Category Archives: Education News

Education News, Neath Port Talbot, News from Wales

Educ8 Training Group Launches Community Project Backed by UK Government to Improve Numeracy Skills in Neath-Port Talbot

Following a grant awarded under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund from the government as part of its ‘Levelling Up’ initiative, Educ8 Training Group, an award-winning education provider, has launched ‘Multiply.’ This community project has been developed to improve the numeracy skills of adults in Neath-Port Talbot.

Adopting the slogan ‘Calculating your Potential’, the Multiply project will target those over the age of 19 who do not have a level 2 (Grade C) GCSE Maths qualification. It will offer a variety of practical workshops and sessions in different locations across the area.

The workshops will not only provide students with a qualification equivalent to a level 2 Maths GCSE and equip them with the numeracy skills employers look for when recruiting, but the sessions will also be teaching participants essentials to everyday life. They will learn how to budget for the weekly shop, how to calculate and manage their energy costs, and how they can support children with maths homework helping to instil numeracy confidence in the next generation.

Terri Cotterell-Delap, Programme Manager at Educ8, elaborated on the potential Multiply has to make a difference to the lives of its students: “What makes Multiply so exciting is the fact that the course will provide people with the numeracy skills to perhaps get them on the career ladder or pivot to a new career path while also teaching life skills such as budgeting that are invaluable in the current cost of living crisis. It’s as much about improving well-being as it is about learning a skill and bettering your job prospects.”

Having recruited three new specialised roles to coordinate and deliver the workshops – a project coordinator, engagement officer, and training coach – the workshops are expected to begin delivery in late November.

Educ8 is a leading apprenticeship and training provider across Wales and the UK, dedicated to delivering high-quality educational and growth opportunities to learners and employers alike. The Educ8 Group has an unrivalled track record of delivering outstanding vocational training programs, and the launch of Multiply further demonstrates Educ8’s commitment to creating opportunities through education. This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Grant Santos, CEO of Educ8 added: “The inclusion of Multiply in our roster of excellent training programs and courses further emphasises the importance of life-long learning and how learning valuable skills in a hands-on environment has a positive impact on every aspect of a person’s life, both at home and in the world of work.”

The project, due to run until March 2025, will deliver its workshops in various formats and will be available weekly and monthly, with plans to run sessions in education centres, food banks, and workplaces.

Interested participants can find out more and register their interest in attending at – https://www.educ8training.co.uk/courses/multiply/

Awards, Education News, News from Wales

Educ8 Training Group Secures Top 5 Placement at ‘Best Companies to Work For’ Awards

Educ8 Training Group, a leading provider of innovative training and education solutions, has been named in the Top 5 ‘Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK’ list and has also taken the #2 spot in the ‘Best Education and Training Companies in the UK’ category.

The Best Companies list is compiled each year, naming those companies that care about doing the right thing, value their people, and understand the value of a truly engaged workforce. Businesses placed on the list are committed to fostering positivity and recognise their employees as a vital part of their success. The national, regional and sector lists for 2023 were recently revealed at a prestigious ceremony in Battersea Evolution in London.

This year marked Educ8 Training Group’s inaugural entry into the ‘Large Companies’ category, having been named in the ‘Medium Companies’ category in previous years. 2023 is the ninth consecutive year that Educ8 has been commended on the Best Companies list and the third consecutive yearthe business has been in the top 5.

The transition to the ‘Large Companies; category is a testament to the company’s exceptional growth while maintaining its commitment to providing an outstanding workplace environment for its 275 employees.

The awards ceremony, attended by companies from across the length and breadth of the UK, was a hugely encouraging experience that showcased the truly positive and empowering workplace cultures present across the country.

Grant Santos, Chief Executive at Educ8 said: “We are so pleased to have placed so highly amongst some of the best companies in the UK. Educ8 truly values its employees and the important contribution they bring to the workplace every day, and we aim to provide them with a positive and encouraging environment where they feel supported. An organisation’s employees are critical to its success, and nurturing our employees continues to be a priority for Educ8 Training Group.”

Educ8 Training Group has consistently demonstrated its commitment to employee engagement and an inclusive workplace culture by moving to an employee ownership model last year. This strategic decision saw the company transition to an employee-owned business, enabling employees to become more involved in key company decisions through a committee.

Jude Holloway, Managing Director of Operations at Educ8, added: “Moving to employee ownership was a tangible way to acknowledge and reward our exceptional staff. It was an excellent way to crystallise our other employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives that include an increased benefits package, 24/7 staff support and dedicated Rejuven8 time. We are very proud to be named in the Top 5 large companies, and this award inspires us to always strive for the happiness of our employees.”

With 275 employees, Educ8 Training Group remains at the forefront of innovation in the sector, this year introducing a new Energy and Carbon Management apprenticeship and pioneering Virtual Reality (VR) training for hairdressing apprentices in partnership with ISA Training and CEMET.

For those eager to embark on a learning journey with Educ8 Training Group, visit www.educ8training.co.uk to explore the wide range of qualifications and apprenticeships available.

Apprenticeships, Caerphilly, Education, Education News, News from Wales, Training & Apprenticeships

Over 1,000 learners completed a qualification with ‘excellent’ rated Educ8 Training Group

Educ8 students of 2022-2023 have celebrated their graduation in the iconic Llancaicah Fawr Manor in Caerphilly. Students were invited on stage to recognise their achievements alongside friends, family, and Educ8 staff.

Jude Holloway, Managing Director at Educ8 Training Group, said: “This year’s Gradu8 Ceremony was as fantastic as ever, and it is always a joy to applaud our graduates for their hard work and recognise their achievements.

Graduation is an opportunity to not only celebrate our brilliant learners, but also an opportunity to highlight just how valuable a vocational qualification is and that learning can be a lifelong and continuous process.”

In the last academic year, Educ8 Training Group has supported more than 1,000 learners to complete their qualifications, with 93.75% of students describing Educ8 as an ‘excellent’ learning provider.

The morning and afternoon ceremonies celebrated the graduates from some of Educ8’s core disciplines, such as Customer Service, Business Administration, Leadership & Management, Marketing, Social Media, Health & Social Care, Hair & Beauty, Equine & Animal Care, and more.

Speaking on what her apprenticeship has meant for her, Sammy O’Brien, a HR Manager at Protectorcomms who graduated from Business Admin Level 4 this year, said: “I already had the experience and knew how to do my job, but studying an apprenticeship with Educ8 Training meant I had a formal qualification and recognition for my work. Being able to graduate was amazing. It’s great that Educ8 offers the chance to celebrate through a graduation ceremony. It was a wonderful day and made me feel proud of what I had achieved.”

Educ8 Training Group continues to innovate in its training and education provision, having just this year launched a new Energy and Carbon Management apprenticeship with support from the Welsh Government, introduced a new apprenticeship in Equestrian Sporting Excellence through Haddon Training, and pioneered new VR training for hairdressing apprentices from ISA Training in collaboration with CEMET.

Championing learning in all forms and for all ages, Educ8 Training Group has also witnessed a marked increase in apprenticeships in 2023, where rising tuition fees and the need for upskilling while working are seeing more people choose an apprenticeship as a practical route to qualification.

Susan Billington, National Account Manager at Educ8 Training Group, said: “Apprenticeships offer fantastic career opportunities allowing learners to earn while they learn. Learners can avoid accumulating massive debt while at the same time equipping themselves with practical skills and industry connections.”

Apprenticeships are an excellent method for business growth, providing incentives such as the Employer Incentive Scheme (EIS) that helps to support learners who have a disability into the world of work, as well as maximising value through cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

Whether you’re a young person wanting to take their first step on the career ladder and gain invaluable practical experience in a field you’re passionate about, you want to take your career in a new direction, or you are looking to build on the skills you already have to progress your career, Educ8 Training Group is a fantastic place to gain all the qualifications you need.

It’s never too late to learn and start a new, exciting career journey. If you are interested in studying a qualification with Educ8, visit www.educ8training.co.uk.

Business, Business & Property News, Education, Education News, News

Beyond the Rankings: The UK Universities Moulding Tomorrow’s Business Leaders

  • A recent study highlights the prominent universities and regions that have produced significant business leaders from 2003-2022.
  • University of the Arts London (UAL) emerges as a leading institution for producing business founders with a notable 8.44% rate.
  • Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh stands out, with 15.76% of its graduates advancing to CEO or MD roles.
  • Traditional heavyweights, the University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, consistently rank within the top 10 for producing both Founders and CEOs/MDs.
  • While London leads in the cultivation of business founders, for CEO and MD roles, regions such as Scotland, the North West, and Yorkshire display strong results.

Novuna Business Cash Flow has conducted a thorough analysis of 121 universities, studying an extensive 9.7 million alumni profiles on LinkedIn to trace the educational backgrounds of current entrepreneurs and business leaders across the UK.

Recent studies provide insightful clarity into the relationship between university rankings and the real-world accomplishments of their graduates. This analysis reveals which UK universities have been instrumental in shaping top-tier Founders and CEOs, uncovering several intriguing patterns…

Founders

The University of the Arts London (UAL) stands out, with an impressive 8.44% of its graduates pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. This is notable given its 19th position in the Guardian ranking. Renowned institutions, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, continue to be consistent performers in this domain.

London, known for its vibrant entrepreneurial scene, remains a hub for innovation. Impressively, 14 of the top 25 universities producing business founders are based in London.

 

Index Rank: University: University Region: 2023 Guardian University Ranking: % that went on to be founders:
1 University of the Arts London (UAL) London 19 8.44
2 London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) London 4 8.35
3 Goldsmiths, University of London London 106 7.29
4 SOAS University of London London 86 7.19
5 University of Cambridge SE 3 7.10
6 Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Scotland 45 6.89
7 University of Oxford Midlands 2 6.37
8 Imperial College, London London 5 6.32
9 University College London (UCL) London 9 6.03
10 Falmouth University (Cornwall) SW 97 5.81
11 University of Westminster London 116 5.41
12 Kings College London London 29 5.27
13 London Metropolitan University London 104 5.12
14 City, University of London London 58 5.03
15 Middlesex University (London) London 111 4.99
16 Arts University Bournemouth SW 70 4.72
17 University of St Andrews Scotland 1 4.68
18 The University of Edinburgh Scotland 12 4.68
19 University for the Creative Arts (UCA) SE 49 4.68
20 Royal Holloway, University of London London 33 4.29
21 University of Warwick Midlands 8 4.27
22 University of Sussex SE 66 4.26
23 University of Bath SW 7 4.11
24 Kingston University London London 55 4.08
25 St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London London 70 4.07

 

CEO’s & MD’s

In the realm of corporate leadership, Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh has set a benchmark. A commendable 15.76% of its students have transitioned into CEO or MD roles. Equally intriguing is the University Of Cumbria, positioned at 115th in the Guardian rankings, which has secured a reputable second position.

London’s representation diminishes slightly within the top echelons of CEOs and MDs, with 9 of the top 25 universities located in the capital. However, the South East emerges as a key player in this arena.

 

Index Rank: University: University Region: 2023 Guardian University Ranking: % that went on to be CEO’s or MD’s:
1 Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Scotland 45 15.76
2 University Of Cumbria NW 115 8.22
3 London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) London 4 7.67
4 University of Cambridge SE 3 6.74
5 SOAS University of London London 86 6.14
6 University of Oxford Midlands 2 5.93
7 Wrexham Glyndwr University Wales 94 5.62
8 University of Bolton NW 38 5.58
9 York St John University Yorkshire 77 5.54
10 Middlesex University (London) London 111 5.53
11 University of Dundee Scotland 44 5.50
12 London Metropolitan University London 104 5.44
13 St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London London 70 5.34
14 Buckinghamshire New University SE 70 5.26
15 University of Bradford Yorkshire 80 5.20
16 University of Suffolk SE 69 5.12
17 University of Chichester SE 37 4.93
18 Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Scotland 89 4.83
19 Leeds Trinity University Yorkshire 113 4.77
20 University of East London London 113 4.76
21 City, University of London London 58 4.73
22 Imperial College, London London 5 4.68
23 Oxford Brookes University SE 42 4.67
24 University of Gloucestershire SW 88 4.65
25 London South Bank University London 96 4.63

 

Regional Highlights

Founders

The southern regions of the UK have solidified their reputation as centres for entrepreneurship. London, celebrated for its international appeal and dynamic business environment, leads with 5.04%. It’s closely followed by the South West and South East regions, registering 3.77% and 3.45% respectively, affirming the South’s role in cultivating enterprising individuals.

 

Index Rank: University Region: Average % that went on to be founders:
1 London 5.04
2 SW 3.77
3 SE 3.45
4 Scotland 3.30
5 Midlands 3.16

 

CEO’s & MD’s

 

When it comes to leadership within established organisations, the northern regions take centre stage. Scotland, renowned for its academic excellence and a rich tradition of innovation, ranks first at 4.68%. The North West, experiencing notable growth across various sectors, follows closely at 4.14%. Yorkshire’s inclusion in the top five further emphasises the northern regions’ influence in moulding business leaders.

 

Index Rank: University Region: Average % that went on to be CEO’s or MD’s:
1 Scotland 4.68
2 London 4.56
3 NW 4.14
4 SE 4.03
5 Yorkshire 3.84

 

Although London and the South East have a presence in both categories, their dominance is more evident in the Founders category.

The data paints a compelling story, illustrating the UK as a nation with diverse opportunities. While the southern regions appear more inclined towards entrepreneurship, the northern areas are emerging as breeding grounds for corporate leadership. This dichotomy highlights the balanced, dynamic nature of the UK’s academic and commercial landscape.

John Atkinson, Head of Commercial Business at Novuna Business Cash Flow, commented, “Our research underlines that success in the business sector isn’t exclusively from premier universities as traditionally perceived. Several universities, often not highlighted in typical rankings, are proving pivotal in shaping future founders and business frontrunners. We believe our findings will provide a new viewpoint for the next generation of ambitious professionals.”

For the full results of all 121 universities, you can view Novuna’s blog post here.

—

About the Research

Field: 29th – 30th August 2023

Sample: 121 UK universities, Alumni between 2003-2022.

 

*Methodology

To ascertain the number of entrepreneurial alumni, analysis was conducted of the ‘Alumni’ segment on the official LinkedIn page for each university. Our criteria filtered for alumni who held the job title “Founder”, “CEO”, “Managing Director” during the period from 2003 to 2022. The results of this analysis yielded the figures presented in the “% that went on to be founders:”, “% that went on to be CEO’s or MD’s:” and “Average % that went on to be CEO’s or MD’s: columns.

The ‘Guardian 2023 Rank’ was sourced directly from the Guardian University Guide, available here.

About Novuna

Novuna is a leading financial services company, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We have over 2,200 employees, £7.6bn of net earning assets and nearly 1.3 million customers across five business divisions; Novuna Consumer Finance, Novuna Vehicle Solutions, Novuna Business Finance, Novuna Business Cash Flow and European Vendor Finance providing innovative finance solutions to enable consumers and businesses to grow and prosper.  

From 1 April 2021 we became a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc., strengthening our relationship with one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups with over £60bn of assets.

Novuna Business Cash Flow

Novuna Business Cash Flow provides cashflow finance solutions to SMEs across a wide range of sectors in the UK, allowing businesses to release cash from unpaid invoices within 24 hours.

With remote digital on-boarding through FLi, its unique platform, and flexible approach to contracts, Novuna Business Cash Flow was awarded the Best Factoring and Invoice Discounting Provider at the 2023 Business Moneyfacts Awards.

Novuna Business Cash Flow is a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, part of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc., one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups, with over £60bn of assets.

 

Construction, Education, Education News, News

Back to school as fabricator wins two education contracts

WELSH fabricator Dudley’s Aluminium will support the construction of two schools in England.

The fabricator will be working with ISG Construction Ltd on Two Bridges School in Bristol (artirsts impression pictured above), a net zero carbon school for 112 pupils who have special educational needs and disabilities such as severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties and autism.

Dudley’s will install Metal Technology System capped curtain walling, doors and windows, in addition to fire rated windows and automatic swing doors.

Metal Technology System products will also be installed on Dudley’s second education sector project: Katherine Lady Berkeley’s School in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire.

An artist’s impression of Katherine Lady Berkeley school

The school is one of the oldest state schools in the country and its campus style will be enhanced with a new three storey teaching block and an activity studio, plus refurbishments and extensions to existing buildings to support the facilities of the school’s special educational needs department and sixth form.

Dudley’s is working with Kier Construction Ltd on the project and will install Metal Technology System capped curtain walling, doors and windows on the build, as well as automatic swing doors.

 

Colin Shorney, Managing Director at Dudley’s Aluminium, said: “We are delighted to have secured a further two projects in the education sector. These projects will provide modern learning environments to enable pupils to learn, develop and achieve their potential.”

 

Since 1993, Dudley’s Aluminium has offered clients full in-house design and production facilities, completing many successful and prestigious projects within the education, health, commercial, retail, residential and defence sectors throughout the UK and Channel Islands.

Dudley’s reputation for quality has been recognised with several industry-related accreditations. The company is CHAS accredited, Constructionline registered and BM Trada certified to manufacture enhanced security products to align with PAS24:2016 and BS 4873.

Education, Education News, News

Clearlake Capital-Backed Discovery Education to Acquire DreamBox Learning

Latest Acquisition Will Expand Discovery Education’s Solution Suite Supporting Math and Reading 

Discovery Education, a global education technology company backed by Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (together with its affiliates, “Clearlake”), today announced it has agreed to acquire DreamBox Learning®, a PK-12 education technology provider serving more than 6 million students and 600,000 educators nationwide. DreamBox Learning’s current investors Elliott Investment Management L.P. and TPG’s The Rise Fund will retain minority stakes in the company.  Financial terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Bellevue, WA, DreamBox Learning offers the only dual-discipline solution rated “Strong” by Johns Hopkins University’s evidenceforESSA.org in both mathematics and reading. Through its high-quality adaptive learning solutions independently proven to accelerate student growth, DreamBox Learning empowers educators with data analytics and content-specific professional development solutions to complement instruction.

“Discovery Education is excited to welcome DreamBox Learning, a brand synonymous with quality, research-based math and reading edtech solutions to our growing family of services,” said Discovery Education Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Cowdrey. “Combining an expertise in learning science with adaptive, effective instructional solutions , DreamBox Learning’s solutions can help students excel regardless of who they are or where they live. Through this latest acquisition, Discovery Education is better positioned to broaden its impact on student success by providing our existing network of partner school systems access to DreamBox Learning’s collection of supplemental math, reading, and professional learning solutions.”

The acquisition of DreamBox Learning supports Discovery Education’s mission to prepare learners for tomorrow by creating innovative classrooms connected to today’s world. DreamBox Learning’s products complement Discovery Education’s other successful digital solutions, which include Discovery Education Experience, the company’s award-winning K-12 platform, the Techbook series of digital textbooks, Mystery Science, and more, in supporting student achievement.

The acquisition of DreamBox Learning comes at a time when school districts are seeking comprehensive, yet consolidated platforms to address a wide range of core and supplemental learning needs, backed by research that underscores meaningful gains in achievement. The addition of DreamBox Learning’s intelligent adaptive learning technology to the Discovery Education suite will provide educators and students with more options for engaging, personalized learning experiences across a variety of disciplines.

“DreamBox Learning was founded in 2006 with the mission to transform the way the world learns through our pioneering intelligent adaptive learning technology, and today’s announcement represents a significant next step to achieving that mission. Building upon our existing math and reading solutions, we can now leverage Discovery Education’s highly scalable global footprint to reach more students and deepen our partnerships with educators around the world,” said Jessie Woolley-Wilson, President and CEO of DreamBox Learning.

DreamBox Learning will be Discovery Education’s most recent acquisition, joining Pivot Interactives and DoodleLearning, which were acquired in August of 2022, and Mystery Science, which was acquired in 2020.

Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor to Discovery Education. Moelis & Company LLC acted as lead financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal advisor to DreamBox Learning on the transaction. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023, pending customary regulatory approval and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.

Apprenticeships, Education News

Leading Equestrian Training Provider Launches Apprenticeship in Equestrian Sporting Excellence

Leading Equestrian Training Provider, Haddon Training, has launched their Apprenticeship in Equestrian Sporting Excellence (AESE), a flagship programme that aims to nurture and develop talented riders in their pursuit of excellence.

 

AESE is tailored around the equestrian Olympic disciplines and delivered in direct partnership with British Eventing and British Showjumping, alongside key figures within the Dressage community. Learners will represent one of the following disciplines: dressage, para dressage, showjumping, or eventing. By focusing on their chosen discipline, apprentices will gain specialised knowledge and skills that can propel their careers forward.

 

Learners also have the opportunity to receive coaching from world-class trainers at specialist camps that take place at regular intervals during their time on the programme. Renowned experts in the industry, including Heike Holstein, Charlie Hutton, Andrew Saywell and Corinne Bracken, will provide invaluable guidance and mentorship.

 

“AESE is such a unique programme and fits into an area of the industry that other qualifications don’t fulfil.  It is targeted at riders working within the industry to enable them to maximise their potential. We are supporting the next generation and developing their individual skills.”- Charlie Hutton – International Dressage rider and coach

 

As an apprenticeship, the AESE qualification primarily takes place in equestrian yards, allowing learners to gain practical experience in real-world settings. Apprentices will be paid and employed at their chosen yard throughout the duration of the programme, offering them a valuable opportunity to earn while they learn.

 

Course subjects for AESE 2023 include development of technical and tactical skills, media communications, nutrition, and psychological and emotional performance.

 

“The best part of my apprenticeship is how much confidence I have gained and the progression in my riding, which is incredible! I have learnt so much in such a short space of time and I love my new independent lifestyle.” – Emilia Bishop, former Equestrian Sporting Excellence Apprentice

 

This apprenticeship replaces the highly successful AASE programme, is available to individuals based in England and is equivalent to A-Level standard.

 

Athletes can enrol now for a September 2023 start.

 

To learn more about AESE and Haddon Training, visit: https://haddontraining.co.uk/sporting-excellence-programme-overview/

Construction, Education, Education News, Healthcare, News

Net Zero Neonatal Unit Challenge Winner Announced

On the 75th anniversary of the NHS, young people showcase the future of Healthcare Design

The New Hospital Programme is partnering with social enterprise Class of Your Own, creators of the award-winning Design Engineer Construct! learning programme, to inspire the next generation of healthcare designers, engineers and construction professionals.

The global challenge to design a carbon net zero neonatal unit was launched by Class of Your Own earlier this year. The campaign was kickstarted with the support of NHS staff, the Bliss Charity which supports babies born prematurely and professional bodies from across the construction sector.

Secondary school students were invited to put forward designs that demonstrated great empathy for a range of end users and overcome a range of social and cultural issues.

Judges with winning entry (Left to right_ Natalie Firminger, Daniel O’Leary, Natalie Forrest, Luke Goldfinch and Nicholas Mead) with winning entry

The winning team comprised just one pupil who did all the design work herself, 16 year old Sabina Lacey from Prince of Wales Island International School, Penang, Malaysia.

The challenge focused on carbon net zero design and modern methods of construction; the use of appropriate sustainable materials and energy solutions that lead to safer, better quality, replicable healthcare buildings of the future.

Finalists representing schools from Scotland, England, Jersey, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia faced a tough panel of judges:

  • Natalie Forrest – Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for the New Hospital Programme, Department of Health and Social Care
  • Natalie Firminger – Hospital Design and Development Director – Whipps Cross Redevelopment, Barts Health NHS Trust
  • Daniel O’Leary – Clinical Fellow (Maternal Health), New Hospital Programme, NHS England
  • Luke Goldfinch – Senior Engineer, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
  • Nicholas Mead – Technical Director – MEICA systems, Laing O’Rourke Europe

The winning team – a team of just one pupil – was announced today (Wednesday July 5) at a special House of Lords event hosted by former Education Minister Lord Jim Knight and Class of Your Own Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alison Watson MBE – appropriately celebrating the talents of former Design Engineer Construct! students, all at different stages in their own professional careers.

Natalie Forrest

Announcing the winner, New Hospital Programme SRO, Natalie Forrest said: “Congratulations to all entrants. This is a very tough challenge and the standard was so high. Clearly this team of one had done some extraordinary research to ensure her design met, or even surpassed, the demanding criteria. A big ‘well done’ to Sabina Lacey, from Prince of Wales Island International School in Penang, Malaysia – and I hope this inspires you to consider a career in healthcare design.

“As we celebrate the NHS’s 75th birthday today it is important we don’t just look back at everything we have achieved, we must look to the future and consider what the very best patient care will look like in years to come. Having the best and brightest minds working in healthcare design will play an important role in creating the infrastructure we need.”

Sabina Lacey will meet with real professionals working on New Hospital Programme projects to take her design to an industry-standard digital model.

In celebration of 75 years of the NHS, Class of Your Own and the New Hospital Programme will now work to develop further programmes for schools, especially those in the vicinity of New Hospital Programme projects.

Alison Watson MBE

Class of Your Own Founder Alison Watson said: “It has been really inspiring to watch such young people working together on people and planet-focused healthcare solutions.

“As usual, they’ve exceeded all expectations and this recognition for Sabina Lacey and other young people who took part is a fitting way to celebrate the next 75 years of our world-respected NHS. Huge thanks to all the professionals who have been extremely supportive in developing and supporting this programme and I so look forward to working with them in the future in schools across the country – and around the world.”

In celebration of 75 years of the NHS, Class of Your Own, the New Hospital Programme and leading construction companies specialising in healthcare design will now develop a suite of specialist healthcare programmes for schools. These specialist DEC (Design, Engineer Construct!) Awards will launch in the autumn term 2023.

You’ll find more information on the Challenge and Class Of Your Own by visiting: https://designengineerconstruct.com/design-a-neonatal-unit/

Education, Education News

Education of the Future 

Enriching the practical experience of our students

Today, Cherwell College Oxford is rethinking the meaning of modern education and strives to offer their students things that they can immediately use in practice. Cherwell College has always provided and continues to provide a high level of academic education and powerful scientific knowledge. At the same time, Cherwell understands that modern competitiveness is built on the development of students’ unique abilities. Personal achievements and ambitions, the application of knowledge in practice, creativity and a flair for experimentation pave the way for the best future for students.

 

Access to the best modern higher education

This year, Cherwell College Oxford is partnering up with Berkeley, University of California. 

Cherwell’s pedagogy at pre-university level coupled with Berkeley’s Method of Entrepreneurship, as developed by Sutardja Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (Berkeley UC) at undergraduate and postgraduate level, create a powerful synergy and a pathway for progression to higher education. Both employ a flexible approach to an educational process with the aim of creating a favourable environment for students to flourish and achieve high grades through focusing on the development of the individual in a competitive world of academia and business.

Cherwell’s pedagogy is based on the Socratic method of teaching (one to one and small groups) which develops reasoning, critical thinking, erudition, and provides a wholesome all-round educational experience, preparing students for university and life beyond.

 

Focus on technology, entrepreneurship and innovation

At Cherwell a lot of attention is paid to STEM subjects, as it is important to create the best opportunity for students to continue their studies in this area. Today, technology and entrepreneurship are closely linked, it is a powerful mix that inspires successful start-ups and is in demand in the world right now. 

Unique partnership with Sutardja Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (Berkeley UC) will create academic pathways through traditional A-levels & Bootcamps in Oxford and California to enable students to prepare for higher educational establishments.

However, Cherwell’s diverse team and multidisciplinary ethos allow A-level and GCSE students with interest in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to flourish both in class through excellent teaching, as well as outside of the classroom environment through unique initiatives and extracurricular activities, together with online courses as offered by the College www.cherwell-college.co.uk.

 

The educators of the world are now focused on striking the right balance between the student’s academic success and one’s ability for social integration through teamwork as well as supporting causes aimed at betterment of the environment or community we live in: this notion is well established through the universities application process and interviews where applicants are encouraged to show the ‘human’ side of oneself. That is why Cherwell College continuously supports its students in all their endeavours, making a special emphasis on social and teamwork skills, which is the foundation of their successful future.

Education, Education News, News

The Future of Education: Exploring the Advantages of Online Teachers

In recent years, online learning has become increasingly popular, and the field of education has undergone a significant transformation. As technology continues to advance, more people have access to the internet, and online learning has become more accessible and more common. One of the most significant advantages of online learning is the opportunity to learn from online teachers, who offer unique benefits that traditional classroom teachers cannot match.

In this blog, we will take a brief look at some of the major benefits of opting for online teachers.

 

Advantages of Online Teachers

With the constant advent of remote learning, online classes are becoming the new norm. more and more parents are discovering the benefits of hiring online teachers for their kids. To help you understand the reasons behind their growing popularity, we have outlined some major benefits below:

 

–       Flexibility

One of the most significant advantages of online teachers is their flexibility. With online learning, students can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. Online teachers can offer one-on-one instructions, which is not always possible in a traditional classroom setting. This allows students to receive individualized attention, which can be especially helpful for students who struggle in traditional classroom environments.

 

–       Cost-effectiveness

Online teachers can also offer cost-effective solutions for students. With online learning, students can save on transportation costs and other expenses associated with attending a traditional school. Additionally, online learning can be less expensive than attending a traditional school, as online courses tend to be less expensive than traditional courses.

 

–       Increased Access

Online teachers can also offer increased access to educational opportunities. With online learning, students can take courses from anywhere in the world, which allows them to access courses that may not be available in their local area. Additionally, online learning allows students to access courses that may not be available during traditional school hours, which can be especially helpful for students who have other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities.

 

–       Personalized Learning

Another significant advantage of online teachers is their ability to offer personalized learning experiences. Online teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, which can be especially helpful for students who have learning disabilities or other special needs. Additionally, online teachers can provide students with immediate feedback, which can help students to improve their performance more quickly.

 

–       Increased Engagement

Online teachers can also help to increase student engagement. With online learning, students have access to a variety of multimedia tools, such as videos, podcasts, and interactive simulations, which can help to keep them engaged and motivated. Additionally, online teachers can use a variety of teaching techniques to keep students engaged, such as gamification and project-based learning.

 

The Future of Online Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online learning, and it is likely that online learning will continue to grow in popularity in the future. As technology continues to advance, online learning will become even more accessible and sophisticated, providing students with even more opportunities to learn and grow.

it’s important to note that online teachers also have the ability to offer a more personalized learning experience to students. In a traditional classroom setting, teachers have to cater to the needs of a large group of students, which can make it difficult to give individual attention to each student. However, with online teaching, teachers can focus on the specific needs of each student and tailor their teaching methods accordingly. This allows students to learn at their own pace and in a way that works best for them.

 

Opting For an Online Maths Teacher

– One key benefit of hiring an online mathematics teacher is that it is often more convenient for students and their families. Traditional math tutoring typically involves scheduling appointments and arranging transportation to and from the tutor’s location. With online math tutoring, however, students can receive instruction from the comfort of their own homes, without the need for transportation or scheduling conflicts.

 

– In addition, online maths teacher can often be more affordable than traditional tutoring. Since online tutors do not have the overhead costs associated with renting a physical location, they are often able to offer their services at a lower cost to students and their families.

 

– Furthermore, online math tutoring can be particularly beneficial for students who struggle with math anxiety. Many students feel anxious or overwhelmed when faced with math problems, which can hinder their ability to learn and succeed in the subject.

However, online math tutors can provide a supportive and encouraging learning environment that can help students overcome their anxiety and build confidence in their math skills.

You can find reliable maths teachers by searching for ‘maths teacher near me’ and contacting reputable online tuitions like Cuemath.

 

Conclusion

The future of education is rapidly changing, and online teaching is becoming an increasingly popular option for both students and teachers. The advantages of online teachers are numerous, including greater flexibility, more personalized attention, and access to a wider range of resources. With well-known online tuitions like Cuemath, you can enhance your children’s learning experience.