The Education Continuum

Calling all P4C devotees!

A new series of the Philosophy Now radio show will be broadcast every Tuesday at 6-7pm GMT (7-8pm BST) on Resonance FM through to the middle of December. If you’re interested in learning more about the P4C movement, or in search of inspiration for your philosophy sessions, it’s definitely worth a listen. For fans of The If Machine, our very own P4C maestro Peter Worley has already featured on the show, and you can listen to him in action by visiting here and downloading the podcast.

Rosie Pattinson
Editorial Assistant (Education)

Here is a piece in the The Australian regarding possible plans to reform A-levels.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/britains-reformed-a-levels-to-match-best-in-world/story-e6frgcjx-1226164904628

Under the new A- Level scheme students would undertake an independent research project were they would chose a subject to study in detail. The idea being that the project will develop independent critical thinking, as well as introduce students to extended independent study, analysis of competing arguments and techniques such as use of footnotes to attribute sources, all in preparation for study at University.

Such ideas chime nicely with the central theme of John L. Taylors new book, Think Again, which has the central aim of developing students’ capacity for deeper, freer thought. John L. Taylor draws on his experience of innovative curriculum development work to explain how philosophical questions provide an excellent vehicle for engaging students and drawing them into analytical, creative and independent ways of thinking.

If these new plans for A-levels are implemented, then educators will find Think Again a useful resource with it emphasis on the significant opportunity that project work provides for enabling students to develop their research and analytical skills.

New edition of Getting the Buggers to Write out tomorrow!

The third edition of this bestselling book by education superstar, Sue Cowley, includes new material on writing in the Digital Age, creative ideas for getting boys to write and cross-curricular writing projects. There is also a brand new companion website, where you’ll find lots of useful extras, including advice about the teacher as writer – how you can use your writing skills beyond the school.

Sue also has a website dedicated to celebrating writing and the joy it brings to all. Sue is currently holding a writing competition, but entry closes soon. Why not have a go at entering it and you could win a copy of the new book! Check it out here.

 

Melanie Wilson
Commissioning Editor (Professional Education)

Breaking through the barriers to reach and teach boys

There are some subjects that are notoriously difficult to get boys interested in, and research suggests that their learning needs, and wants, can sometimes be different to those of their female counterparts.

Gary Wilson, author of Breaking through Barriers to Boys Achievement is the UKs leading expert on raising boys' achievement. Alongside teacher and educational consultant, Susan Ainscough, Gary is on hand to help you to succeed in engaging and motivating boys.

Gary and Susan are running a training day called Teaching Boys on 15 November in London, in association with Osiris Educational. On the day, you will receive a free copy of the book the training is based on. You can find out more information on the content of the course, costs and bespoke training days here.

Gary Wilson is also author of Help Your Boys Succeed and Raising Boy's Achievement, also published by Continuum.

Melanie Wilson
Commissioning Editor (Professional Education)