Tim Atkinson's Blog, page 65
July 18, 2013
Scope Face to Face Befrienders Scheme
Every ten minutes a family receives the news that their child is disabled. Having a child can be an isolating and anxious time, even without the added challenge of learning about your child's condition or impairment, so you can imagine the heightened stress and loneliness felt by the families of disabled children.
That's where Scope’s Face 2 Face befrienders scheme comes in, matching parents with disabled children with trained befrienders and changing lives – helping parents feel less isolated and letting them know that others have gone through the same experiences.
It’s a relief to know that there are other parents going through the same thing and that you can make contact and find out more, says one Scope befriender.
Without this Face to Face service there would be nowhere for me to go for emotional support. I don’t want to be a number in a medical waiting room. This is more heartfelt – it’s not about ‘fixing’ it’s about listening - Charlene
The Scope Face 2 Face training develops the skills that are so important in befriending: how to listen without judging, how to empathise, re-stating what the other person has told you to ensure you’ve correctly understood, offering and discussing solutions and acknowledging where formal counselling may be more beneficial.
The Face 2 Face service has had a big impact, with 87% of users saying that accessing the service had improved or significantly improved their confidence in and understanding of how to meet the needs of disabled child and the rest of their family.
Scope works with hundreds of families every day, but there are still many more that could benefit from a befriender. There are also many hundreds who could become befrienders themselves, but who still need to go through the ten weeks of intensive training that it takes to have the skills to support other parents. Find out more here: http://www.scope.org.uk/face2face
Scope is currently raising funds to get more parents through the face to face befriender training. The link to the donation page is: http://www.scope.org.uk/lifechangers
Although in these straitened times people may be unable to give money to causes it is possible to help in other ways, not least by raising awareness of the crucial work being done by schemes such as this. In addition it is crucial to let parents of disabled children know that such services are available to them and Scope needs to get the word out.
You can sign up to find out more about the service at: http://www.scope.org.uk/befrienders and your support will enable Scope to raise awareness about the service as well as raise funds to support this important scheme.
July 16, 2013
Pampers Royal Baby Blanket
Not long now, apparently. Should have some news by the weekend, they're telling me.
If 'news about what?' is your immediate reaction you probably won't want to read on. Because the rest of the world, it seems, is gearing up for the impending royal birth and Pampers is joining the fun by encouraging us to celebrate by sharing our good wishes and support via Twitter (using the hashtag #babyblanket) and at http://www.pampers.co.uk/babyblanket over the next two weeks.
When the messages are uploaded Pampers will be knitting into a baby blanket for the new parents, and in the process hoping to create the world’s largest baby blanket composed of best wishes. And for every message sent to the blanket, Pampers will be donating a nappy to family support charity Home-Start UK (aiming to reach a quarter of a million nappies).
You can keep up to date with how Pampers is getting on with their record-breaking attempt by viewing a live stream at http://www.pampers.co.uk/babyblanket. The blanket will also be being knitted live at Westfield Shopping Centre (Shepherd’s Bush) between 18 - 21 July, and then will be unveiled later this month at a location to-be-confirmed! Once the blanket has been completed, Pampers will be donating framed sections of the blanket to a number of children’s hospitals across the UK.
If 'news about what?' is your immediate reaction you probably won't want to read on. Because the rest of the world, it seems, is gearing up for the impending royal birth and Pampers is joining the fun by encouraging us to celebrate by sharing our good wishes and support via Twitter (using the hashtag #babyblanket) and at http://www.pampers.co.uk/babyblanket over the next two weeks.
When the messages are uploaded Pampers will be knitting into a baby blanket for the new parents, and in the process hoping to create the world’s largest baby blanket composed of best wishes. And for every message sent to the blanket, Pampers will be donating a nappy to family support charity Home-Start UK (aiming to reach a quarter of a million nappies).
You can keep up to date with how Pampers is getting on with their record-breaking attempt by viewing a live stream at http://www.pampers.co.uk/babyblanket. The blanket will also be being knitted live at Westfield Shopping Centre (Shepherd’s Bush) between 18 - 21 July, and then will be unveiled later this month at a location to-be-confirmed! Once the blanket has been completed, Pampers will be donating framed sections of the blanket to a number of children’s hospitals across the UK.
July 12, 2013
Happy Birthday Brian Cant
Brian Cant is 80 today. Unbelievable, I know. But true.
What d'you mean you don't know who Brian Cant is? (He's the one on the right, btw!)
Brian Cant is a legend, a star, he should be a 'Sir'. He is, quite simply, the voice of my childhood, the smiling face of Play School, the MC of Play Away (where would the likes of Jeremy Irons or Sir Tony Baldrick be without him?) and narrator of those wonderfully low-tech lovely animations, Trumpton, Chigley and Camberwick Green.
How could I possibly let the occasion pass, especially as the mainstream media seems to have ignored the fact completely. So to celebrate, here a a few of his finest moments. Bring back memories for you, too?
And of course, no clip of Brian Cant's career would be complete without 'Pugh, Pugh (never HUGH Pugh!) Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grubb...'
What d'you mean you don't know who Brian Cant is? (He's the one on the right, btw!)
Brian Cant is a legend, a star, he should be a 'Sir'. He is, quite simply, the voice of my childhood, the smiling face of Play School, the MC of Play Away (where would the likes of Jeremy Irons or Sir Tony Baldrick be without him?) and narrator of those wonderfully low-tech lovely animations, Trumpton, Chigley and Camberwick Green.
How could I possibly let the occasion pass, especially as the mainstream media seems to have ignored the fact completely. So to celebrate, here a a few of his finest moments. Bring back memories for you, too?
And of course, no clip of Brian Cant's career would be complete without 'Pugh, Pugh (never HUGH Pugh!) Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grubb...'
July 10, 2013
Leap Frog Summer School
The school hols are almost upon us (or upon you if you're north of the border) and although Michael Gove wants them abolished, many parents will be facing the coming weeks with a mixture of trepidation, terror and tearing of hair at the potential torture of playing teacher for the summer.
One of the reasons the education secretary is proposing abolishing - or at least, shortening - the traditional six week summer holiday is because of the learning dip that affects some pupils. Six weeks is a long time, especially for younger pupils and although in teaching in secondary schools I found many that benefitted from the fresh start September brings, there is undoubtedly something to be said for keeping the learning habit going.
But children don't just learn in school. (Perish the thought.) I'm personally torn between an idea which goes some way to eliminating a well-researched learning gap and the tacit admission that we - parents - should simply 'leave it to schools'. No self-respecting mum or dad would, of course; but no doubt many a working parent would be glad to be shot of the burden of arranging summer childcare. The question is, how to keep the learning wheel turning?
In my role as a member of the LeapFrog blogger panel I've been sent some research this week confirming that many parents are already stressed about the holidays and the thought of having to play teacher. Two thousand parents of four to eight year olds were polled and results show that more than one in five parents (21%) are baffled about current learning methods in schools and are too nervous to try their own techniques in case they confuse their child. For a further 19 per cent, their fear of home educating is down to a simple lack of confidence.
So the arrival of LeapFrog’s new LeapReader is well timed. This break-through learn-to-read and write solution is aimed at four to eight year olds, and combines three unique experiences in one electronic device – Learning to Read, Learning to Write and Learning Through Listening. It is the ideal tool to keep little active minds topped up out of school hours and to build confidence in reading and writing.
And to help those parents in a panic about the summer holidays, LeapFrog is also launching ‘The LeapFrog Summer School’, dedicated to providing daily inspiration and support to keep children on track for the new September term. The campaign will go live on the LeapFrog UK Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LeapFrogUK) from Wednesday 24th July and will offer a wealth of fun reading and writing ideas and activities for children, as well as daily tips by independent educational expert and editor of The Good Schools Guide, Janette Wallis, for the full duration of the summer holiday.
All that remains, I suppose, is to have a holiday! And last week, you might recall, I offered (courtesy of LeapFrog) not one but TWO fantastic bundles guaranteed to keep kids amused and entertained on long car journeys. It's time to announce the lucky winners. They are *drumroll*...
+FromFun ToMum and
@applepie
Congratulations to them. But if you didn't win, don't forget the free LeapFrog Summer School is open from Wednesday 24th July.
One of the reasons the education secretary is proposing abolishing - or at least, shortening - the traditional six week summer holiday is because of the learning dip that affects some pupils. Six weeks is a long time, especially for younger pupils and although in teaching in secondary schools I found many that benefitted from the fresh start September brings, there is undoubtedly something to be said for keeping the learning habit going.
But children don't just learn in school. (Perish the thought.) I'm personally torn between an idea which goes some way to eliminating a well-researched learning gap and the tacit admission that we - parents - should simply 'leave it to schools'. No self-respecting mum or dad would, of course; but no doubt many a working parent would be glad to be shot of the burden of arranging summer childcare. The question is, how to keep the learning wheel turning?
In my role as a member of the LeapFrog blogger panel I've been sent some research this week confirming that many parents are already stressed about the holidays and the thought of having to play teacher. Two thousand parents of four to eight year olds were polled and results show that more than one in five parents (21%) are baffled about current learning methods in schools and are too nervous to try their own techniques in case they confuse their child. For a further 19 per cent, their fear of home educating is down to a simple lack of confidence.
So the arrival of LeapFrog’s new LeapReader is well timed. This break-through learn-to-read and write solution is aimed at four to eight year olds, and combines three unique experiences in one electronic device – Learning to Read, Learning to Write and Learning Through Listening. It is the ideal tool to keep little active minds topped up out of school hours and to build confidence in reading and writing.
And to help those parents in a panic about the summer holidays, LeapFrog is also launching ‘The LeapFrog Summer School’, dedicated to providing daily inspiration and support to keep children on track for the new September term. The campaign will go live on the LeapFrog UK Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LeapFrogUK) from Wednesday 24th July and will offer a wealth of fun reading and writing ideas and activities for children, as well as daily tips by independent educational expert and editor of The Good Schools Guide, Janette Wallis, for the full duration of the summer holiday.
All that remains, I suppose, is to have a holiday! And last week, you might recall, I offered (courtesy of LeapFrog) not one but TWO fantastic bundles guaranteed to keep kids amused and entertained on long car journeys. It's time to announce the lucky winners. They are *drumroll*...
+FromFun ToMum and
@applepie
Congratulations to them. But if you didn't win, don't forget the free LeapFrog Summer School is open from Wednesday 24th July.
Co-Operative Legal Services You Tube Channel
Every parent knows how important it is to make provision for your family and to ensure that things are sorted, legally, in the event of any kind of change in family circumstances. But good legal advice can be both costly and difficult to source which is where a new service from the Co-Op comes in.
They've just launched a new Youtube Channel for Co-Operative Legal Services, featuring industry first video content offering simple, impartial advice on Family Law, Wills and Probate. The videos cover a range of issues from what to do when a relationship breaks down, dealing with divorce & separation as well as child welfare and domestic abuse.
The videos are introduced and presented by Christina Blacklaws, Director of Policy at Co-operative Legal Services and a specialist in Family and Childcare Law. They are easy to understand and don't push Co-operative Legal Services exclusively - instead, being designed to be a useful resource to answer people's legal questions and concerns in the first instance.
July 8, 2013
Review: Hue Animation Studio
A couple of weeks ago we were sent something really special to play with - The Hue Animation Studio - which combines easy-to-use software with the award-winning Hue HD webcam and contains everything a budding animator needs to begin creating stop motion animation videos.
My regular reader will know how fond I am of iPhone film-making. You may even remember my short-lived 'how to' video series earlier this year. No? But I digress. Because, as the blurb says, with the Hue Animation Studio...
'Children can discover, imagine and create stop-motion animation through powerful, easy-to-use, animation software complete with Hue’s market leading Plug ‘n’ Play HD camera with built-in microphone and a unique flexible neck for unlimited positioning options.'
And for 'children', read also 'big kids'. Especially dads.
Sometimes something hi-tech comes along promising hours of endless fun but hours later you're still struggling installing software, downloading drivers and generally having about as much fun as a day spent at Wimbledon, clearing up Centre Court the day after Andy Murray's splendid victory, with just a few pigeons and a roll of rubbish sacks for company.
Well, in true Blue Peter style, here's one we made earlier. And we did it within, oh... about ten minutes of taking the kit out of the box. That's how long it took to install the drivers, download the software and start making a simple animation. The software is about as straightforward as it could be with split screen monitor and what we *ahem* animators call 'onion skinning' allow you to see where the object when the last frame was snapped.
So, big tick for being easy to install, set up and use. And now it is, we'll be creating some more adventurous animations and generally testing the kit to the limits. It's compatible with both Windows 7 and Mac OS and you can find out more about Hue Animation products on their website, as well as their Facebook page and Twitter feed.
So ove over Aardman... Atkinson's here.
My regular reader will know how fond I am of iPhone film-making. You may even remember my short-lived 'how to' video series earlier this year. No? But I digress. Because, as the blurb says, with the Hue Animation Studio...
'Children can discover, imagine and create stop-motion animation through powerful, easy-to-use, animation software complete with Hue’s market leading Plug ‘n’ Play HD camera with built-in microphone and a unique flexible neck for unlimited positioning options.'
And for 'children', read also 'big kids'. Especially dads.
Sometimes something hi-tech comes along promising hours of endless fun but hours later you're still struggling installing software, downloading drivers and generally having about as much fun as a day spent at Wimbledon, clearing up Centre Court the day after Andy Murray's splendid victory, with just a few pigeons and a roll of rubbish sacks for company.
Well, in true Blue Peter style, here's one we made earlier. And we did it within, oh... about ten minutes of taking the kit out of the box. That's how long it took to install the drivers, download the software and start making a simple animation. The software is about as straightforward as it could be with split screen monitor and what we *ahem* animators call 'onion skinning' allow you to see where the object when the last frame was snapped.
So, big tick for being easy to install, set up and use. And now it is, we'll be creating some more adventurous animations and generally testing the kit to the limits. It's compatible with both Windows 7 and Mac OS and you can find out more about Hue Animation products on their website, as well as their Facebook page and Twitter feed.
So ove over Aardman... Atkinson's here.
July 4, 2013
Keep your hand on the wheel!
I quite like the school run, most days. We walk, of course (although sometimes it's more of a jog). It's just under the two mile mark there and back but it's about the only exercise I get, so...
There's one stretch, though, along a busy road that is less than pleasant and probably less than healthy. I can just about cope with heavy lorries, tractors, cars, motorbikes and the rest thundering past within a matter on inches of me and my children but, well... I'd prefer it if - when I glance from pavement to road - I could say that they were always giving their task their full attention.
But they're not. It's even easier to see when the traffic slows to a crawl or even, occasionally, a standstill. Mobile phones on laps or pressed to ears or worse - in palms while texts are being read or sent.
Not long ago in Dubai a dramatic fall in road traffic accidents was attributed to a three day interruption to Blackberry's Messenger service. It seems pretty obvious that texting while driving is a dumb thing to do. But even the so-called 'professionals' - taxi drivers, lorry drivers, van drivers etc. - do it. Look...
That's just a small collection from my vast archive of terrifying images, many snapped by me using my mobile phone on the school run.
But then, I can.
Because I'm walking, NOT DRIVING!
There's one stretch, though, along a busy road that is less than pleasant and probably less than healthy. I can just about cope with heavy lorries, tractors, cars, motorbikes and the rest thundering past within a matter on inches of me and my children but, well... I'd prefer it if - when I glance from pavement to road - I could say that they were always giving their task their full attention.
But they're not. It's even easier to see when the traffic slows to a crawl or even, occasionally, a standstill. Mobile phones on laps or pressed to ears or worse - in palms while texts are being read or sent.
Not long ago in Dubai a dramatic fall in road traffic accidents was attributed to a three day interruption to Blackberry's Messenger service. It seems pretty obvious that texting while driving is a dumb thing to do. But even the so-called 'professionals' - taxi drivers, lorry drivers, van drivers etc. - do it. Look...
That's just a small collection from my vast archive of terrifying images, many snapped by me using my mobile phone on the school run.
But then, I can.
Because I'm walking, NOT DRIVING!
June 30, 2013
Sunday Supplement
For once, a sunny, warm Sunday is predicted. It'll probably rain.
But until then, the barbecue is being dusted down and I'm about to sling on my new gunslinger implements belt, charge up the Thermapen® that I've been sent and... oh yes, put both the Nasal Guard allergy thingy and the Ultrathon insect repellent to the test.
That's the thing about the English summer. If it doesn't rain you're either fighting off the wildlife or your immune system is fighting off the pollen.
Ah well, at least I now know that the chicken will be cooked. I confess, I'm not good at barbecues. I rely on coals and without a fancy gas-powered thingumy I'm never entirely convinced it's hot enough for long enough. And chicken is always the thing I worry about the most.
What I need (to ensure I'm not poisoning the family) is this: the SuperFast Thermapen® Digital Thermometer from ETI.
The SuperFast Thermapen® is ideal for taking temperatures of cooked, re-heated and chilled foods such as meat joints, fish, soups, stews and pies. It incorporates a clear, easy to read display, with a precise read-out of temperature over the range of -49.9 to 299.9°C.
The Thermapen® thermometer incorporates a reduced tip, stainless steel, food penetration probe that conveniently folds back through 180 degrees into the side of the instrument when not in use. The response time of any thermometer is dependant on many factors, the mass of the sensing tip, heat transfer and, most importantly, the state of the substance being measured. With both air and liquid, agitation is crucial to rapid response. The ETI calibration laboratory has tested the Thermapen® in a stirred water bath with amazing results. Each Thermapen® reached 100% of the test temperature in an astonishing 3 seconds. The Thermapen is available in a range of 10 vibrant colours, so you can buy one to match your taste.
The casing is manufactured from a new washable "Biomaster" material that reduces bacteria growth and the egonomic rubber seal reduces the risk of the ingress of water or dust. As well as being water resistant, it is still 'probably' the fastest reading contact thermometer on the market today. The true temperature of a product can be tested in just three seconds.
Right, that's the meat taken care of. Now what about the wildlife?
Well, NasalGuard AllergieBLOCK® is a drug-free, water-based gel that works by using a patented technology operating on the simple principle of electrostatic charges to create an invisible barrier around the nose. And, as AllergieBLOCK gel has a slight positive charge, it attracts negatively charged allergens such as pollen and dust – working in a preventative way to block airborne particles entering the body through the nose. It can be used by anyone suffering from allergy symptoms including pet owners and hay fever sufferers and is suitable for children and mums-to-be.
For best results, you apply when you wake up, after showering, before bedtime and every 4 to 6 hours in between. The clear gel can be applied under or over make-up and dries quickly. If your face becomes wet, re-apply to maintain the protective layer.
Three steps to allergy protection:
1. Simply squeeze 1-2 drops of gel onto your forefinger
2. Rub together using your forefinger and thumb
3. Apply a thin layer around the nostrils and between the nose and upper lip
My allergy-prone eldest daughter is trialling this one and initial results are hopeful but the jury is still out. But if the pollen doesn't get you, the mossies must!
Or must they? Initially developed for the military to provide long lasting protection in tropical environments, the Time Release Technology behind Ultrathon Insect Repellent enables DEET, which repels mosquitoes, midges and other biting insects, to be released over a longer period of time. The benefit for regular holidays in the UK and abroad is a reduced need for reapplication and peace of mind for you & your family.
And we've not been bitten. But don't take my word for it, because you can try it for yourself thanks to the fact that I've some samples to give away. Just leave a comment below and you could try some 3M™ Ultrathon™ Insect Repellent for yourself... especially useful if you're visiting the west of Scotland, so I'm told.
So what are you waiting for?
bzzzzz....
But until then, the barbecue is being dusted down and I'm about to sling on my new gunslinger implements belt, charge up the Thermapen® that I've been sent and... oh yes, put both the Nasal Guard allergy thingy and the Ultrathon insect repellent to the test.
That's the thing about the English summer. If it doesn't rain you're either fighting off the wildlife or your immune system is fighting off the pollen.
Ah well, at least I now know that the chicken will be cooked. I confess, I'm not good at barbecues. I rely on coals and without a fancy gas-powered thingumy I'm never entirely convinced it's hot enough for long enough. And chicken is always the thing I worry about the most.
What I need (to ensure I'm not poisoning the family) is this: the SuperFast Thermapen® Digital Thermometer from ETI.
The SuperFast Thermapen® is ideal for taking temperatures of cooked, re-heated and chilled foods such as meat joints, fish, soups, stews and pies. It incorporates a clear, easy to read display, with a precise read-out of temperature over the range of -49.9 to 299.9°C.
The Thermapen® thermometer incorporates a reduced tip, stainless steel, food penetration probe that conveniently folds back through 180 degrees into the side of the instrument when not in use. The response time of any thermometer is dependant on many factors, the mass of the sensing tip, heat transfer and, most importantly, the state of the substance being measured. With both air and liquid, agitation is crucial to rapid response. The ETI calibration laboratory has tested the Thermapen® in a stirred water bath with amazing results. Each Thermapen® reached 100% of the test temperature in an astonishing 3 seconds. The Thermapen is available in a range of 10 vibrant colours, so you can buy one to match your taste.
The casing is manufactured from a new washable "Biomaster" material that reduces bacteria growth and the egonomic rubber seal reduces the risk of the ingress of water or dust. As well as being water resistant, it is still 'probably' the fastest reading contact thermometer on the market today. The true temperature of a product can be tested in just three seconds.
Right, that's the meat taken care of. Now what about the wildlife?
Well, NasalGuard AllergieBLOCK® is a drug-free, water-based gel that works by using a patented technology operating on the simple principle of electrostatic charges to create an invisible barrier around the nose. And, as AllergieBLOCK gel has a slight positive charge, it attracts negatively charged allergens such as pollen and dust – working in a preventative way to block airborne particles entering the body through the nose. It can be used by anyone suffering from allergy symptoms including pet owners and hay fever sufferers and is suitable for children and mums-to-be.
For best results, you apply when you wake up, after showering, before bedtime and every 4 to 6 hours in between. The clear gel can be applied under or over make-up and dries quickly. If your face becomes wet, re-apply to maintain the protective layer.
Three steps to allergy protection:
1. Simply squeeze 1-2 drops of gel onto your forefinger
2. Rub together using your forefinger and thumb
3. Apply a thin layer around the nostrils and between the nose and upper lip
My allergy-prone eldest daughter is trialling this one and initial results are hopeful but the jury is still out. But if the pollen doesn't get you, the mossies must!
Or must they? Initially developed for the military to provide long lasting protection in tropical environments, the Time Release Technology behind Ultrathon Insect Repellent enables DEET, which repels mosquitoes, midges and other biting insects, to be released over a longer period of time. The benefit for regular holidays in the UK and abroad is a reduced need for reapplication and peace of mind for you & your family.
And we've not been bitten. But don't take my word for it, because you can try it for yourself thanks to the fact that I've some samples to give away. Just leave a comment below and you could try some 3M™ Ultrathon™ Insect Repellent for yourself... especially useful if you're visiting the west of Scotland, so I'm told.
So what are you waiting for?
bzzzzz....
June 26, 2013
Exam Fever
It's either almost all over or else it's only just beginning. But whether you've finished one set, made the grade, done one paper or finished so-called 'finals' you'll probably soon discover that it's never really over, there's always another grade, a higher level, a further degree, another qualification.
My wife is celebrating the end of the 'A' levels with her sixth form this evening; a friend's son is graduating in a few days time and my eldest child is in the middle of a week of internal exams.
Why?
The obvious answer is, well... obvious. Isn't it?
As a teacher I've given that answer often enough, persuaded enough pupils to work a little harder, study a little better, go a little further with their education for the sake of something greater in their future. I still meet some of them around town taking a break from one McJob or another and desperate to use that degree I persuaded them to go for and finally climb onto their chosen career ladder.
'Test us with tests but the final is never final...'
My daughter discovered this video a couple of weeks ago at a time when she was feeling the pressure of her first GCSE exams. It contains more sense than any of the educational philosophy I ever studied, more wisdom than in the last two decades of educational policy and more truth than any number of speeches and statements by experts, ministers, inspectors and school leaders.
'Parents who say they want educated kids but constantly marvel at how rich Richard Branson is...'
As a fully paid up member of the system for so long I'm sure I've been guilty of putting too great an emphasis on exam success, studying hard, getting those GCSEs, those A levels, that degree, a Masters maybe.
But there are many for whom that 'system' is guaranteed to perpetuate a sense of failure, for whom school does nothing to prepare them for their future and some for whom it stifles the creativity, enthusiasm and love for learning that would guarantee them success in adult life.
Because, at the end of the day, it isn't about exam results. It isn't about working hard for the sake of ticking boxes, earning certificates and adding noughts to a potential salary. It's about drive; it's about dedication. Educational attainment can measure the kind of determination, dedication and application necessary to succeed in life but those who've got it will probably succeed anyway.
And those who haven't?
Most, if not all, have got something to offer. It's our job to find it and to find a way of nurturing it.
'We will not let exam results decide our fate...'
My wife is celebrating the end of the 'A' levels with her sixth form this evening; a friend's son is graduating in a few days time and my eldest child is in the middle of a week of internal exams.
Why?
The obvious answer is, well... obvious. Isn't it?
As a teacher I've given that answer often enough, persuaded enough pupils to work a little harder, study a little better, go a little further with their education for the sake of something greater in their future. I still meet some of them around town taking a break from one McJob or another and desperate to use that degree I persuaded them to go for and finally climb onto their chosen career ladder.
'Test us with tests but the final is never final...'
My daughter discovered this video a couple of weeks ago at a time when she was feeling the pressure of her first GCSE exams. It contains more sense than any of the educational philosophy I ever studied, more wisdom than in the last two decades of educational policy and more truth than any number of speeches and statements by experts, ministers, inspectors and school leaders.
'Parents who say they want educated kids but constantly marvel at how rich Richard Branson is...'
As a fully paid up member of the system for so long I'm sure I've been guilty of putting too great an emphasis on exam success, studying hard, getting those GCSEs, those A levels, that degree, a Masters maybe.
But there are many for whom that 'system' is guaranteed to perpetuate a sense of failure, for whom school does nothing to prepare them for their future and some for whom it stifles the creativity, enthusiasm and love for learning that would guarantee them success in adult life.
Because, at the end of the day, it isn't about exam results. It isn't about working hard for the sake of ticking boxes, earning certificates and adding noughts to a potential salary. It's about drive; it's about dedication. Educational attainment can measure the kind of determination, dedication and application necessary to succeed in life but those who've got it will probably succeed anyway.
And those who haven't?
Most, if not all, have got something to offer. It's our job to find it and to find a way of nurturing it.
'We will not let exam results decide our fate...'
June 21, 2013
Are we nearly there yet?
I'm delighted to announce that I've been selected to be a member of the LeapFrog Blogger Panel 2013 and to celebrate, I've got a really special giveaway this morning.
It's getting to the time of year when families pack the car, the kids, the sunscreen (ha!) and several umbrellas and set off for the annual family holiday. This ritual is as inevitable as it is stressful. And however you travel, long journeys and young children don't often make the happiest combination.
Which is where LeapFrog comes in. Charlie can be kept amused for hours (literally - our last car journey was a five hour trek to Dorset!) with his trusty Leap Pad 2. But we're not keeping it to ourselves. Because LeapFrog has now joined forces with Trunki to ensure your little ones can travel contented this summer!
We are offering two lucky readers the chance to win some great goodies for families on the go this summer, including a LeapPad2, the number one learning tablet, a LeapPad car viewer, LeapPad head phones, a Trunki Paddle Pak, a Jellyfish wash bag and Crab purse worth over £150 per pack.
With over 225 games, apps, videos, music, or eBooks available from the LeapFrog App Centre, parents can travel armed with more than enough to keep children occupied and entertained this summer. For more information on LeapFrog, visit the LeapFrog UK Facebook page and to be in with a chance of winning one of these fabulous prizes, leave a comment below (between now and next Thursday) telling us where you're travelling to this summer... and therefore why one of these packs would be invaluable.
All that we need now is some decent weather.
Bon voyage!
