Case Study Request

The national Home Access team are looking to develop some more case studies of families enjoying the benefit of the Home Access project. If you know that some of the 299 successful applicants are within your school community why not invite them to be involved in a video case study? Contact me directly if you would like further details.

Web-strategy within your school

When students receive their Home Access computer or laptop one of the first things they do (according to the case studies) is go to the school's website. If your school is not yet making use of the web to support teaching and learning then this is an excellent time to start. Get in touch to discuss the different ways the web can support learning within your school community.

Translated literature for parents

We have been given a set of translated information letters for parents who would prefer to find out about the scheme in their own language. This work has been undertaken by the Bristol Extended Services team and they are happy for them to be used by other LAs as long as they are acknowledged.

If you are a Redbridge Fronter user and have access to the following virtual rooms then these letters are available in:

Redbridge Secondary ICT
> KS3 Resources

Redbridge Primary ICT
> Resources > Home Access translations

(You need to be logged into Fronter with pre-agreed access to these rooms for these links to work.)

If you don't have access please email Tina.Pennells@redbridge.gov.uk stating your school name, your role within the school and your Fronter username to gain access or to request specific files.

Any further information about the Home Access Grant please get in touch. There have been several previous entries on this blog which can be accessed by clicking on:

http://redbridgeictsubjectleaders.blogspot.com/search/label/HomeAccess

As before, the most important information to get out to parents is the telephone number 0333 200 1004 which should be copied onto school newsletters.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Redbridge schools get faster internet

2010-03-28T09:15:00.000+01:00

The teachers and students using the Redbridge Schools network are looking forward to having the service upgraded over the next few months. Schools' Network Managers and Technicians who have attended the Redbridge Technicians' Forum have already been briefed as to the 3 stage approach that is being taken by council staff to ensure that by September 2010 schools will all be benefitting from a faster service, with increased reliability.

Phase 1 commences over the forthcoming Easter break by introducing the latest switch technology across the Redbridge wide-area network (WAN) to enable faster traffic throughput. This will necessarily involve an anticipated 30 minutes planned downtime on the 9th April while most school staff are on the Easter break. Phase 2 and 3 will take place over the next term with the next planned downtime occuring during the half term break in the first week of June (half term).

Schools' technical staff will be kept up to date directly by Gary Jelks and teaching staff can look forward to seeing the improvements over the next term. There will, of course, be a further briefing on this project by Gary at the Redbridge Technicians' Forum on the 27th May 2010. If you would like to book to attend the forum please go to http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ to register.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

RE: Redbridge Beijing Partnership Visit - 2010

2010-03-27T15:26:00.002Z

Final greetings from Beijing - here's my last blog - it's 11.15 pm on Saturday 27 March. I'm packing, emailing, getting rid of bits of paper that one always collects in a hotel room and generally multi-tasking (love that word).

Today the atmosphere was distinctly different - a wave of relief and light-heartedness prevailed. Treat for all the hard work - trip to the Great Wall followed by the past-time that China is known for (apart from food) ie shopping.

Last group meal in a lovely restaurant near the hotel (our legs wouldn't allow us to go further afield having just been climbing) and then final uploading of diaries, images etc and packing.

Everyone has agreed that this trip has been life-changing and thought provoking - a great success. All we need to do now is catch the plane and have a good sleep. We'll have a meeting after Easter to action plan and discuss activities to sustain the links and ensure a legacy.

Best wishes from your blogger in Beijing.

Good night

Annette Carlon
Redbridge Secondary ICT Consultant

RE: Redbridge Beijing Partnership Visit - 2010

2010-03-26T17:51:00.002Z

Hi everyone - it's very late - Friday 26 March. Today was the conference - teachers were all up very early having breakfast by 6.45 am having handed in their presentations for the translator to preview.

Definitely pretty tense for many as this was way out of people's comfort zone and the stress was tangible - teachers checking their notes for the umpteenth time and generally hanging around not really talking.

Four people to a taxi to the hotel hosting the event and into a room full of Chinese people eagerly awaiting to hear what we had to say - pens poised and video cameras ready.

Uploading the presentations onto the laptop took a while and although the Chinese teacher helping me didn't want me to rename the presentations with the appropriate school name I had to insist - the last thing I wanted was for a teacher to have to search for their one in front of a hushed audience! Of course using a laptop in China isn't straight forward as it's all in Chinese!!

Of course it all went brilliantly (I knew it would) and the Chinese professionals were hanging onto every word. Redbridge teachers did themselves proud and clearly demonstrated their expertise and abilities to deliver and make the curriculum accessible for the range of pupils that we cater for. Think at last they realise how highly skilled they are.

What a successful culmination to the week's activities - the relief was palpable - we then had lunch which was hosted by the Beijing District. Teachers were now free for a few hours to have a well earned break. Dinner this evening was great - very relaxed, lots of laughs but also lots of discussion about pedagogy and all the stories and happenings that had taken place throughout the week.

Good night

Annette Carlon
Redbridge Secondary ICT Consultant

RE: Redbridge Beijing Partnership Visit - 2010

2010-03-25T15:45:00.002Z

It's 11.45 pm on Thursday 25 March and we've another fulfilling and wonderful day. Teachers went off their respective schools this morning and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the largest vocational college in the world – very interesting and it gave me a further insight into what the ‘new’ China is about – the college develops courses to provide skills for current and future expanding industries whereas in the UK we seem to run courses as a reaction to past skills gaps. Proactive versus reactive!

The Chinese authorities are very keen to develop partnerships in schools and colleges and welcome opportunities to work globally for mutual benefit. This afternoon I visited Hong Miao School and watched teachers from Snaresbrook delivering their lesson about the parts of the body - great fun, a good example of student centred, interactive and inclusive teaching styles which we in the UK do so well - the lesson ended with us all singing and acting "head, shoulders, knees and toes". Our end of day debriefing session, which we have every evening, gave everyone the opportunity to share the highlights of their day, celebrate the achievements and plan for tomorrow.

Tomorrow (Friday) is the big day - a formal Good Practice Conference which will give the schools a platform to publically share and reflect on the week's activities and to make a commitment to continue the partnership with details of the practical arrangements and solutions. More about this in tomorrow's blog. The day finished with teachers doing a variety of things such as going out for a meal or a wander around the Food Street in Wangfujing (5 teachers, not mentioning any names, ate scorpions, centipedes and critckets on sticks but I declined) or strolling around Qian Men amongst other things as well as uploading today's diary and images for their Redbridge school communities. They also need to hand in their conference presentations at 7.00 am tomorrow morning so that out translator can look through in advance to ensure accurate translation. So much pressure - they're totally worn out but on a high!

Good night

Annette Carlon
Redbridge Secondary ICT Consultant

What training should be provided to non-ICT teaching staff?

2010-03-25T09:15:00.000Z

This question was recently asked to me and the answer may well be helpful for others...

That is a really good question, but the trouble is a large staff team has such a wide range of ICT capability. The only way to meet the needs of all is to first survey your staff and then design a CPD programme that broadly meets the needs expressed. Staff ICT professional development broadly falls into 4 areas:

1. Personal ICT competence
(can take photos on digital camera and email them, can prepare worksheet using appropriate software, ...)

2. Generic teaching and learning
(can set work and manage class discussion with students using learning platform, can use interactive whiteboard to enrich learning, ...)

3. Subject specific teaching and learning
(a Science teacher can manage data logging equipment in class, PE teacher can take and edit video as part of a lesson, History teacher can approach web information sources forensically...)

4. Innovatory practice
(Where a teacher is developing new ways to stimulate and enrich learning using the latest technologies)

With the results of your survey you can then decide how to balance your CPD strategy between those areas. Of course you will have some teachers who are so competent that they can be involved in training colleagues. Whilst this is, in itself, professional development you may like to focus these 'trainer' teachers on section 4 - developing innovatory practice.

Becta have some ideas for surveys here...
http://schools.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=pd&catcode=ss_pd_te_02&rid=17460
http://www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk/survey
...but I have to admit that both of these links do not answer the question exactly.

Most useful is the Professional Development element from the Self Review Framework. Becta have drawn up what a 'good' school looks like across 8 elements and they then encourage schools to fill in their online questionnaire as a school improvement tool - to compare themselves against Becta's 1-5 scale (1 being best). A school which is self-graded level 2 across all 8 elements can be externally verified as ICT mark standard. I do not recommend that schools rush through the elements, but instead use the elements as they align with school development priorities, perhaps working through all 8 over a 3 year period. You may like to use the Professional Development element at this point in your school's journey.

Returning the the original question. What courses are available for non-specialist teaching staff? Actually there is no single solution that would meet all of the wide ranging needs within a school. http://www.vital.ac.uk/ are coming into the market to try and meet this need, but they are new and at the moment are developing their range. They intend to not only have their own courses on this site but also act as a portal for teachers to provide training for each other.

For the moment I suggest the following route forwards:

Conduct an ICT audit for your staff EITHER based around the 4 aspects above OR using one of the Becta surveys.
Consider whether a slight adjustment to the performance management interview would enable this audit information to be updated on a yearly basis.

From the analysis of the audit results establish what ICT training you could include within your CPD programme next academic year to meet those needs. Where you have expertise within the school to deliver that training, use that. Perhaps use the Vital website to publish your training to support their project of providing relevant ICT CPD for schools, and to bank good training for use in future years.

Review the Professional Development section of the Self-Review Framework and consider whether your school could become ICT Mark standard at managing professional development.

Work to ensure that these actions are embedded into your annual practice to ensure that staff skills are regularly reviewed and developed according to your schools changing priorities.

If you have further questions about any of the points raised above please feel free to get in touch.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

RE: Redbridge Beijing Partnership Visit - 2010

2010-03-24T16:07:00.003Z

Good evening all - decided 11.45 pm on 24 March might be easier than 6.00 am tomorrow morning.

This morning was taken up with various meetings which consist of protocols such as much tea drinking, exchange and scrutiny of business cards and polite exchanges of pleasantries before the real business begins.

Visited School No 14 to see teachers from Beal and Oaks Park. Had long and serious discussions with the Vice Principal with a translator including things such as different teaching pedagogies - moving towards active rather than passive learning, creativity and inclusivity, the notion of global citizenship and the challenges of keeping the partnership alive amongst other things. Observed an interesting lesson about global warming and the weather being delivered by an Oaks Park teacher before moving on to other items on the day's agenda.

The evening included a visit to Silk Street market where some serious lessons in bartering took place followed by another meal of banquet proportions for the price of a snack. Chopstick skills are improving and new targets need to be set so that no-one is under achieving or not fulfilling their potential.

Our journey home coincided with a serious sleet shower - the Beijing drainage system didn't cope very well so we tried with varying degrees of success to avoid the huge puddles that appeared very quickly.

Colleagues are busy now uploading to Fronter and putting the final touches to their lesson plans for tomorrow.

Good night

Annette Carlon
Redbridge Secondary ICT Consultant

Redbridge Beijing Partnership Visit - 2010

2010-03-23T22:26:00.005Z

Good morning all. It's 6.00 am on Wed 24 March. Yesterday, after a hearty breakfast - you can choose western or Chinese or both (no-one fancied noodles, soup, dumplings etc this morning but I bet tomorrow will be different), we had a brief meeting with the District Official and her team (whom I had last met on videoconference) and then the teachers were taken off to their respective schools by their partner teachers. I then had a variety of meetings with Won Way and various team members.

Visited the Wanstead and Mayfield teachers in School No 125 - they were watching an art lesson at the time and had had a wonderful day starting with watching the morning exercises. Had a meeting with the Head teacher who had visited Loxford School 3 years ago. I explained the progress of the school and their impending move into their new building - he was very interested in all that is going on - we then had the obligatory pictures taken which I will email to him.

Our debriefing meeting at 6.00 pm back in the hotel was very buzzy - everyone had had a great day and were all feeling pretty enthralled. The schools participating in this partnership are Beal, Wanstead, Oaks Park, Mayfield, Snaresbrook and Glade. Lots of lesson observations went on and teachers planned the lessons they will be teaching today and tomorrow.

Took some teachers to the Food Street - they didn't fancy trying scorpions on sticks or seahorses on sticks. Locasts looked juicy and there were also tiny birds with their beaks up in the air - roasted I think. We decided to eat in a conventional restaurant. Had a banquet and spent all of £6 each!

Must stop now - can't be late. Visiting School No 14 today to see Beal and Oaks Park.

Annette Carlon
Redbridge Secondary ICT Consultant

Receive some Vital training for FREE!

2010-03-23T10:33:00.002Z

Vital is a new initiative from the Open University and E-skills providing a range of innovative ICT CPD for use across the curriculum.

In Redbridge we have been offered free involvement in 2 online tutor led courses:

- Sharing ideas (using a wiki) Primary (V01a-PW)
- Sharing ideas (using a wiki) Secondary (V01b-PW)

We are looking for 30 teachers to trial this new way of taking part in CPD…

All you need to do is register on the website www.vital.ac.uk and email London@vital.ac.uk to let them know which course you would like to attend remembering to name the school where you work. You will also need to email Tina.Pennells@redbridge.gov.uk so that we may confirm to Vital that you work in a Redbridge school and that you are eligible for this free trial.

The commitment Vital need is 20 hours over 8 weeks (and access to an internet based computer for at least 13 of those hours) to participate from 29th March. We will require that you complete a borough CPD feedback form at the end of the period to review the project.

If you would like to take part, or have colleagues who might, please contact me to find out more or register directly on the Vital site.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Redbridge Beijing Partnership Visit - 2010

2010-03-22T22:47:00.002Z

Good morning all. It's 6.30 am on Tue 23 March and I can see a lovely sun coming up through the buildings so sand storm over!!

Last night we went out to a restaurant which was lovely - lots of different dishes - some like Chinese at home but other dishes that you would only get here - including a hugh fish which everyone prods with their chopsticks.

Our chopstick skills are advancing - attainment target is to eat peas one at a time without landing onto lap or floor. Some of us are obviously in the G&T group and might even exceed all expectations but others really do need some support and maybe even differentiated materials although they might get hungry.

We then went for a walk in Tiananmen Square - saw the entrance to the Forbidden City with its hugh picture of Chairman Mao. Also lots of soldiers either running in unison or marching or just walking up and down. Of course Tiananmen Square is a sensitive area so there is always a high military presence - totally non-threatening but just there.

Then back to hotel but before falling into bed in almost a coma due to a complete lack of anything resembling sleep since Sunday 6.00 am we were all uploading images and text onto Fronter.

Must stop now as breakfast at 7.00 am - meeting at 8.00 am - this is hard work!!!

Annette Carlon
Redbridge Secondary ICT Consultant

Redbridge Beijing Partnership Visit - 2010

2010-03-22T08:32:00.002Z

Greetings from Beijing. I'm here with 19 Redbridge primary and secondary teachers. We arrived this morning to a smog filled capital. There have been sand storms - not unusual at this time of year - apparently they will go by tomorrow!

We're all feeling very tired and jet lagged but have had a couple of hours to get ourselves together. Out for dinner this evening and a walk around Tiananmen Square.

Tomorrow up bright and early to meet the teachers from the partner schools at 8.00 am at our hotel. Teachers will then be taken to their schools for their first day.

Excellent broadband connection so will keep you posted.

Annette Carlon
Redbridge Secondary ICT Consultant

Virtual Teaching and Learning for 2 Weeks!

2010-03-16T16:05:00.007Z

Press release:

Can a Managed Learning Environment (MLE)really create an online learning environment that both teachers and students can call their “Virtual School”? Loxford School of Science and Technology in Ilford, Essex are about to find out at the end of March 2010.

The Virtual School

Loxford School is part of a major building project funded by the Partnership for Schools building programme B.S.F (Building Schools for the Future).

Students will be given access to lessons via Fronter MLE whilst the school is moving to its new building. Students can continue their school work and learning whilst at home. They will collaboratively do work, take part in discussions, and complete tasks as they would do in the classroom. Teachers will be able to give them feedback and monitor the students activity and progress. Hopefully it will be school as normal for the students without a teacher in sight. You can see more about the new Loxford School by visiting http://www.loxford.net/ and clicking on ‘Our New School’.

About Loxford School

Loxford School of Science and Technology in Ilford, Redbridge have 1624 pupils. Loxford achieved a 5+ A*-C pass rate at GCSE of 79% in 2009 (with 54% of students gaining 5+ A*-C grades including English and Maths). Maintaining a record of 100% of the GCSE cohort gaining 5or more A*-G grades. These are the school's best ever GCSE results. This has been accomplished while facilitating an £44 million rebuilding programme at the Loxford site as part of BSF project.

The school was judged to be "outstanding" in an OFSTED good practice survey inspection of literacy and numeracy at the school in December 2008. They have also just been redesignated a DCSF Training School (Nov 2009) and become a regional hub for the Schools Specialist and Academies Trust, with a responsibility to develop future school leaders. Loxford has been presented with the Investors in People Award, the International Schools Bronze Award, the Investors in Careers Bronze Award, the Healthy Schools Award and the Quality in Study Support Award. The school has also become the lead centre for Fronter (Managed Learning Environment) for the borough of Redbridge.

About the LMLE ( London Managed Learning Environment)

The London MLE is an integrated learning management system powered by the Fronter Platform. Offering a range of tools for learning and collaboration online, the London MLE was selected in 2007 by London’s local authorities, working collectively as The London Grid for Learning, as the preferred platform for London schools.

Deputy Headteacher comment

We are dedicated to helping our students to achieve to their highest potential. The new building will offer an exceptional learning environment. Moving over the Easter holidays has presented many challenges, especially as this means an extended break for some students in the run up to their final examinations. The Virtual School will reduce the effect of this break, enabling all students to continue with learning activities. Teachers have developed tasks which students complete alone or collaboratively with forums to support progress. Our use of Fronter has evolved greatly over the last 2 years and we are grateful for their support in enabling us to realise our vision of a virtual school. This will continue and be built upon as we take advantage of our new ICT equipment.

For further information contact:

The London Grid for Learning is a consortium of the 33 London Local Authorities which provides a filtered broadband connection, network services, a common learning platform, online content and support communities for all schools across London.

Mina Patel - mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk
Curriculum Consultant
London Grid for Learning Trust

Tanya Hurst - tanhurs@loxford.net
Director of E-learning
Loxford School of Science and Technology

Redbridge@ Games Based Learning 2010 conference

2010-03-15T10:02:00.001Z

Good to see Redbridge ICT teachers maintaining a presence on the national stage. Coming up soon on the 29th and 30th March is the Games Based Learning conference held in central London. On the Tuesday programme is the following listing:

10:00 - Dawn Hallybone (bio), Senior Teacher, ICT Co-ordinator, Oakdale Junior School & Nicholas Hughes (bio), ICT Co-ordinator and Advisory Teacher, Nightingale Primary School

They will be talking about the Redbridge games network which has an informative blog to follow, and you can also follow individually the work of Nick and Dawn on their individual blogs. Go along to find out more, or get in touch with them directly.

AfL in Mathematics Staff INSET - Video Conference

2010-03-14T08:42:00.002Z

Monday, 21st June 2010 – Inspirational Assessment For Learning in Mathematics CPD - Video Conference

Time - 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm

For both primary and secondary school teachers. Alison Clark Wilson from the Maths Association (MA) in partnership with the NE London Maths Association and LGfL will be hosting a live STAFF INSET from Waltham Forest CLC . If you wish to take part, please fill in the registration form before 12pm June 1st.

Schools without VC equipment can still participate using their LGfL internet connection, via the live stream; all schools must complete the online registration form here.

For more information about the event contact mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk

Mina Patel (LGfL)

School Leaders' Course for Next Generation Learning

2010-03-12T15:35:00.003Z

Next Generation Learning: Digital Technology and Institutional Change
An essential two-day programme from the LGFL for school senior leaders

Are you ready for.....?

Parental Engagement and On-Line Reporting...
The new Ofsted Framework....
…and Ofsted Report February 2010.....
Building Schools for the Future and the Primary Capital Programme...
Safeguarding pupils, staff and data...

This programme will address these issues by allowing you to explore the development of ICT strategy and your leadership of change. You will leave the programme having identified appropriate next steps for your school. This is a well established two-day support programme aimed at head teachers and members of the senior leadership team. It provides opportunities for the school team to work together and collaboratively with other schools.

To maximise the impact on school improvement it is essential that a member of the school’s senior leadership team attend together with one other who has strategic responsibility for ICT.

Courses running on:

NGL 11 - 18th/19th May
NGL 12 - 21st/24th May
NGL 13 - 27th/28th May
NGL 14 - 7th/9th June
NGL 15 - 8th/11th June
NGL 16 - 14th/17th June
NGL 17 - 6th/9th July
NGL 18 - 2nd/3rd November
NGL 19 - 8th/10th November
NGL 20 - 30th November /2nd December

Cost: £150 per delegate (heavily subsidised by LGfL). Lunch, refreshments and course materials are included. To book places please email julie.walker@lgfl.org.uk and provide the following information: Full name, job title, School, LA, email address.

Further details available directly from LGFL here.

Primary ICT Subject Leaders' Meeting

2010-03-01T16:12:00.004Z

Where and when:
9:00am to 12:15pm (coffee from 8:40am)
Redbridge Teacher Centre – 11th March 2010

Agenda for the day:

Welcome & news
Key theme: Assessment
Project feedback: Race to Learn
Improving your school: The Learning Platform Implementation Model
Training: New ideas that can be used in your school
News from the floor: What’s the latest greatest thing

Please remember:
Three examples of work that you have or can assess during session 2.
A laptop or equivalent

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Nick Hughes

Fronter Administrators - how good are you?

2010-02-27T13:20:00.000Z

Fronter have designed a self-readiness assessment designed for MLE users who wish to book onto an intermediate administrator course. To access the assessment please go to:

http://fronter.com/ukusers

The username and password to access the assessment are available from Tina Pennells (tina.pennells@redbridge.gov.uk).

Redbridge provides a variety of Fronter courses available for administrators and teachers:

Fronter Training Hands On: 24 March 2010
Fronter Adminstrator: Intermediate 11 June 2010
Fronter Administrator: Basic 15 June 2010
Fronter Administrator: Advanced 18 June 2010

(The 24th March course for teachers does not carry a charge whilst administrator training does. )

Please go to http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ to book on the courses or contact Tina Pennells for further details. We are also able to offer tailored support for Redbridge Fronter schools. Please get in touch if this is of interest to you.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Home Access Grant: Latest Information 03

2010-02-26T14:00:00.002Z

Link change
The previous link that was issued giving a summary of eligibility has changed. Please direct parents to http://www.homeaccess.org.uk/Are-you-eligible/. More usefully, please copy the criteria into your school newsletter to ensure that parents without computers (the target audience!) have access to it.

Assistive Technologies
Becta have confirmed that there is little take up of 'Assistive Technology' applications. These are applications that request further technology to support children with special needs. To do a Home Access grant application for assistive technologies the school must fill in section 5c of the form, this task is usually completed by the SEN Coordinator and information for them is available here: http://collaboration.becta.org.uk/docs/DOC-1992

One Stop Shop
The One Stop Shop service based in Lynton House, Ilford, is being inundated with parents asking for proof that they receive free school meals. They have advised me that the proof they can provide is no different from that that a school can provide. If you are running support events, or briefing school office staff relating to this grant could you arrange to provide proof for parents if necessary. If parents are part filling out the form with your support and then having to travel to Ilford for proof that they are eligible it may well prevent some parents from completing their application.

National Association of Teachers of Travellers
This organisation has produced some additional support material available here. This includes a post card for distribution (see right) and some traveller specific information.

Looked After Children
Looked After Children who are deemed to have a Home Access need can be in years 1 to 13 inclusive, as opposed to years 3 to 9 for the main programme. Grants will be issued to the foster family and they will then use this to buy a Home Access package from an approved supplier. This application will then be endorsed and verified by the relevant professionals – usually the designated social worker. The borough CLA Support Service 020 8708 3913 will be able to advise further.

More suppliers on board
Four more provisionally approved suppliers have just been announced. DA Computers, Micro P, NS Optimum and Stone Computers will soon be joining the six other approved suppliers. All four suppliers have had to undergo a stringent accreditation process to gain provisional approved supplier status. They are working to Becta guidelines to try and achieve full approved supplier status in April. (Press Release)

Proving Child Benefit
An original Child Benefit award letter must be included in every application for a Home Access Grant, and three different types are acceptable:
• Initial Child Benefit award letter. This must be dated from 1 December 2008.
• Child Benefit Statement of Entitlement. This also needs to be dated from 1 December 2008 and will only have the first name of the child the application relates to.
• Child Benefit uprating letter. This should have been received by the applicant in December 2008 or January 2009 and will have advised them of the annual increase in benefit payment.

The most important information to get out to parents is still the telephone number 0333 200 1004 as this is the easiest way for parents to get hold of an application form. The most important site for schools to find out detailed information is http://www.homeaccess.org.uk/.

You may like to read previous updates on the Home Access Grant published on this blog:

Further questions for Redbridge schools that are not answered by any of these posts can be sent to me directly.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Fronter's 2010 conference and implementation awards

2010-02-24T12:10:00.000Z

When: 23 April 2010
Where: York Race Course – more info
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Cost: £75 (£90 for non-Fronter users)

Fronter UK Implementation Awards 2010
The Fronter Implementation Awards celebrate good practice and innovative approaches to implementation of Fronter. There are 3 categories for which schools can enter. Winners will be announced at during the National Conference - enter here.

Primary Implementation
Secondary Implementation
Special School Implementation

Redbridge Schools at BETT2010

2010-02-23T11:31:00.000Z

Cleveland Junior School very kindly contacted me recently to share how they enjoyed taking part at BETT2010 and as a result appeared on the BBC report of the event:

"...at Cleveland Junior School in Redbridge, Year 6 pupils have been busy designing their own computer games.
"We made a storyline and introduced characters and designed the backgrounds,"explained 11-year-old Rezwana.
"More schools should use the software because you can put your own personal thoughts into the game," added classmate Pawan, also aged 11.
The games the children made were sent to a nearby infant school where Year 2 pupils played them and suggested improvements via Skype. "

Clevelands Junior School had partnered with Gearies Infants School on this project and students from Gearies were also invited to appear at BETT to outline the work they had done on the "Stephen Heppel Playful learning" stand.

Both schools run their own active blogs and if you want the full story please follow the following links:

http://clevelandjuniorschool.blogspot.com/2010/01/cleveland-junior-at-bett-2010.html
http://geariesict.blogspot.com/2010/01/bett-2010-olympia.html

Thank you Anjum Razaq (ICT Coordinator at Cleveland Junior) for passing on the links to what must have been a very exciting event to be involved in. Please feel free to contact Anjum (clevelandjunioradmin@googlemail.com) to find out further details about the project and how you may be able to replicate this work in your own school.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Ofsted's official view on eSafety

2010-02-22T11:22:00.003Z

Ofsted has recently reviewed eSafety in schools across the UK and (as is their particular skill) they have published a report. The first key finding they list is "In the five schools where provision for e-safety was outstanding, all the staff, including members of the wider workforce, shared responsibility for it. Assemblies, tutorial time, personal, social, health and education lessons, and an age-appropriate curriculum for e-safety all helped pupils to become safe and responsible users of new technologies."

There are many other findings worth reading through if you are the member of the senior management team responsible for eSafety. Their key recommendations for schools are:

audit the training needs of all staff and provide training to improve their
knowledge of and expertise in the safe and appropriate use of new
technologies

work closely with all families to help them ensure that their children use new
technologies safely and responsibly both at home and at school

use pupils’ and families’ views more often to develop e-safety strategies

manage the transition from locked down systems to more managed systems
to help pupils understand how to manage risk; to provide them with richer
learning experiences; and to bridge the gap between systems at school and
the more open systems outside school

provide an age-related, comprehensive curriculum for e-safety which
enables pupils to become safe and responsible users of new technologies

work with their partners and other providers to ensure that pupils who
receive part of their education away from school are e-safe

systematically review and develop their e-safety procedures, including
training, to ensure that they have a positive impact on pupils’ knowledge
and understanding.

The full report is available here:
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/content/download/10750/128225/file/The%20safe%20use%20of%20new%20technologies.pdf

You may like to send this link on to the relevant senior manager within your school. If you are a Redbridge school and have questions directly related to your school please get in touch I can link you in with the borough's eSafety Officer.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Win up to £3,000 worth of ICT equipment

2010-02-21T15:23:00.001Z

ARE YOU THE BRAINIEST SCHOOL IN BRITAIN? SIGN UP FOR FIRST EVER ONLINE NATIONAL SCHOOLS QUIZ!

- Primary schools across the nation encouraged to take the challenge in the Next Generation Learning National Schools Quiz-

The Next Generation Learning National Schools Quiz is being launched by Becta and the NEN (National Education Network) on Friday the 12th March. Schools can win up to £3,000 worth of ICT equipment or training along with spot prices for those taking part.

School's interested in registering can do so at http://www.nen.gov.uk/news/134/national-schools-quiz-register-now.html

Mina Patel
mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk

National Schools Quiz - 12th March 2010

2010-02-18T11:15:00.001Z

Why should I take part in the National Schools Quiz? The National Schools Quiz has the potential to set young minds alight with a thirst for knowledge. Having seen how computer games can enthuse children, using similar technology to expand a child’s knowledge of the curriculum in a fun and interactive way is a great way to increase learner attainment. The quiz also allows children to participate on a national scale and learn together.

Who can enter the National Schools’ Quiz?
The quiz is only open to 8 or 9 year old primary school children from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

What are the prizes?
Highest scoring pupil - £250 of latest technology of their choice
Teams (restricted to 10 members) – up to £2,000 for the winning team. Each member gets to choose up to £200 worth of the latest technology of their choice
Best overall school – £3,000 worth of latest ICT kit or training for the school

How does the National Schools Quiz fit into school curriculum?
The questions are based on subjects being taught to 8 and 9 year old primary school children, although there are some general knowledge questions. The quiz itself is not a mandatory part of school curriculum, but can help inspire children to learn more about any subject.
What are the terms and conditions?

Find out more: http://www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk/nsq

Register your school: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PXTRNLL

The quiz itself will take place at 11am on the 12th March, and will last for approximately 65 minutes.

Becta's Latest News and features

2010-02-15T10:00:00.001Z

Becta's news is available on the Schools website.

Home access takes off...
Equipping our current and future generations with the necessary skills to compete in a digital world is crucial to our future. Through innovative programs such as Home Access, Becta is driving this development. Find out more about applying for the Home Access grant and take a look at some case study stories.

Get the bigger picture
How committed are you to ICT? Take our 30 minute survey and discover the impact that ICT is having in your school.

Has your school signed up to the Next Generation Learning Charter?
A booklet outlining the features and benefits of the Charter and the four stage journey towards effective use of technology is now available for schools. You can order or download the publication here. A map is also available which shows all schools on the Charter and the level they have achieved.

Upcoming improvements to the Self-review framework
We have been working on improvements to the Self-review framework which will be implemented this Spring.

Digital literacy: teaching critical thinking
This new publication aims to help teachers to teach the skills, knowledge and understanding that young people need to participate fully and safely in an increasingly digital world. The publication is accompanied by a planning tool which will help you to incorporate digital literacy into your teaching.

New secondary resource for online reporting
This booklet and interactive DVD provides substantial information around the online reporting agenda as an aid to secondary schools to help them meet the expectation of implementing online reporting to parents and carers by September 2010.

Get started with your learning platform
Used effectively, learning platforms open up learning opportunities for all pupils in school and extend learning outside the classroom and school. This publication presents the key steps to a whole school approach to learning platforms.

Are you a 21st century teacher?
Newly published ‘The 21st century teacher’ booklet is designed to help teachers develop their professional use of technology. You can also find links to helpful resources and an online self review checklist on our website.

Narrowing the gap
This report and accompanying videos focus on exploring the ways technology can support approaches to ‘narrowing the gap’ for low and underachieving learners in secondary schools.

2010 ICT Excellence Awards now open!
The 2010 awards are now open for entries until 24 March 2010. To enter your school, please complete our online application form.

Management information systems market review
Modern schools require sophisticated Information Management solutions to address ICT issues. We are conducting a review which will enable us to issue guidance on management information systems.

Procurement framework consultation
Over the past year, we have been looking at the best ways to allow you to put ICT services in place in a way which will support cash savings, efficiency and save staff time. Find out how you can input into the scope of this procurement frameworks consultation.

Becta launches new NVQs
We have launched the Framework for ICT Technical Support (FITS), providing National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) to IT technicians in schools.

LGFL ICT Technicians’ Conference - 29th March

2010-02-11T08:00:00.000Z

This packed, full day, conference will be helpful to all those who are involved in embedding or supporting the use of the wide range of LGfL services and resources now available to all London schools. The purpose of the day is to assist schools in gaining the maximum benefit from LGfL services, many of which are ‘free to schools’ having been provided region-wide by London local authorities working together as The London Grid for Learning.

Programme - 29th March 2010

Booking for places is now open by visit to http://www.events.lgfl.net/

Fronter Training`Hands On`@ RTC

2010-02-10T12:08:00.003Z

Fronter Training (Primary and Secondary hands on workshop )– Wednesday, March 24th

The course will run from 9.30am -3.30pm at the Redbridge Teachers Centre.
The training is for teachers with all different levels of experience in using Fronter.
Please go to http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ to book your place.
The workshops will be ran by Mina Patel (LGfL). Tanya Hurst(Loxford High), Rosemary Hunt( Fronter), Rob Spriddle ( Redbridge Primary) and Alex Rees (Redbridge LA).
The day course will consist of four different 1 hour hands on workshops where you may choose which workshop to attend.
Please bring your own lap tops with you to enable you to access the wireless internet connection at the Teachers Centre.
Agenda below:

Time	Trainer	Title
9.30 – 10.30 (session 1)	Rosemary Hunt	Using Fronter as a Collaborative tool
	Mina Patel	Using Video in Fronter

10.30 - 10.45 BREAK

10.45 -11.45 (session 2)	Tanya Hurst	Coursework Management
	Rob Spriddle	Using Fronter for Language enrichment

11.45 – 12.45 LUNCH

12.45 – 1.45 (session 3)	Rob Spriddle	Using Fronter in Maths
	Alex Rees	Using Fronter for Heads for Department

1.45 – 2.45 (session 4)	Rosemary Hunt	Using Fronter for Early years
	Mina Patel	Using Fronter as a Staff communication Tool

2.45 – 3.30	Rosemary and Mina	Show and tell & Fronter Tips and Tricks

Mina Patel
mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk

Video Conference with China - all over!

2010-02-09T09:59:00.001Z

The live videoconference event finished at 12.30 pm yesterday and was a huge success. Pupils in our participating schools had the opportunity, through technology, to develop their speaking, listening and presenting skills as well as beginning to acquire the attributes fitting for a global citizen in the 21st century.

We were delighted that our Redbridge Mayor, Cllr Thomas Chan, who is the first Chinese Mayor in Britain, attended the event and talked to schools and other participants across Britain and the world . He wholeheartedly endorsed our messages.

The event was the culmination of many activities that have taken place in our schools since October 2008 when teachers spent one week in their partnership schools in Beijing.

Congratulations to all the teachers and students who have worked so hard to keep the partnership alive.

Annette Carlon
annette.carlon@redbridge.gov.uk

Redbridge LIVE linking to China RIGHT NOW

2010-02-08T08:20:00.001Z

If you are in a London school, and today is the 8th Feb, follow this link to watch the live Redbridge/China celebration of Chinese New Year - mms://media.lgfl.org.uk/cny

Programme Feb 8th 2010

8.50 - 9.00
Welcome from Presenters

9.00 -9.10
A Chinese Tale from 125 School Beijing
KS2/3 - 125 School Beijing, China read a traditional story. What does the Year of the Tiger mean to the Chinese?

9.10 - 9.20
Mayor Chan (the first Chinese Mayor in Britain) welcomes schools to the video conference
All Key Stages - The Mayor of Redbridge - Councillor Thomas Chan - Ask the Mayor a question

9.20 - 9.30
Beal High School - A Chinese Drama
KS3/4 - An interactive Chinese Drama

9.30 - 9.45
An Interview with Angela May - Fullwood Primary School
All Key Stages - Put our Oriental presenter on the hot spot

9.45 - 10.00
Glade Primary School - Chinese Exercise
KS2 - Get ready to exercise with the pupils from Glade Primary

10.00 - 10.15
A Chinese Calligraphy lesson
All Key Stages - Learn to write some Chinese letters. Get your pens and paper ready!

10.15- 10. 30
Mayfield School
KS3/4 - The Olympics - 'Then and Now'

10.30 - 10.45
Oaks Park High School, Chop Stick Championships
All Key Stages - A Chopstick Games and other Chinese activities

10.45 - 11.00
More questions for Angela May
All Key Stages - Do you have any questions for Angela?

11.00- 11.15
Chinese Lion Dancers
All Key Stages - A Chinese Lion Dance live

11.15-11.30
Seven Kings High School - A play in Mandarin
KS3 – The pupils of SKHS act out a play ‘Finding Friends’ in Mandarin

11.30 - 11.45
Redbridge Primary School - International Food
KS2 - International Food

11.45 - 12.00
A lesson in Thai Chi with Siman Yue
All Key Stages - Take part in a Thai Chi lesson with a Thai Chi professional

12.00 - 12.15
Snaresbrook Primary School - Learn to speak some basic Mandarin
KS2 – Learn some basic Mandarin language with Snaresbrook Primary

12.15 - 12.30
Wanstead High School - Take the Chinese Challenge
All Key Stages - A quiz about China

12.30
Close

You are very welcome to join in by watching and letting us know how you have used this link.

Annette Carlon
annette.carlon@redbridge.gov.uk

Free Online Reporting Briefings for Primary and Special Schools

2010-02-06T10:00:00.001Z

Becta are setting up free online reporting briefings in London and Manchester where you will be able to hear from fellow primary and special school leaders about how they are exploiting ICT to improve parental engagement. In the last year we have seen a huge increase in demand from schools looking to exploit ICT to improve parental engagement and an increasing appetite to move beyond the core expectations for online reporting.

These events are free to those schools who are leading thinking in the wider use of ICT, such as ICT Mark schools and for school leaders who value being part of a cadre of peers.
As well as hearing from key national speakers, you will talk with them, share experiences and see practice in action – a practical, pragmatic and engaging event that can equip you to do even more in your school and to encourage and support peers in your own area.

Places are limited so please book as soon as possible by visiting our registration sites here:

Engaging parents through online reporting - London - Friday 26 February 2010 Deadline 24 February 2010

Engaging parents through online reporting - Manchester - Thursday 4 March 2010 Deadline 2 March 2010

Please note that these conferences are free of charge. Travel expenses for the day may be submitted - forms will be available on the day – please keep all receipts in advance of claim. Further information can be obtained by emailing customerservices@becta.org.uk.

Becta

Redbridge celebrates Chinese New Year - 8th February 2010

2010-02-04T14:47:00.007Z

The London Grid for Learning, working in partnership with Redbridge, will be hosting a videoconference for primary and secondary schools to celebrate the Chinese New Year on 8th February 2010 (8.50am - 12.30pm), live from the Redbridge Teachers’ Centre.
LGfL is preparing to link up live by video to schools across London, the UK and China.
The first Chinese Mayor in Britain – Mayor Chan will be opening the conference and welcoming schools from China and all over the UK.

Click here to view the programme for the event. Schools that are directly involved in presenting on the day are:

Beal High School

Fullwood Primary School

Glade Primary School

Mayfield School

Oaks Park High School

Seven Kings High School

Redbridge Primary School

Snaresbrook Primary School

Wanstead High School

We would, however, like to invite all of you to watch the live stream on the day, so please, click on this link on Monday Feb 8th - mms://media.lgfl.org.uk/cny

Mina Patel
mina.patel@lgfl.org.uk

Book now: Redbridge Technical Forum 02 - Thursday 11th February

2010-01-26T11:47:00.004Z

“Switched on and networked for learning.”

This conference is the second in a series of events set up for technical staff supporting and administrating the computer systems within Redbridge primary and secondary schools. The programme is designed to ensure that whatever previous experience you have – whether as an expert systems engineer or as someone completely new to the role – you will find the RTF of real value with relevant information and fresh ideas you can apply easily within your own school.

Agenda:
Thursday 11th February 2010
Redbridge Teachers’ Centre

9am
Coffee & Registration

Morning
1. Hardware trouble-shooting
Some practical help with some real issues that are being encountered daily within our schools.
2. LA news
An update as to the ways the LA is currently supporting the work in schools, plus some featured LGFL services available in London.
3. Best practice
Using the current best practice guidance mixed with practical experience-driven common sense to give you a clear idea of how to replicate best practice in your school.

Lunch

Afternoon
4. In my school…
A case study of experiences from a colleague’s school. The obstacles, the solutions, the bit where everyone is smiling in the end!
5. New technologies
A series of short presentations on the latest technologies schools in Redbridge are considering and the issues surrounding them.

3:30pm
Close with Q & A

Booking can be completed online at http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ or by emailing tina.pennells@redbridge.gov.uk.

Bett 2010 Review and Teachmeet

2010-01-20T09:56:00.003Z

Hi all, I recently visited Bett like mose of the teachers in Redbridge. I did spot a few of you.

Click on the link to get an brief idea of some of the interesting bits from my point of view. Click

Also I attended a Teachmeet event in the evening, click to check it out.

Nic Hughes

Plan now for the 2010 "Safer Internet Day" - Tuesday 9th February

2010-01-18T11:32:00.006Z

Safer Internet Day is a European-wide initiative and is the one day in the calendar that will give a focus to internet safety issues. There are a range activities taking place across the week between Monday 8th – Friday 12th February that can raise awareness of how to protect young people online. The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre have launched a micro-site at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/saferinternetdayuk which has been designed to give teachers, parents and child protection professionals some ideas and suggestions about how to get involved. The other significant place to go for excellent eSafety resources is Childnet - http://www.childnet-int.org/ - and 10 minutes spent on this site will give you excellent ideas for eSafety assemblies, classroom activities and discussions for all subject areas.

What can you do?

You can help raise awareness of online safety issues in your community and here are a few suggestions and ideas from CEOP to get you thinking...

Enter the ‘Think before you post’ film competition as a group, class or as a solo entrant.
Deliver the Thinkuknow resources to the young people that you work with.
Download the latest cyberbullying episode from Hector’s World – for 5-7 year olds
Download the new CEOP animated resources for 5-7’s with activities for
pre school, called ‘The adventures of Lee and Kim’.
Hold a Safer Internet Day assembly – we have short films with lessons plans for primary and secondary schools.
Advertise Safer Internet Day on your websites, newsletters and publications – download the online banners and SID badge for your website
Host a parents awareness-raising session using the Purely for Parent’s presentation.
Create your own to leaflet drop on your local high street.
Work with the local or regional media – place an advert, get a journalist to come to your event, take some pics and send them with a press notice to your local paper
Set up a stand in a local public space to distribute resources and show the Thinkuknow films.
Encourage young people to deliver resources to other young people, with the support of an adult.
Encourage local shops (particularly those selling new technologies) to highlight the risks online, by having leaflets by the tills or posters in the window.

If you need support in planning or running an event for parents, do get in touch. Otherwise make use of the resources available from the links above and consider putting the following link http://www.ceop.gov.uk/reportabuse/ on both your website and learning platform for all students to have easy access to.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Gordon Brown's speech to the Learning and Technology World Forum

2010-01-15T13:20:00.004Z

At the Learning and Technology World Forum held prior to BETT this week Gordon Brown outlined his perspective on education, focusing on the impact technology has had, and will have, on it. Within this speech he officially announces the Home Access Grant, reiterates the parental engagement expectation and personally congratulates one of Redbridge's own teachers.

The whole video is 20 minutes and linked below. The full text for the speech is available here. If you haven't time to watch the whole presentation you may want to jump to some key phrases:

14 mins 20 secs
"...we want every family to become a broadband family. We want every home where there are children linked to the school. For those finding it difficult to afford this I want to announce the nationwide rollout of our Home Access Programme to get laptops and broadband at home for 270,000 families in the United Kingdom. It means that all families can come together, learn together and reap the rewards together."

15 mins 50 secs
"We realise that for parents to influence and engage in the education of their children they need rich, varied and easily accessible information on the progress, on the behaviour and on the attendance of their children at school. And that’s why we’ve said from 2010 all secondary schools in our country and from 2012 all primary schools will guarantee reporting online to parents. So the mother who’s worried about her son struggling with his reading can find out more about how she can help, the dad who works long hours and can’t make a parents’ evening can keep in touch with his daughter’s progress at whatever time of the day or night that he is free."

17 mins 20 secs
"Dan Lea is a primary school teacher from here in London who won the UK’s Teacher of the Year Technology Award and whose innovations include teaching children to blog as a way of documenting their learning and sharing their projects instantly with family, friends and peers. Dan - congratulations on behalf of all of us for your great success."

Congratulations Dan on your now established international recognition. If you are a Redbridge school and have further questions on either the Home Access Grant, or your own parental engagement strategy please do get in touch.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

It's ICT Week!

2010-01-12T10:00:00.002Z

Both at the BETT exhibition (see www.bettshow.com) and on Teachers' TV (see www.teachers.tv).

Enjoy the plethora of material, resources and ideas that can be gleaned from both these sources. If you can't afford the time to visit BETT during the school week, then you can always visit on Saturday. Teachers TV, of course, is available through all digital TV systems (although only 4-6pm on Freeview) and you can always 'watch-again' online.

Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk

Upcoming Events

2010-01-11T09:56:00.003Z

Hi all.

Just to remind you about some upcoming events this week in Redbridge.

Wedneday - is the KS2 NQT ICT Course
Thursday - is Day 3 of the TA course

Both are in the Teachers Centre and start at 9.00.

Also this week is a little show called BETT. This is THE Education Technology show of the year. If you are't going, why not? It open Wednesday to Saturady and is free to attend. Go there and be inspired.

On the topic of inspiring Friday at Bett is also the Venue for a Teachmeet, these are great inspiring sessions. Currently this has 166 attending and 30 people willing to speak. Check it out and come along. It starts at 6.30 till 9.30. I'm on that list to speak hopefully along with Dawn Hallybone.

I'm attending Friday so if you wanna meet up tweet me and organise something.

Nic Hughes @duck_star

LGfL Next Generation Learning – Digital Technology & Institutional Change Programme

2010-01-11T09:16:00.003Z

News from the LGFL

Following the success of the Autumn term NGL programme, further dates have now been announced for the Spring term.

School Leaders
The next two NGL programmes for School Leaders will be held at Mary Sumner House, Westminster on the dates below:
NGL 9 – 26th and 28th January 2010
NGL 10 – 4th and 5th February 2010

In order to derive maximum benefit from the course it is strongly recommended that two people from each school attend, of which at least one must be a member of the Strategic Leadership Team. The subsidised programme charge is £150 per delegate. Take up is again expected to be high and colleagues are encouraged to liaise with schools and place bookings as early as possible.

All events will be held at Mary Sumner House, Tufton Street, Westminster.

Colleagues wishing to book places on any of the Spring term events should contact julie.walker@lgfl.org.uk