R.I.S.E. Newsletter 6 – February 2024

Hello and welcome to the sixth R.I.S.E. monthly newsletter, providing you with the latest news and developments, as well as highlighting content from previous issues of R.I.S.E.

With snowdrops blooming, it looks like spring is just around the corner. So have a read and hopefully some inspiration will ‘spring’ up!

Articles spotlight

In this edition, we wanted to highlight three more excellent articles from Issue 7 of R.I.S.E.

Why are secondary teachers grappling with phonics?, by Kate McCallam

Assistant Headteacher, Kate McCallam , shares how due to ‘almost 25% of Y6 pupils failing to meet the expected standard for reading by the time they reach secondary school,’ phonics teaching is happening (and needed) in secondary schools more than ever before.

Check out Kate's article to see how secondary and primary providers can work together to help improve word reading.

Together, we’re stronger, by Al Kingsley

Edruptor, Al Kingsley MBE , shares the importance of community in education and how collective strength benefits us all. He even talks about how sharing what hasn’t worked is just as important as sharing what has!

Read Al's discussion on the importance of human connection in a time of emphasis on digital.

The surprising power of planners, by Lucy Coy

Joint CEO of HeadteacherChat, Lucy Coy , shares her own experience of using a planner as a school leader and the unexpected benefits she found along the way.

Check out Lucy's 'reason's you'll love your planner' to see why it might be a useful resource.

Throwback – Leading on diversity and inclusion, by Azuraye Williams

We wanted to take you all the way back to our very first issue and share one of your favourite articles from it, 'Leading on Diversity and Inclusion'. In this article, MAT Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Lead, Azuraye Williams , shared how clear focused steps and an inclusive whole-school vision can enable all children to engage in the diverse community they all belong to, making a huge difference to every individual.

Read about Azuraye’s passion and actions leading on diversity and inclusion in her school (and, since publication, now across her trust!).

News

BETTer than ever?

The NetSupport team had a blast at Bett 2024 and we even ran into some of our R.I.S.E. contributors including SJ W. , Kate Sturdy, Nic Ponsford FRSA FIESE ?? , Emma Darcy , Caroline Allams , Jez Belas , Tilly Brooke , Philippa Wraithmell , Jerome Nogues , Jonathan C. , Lucy Coy and Beverly Clarke MBE .

It was lovely to catch up with some of our community, see what’s new in EdTech, get feedback from customers, network and learn.

Check out NetSupport’s Bett 2024 playlist for all the highlights from the show.

Making every day a Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day takes place in February each year. It’s a day to recognise the importance of safe, responsible and positive use of tech for young people and children. However, we know that just one day is not enough and that educators have an ongoing responsibility to support students to use the internet safely. With that in mind, we have our latest annual free Online Safety Guide available now for 2024 to ensure you are up to date with all the information, trends, changes and key terms in tech.

Download your free guide to help inform your online safeguarding practice.