NEU CPD for Teachers
Continuous Professional Development is a foundation of all successful teachers. With Annual Reviews around the corner in the summer term it is the perfect time to boost your skills and gather some fresh certificates. Not only does it help you grow as an educator, but it also gives you solid evidence to support that well-deserved pay rise. The National Education Union has a range of courses on offer throughout June. They included sessions on: Promoting Mental Health in boys and young men, Anxiety in the classroom, Leadership masterclass: Strategic thinking and many more. Take some time to invest in yourself, you’ve earned it. If you’re a member of the Union you can sign up for free.
Lunar New Year
In the West, we celebrate the New Year at the end of December and the beginning of January. Many of you and your students are likely looking back fondly on this event. However, in China, the New Year is celebrated according to the Lunar Calendar. This means their New Year begins on 29th January 2025 and concludes 15 days later with the spectacular Lantern Festival. The Chinese New Year is a vibrant cultural celebration and an excellent opportunity to broaden your students’ understanding of global traditions. This year, we’ll be welcoming the Year of the Snake, following last year’s Year of the Dragon. To help your students learn more about this fascinating event and enhance their cultural capital, check out the fantastic resources available on BBC Teach. They offer a variety of engaging materials designed to bring the Chinese New Year to life in your classroom. With this second link you can see what animal relates to the year you and your students were born in so you can find out which animals you are. This is perfect for mixed form groups.
Safer Internet Day 2025
Mark your calendars! The BBC’s new flagship Safer Internet Day goes live on Tuesday, 11th February 2025. The interactive lesson is aimed at primary schools and primary students. It will address key online safety concerns and encourage young people to discuss and respond to online issues. As students grow up in an increasingly technology-driven world, where more of their time is spent online, it’s vital they understand how to handle any issues they may encounter. Safer Internet Day is co-ordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre in partnership with Childnet. While it is a couple of months until the lesson goes live have a think about any questions you would like to be answered. To get involved email your requests to live.lessons@bbc.co.uk with Safer Internet Day as the subject, or get in touch using #BBCLiveLessons. The link is below
CPD to Support Holocaust Teaching
Holocaust Memorial Day, observed on 27th January, is a time for us to reflect on the horrors endured by the victims of the Holocaust and every genocide since. Teaching this sensitive topic can be challenging, even for the most experienced and knowledgeable History teachers. For non-specialists, it may feel even more daunting to approach. To help educators build confidence and understanding, the Holocaust Educational Trust offers regular CPD events, both online and in person. These sessions provide valuable insights and practical strategies for teaching this important subject with care and sensitivity. Follow this link to find out more and book yourself on one of their events.
Holocaust Memorial Day: Resource Support for Teachers
Monday, 27th January, marks Holocaust Memorial Day, an important occasion for schools to reflect on the Holocaust during World War II and the genocides that have occurred since. Teaching this topic can be challenging, even for experienced History teachers, due to its complexity and emotional weight. To support educators in addressing this sensitive subject, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has created a comprehensive collection of resources designed for all educational settings. Whether you’re looking for lesson plans, activities, or guidance on how to approach these discussions with care and respect, these resources can help you navigate this critical part of history with confidence.
Teach Students Cyber Security Skills
Whether you’re an IT teacher aiming to improve students’ understanding of cybersecurity, a History teacher with a passion for technology, or a Primary teacher keen to broaden your students’ horizons, this is essential reading for you! In this engaging activity from the brilliant Cyber Skills Live, students learn cybersecurity techniques through the real-life example of defending Stirling Castle. The activity covers vital concepts such as data servers, physical security, incident response, and what made Stirling Castle so formidable. You can complete this activity as a class, or students can work independently or in pairs. It’s a flexible and hands-on way for them to develop cybersecurity skills. In a world where personal data is increasingly online, understanding how to protect themselves from cyber threats is crucial for students. This activity equips them with the essential tools to navigate the digital world safely. As students grow up in an era defined by constant connectivity, learning how to safeguard their digital identity and prevent data breaches is more important than ever. Furthermore, as technology continues to evolve, future career opportunities in cybersecurity will expand, making it a highly valuable skill for employability across a wide range of industries. Click on the link below to try it out!