Are you considering an international education? You’ll open your horizons and gain valuable skills while developing an understanding of different cultures and languages. With so many options, deciding which course or university is right for you is hard. First, consider your preferences, passions, and career goals. Then, look at popular international courses to help you make an informed decision. You’ll find these from institutes such as American International University, and they include:

Bachelor of Fine Arts

A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree lets you explore your creative side and develop valuable skills. This program focuses on the aesthetic elements of art, such as color, composition, and texture. Students learn to create visual works using oil paints, photography, and 3D modeling software. You can practice your craft in different contexts, from commercial to fine art galleries. Interior design, fashion design, and animation studios worldwide also need BFA graduates.

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) offers a comprehensive overview of business principles and management techniques applicable to any industry. An MBA equips you with relevant financial planning, marketing, and operations management skills. With an MBA, you’ll increase your international network to secure job opportunities in businesses worldwide.

Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science offers a comprehensive approach to software engineering and data analysis. You’ll gain proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, HTML5, and JavaScript. You’ll also learn about databases, operating systems, computer security, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

MS graduates can find jobs in software development, machine learning research, software architecture design, or web development. With a degree from an accredited program, you can apply for positions in the tech industry, such as data analyst, project manager, system architect, or software engineer. Furthermore, a Master’s degree in Computer Science is competitive when applying for top-level positions within the tech industry.

Law Degree

Law degrees are becoming increasingly popular among international students. A Master of Laws (LLM) degree will help you understand the legal system, from constitutional law to business and intellectual property law. You’ll also learn about legal writing, research methods, dispute resolution, and advocacy techniques.

An LLM can open the door to job opportunities, such as a legal advisor or litigation specialist. You can also become a corporate lawyer, public defender, or judge. Furthermore, some positions that require knowledge of international laws and regulations may prefer applicants with a law degree from abroad. These include roles in international organizations, diplomacy, and global business.

Master in Public Health

A Master’s degree in Public Health lets you understand health-related issues and their global implications. Students learn about public health and social sciences, including epidemiology, biostatistics, healthcare systems management, environmental health science, health policy, and nutrition.

A Master’s degree in Public Health makes you eligible for public sector, NGO, and research-based jobs. You could become a public health specialist, epidemiologist, healthcare administrator, or policy analyst. Additionally, many private companies may hire graduates with an MPH degree to help them develop strategies for managing environmental and employee well-being challenges.

An international postgraduate degree will open up new job opportunities or provide advanced knowledge to professionals already in the workforce. Plus, you can work anywhere in the world. Most importantly, you learn critical skills to help your country solve global challenges.

All too often it seems we’re reading about the latest school that has fallen victim to a cyber-attack, leaving headteachers, managers, teachers, staff, and students in chaos.

Disruption to schools caused by attacks can require a significant amount of recovery time to re-enable critical services, student records, financial information, and personal details.

Dr Ian Levy, Technical Director, at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) says that organisations need to have better systems and technology in place to demotivate the cyber adversaries, thwart attacks and protect networks.

Schools Broadband, the specialist internet service provider for schools, provides schools and MATs with a security service that does just that. The service provides an affordable yet higher grade security solution, allowing schools to connect any number of sites, regardless of their location, to the Schools Broadband robust security platform, protecting schools from the severest of attacks.

A leading provider of internet security and web filtering for education, Schools Broadband has been awarded “Best Security and Best Cloud Services” five times by the Internet Service Providers Association.

To discuss best value internet connectivity, filtering and safeguarding monitoring plus security for your school or MAT, in a language you can understand, contact a member of the Schools Broadband team. We’re happy to help.

01133 222 333
info@schoolsbroadband.co.uk

Scrub and scrub again
There is no doubt that education spaces can undergo heavy usage and require regular cleaning, especially in high traffic areas like hallways and entry ways. The updated Dulux Trade Diamond Matt has retained its durability, making it the ideal choice. It is compliant with BS EN ISO 11998 Class 1 and BS 7719 Class C and can withstand 10,000 scrubs. This is the equivalent of five hours non-stop scrubbing, so removing unwanted stains will not damage the paint film or high-quality finish.

Minimise disruption
Thanks to its durability, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt can extend maintenance cycles. This means that redecoration work doesn’t need to take place as regularly, so disruption is kept to a minimum.

The new Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is also quick to apply, so decorators don’t need to be on site for as long. It offers improved opacity and the innovative binder technology in the new Dulux Trade Diamond Matt ensures that this water-based paint delivers quick drying times, helping professionals work quickly and efficiently.

Sustainability
The Department for Education states that “seeing sustainability brought to life in the buildings around them will allow children and young people to gain experiences which will enhance and contextualise their learning”. It is therefore important to consider sustainability in every element of the building, right down to the paint on the walls. Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is 99.9% VOC (volatile organic compound) free, so it has lower impact on indoor air quality and the overall carbon footprint of a project compared to the previous formulation.

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is also compliant with BREEAM and LEED environmental standards, providing reassurance from third parties that it delivers on sustainability.

Tested and Approved
On top of rigorous lab testing, Dulux Trade ensures its paints undergo a thorough review process with professional decorators to ensure that they live up to expectations and genuinely delivers on the benefits promised.

Following laboratory testing under controlled conditions, Dulux Trade asked professional decorators to review the new Diamond Matt in three stages:
• Assessments by a member of the internal Dulux panel of professional decorators – which is a blind test
• Assessments by a panel of external professional decorators – which is also a blind test
• Field trials that put the product to the test under external conditions

Thanks to this process, the new Dulux Trade Diamond Matt has received the ‘Tested & Approved by Professional Decorators’ seal of approval.

For more information on the Tested & Approved process visit: www.duluxtrade.co.uk/testedandapproved.

And for more about Dulux Trade Diamond Matt, visit: www.duluxtrade.co.uk/diamondmatt.

Exposure to Nature
Whilst there is not a single, magic solution to the problem, it is well known that reconnection with nature can play a major role in enhancing a child’s development, mental resilience and capacity to thrive and learn. A study in Denmark and the US, showed that children who grow up in greener surroundings have up to 55% less risk of developing various mental disorders. Biophilia, or a love of the natural world, is programmed into our DNA and appropriate architectural design can serve to nurture our deeprooted need to connect to nature.

Biophilic Design
Biophilic design in classrooms has been shown to boost children’s wellbeing both physically and mentally. Noisy, open plan classrooms can cause stress and fatigue which can be alleviated by exposure to nature resulting in improved cognitive ability and emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, adding sensory elements from the living natural environment can inspire curiosity, imagination and discovery whilst offering a significant boost to learning by way of increased attendance, improved behaviour and increased focus.

Improved Educational Outcomes
These benefits have been proven by a variety of scientific experiments. One study by A Sigman shows that children exposed to nature scored higher on concentration and self-discipline than control group students and performed better in core curricular subjects. Another study by Human Spaces found that by optimising exposure to daylight, attendance can increase by more than three and a half days a year, whilst test scores can improve by between 5 and 14% with speed of learning boosted by as much as 26%. A further study has shown that a timber classroom can reduce the heart rate of occupants by 8600 beats per day versus a traditional classroom, indicating stress relief.

A Biophilic School
TG Escapes wanted to design an entirely biophilic primary school that is sensitive to the environment, cost effective and practical to build using modern methods of construction. They have designed a new single-entry nursery and primary concept school. Constructed almost entirely from timber, the school will have a low embodied carbon value; be highly sustainable and net-zero in its lifetime. Furthermore, it will be more affordable to build, maintain and run than traditionally constructed buildings. In addition, renewable energy generation will be built into the design at every opportunity. The design comprises separate pavilions for various school functions, connected by covered walkways and canopies and arranged to envelop a central landscaped, terraced area with an outdoor class at its centre. This promotes an interaction and connection with nature. It encourages sociability and play, whilst maximising the opportunity for outdoor learning, exercise and fresh air in all weathers. The concept was awarded Public Sector Innovation of the Year at the 2023 MMC Awards.

Cost and Carbon
The building will be cost effective to build and to operate and extremely ecofriendly. As TG Escapes are utilising an existing, panelised modular system, they are able to make a whole life carbon calculation. The total cost of the build, (excluding landscaping and services which will be site specific) will be £4m. The EBDOG benchmark survey shows that an average cost of a netzero school is around £2500 pm2 vs £1,823 pm2 for this biophilic design. The whole life carbon calculation exceeds the RIBA 2030 target for schools.

Biophilic Schools. Better for the Environment. Better for our Children
TG Escapes believe that our relationship with nature is a cornerstone foundation for robust mental health and a young mind’s capacity for learning. They are working with MTM Consulting to identify a suitable site and partners to build a biophilic school that can help to provide a better future for our children and the world in which they live.

For more information
call 0800 917 7726
or email info@tgescapes.co.uk

They do this through providing the online adaptive reading development programme, Reading Plus. The software:

• Accelerates reading growth.
• Closes the reading gap.
• Encourages reluctant readers.
• Reduces teacher workload.

An evidence-based programme.In 2021/22, Reading Solutions UK collaborated with Derby Research School and Spencer Academy Trust in a year-long efficacy study. The study was a success as the results showed:

• On average, pupils who used Reading Plus as a reading development tool made 36% more progress than non-users.
• Control school pupils scored higher on average in their first test than pupils using Reading Plus. However, after one term of usage, Reading Plus pupils closed this reading gap achieving the same scores as control school pupils.
• Reading Plus pupils achieved a rise of six marks on their scaled scores, ending with a pass of 102.
• On average, disadvantaged children using Reading Plus made 97% more progress than disadvantaged children in the control schools.
• On average, boys who used Reading Plus made 45% more progress than boys in the control schools who did not have access to the programme.

Verity Lee, Assistant Headteacher at Sunnyside Spencer Academy (one of the six Reading Plus schools involved in the study), said: “I just wanted to thank you for all your support with Reading Plus this year. Our wonderful Year 6 tackled the SATs paper with ease and excellent stamina and achieved 93% EXS and 43% GDS. This significantly increased from our 2019 results of 63% EXS and 13% GD.”

Improve students’ fluency to help them access academic texts.
The programme uses the patented Reading Plus Guided Window to support the development of reading fluency. This scaffolds the reading experience by guiding the reader’s eyes left-to-right across a page utilising a moving box. The speed of the box is specific to each student and increases when the student demonstrates good comprehension and stamina.

Close the gap for disadvantaged students.
As a company, they are passionate about supporting all children to expand their horizons through engaging and informative texts, particularly those from disadvantaged or challenging backgrounds. In the same Derby Research Study, students eligible for pupil premium made 97% more progress than the control school students of the same demographic.

Save time with Reading Plus.
The programme includes independent online activities, teacher-led instruction, and data-driven progress monitoring reports. For students needing additional support, interventional materials (lesson plans and worksheets) are available on the programme and link to specific reading domains.

Try a free pilot to test its impact.
Reading Solutions UK offer schools, multi-academy trusts, and local authorities the option to try Reading Plus for free, as they believe it is essential that decisions to implement new programmes are made on three factors – impact, sustainability, and scalability.

For more information about Reading Plus or to try a free four-week free pilot, please:
0191 389 6078
info@readingsolutionsuk.com
www.readingsolutionsuk.com

McAvoy won ‘Best Offsite Modular Innovation’ at the Digital Construction Live Awards for its SmartSpace semi-permanent modular solution. The awards showcase pioneering products and teams that champion innovation and push the boundaries on ever-evolving concepts and advancements.

McAvoy is one of the UK and Ireland’s market leaders in the precision manufacture and delivery of high-quality permanent and semi-permanent modular buildings. Its adaptable and sustainable space solutions are sought after in many sectors.

McAvoy recognised the need for a product that could support customers in meeting immediate needs, for example, to cope with classroom shortages, without having to make a large capital investment. Within the education sector, for example, this could enable funds to be used elsewhere, e.g., upgrading equipment or hiring staff, resulting in improved overall service levels.

Combining design expertise, engineering excellence and precision manufacturing, McAvoy created its SmartSpace, which is amongst the newest modular fleets in the UK. it is sustainable, certified, high quality, adaptable, and future-proofed. With endless configurations, SmartSpace is flexible and can also be easily repurposed.

So, what is SmartSpace?

SmartSpace is McAvoy’s ready-to-go semi-permanent modular space solution designed for customers who want to rent or purchase accommodation within demanding lead times. SmartSpace can be designed to accommodate anything from 10 to more than 1,000 people.

Incorporating the very latest in technology-led design, McAvoy’s high-quality SmartSpace solutions boast superior thermal performance, enhanced air tightness and U values that exceed current performance requirements. With options including a 90-minute plus fire rating floor to floor and a 60-minute plus fire rating inside to outside, complemented by A2 non-combustible cladding, insulation, and roofing every SmartSpace building is industry-leading and offers a stackable configuration of up to three storeys. For added design versatility and re-useability, they come in three compatible and interchangeable module sizes.

All McAvoy’s SmartSpace modular solutions are warranty protected and boast high quality, low maintenance facades, commercial grade PPC aluminium external doors and low maintenance modern interiors.

Short-term or long-term: the perfect choice for rental or purchase

McAvoy developed three different SmartSpace solutions to support its range of customer needs – with fast-track delivery guaranteed. This included SmartClass which was designed and manufactured for the education sector for a range of applications including classrooms, admin buildings, nurseries, and training rooms. SmartClass can be configured to meet the requirements of any education space in terms of whole-life costs, sustainability, flexibility, and overall quality. 

Ron Clark, CEO at McAvoy said:

“We are delighted to win ‘Best Offsite Modular Innovation’ at the Digital Construction Live awards. We noticed a demand for high-quality semi-permanent accommodation across the health, education, and commercial sectors.

“This decision is all about helping our customers meet those needs. Designed and built to enhance energy and fire protection standards, this new product provides our customers with sustainable and adaptable space solutions.

“We are very proud of this product and this win recognises the team’s passion, skill and hard work.”

For more information on Spanwall log on to https://www.mcavoygroup.com/

Tony France, director of Headsight said, “We can all struggle with our mental health. At Headsight, we support people to improve their mental health, we do this through training and therapeutic interventions. We encourage a compassionate approach; recognising that all behaviour is a form of communication.

“Woodmancote School has been recognised today for continued growth around its responses to childhood trauma and working therapeutically with its most vulnerable pupils. We hope that other senior leaders, SENCOs and TAs will follow in Woodmancote’s footsteps and be trained in implementing a whole school therapeutic approach.”

Over a three-year period, with the support of the senior leadership team, key staff have engaged in trauma-informed and therapeutic practice qualifications whilst more than 85% of the whole school staff have completed an introduction to understanding psychological trauma. Through Headsight and the Trauma Action Group (TAG), staff have received help to embed new learning into their day-to-day practice, creating an environment where improved relationships now mean that learning and fun can happen.

Gary Tucker, headteacher from Woodmancote said, “We have worked hard to build and evidence our understanding and approach to working with trauma and we are delighted that this has been recognised. Working with Headsight and TAG has enabled us to understand what drives behaviour, a willingness to adapt and the determination to meet the needs of every child.”

Trauma can take all shapes and sizes and we know that it can have an impact on children’s ability to learn, build relationships and thrive. Working therapeutically with children who have been impacted by trauma helps reduce the longer-term impact, this can lead to a reduction in school exclusions, children becoming more resilient and going on to build healthier relationships.

Focus-Trust’s Pupil Parliament consists of pupils who have been elected by their peers to represent their school at the trust level. The ‘7 Musts of Focus-Trust’ began as a recent Pupil Parliament project, inspired by books such as ‘100 things to do before you grow up’.

Surveys were sent out across the schools for both children and staff, all voting for their top ten out of a long list of ideas. Further discussions were held in the following meetings, and the Pupil Parliamentarians voted for their top seven ‘musts’.

The pupil-led project resulted in seven essential experiences which will become available to all children at Focus-Trust schools. A pupil representative presented the ‘7 Musts’ to all of the Focus-Trust headteachers, and the Pupil Parliament designed their very own logo.

The 7 Musts of Focus-Trust means every child in a Focus-Trust school will have the opportunity to:

1. Complete a first aid course
2. Attend Young Voices
3. Visit London
4. Undertake an environmental project
5. Visit the theatre
6. Plan a charity event
7. Complete Bike-ability

The aim of the project is to give pupils an even wider set of standard experiences to develop their social and cultural knowledge and experiences. By making these activities a ‘must’, they become a core entitlement for all, rather than an additional extra.

Each school is now planning how they will organise each of these activities from September 2023, with some having already undertaken their residential visit to London.

Andrew Marlow, Curriculum and Pedagogy Director at Focus-Trust, said: “At Focus-Trust, pupil voice is a crucial element of our work and supports our continual improvement.

“Across all our schools we actively seek out opportunities for children to share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas about their learning and experiences.

“It is important to us because it empowers our children, improves learning, fosters a culture of community, and develops important life skills”.

Focus-Trust is a charitable primary schools trust which is based in the North West of England and West Yorkshire with a vision of providing ‘great schools at the heart of our communities’ where children thrive, achieve and succeed.

Introduction

A playground is a hallmark of childhood and a critical feature of schools and communities across the UK. Its design has a profound influence on children’s health, development, and social interaction. However, creating a playground is more than just placing equipment on a plot of land. It involves a comprehensive understanding of the local climate, safety regulations, child development stages, and, most importantly, the play types that the playground is meant to encourage. This guide takes you through the process of designing play equipment for schools that is not only engaging but also safe, durable, and inclusive.

Understanding Local Climate Factors

Designing a playground that can withstand the UK’s unique climatic conditions is essential. The local weather, which ranges from cold winters to warm summers and sees frequent rainfall, influences the type of playground equipment and materials used.

Selecting durable materials can help ensure the longevity of the playground. For instance, stainless steel is highly resistant to rust, making it suitable for equipment like climbing frames and swings. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic is another ideal choice due to its resilience against fading, cracking, and warping, making it perfect for slide surfaces and play panels. Pressure-treated timber, with its resistance to rot, can lend a natural aesthetic to the playground without sacrificing durability.

Given the frequent precipitation, drainage systems are also a key consideration to prevent waterlogging and prolong the life of the playground. Equally important are canopies or shades, which can protect the equipment from weather extremities and provide a shield against harsh sun rays during summer, as well as heavy rain or snow during winter.

Encouraging Different Types of Play

A great playground isn’t defined by the quantity of its equipment, but by how well it caters to various play types. Each play type contributes to different facets of a child’s development:

• Physical Play: This type of play fosters motor skills, coordination, and physical health. Swings, slides, climbing frames, and see-saws encourage movement and challenge children’s strength and agility. For instance, a climbing frame not only promotes physical exercise but also helps develop problem-solving skills as children navigate their way to the top.
• Imaginative Play: This form of play nurtures creativity and cognitive development. Playhouses, themed play structures (like pirate ships or castles), and sandboxes provide a backdrop for children’s narratives and role-play scenarios, allowing their imagination to flourish.
• Social Play: Structures that promote cooperative play can help improve communication skills and encourage interaction among children. Play panels with interactive features, picnic tables for shared activities, or group games like a large spinner provide opportunities for children to interact, cooperate, and learn from each other.

Choosing Equipment for Different Age Groups

One of the key aspects of an inclusive playground is its ability to cater to a diverse range of ages and abilities. Equipment should be chosen with an understanding of the target age group’s developmental stages and abilities:

• Toddlers and Pre-schoolers: At this age, children are exploring their surroundings and developing fundamental motor skills. Therefore, the play equipment should be smaller, lower to the ground, and have features like handrails for support. Lower slides, small crawl tubes, and ground-level activities such as sandboxes are ideal choices.
• School-age children: As children grow, they seek more adventurous and challenging play activities. Larger climbing frames, swings, and slides become more suitable. These pieces of equipment not only encourage physical play but also help children develop confidence, resilience, and social skills.
• Teens and Adults: While playgrounds are often associated with younger children, they should also accommodate older users. Including fitness stations, benches for relaxation, and open spaces for informal games can encourage teens and adults to use the space, fostering a sense of community and promoting physical health.

Complying with UK Playground Safety Standards

In the UK, playground safety is governed by strict standards – BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177.

• BS EN 1176: This standard covers all aspects of playground equipment. It includes safety requirements, test methods, and instructions for installation. Compliance with BS EN 1176 ensures that the risk of accidents is minimised. For example, the standard provides guidelines on the minimum safety distances that should be maintained around equipment to prevent collisions and the maximum free heights of fall.
• BS EN 1177: This standard provides specifications for the surfacing of playgrounds. It is meant to ensure that if a child falls, the surface can absorb the impact and minimise the risk of serious injury. Depending on the critical fall height of the installed equipment, surfacing may range from grass and sand for lower equipment to rubber mulch or poured-in-place rubber for equipment with greater fall heights.

Understanding and complying with these standards is crucial in every stage of playground design, from selecting equipment to designing the layout and installing the safety surfacing.

The Design Process

Designing the perfect playground involves several key steps:

1. Planning

In the initial planning phase, identify the target age group and determine the types of play you want to encourage. Consider factors like the local climate, available space, and budget. Accessibility should also be a focus to ensure inclusivity for all users, including those with disabilities.

2. Selecting Equipment

Choose a variety of equipment that encourages different types of play and caters to the target age group. Verify that the equipment complies with BS EN 1176 and is made from materials that are durable in the UK climate.

3. Designing the Layout

The playground layout should be designed with safety and functionality in mind. There should be enough space around each piece of equipment to prevent collisions. Visibility is also important; caregivers or teachers should be able to see children at all times. In addition, consider the flow of movement around the playground to avoid congestion.

4. Installing Safety Surfacing

Choose and install an impact-absorbing surface material that complies with BS EN 1177. The type of surfacing will depend on the height of the equipment and the critical fall height.

5. Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Once the playground is complete, regular maintenance and inspections are vital to ensure its safety and longevity. Playground surfaces should be checked regularly for wear and tear, and equipment should be inspected for any signs of damage.

Conclusion

Designing the perfect playground for UK schools and communities is a task that requires careful planning, knowledge of child development, and a clear understanding of safety regulations. By carefully selecting equipment, considering the play types you wish to encourage, and regularly maintaining the playground, you can create a space that not only brings joy to its users but also aids their physical, cognitive, and social development.