We hope the new academic year has started well for all! This year we hope all staff will be able to focus on learning and teaching rather than Coronavirus updates! Only time will tell whether this is the case.
In the meantime, please read on for your curriculum updates from the LGfL Inspire team for September:
Have Your Say
Immersive Technology Pilot 2021
Resource of the Month
NEW Resource - Near Space Launch Site (and discount)
Adobe and Sky Bring Digital Storytelling to the Classroom
FREE LGfL Training
Ed Tech Demonstrator Training
LSSO Free Tickets
Secondary School Grants
ReadingZone Book Club - Live Author Events
Gridstore
Have Your Say
With budgets tighter than ever, we are keen to offer our community the support they need. Therefore we have a very open-ended BIG question:
What would you like support and training on from LGfL that we don’t already provide?
Do you want to try the latest innovative immersive technology in your school? LGfL is the only partner in the world to be working on a pilot with Discovery Education featuring their new Sandbox platform which turns an iPad into a 'magic window' where users can view and interact with a 3D world.
Prior to the summer holidays, several schools registered their interest to be an ‘early adopter school’. We would like to invite those, and indeed other schools, to get involved with LGfL's Immersive Technology Pilot with Discovery. (N.B You must have iPad’s that are 2017 or newer to access the new platform).
Register your schools' interest by clicking the button below and completing the Google form, spaces are restricted so sign up today!
The resource aims to draw the learner into the turn of events that threaten the ability of our intrepid astronaut, Tazz, to return safely back to Earth. Will her onboard computer be enough to get her back safely or will she need to draw on her maths and science knowledge and understanding?
The resource features a comprehensive set of maths, English and science resources and a computing unit created by Max Wainwright, author of the popular Espresso coding resource for primary schools.
'Near Space Launch' is a new resource on LGfL. In 2019, LGfL launched an Ohbot humanoid robot head into (near) space in collaboration with the Ohbot team and an LGfL primary school. The inflight data was captured using a range of sensors which was used to make the Ohbot respond in real-time to the flight as it happened. The whole adventure was captured from start to finish in HD video!
In the summer of 2021, 80 Picoh Robots were donated to a small number of LGfL primary schools to explore the range of features that physical computing offered in relation to the delivery of the National Curriculum. The pilot schools have shared their materials and experiences for the benefit of the whole LGfL community and in doing so have created cross-curricular learning resources for maths, geography, history, science and literacy to inspire educators to use physical computing in a meaningful way. Please visit the site by clicking the button below, It's (nearly) out of this world!
To celebrate the launch of our new 'Near Space Launch' Resource featuring the Picoh Robot head, Ohbot Ltd. is able to offer the following discounts to LGfL schools for purchasing Picoh. Schools can order direct from the Ohbot webshop using a dedicated LGfL voucher code (they will also accept purchase orders by email to info@ohbot.co.uk, if your schools would prefer to be invoiced). Prices are ex VAT and delivery as follows in the table below:
Adobe and Sky Bring Digital Storytelling to the Classroom
Register for the free curriculum-aligned teaching resources
The Edit, brought to you by Adobe and Sky – is back for a second year! They are asking schools to take part in a digital storytelling challenge for the chance to win a broadcast of the winning film on a Sky channel, plus free Adobe Creative Cloud licences and equipment for the school!
Students are tasked to flex their critical thinking muscles to create a 90-second video news report on one of two real-world issues.
1) Climate Change
2) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Communication, problem-solving, critical thinking - they’ll learn it all as they work together to create their video reports, using Sky footage and Adobe video editing tools. They will also learn about the different roles involved in the production process, receiving tips from Sky Sports and News experts while developing critical media and digital literacy skills.
It’s the perfect teamwork challenge for 2021!
Most students have missed out on time together, trips away, and many other opportunities. Give your students the chance to learn digital skills and work together to create something they can indeed be proud of. Inspire young reporters to speak their truths and share their heroes, building confidence and communication skills as they go. Register by clicking the button below:
You should have received a dedicated Autumn 1 Training newsletter outlining ALL the training currently on offer from LGfL and partners for the first half term. We hope you agree it is an extensive programme on offer.
Check out the training portalif you missed it! Online training events are free for all school staff to attend (*with the exception of the Designated Safeguarding Lead Training we offer to LGfL customers only).
A reminder (mentioned in July's newsletter) that The London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a spectacular programme featuring one of the world’s greatest trumpeters, Pacho Flores under the baton of its Artistic Director Peter Ash.
Mon 20th September 19:30 - Barbican Hall
If you would like free Scops Arts Trust (LGfL) tickets for this concert (maximum 40 per school, including any accompanying adults) please email the following details: 1. Name of School 2. Name of Accompanying Teacher 3. Number of Scops (LGfL) tickets – Please quote Scops (LGfL) in the request to emunns@cym.org.ukby Friday, 10th September.
The London Schools’ Climate Kick-Start grants programme is now open. Grants open on Tuesday 31st August andclose at 9 am on Friday 24th September. Click on the button below to find out more information.
The award winning partnership with Reading Zone continues with the new ReadingZone Book Clubprogramme of free virtual author events each term. The book club is aimed at classrooms and libraries that are keen to develop a love of reading and for ages 5-11 years. The first two dates and authors are as follows:
Creating Stories with Abie Longstaff,Story Soup - Friday 17th September, 2pm - 2.35pm. For Years 1&2 (ages 5-7)
Black History Month with Catherine Johnson - Friday 1st October, 2pm - 2.45pm. For Years 5 & 6 (ages 9/10+)
With five subsequent events and dates in October and November. To sign up for any of these free events, and for more details, email info@readingzone.com
You may be aware that schools are being targeted by cybercriminals who steal and encrypt information and demand massive sums of money for the safe return of that information. If your school has not already joined GridStore to protect your data, please complete the registration form. LGfL provides 50GB for primary and special schools and 100GB for secondaries at no additional cost to your LGfL service.
