Charity

We are a company that believes that it is good to give something back. According to a report that appeared on the BBC; donations to charities have fallen about 20%, further details can be read here www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20304267 . Therefore, we have decided to add specific charities to our site in the hope that schools and people visiting will be encouraged to offer support.

Some of these charities have particular importance to Maggie the founder of the company, those who know her well will know the reasons why they have appeared on this page.

Macmillan Cancer Support
(http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx)

According to this organisation ‘one in three of us will get cancer.’ It is with these statistics in mind that Maggie has decided to take part in their 8 mile walk in Regents part this Saturday 31st August 2013.

Samaritans
(http://www.samaritans.org/)

Our company makes a small donation to this charity each month. We hope to increase this and undertake some fundraising in the near future. Details released on the website say that ‘Every day 16 people across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland decide to end their own life.’

Alzheimer’s Society
(http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/)

Last year Maggie took part in a memory walk for this charity, managing to raise a small amount from friends and family. This condition is of personal interest to her as she has witnessed the impact this has on families and the people afflicted.

The Lullaby Trust
(http://www.lullabytrust.org.uk)

Every year in the UK, over 600 babies will die suddenly and unexpectedly. This organisation provides specialised support for bereaved families and promotes expert advice on safer baby sleep.

Afasic
(http://www.afasic.org.uk/)

Afasic is a parent-led organisation founded in 1968 to help children and young people with speech and language impairments. Across the UK there are over one million children and young people affected by this hidden disability. This organisation provides information and training for both parents and professionals. Members meet in local groups in many areas […]

Rochdale Dog Rescue
(http://www.rochdale-dog-rescue.com/)

Rochdale Dog rescue is a charity that works hard to rescue dogs that may be in danger of being put down after being in a pound for more than seven days.

This course opened pathways into science that I never realised were there. One activity on the course involved fruit. We had to make a list of adjectives on what we could see, not touch or taste. This was a perfect example of how to begin an investigation in the classroom; start with the visual aspect and then move onto other senses/experiences to build on, evaluate and cement our first thoughts/findings. I have applied this approach in the classroom (reception class) while teaching about minibeasts: we started by reading a book about spiders; described the spider in the book; looked at and discussed a picture of a real spider; talked about what spiders can do and how they do it; went outside to try and capture a spider discussing where they might live; finally caught one and the children intuitively went to find food and made a habitat for it in the container; took the spider into the classroom and are now studying his behaviour and appearance first-hand. This in depth investigative process took little time to prepare and deliver. It also helped the children to overcome their fear of spiders and helped adjust their preconceptions. The course definitely challenged my thinking about science and has made it a much more enjoyable experience for the children I teach and for me. For them it's fun, informative and hands-on, they cant believe that it's actually a lesson. The outcomes and observations produced are outstanding. I can't believe the amount of information they could absorb in such a little amount of time.

Peter Farmer ~ Reception Teacher CIS Moscow

I am currently not attached to a classroom but from my previous experience with Investigative Science, it showed me that it is a process which enables all students to see Science as an area of learning, which they are able to participate in, as it involves observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena which they are often naturally inquisitive about. I was challenged to redefine my approach when teaching Science. I gained understanding of how Investigative Science lends itself to all aspects of the Science curriculum and the need to take small steps in order to achieve the desired learning outcomes . I also understood how Investigative Science was able to differentiate and involve all students in the classroom thus enabling all students to become thinkers and involved in the scientific process. I would highly recommend this PD to other schools who are grappling with Investigative Science or would like to introduce this concept of learning to all teachers, whether experienced or not. The presenter was well spoken, engaged her audience with practical activities and listened to all the questions asked, responding with answers which clearly displayed her knowledge and understanding. A very passionate and motivated speaker.

Helena Dragovic ~ EAL Teacher CIS Moscow

Input from the consultant was pitched at the right level to engage all learners. Children were motivated and excited by their learning. Staff now feel confident to embed the good practice demonstrated by the consultant. The quality of teaching was excellent. The consultant provided advice about structuring follow up activities. This is the third time I have worked with the consultant and I would recommend her input.

Anna Cook ~ Headteacher St Mary's Primary School Bucknell

An outstanding course leader who provided good insight and practical teaching strategies, she also provided lots of cross-curricular ideas too."

Newly Qualified Teacher, Primary Academy

The course was good for providing creative and practical strategies and is very helpful in defining and evaluating the role of an ICT coordinator."

Richard, ICT Coordinator