Headlines – 20 January 2023

Message from April Gold

Dear friends,

I know that you are once again facing very difficult ethical dilemmas concerning your leadership role in education and the upcoming strike action. The decision to open or close classes, or open or close school lies firmly with the Head. Governors should be consulted, but cannot make the decision. If you need someone to listen and help you evaluate, I am at the end of the phone, please do call me.

On a brighter note, we are pleased to share the launch video for Alive 2023.  Please show it to your children, staff, governors and parents to build excitement for the event – this is the link https://youtu.be/94-2dOFTGYk. If you have not yet signed your school up please get in contact. Thursday 15th June is filling up fast, but there is more availability on Friday 16th. Remember there is a contribution of up to ÂŁ5 per child for coach transport to and from the event.

Finally, please make use of the subscription we have provided to Classroom Worship. You should have received two emails from isingPop directly telling you how to access this. If you have not received them, please get in touch.

Best Wishes

April Gold signature

 

 

 

April Gold – Director of Education

 

World Religion Day at Provost Williams

 Some lovely images from Provost Williams CofE Primary for World Religion Day on Monday. Each class enjoyed exploring a religion of the world in depth and sharing their learning with each other.

 

Headteacher Termly Briefing

Thanks to those that attended the Headteacher termly briefing yesterday. If you missed it, please contact alison.watson@coventrydbe.org for the recording.

Sign up for the free Lifesavers and ‘Milo’s Money’ resources here.

You can find out more about the versatile Picture News resource here.

The Summer Term Headteacher Briefing will be Thursday 27 April at 14.00-15.30. Book a place here.

 

SIAMS 2023 – Inspection Framework CPD – Upcoming Sessions

In light of the announcement of changes to the SIAMS Inspection Framework and the inspection process from September 2023, Jen Jenkins is delivering a number of zoom sessions which will look at each of the new inspection questions in term and how you can prepare for an inspection from September 2023 onwards. Upcoming sessions are available to book here:

IQ2 A Curriculum Rooted in Vision and Enhancing Spiritual Development

Wednesday 25 January 2023 16.00-17.30

IQ3 Collective Worship for Spiritual Flourishing

Tuesday 07 February 2023 16.00-17.30

IQ4 A Culture of Good Treatment

Wednesday 15 February 2023 16.00-17.30

IQ5 A Culture of Justice and Responsibility

Monday 06 March 2023 16.00-17.30

IQ6/7 Effective & High Quality RE

Monday 13 March 2023 16.00-17.30

Getting Ready for Inspection (1)

 

Christian Distinctiveness Deep Dive Short on Wellbeing/Pastoral Care

What happens when it all gets a bit much? Led by Jen Jenkins, this one-hour session will look at how to ensure a distinctive Christian ethos supports all in the school community in the ows and wows of life.

Monday 30 January 2023 – 16.30 to 17.30 – online via Zoom – Book a place here to attend or receive the recording afterwards.

 

New Primary RE Subject Leader Toolkit from NATRE

NATRE have put together resources and links to support your role as Religious Education/ Religion and Worldviews subject leader. All the content detailed and linked has been written and collated by Primary members of the NATRE Executive and RE Today Advisers.

You can find it on the NATRE website here.

 

New Assessors Needed for Christian Aid’s Global Neighbours Team

Christian Aid and the Global Neighbours team are looking to recruit new assessors for the Global Neighbours scheme which goes from strength to strength. This is a good professional development opportunity for any colleagues or school leaders who have an interest in global citizenship education and courageous advocacy.  They are looking for people who might match the following criteria:

  1. An informed interest in best global citizenship / global learning practice in schools and an understanding of best       practice in pupil participation
  2. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
  3. Experience of evaluating the quality of educational practice and leadership in schools
  4. Proven ability to adhere to deadlines
  5. In-depth understanding of the distinctive features of Church of England schools

If you, or someone you know is interested in this role, contact Joanne Evans for the person specification and application form. The deadline for application is 28 February.

 

School of Kindness – free resources for Children’s Mental Health Week – w/c 06.02.23

This year’s theme is ‘Let’s Connect’ to encourage children (and adults) to look at how we can make meaningful connections. When we have healthy connections to family, friends and others, it can support our mental health and sense of wellbeing.  The ‘School of Kindness’ have a wealth of free kindness resources including lesson plans, printable posters and activities.  Download free resources for Mental Health week here.  Look at other teaching resources on their website here: https://schoolofkindness.org/resources-for-schools

 

Free Sustainability Webinar from Global Dimension

This free 1-hour webinar is for any educator who wants to explore the cost of living crisis, climate change and how they can connect it all up in the classroom and beyond.  As we become more focused on the need to reduce energy costs and work with ever-stretched budgets in our own homes and schools, it can be easy to forget that our actions not only impact ourselves and our communities but ripple all the way to the southernmost point of our planet.  This free session will be of interest to any educator who wants to explore the principle of interdependence using The Harmony Project and Reboot the Future’s new teacher pack, and understand the role schools can play in protecting the future of our planet.  Aimed at upper KS2, this free pack brings the wonders of Antarctica to life through English, Maths, Art, Science, PSHE and more. Packed with activities for a half term of enquiry, explore the ways we are all connected to the Antarctic ecosystem, and investigate the impact our own actions have on this frozen habitat as well as actions we can take to protect our shared future.  Have a look at the resources here and sign up to the webinar here.

 

Free Resource on Getting Involved with Parliament

The House of Commons and the House of Lords make up the UK Parliament. They make decisions that affect us all. Order the new ‘Get Involved’ guide which sets out the various ways you can get involved with the work of UK Parliament. From contacting your MP or member of the House of Lords to having your say on proposed new laws or sharing your views or experiences with select committees. Perfect for low cost courageous advocacy work.  The guide is available to download or order for free and is suitable for ages 14+.  Order a free copy here. There are lots of other downloadable teaching resources for primary and secondary on the UK Parliament website here: https://learning.parliament.uk/en/resources/

 

Free School Offer from the CLM Church Coventry

Within their School’s Work package, the CLM Church, Coventry can offer free quality, engaging and dynamic assemblies and sessions considering the PSHE and RE curriculum, delivered by experienced youth communicators.  Their aim is to facilitate lessons and assemblies that create opportunities for pupils to be reflective by us asking the question “What do you think?”, encouraging your pupils to think a bit deeper about issues that are so important to their lives.  Focussing on one of the core themes, each session is based on the message of hope rooted in Christianity. The core themes are: exploring Christianity, Racial Justice and for years 7-13 only: Dignify – on relationships and personal dignity.  If you would like to know more about CLM’s school’s offer, request the booklet from Joanne Evans or contact their school’s worker Chelsea Bell on schools@clmchurch.co.uk

 

Previous copies of Headlines, going back 6 months are available on the DBE website.

 


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