Film festival
The first ever National Youth Film Festival is to take place this autumn. Running from October 21 to November 8, the event will see schools attending free film screenings, Q&A sessions with industry professionals, and workshops about film-making and the wider industry. It is part of a £26 million investment in film education by the British Film Institute which will see new organisation Film Nation UK running a national programme of film education. Teaching resources and post-screening discussions will enable teachers to use screenings in the classroom. Visit: www.nationalyouthfilmfestival.org
Evidence call
The all-party Education Select Committee has issued a call for evidence as part of a short inquiry into the School Direct programme and plans for a College of Teaching. The inquiry is a follow-up to its 2012 report Great Teachers: Attracting, training and retaining the best. The deadline for submissions is July 8. Visit: www.parliament.uk/education-committee
Wellbeing research
Volunteers are being sought to take part in research into the wellbeing needs of the education sector. Teacher Support Network and sister charity Recourse plan to use the findings to develop their services for education workers. The research will involve staff at all levels and will look at what wellbeing provision already exists and what services might be needed in the future. Particularly sought are trainee teachers, teaching assistants and non-teaching staff with management responsibilities. The results of the research will be released in the autumn. Visit: www.teachersupport.info
Anti-Bullying Week
Students are being encouraged to imagine a world without cyber-bullying as part of preparations for Anti-Bullying Week 2013. The theme this year is “The Future is Ours – Safe, Fun and Connected”. Organiser the Anti-Bullying Alliance has chosen the theme because of evidence that cyber-bullying continues to be a prevalent danger for young people. Students are being asked to write a story, blog, report or poem of no more than 500 words that describes a world where young people have taken back cyber-space from the bullies. The week runs from November 18. Visit: www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Sudden, a not-for-profit initiative to support people who have been suddenly bereaved, has published free guidance to support professionals on identifying and treating post-traumatic stress disorder in children. Research suggests that around one third of young people will develop post-traumatic stress disorder after traumatic events. A statement from Sudden said: “It is vital that those working with children and young people who have suffered a traumatic bereavement are aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for, and of the treatments available.” Visit: www.sudden.org