World Cup literacy
A free World Cup 2014 toolkit aimed at engaged boys with literacy and reading work has been published for schools. The National Literacy Trust has worked with children’s author Tom Palmer on the resource, which features ideas, activities, resources and posters. During the World Cup, the National Literacy Trust will publish an original children’s story in 26 episodes. Each chapter will be 700 words long and published at 8am every weekday from June 11 to July 14 so that schools can use them during the day. Schools can register their interest in the World Cup 2014 resources online. Visit: www.literacytrust.org.uk/schools_teaching/world_cup_2014
Libraries guide
The third edition of the CILIP Guidelines for Secondary School Libraries has been published. The guide from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals advocates better training for teachers in information skills, the value of professional school library staff, and the role of the school library within curriculum development. The book includes best practice, technological developments and context-specific ideas. The book costs £44.95. Visit: www.facetpublishing.co.uk/title.php?id=9696
Science inspiration
The Royal Society has unveiled the six inspiring science books shortlisted for this year’s Young People’s Books Prize, with the winner to be chosen by young people from schools and youth groups across the UK. The prize celebrates the best books that communicate science to young people aged up to 14. The six books shortlisted are: What Makes You YOU, How Animals Live, Eye Benders: The science of seeing and believing, We’ve Got Your Number, The Usborne Big Book of Stars and Planets, and Usborne Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers about Your Body. The winner will be announced in November. Visit: http://royalsociety.org/awards/young-people
Eton honour
Tony Little, the headteacher of Eton College, is to take on an honorary presidency of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) in 2015/16, to mark its 50th anniversary year. The Independent Schools Council’s annual census this year showed a rise in boarding numbers for 2014 – up to 68,453 from last year’s 66,776. The BSA is planning a range of events during the year to celebrate British boarding schools and what they have achieved. Mr Little said: “Boarding schools can be wonderful places, offering young people an education that is stimulating, sociable and fun. I am honoured to represent the BSA which has helped shape a modern generation of highly effective, world-leading British boarding schools.”