Government says technology in learning is no longer optional

Posted by Andrew Ferrier on Jul 4th, 2008

 [Extracts from Becta press release.]

 The revised strategy sets out a commitment to ensuring every school, college, university or training provider is ‘technology confident’, placing particular emphasis on achieving this through engagement with learners and parents and the professional development of teachers and trainers. Becta is now tasked with leading and working with education and skills providers, Government and national partners to ensure this ambitious strategy is delivered by 2014.

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NAACE Conference: Ofsted review of ICT in Schools

Posted by Andrew Ferrier on Mar 10th, 2008

ICT in Schools 2004-7

Reprinted from NAACE Newsletter

HMI David Anstead presented Ofsted’s findings about ICT during a conference seminar. These “long reports”, based on a sample of schools, supplement the Section 5 inspections, which no longer directly report on subjects. He was unable to say anything about the content of the next 3-yearly report, due out in autumn this year, but David’s presentation was drawn from the same evidence base that will be used for that report. Caution must also be exercised regards the accuracy of your editor’s notes! Given that the report will be based on survey visits made between 2004 and 2007, it is effectively monitoring the impact of policy implemented to 2003.

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ICT Whole School Improvement- LGFL SRF Conference 14th February

Posted by Andrew Ferrier on Jan 22nd, 2008

Whole School Improvement supported by ICT ‘London Learning through ICT’ (an improvement initiative supported by DCSF, London Challenge and LGfL) has arranged four additional conferences, each providing comprehensive guidance, on the promotion of Whole School Improvement supported by effective deployment of ICT.

Whole School Improvement is about identifying what you do well, where you want to go and what can help you on this journey.

Whole school improvement is also about identifying your priorities and ensuring you stay focused on what is really important. Reviewing whole school ICT and maximising its impact on all areas of Whole School Improvement is a key skill for school leadership teams.

This conference will address how effective use of ICT can result in real learning gains throughout the school and how whole school ICT review and action planning can positively contribute to school improvement planning. The vital issue of Change Management will also be addressed. A process of self review for ICT, using the ICT Self Review Framework, will prove invaluable both as preparation for and successful implementation of the London MLE.

The dates for these events are:

  • For East Sector schools 4th February
  • For South Sector schools 14th February
  • For North Sector schools 27th February
  •  For West Sector schools 28th February

All conferences will be held in the Conference Hall at Mary Sumner House, Tufton Street, Westminster. Bromley LA is in the South Sector, therefore please book for the South Sector Conference which is on 14th February, or an alternative date if that date is not possible for you.

Please note that your school must complete the initial SRF registration process in advance of the conference.

This can be reached via http://schools.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=srf&rid=11966

There is no charge for these conferences.

Places are limited, so please register at the earliest opportunity and in any case not later than 31st January 2008.

 Places can be booked online via the link at www.events.lgfl.net It is anticipated that these conferences will be over-subscribed, and, in order that the maximum number of schools can benefit, places are limited to one senior leader per school. Details of additional one-to-one support in applying the Self Review Framework in your school will be supplied at the conference.