Twinkl is an online resource centre created just for those teaching in the early years and Key Stage One

You can see a copy of the slideshow from Roger’s presentation here.

If you would like a sample of this new insert just drop me an email

If you’re interested in having a look at what we do you can download a pdf, or see a flicky version online.  I’ll even post you a copy if you email me your details.

Here’s a photo of our stand at ASE last week where we were showcasing our new frame colours and our ready assembled frames with welded runners.  See the post below for more information on the ASE Exhibition if you are not familiar with it.

This week I will be at the hi-tech BETT show 2012 in London’s Olympia.  More information and pictures to follow next week – but in the meantime if you are planning a visit be sure and drop by our stand (A69 in the Grand Hall) or email me to arrange a meeting.

The Association for Science Education get-together is taking place at the University of Liverpool between Thursday 6th of January to Saturday 7th of January and is a magnet for all those involved in science teaching not only in the UK but across the world. We will have all the latest products on display, so if you’re there drop by our stand E30.

Buy the full report from wwwtsoshop.co.uk

A committee of MPs has concluded that many students are receiving poor practical science experiences during their secondary school education.

The Science and Technology Committee report, ‘Practical Experiments in School Science Lessons and Science Field Trips (HC 1060-I)’, concludes there was no credible evidence to support the frequently cited explanation of health and safety concerns for a decline in practicals and trips. Instead, more focus is needed on what happens after teachers have been recruited to the profession: knowledge and practical skills must be maintained and developed in order for high quality science education to be delivered.

The report goes on to say practical science is relatively expensive and carries little cachet for parents comparing schools. The inspection regime and the requirements set for exam boards should therefore drive higher quality with more and better practical science lessons.

The Committee also found a lack of coherence in the provision of science educational materials. It urges the science community to utilise the Science, Technology, English and Mathematics (STEM) directories – the online database of STEM enhancement and enrichment activities for schools and colleges – and calls on the government to secure the future of the directories which provide vital contacts between schools and scientists.

Finally, the Committee urges the government to provide a detailed strategy on how it intends to achieve its ambition to increase participation in school science subjects.

Despite some downbeat words, it does appear that the government is committed to keeping practical science alive.

For the first time Gratnells will be exhibiting at BETT 2012 in London in January next year. I will be joined by Spencer Randon, our Director of International Sales, and Robert Marmoy, our export manager to field calls and queries about Gratnells products.

BETT is dedicated to showcasing the best in UK and international educational technology products, resources and best practice, BETT has enabled thousands of practitioners to enhance their knowledge of learning through technology.

Taking place each January at Olympia in London, BETT attracts more than 600 educational suppliers and around 30,000 visitors. It brings together the global teaching and learning community for four days of innovations and inspirations.

Why not get in touch to make an appointment on murrayh@gratnells.co.uk

Use your imagination + Gratnells trays

After months of building work the LearnSpace project (formerly aka The Learning Cube) in Corby, Northamptonshire is finished (well nearly…a lot of technology and sound proofing is still needed). A disused warehouse has now been converted into a large empty space into which model classrooms can be built to conduct detailed research into the learning environment. While it will not be formally opened until next year the venue was used for the first meeting of UK Learning, the British arm of CEFPI, the Council of Educational of Education Facility Planners. CEFPI is a North American professional association whose sole mission is improving the places where children learn. An interesting time was had by all.

Architect huddle