November 2008 - Posts
At recent training events we used the opportunity to discuss issues surrounding the ending of KS3 SAT's. The attached file shows what some delegates saw at the opportunities and threats of this move. More will be added as they get typed up. You might like to use other peoples ideas as part of training you do in your department when considering life "post SAT's".
The attached file is the flier for the above course. The last course filled up quite quickly and people have placed themselves on a reserve list. New applicants are very welcome but may need to move quickly to get booked. The attached flier has a hyperlink to the application form.
To get to the attachment, click on title of this post, the attachment is shown in the new window which opens.
The link below goes directly to a listing of all the science videos available on Teachers TV. There are some nice video's here for both training and possible classroom use. All are downloadable.
http://www.teachers.tv/science
If you or any colleagues would like some support with classroom management, there are also some useful video's with some very good ideas here.
http://www.teachers.tv/behaviour
I have heard from one school of the printing errors on the above module examination. If you have been affected by this please can you let me know by e-mail. The school who reported the problem have written to AQA to complain and are hoping for some speedy action from the board. If you have been affected, it might be worth getting your school to write to AQA as well.
Further to previous communications I'd like to clarify the position regarding informing the HSE that you hold radioactive sources.
We (Kent's H & S dept and myself) have informed the HSE of all schools holding sources where Kent is the employer. Schools where the Governors are the employer (Foundation and voluntary aided + academies) need to inform the HSE individually. We did try to notify them on your behalf but this was not acceptable! The link below explains the categorisation of schools.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/ChoosingASchool/DG_4016312
If your Governors are your employers you'll need to make up a letter using the proforma on page 34 of the new L93 booklet. You don't need to list all the sources you have, they just want to know what type (sealed and / or unsealed). L93 was attached to the Kenttrustweb article about this on 4th November 2008 - follow this link and then download the attachment -
http://www.kenttrustweb.org.uk/communication/ebulletindetail.cfm?eb_bulletinid=3153
Once you have informed HSE there should be no more work to do! If you decide to stop using sources and get rid of them, you'll need evidence of proper disposal and / or transfer which should be sent to HSE and to myself and / or the Kent H & S department at County Hall
Please ensure that you complete this bit of record keeping as discrepancies will not look good if HSE visits your school for any reason. Your Governors will be held responsible and they would expect the science department to have this in order. If I can help, please contact me on my e-mail - keith.milchem@kent.gov.uk
The Times carried an editorial today entitled "Political Science" in which it argues that more politicians need to understand the process of science. In especially mentions how to weigh up evidence! You might find reading it interesting (and useful for some students). Go to http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/leading_article/article5167984.ece
Attached is the Newsletter recently sent to HoD's in schools. If you work in a Kent school and want to go on to my circulatrion list to get a direct copy, please let me know at my e-mail address. keith.milchem@kent.gov.uk
A new web site with links between the STEM subjects and careers has been published. It contains sections for teachers and pupils. The age related pupil pages contain some useful resources including a "job finder" quiz which students will enjoy using. Whilst I have not explored the site fully, it does look like a positive contribution to support the STEM agenda. I recommend a little "surfing" on this site to find useful resources and activities for you and your students.
Go to:- http://www.futuremorph.org/
Dartford GGS are organising a science fair for Years 5,6 and 7 next year. Carol Williams has asked me to advertise this via the blog. I have attachjed a letter sent to school and the application form. The letter explains where priority is given to applications. I hope this is a successful event and that some of you are able to support it.
Carol Williams at Dartford Girls Grammar has organised a large number of training sessions for technicians. Please see the attached letter (also sent to schools) which gives details. I hope your technicians will be able to avail themselves of pertinent training and that your schools can support this. I'd like to publicly record a big thank you to Carol for organising thiese training sessions.
An application form is included in the letter. (To open, click on title and then download the attachment from the new window.)
I have heard that the Pearson AS Chemistry textbook has a number of errors that seem to have escaped the QA process. They are aware of some specific issues and are planning a free reprint for those already using it. However, if you have noticed any errors, please can you let them (Pearson) know via their custoimer services department. We know the periodic table has errors and some electron structures are wrong. No prizes for finding them but hopefully new books on the way!
At the recent Heads of science day we were told of a school which based it's new KS3 course on science based questions that the pupils had raised. Years 7 - 11 were asked what were the questions they wanted answered by science. The school then mapped NC requirements into these questions and planned schemes of work. The schemes of work have a core, common element and then a more "open" section where the basic ideas can be taken further and matched to pupils' needs and abilities.
I have attached the questions which form the basis of the course.
If you want to know more, contact Tina Manson at Sittingbourne Community College.