Languages review
An evidence review has launched in a bid to establish best practice for the effective teaching of languages at key stages 3 and 4. The Teaching Schools Council has unveiled the project, which is to be led by Ian Bauckham, the executive headteacher of the Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Kent. It will focus on pedagogical approaches and seek to offer practical advice to schools. The Association of School and College Leaders has welcomed the review, but has also called on the government to tackle the teacher recruitment crisis, which is particularly acute in modern foreign languages. Queries about the review can be sent to mfl.pedagogy@education.gsi.gov.uk
Mental health
Mental health charity the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust (CWMT) has been awarded a share of a £3 million government fund to help schools in supporting young people with mental health issues. CWMT is to receive £175,545 from the Department of Health and Health Education England’s Mental Health Innovation Fund. The money will help provide face-to-face training to more than 1,000 staff in 60 schools in Wiltshire, Medway and Brighton. It will also fund online training for staff in Shropshire and Somerset and be widely available as an online resource for teachers throughout the UK. Visit: www.cwmt.org.uk
Writing challenge
The National Young Writers’ Awards are open for entries. Judged by best-selling author Lauren Child and organised by Explore Learning, the theme this year is “The Mash-Up”, where children are encouraged to write a 500-word story that is a “mash-up” of two genres. It is the eighth year the free national competition and the top prize is a trip to Disneyland Paris for the student and £500 worth of books for the school. The challenge is for students aged 14 and under and the deadline is June 7. Visit: www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters
Refugee resource
The British Red Cross has developed a new resource to help teachers engage young people in the current refugee crisis. It fits alongside the charity’s The Long Road album, for which artists paired up with people who had been forced to flee their homes. The song lyrics provide opportunities for discussion to help 14 to 19-year-olds better understand the humanitarian impact of the refugee crisis. The teaching resource allows students to pick from transcripts of three songs featured on the album and discuss key questions. Visit: http://bit.ly/1VHPEnf
Issues of continence
Training has been launched to help school staff to manage issues of continence in the classroom. The Children and Families Act 2014 outlines the responsibility of schools to support children with medical conditions. Around one in 12 children aged five to 16 will develop on-going bladder and bowel problems. The training next takes place on July 11 in London and is being run by the charity ERIC. Visit: www.eric.org.uk/training/trainingcalendar