Sex education
The Relationships Alliance has called for the government to make high quality sex and relationships education (SRE) a compulsory part of a statutory PSHE or citizenship. Schools must currently have a SRE programme, but it is not a compulsory part of any subject. The alliance of four relationship support charities fears SRE quality varies widely across the country. The Department for Education has said that it does not intend to make PSHE statutory, but is soon to respond to consultation responses over its draft curriculum proposals.
Writing award
Key stage 3 students are being invited to enter the National Young Writers’ Award 2013. This year’s theme is Around the World and entrants are asked to pen a 500-word story. Entry is free and the judge this year is Cressida Cowell, author of the How to Train Your Dragon series of books. The deadline for entries is June 3. Visit: www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters
Grading film
Awarding body AQA has released a new animated film to guide students through the process used to mark and grade exams. The film tackles the process for setting grade boundaries, marking and awarding grades. It comes after the GCSE English grading debacle last year led to thousands of students having their exam marks downgraded. Visit: http://bit.ly/Z8elLG
Sustainable future
Students are being encouraged to rethink the way in which the world should operate in a post-oil economy. A new cross-European project entitled Lessons from Nature, is offering free resources to schools to help students discuss what the future will look like and to give them an understanding of how we will need to change the way we live to become more sustainable. The project is supported by the Field Studies Council which is offering free outdoor learning courses for pupils aged 12 to 16 and free teacher training in the summer term. For details, email lessonsfromnature@field-studies-council.org. Visit: www.lessonsfromnature.org
Free exam app
A free revision app for Scottish students has been launched to help them tackle their SQA examinations. B-READY offers revision hints and motivational tips for pupils studying towards Standard Grades, Highers and Advanced Highers. It also includes all the key examination dates.
Careers survey
UNISON is carrying out a public online survey to establish a national picture about the type of careers and youth support services being provided across England’s local authorities. The union is working with the University of Derby on the research and hopes to use it as part of a new campaign highlighting the importance of good, face-to-face careers guidance. Visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/J9D983Y