Computing fund
A fund has been launched dedicated to widening access to extra-curricular computing-related projects in Scotland. The Digital Xtra fund is worth £250,000 and can support educational projects ranging from coding, computing, web development and digital animation. Projects must involve young people in activities that develop computational thinking. The deadline for applications is June 17. Visit: http://bit.ly/1U6V5WJ
EBacc protest
A string of notable names from the arts world have signed a letter in the Daily Telegraph calling on the government to abandon its plans for the “restrictive” English Baccalaureate. They are worried that the new Progress 8 league table measure combined with the government’s intention that most students should study EBacc subjects will put arts and creative subjects at risk. Among the almost 100 signatories are Julian Lloyd Webber, principal of the Birmingham Conservatoire, and Christopher Le Brun, president of the Royal Academy of Arts. See the letter at http://bit.ly/1WMaLp3
Education festival
The Marches Academy Trust is to hold a “Festival of Education” on July 1. Taking place at The Marches School in Oswestry, Shropshire, the event will be focused on the theme of Visible Learning and feature talks, workshops and other CPD activities. Among the speakers will be Professor Mick Waters and visible learning expert Dr Peter DeWitt. Early bird tickets cost £60. Email: marcheseducation@marchesschool.net
Skills tool
Young Enterprise has launched a tool to help young people record and showcase the employability skills that they have learnt and developed. STAR Pass has been developed as part of the charity’s Unlocking Potential Strategy and allows students to record achievements across eight key skills that employers demand. It is being rolled out in Young Enterprise schools across England and Wales. Visit: www.young-enterprise.org.uk
e-Safety resource
The e-safety charity Childnet has launched TrustMe, a resource to help teachers explore critical-thinking online with their students. It has been developed with the London Grid for Learning’s Safeguarding Board to address emerging areas of online extremism and propaganda. It aims to promote discussion and encourage students to think critically about what they see online. Visit: www.childnet.com/resources/trust-me
Diabetes support
A free booklet for schools with advice on supporting students with diabetes has been published by the charity InDependent Diabetes Trust. Diabetes: What schools need to know covers key facts about Type 1 and 2 diabetes, information about using insulin, and information on hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, stress and communication. Visit: http://bit.ly/1Rjjk2e