Features

Musical inspiration

The Music Education Expo is the largest exhibition and conference for music education. Joanna Wyld describes some of the key speeches and exhibitors that made this year’s show so special

Fighting bacteria in the classroom

Cleaning and Hygiene

Dr Richard Hastings, microbiologist and technical director at BioCote, explains the processes and results of its study to create a safer, more hygienic learning environment

Technology is constantly evolving and schools need to keep up with the digital revolution. But who should manage IT services? Rob Curran, member of the ICT association Naace, offers advice to schools concerning choosing an ICT service provider and how to manage their services in the most effective way

Making school buildings a priority

Design and Build

As the general election approaches, the Government announces more details about which schools are to receive funding for urgent repair and refurbishment work under the Priority School Building Programme

The fabric of design

Design and Build

With many schools receiving funding to have their old school buildings rebuilt, the Society of British and International Design examines whether the same desired affect can be created with refurbishments, and discusses the key challenges

Introducing teachers to computational thinking

ICT

‘Computational thinking’ is given great prominence in the new computing curriculum, but for many teachers, it’s an unfamiliar concept. The Barefoot Computing project helps teachers to understand the concepts behind computational thinking and what they mean in practice, writes Zoe Ross

A safe and hygienic learning environment

Cleaning and Hygiene

It’s a well-know fact that schools make excellent breeding grounds for germs. As part of research from BioCote, the world’s first ever classroom that actively inhibits the growth of potentially harmful microbes has been created, with impressive results to date

Constructing an environment fit for learning

Landscaping

Denise Ewbank of the British Association of Landscape Industries discusses the benefits of landscaping and playscaping in schools and how to go about transforming your school grounds

Looking up to the head teacher

Finance

Kerry Ace, CIPFA’s expert on academies, examines the role of a head teacher as an accounting officer in a single academy trust

Mind the staff shortage gap

Recruitment

David Geary, of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, discusses one of the major concerns hanging over the education sector – the shortage of teaching professionals, and calls for better careers advice to be given at schools to reflects the realities of work

Benefits that are worth thinking about

Academies

Becoming an academy offers real help in tough times. The Independent Academies Association examines some of the questions and issues that school leaders face when considering conversion

Sunlight savings for solar schools

Renewable Energy

Solar PV systems in schools not only have environmental benefits, they can potentially save a school thousands of pounds a year, writes Jane Evans of the National Association of Head Teachers

E-safety: how up to date is your school?

ICT

Worrying statistics show that millions of young people have experienced cyber-bullying in some form. E-safety is therefore a high priority in schools, and not just because Ofsted includes it as part of its inspections. Nick Madhavji shares some advice to tackle the issue

Bringing science to your doorstep

Design and Technology

British Science Week this March aims to get the nation excited and engaged in science. Adrian Fenton, head of education at the British Science Association, discusses how schools can get involved and use the week to bring science to life

Disposing of the paper clutter

Document Management

A paperless school is unlikely to ever happen, but paper-free processes might not be too far away, writes AIIM’s Doug Miles

Getting pro-active about inactivity

Health and Safety

For the first time in history we have a generation of children who are growing up less fit than their parents. David Stalker, ceo of ukactive, outlines some exciting plans to tackle the issue and how the education sector can play a role in improving children’s fitness

Active play creates active lifestyles

Outdoor Learning

Michael Hoenigmann, chair of the Association of Play Industries, comments on why schools have such an important role in changing the dynamics of physical inactivity, and how active play can help

Adding colour to the school experience

Educational Trips

Ian Pearson, general manager of the School Travel Forum, looks at the wealth of evidence showing that school trips and learning outside the classroom raises educational standards and attainment in schools, as well as benefiting pupils personally and socially