Effective Teaching and Learning with Technology

Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the November LGfL curriculum newsletter. Another busy term we expect for all. Keep warm and read on for our November insights and support opportunities.

Read on for:

• LGfL Computing training and support
• BETT reminder
• London Schools Symphony Orchestra
• AI and UDL - removing barriers to learning training session
• Quick bites section

LGfL computing training

Are you familiar with our Spotlight on Computer Science resource and our Computing hub resources and training offer?

Spotlight on Computing science  “glues” together resources found in LGfL award-winning portfolio of curriculum resources. It focuses on the core computing concepts introduced in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 - sequence, repetition, selection, 

events, and variables. 

The idea of the unit is to introduce the computing concept first with an unplugged lesson (where you don’t need a computer), then a guided lesson using a computer, and finally, a more open lesson where your students can explore the concept more deeply.

Computing Spotlight is not a scheme 

of work but has been designed as a

way of introducing core concepts and helping teachers and students understand computing concepts.

LGfL’s Computing Hub offers guidance and support for computing leaders and the teaching of computing and is a 'one-stop-shop' for all of LGfL’s computing resources.

The hub offers an example Scheme of Work for computing.

The Hub has an open-door policy for support via emails, calls, and video calls, giving computing leaders the support they need.

It provides free in-depth CPD sessions to further the teaching of Computing 

Our next training, led by the excellent Bradley Dardis, is: 

26th November - an intro to LGfL's Information Technology resources to support the Computing Curriculum Book here

27th November - Inspire with iPad: embedding creativity in the curriculum Book here

BETT 2025 - 22-24 January 2025

Join LGfL at BETT 2025 for the biggest show yet, as BETT celebrates four decades of educational excellence.

Again the show will be at the ExCel London from 22-24 January 2025.

Come and visit us at Stand SP30, where LGfL staff will be on hand to meet you and discuss anything you need to know, especially about our new products and services. We shall have our usual demonstrations of learning resources, and the safeguarding team will also support you if you have any questions about the new Senso monitoring product

Something new and innovative at BETT this year is that we are leading a new initiative with the Bett show organisers with 'Classroom live' sessions.

Lead schools from the EdTech Hubs programme are going to be in action, each day on BETT providing live teaching sessions where you can observe effective Teachin and learning with technology  in action. 

Day 1 Pioneer Special School - will be demonstrating an immersive learning session with their pupils on the theme of  - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Day 2 will feature a primary class from the Leo Academy trust  running through a Maths lesson using their 1-1 Chrome books.

Day 3 will feature a secondary year 10 class from Ribblesdale High School studying the D-Day landings on Teams.

We are very excited about this new BETT innovation and hope you will be able to join us. To sign up to register for BETT, click here.

If you are interested in these EdTech Hub schools and the support they offer, have a look here for an inspiring and engaging opportunity to see EdTech and PedTech in action on one of our EdTech hub discovery days,

Also hot off the press news - LGfL have been shortlisted as finalists for two BETT awards.

Finalists in the 'Wellbeing and safeguarding resources' category  for our 'SafeSkills' resource and in 'IT Support Service'.

We have our fingers and toes crossed.

London Schools Symphony Orchestra  

Have you visited our London Schools Symphony resource?

The LSSO gives young players the opportunity to work with some of the world's finest musicians. The orchestra gives three concerts each year in London's prestigious Barbican Hall.

These are usually in January, April and September. The orchestra is managed by the Centre for Young Musicians (CYM), a Division of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. 

LGfL has a long history of support for the LSSO and has professionally filmed many of its excellent concerts.

The LGfL LSSO resource site provides information about the LSSO, challenges and advice to young musicians as well as next steps for careers in the industry.

If you would like to find out more about the work of the LSSO, how LGfL supports it, and experience some of the concert recordings, read our latest blog ' Celebrating Success With The London Schools Symphony Orchestra'

AI and UDL - removing barriers to learning training

Join us on December 4th from 4 pm - 5 pm for a lively webinar where we will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practice by removing barriers that limit student engagement and success.

Paddy McGrath, Head of Education at Texthelp delivers the session and will show classroom examples and tools to build an understanding of how AI is now an essential, enabling part of delivering UDL practice. We’ll explore how it enhances engagement and provides new ways to express learning. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to use a core set of AI tools to support accessibility, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive in a barrier-free learning environment centered on UDL.

Quick bites section

• The next SEND DSL forum is on Thursday the 21st of November and we shall be discussing self injurious behaviour. To book a place click here
• Strive community cafe and community space. Check out another recent curriculum blog where we look at Strive, a community space and cafe that has been set up in a school in Flakefleet Primary School in Fleetwood, Lancashire. Read the blog here.
• Our Mental Health and Wellbeing training is in full swing. Our next session is on 20th November and is a popular one as it covers 'Managing the Impact of Social Media on Student Wellbeing'. If you are interested in attending this session or any of the others please look here
• Aspire to Engineer: AI and Me - 5 and 12 December - AI is rapidly shaping our world, and these sessions are an opportunity for students to learn about the latest advancements and how AI impacts our everyday lives. Sign up for events with world-class speakers here 

LGfL Training

LGfL online training events are free* for all school staff to attend (*with the exception of the Designated Safeguarding Lead Training which we offer to LGfL customers only). Click the button below to explore and book LGfL training sessions.

Don't forget there's lots happening at LGfL for other areas of the school beyond the curriculum:

• Find out all we do beyond broadband here
• View our Savings Calculator here
• Sign up for one of the other newsletters

Regards,
Your Learning Resource Consultants
Bob Usher, Bradley Dardis & Belinda Evans

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