NEWS


To infinity and beyond! Experiment by Scottish school pupils to be sent into outer space following UWS Mission Discovery event


embarked on a jam-packed three day programme of science experiments in the hope that theirs would be selected to be sent to space. The winning group, who will see their experiment tested out by NASA


astronauts on the International Space Station, is Interstellar Intellectuals, with their experiment exploring whether artificially increasing root pressure will improve plant growth on the International Space Station, something which is compromised in microgravity. The experiment has the potential to make a significant impact on future crop production in space. The judges were impressed by the original nature of the experiment, the


in-depth research the team carried out and the potential benefits it has for life in space. As well as working on their experiments, the pupils and students have


A science experiment by a group of Scottish secondary school pupils is set to blast off into outer space as part of a Mission Discovery programme delivered by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) in partnership with the International Space School Education Trust (ISSET). This week, around 200 pupils from seven local councils - Renfrewshire, East


Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire – enjoyed an out of this world opportunity as they


been learning more about what life is like in outer space from former NASA astronaut, Dr Michael Foale, the most experienced British-born astronaut in the history of human spaceflight. Michael has flown into space on six missions and was Commander of the International Space Station. He brought the Hubble Space Telescope back to life and played an integral role in saving the Russian ‘Mir’ Space Station as it tumbled out of control, following the only known collision in outer space. Dr Michael Foale said: “I have been so very impressed by the attitudes and


ingenuity of the school pupils here in Scotland. Congratulations to them all.” uhttps://www.isset.org/


New research highlights schools’ lack of confidence in handling online abuse


RM Education has released key findings from its latest research - conducted in association with the NSPCC - into online safety policy and practice in UK schools. The survey asked 1,158 senior leaders, designated safeguarding


leads and network managers from primary and secondary schools for their views and experiences in creating safe online environments for pupils. Results revealed that only 37 per cent felt very confident in


identifying and handling online abuse incidents involving children, while 57 per cent of secondary school respondents and 77 per cent of primary school respondents felt only somewhat confident, or unconfident, in their understanding of the threats students face online. When asked how they would approach a coercive sexting incident


between pupils, in which an image was circulated around school, just 61 per cent said they would confiscate the device and inform parents and police. Schools also indicated they were unclear around where the ultimate


responsibility for online safeguarding lay. Only a quarter of respondents cited their Designated Safeguarding Lead as the main point of contact for online safety, while nearly half (49 per cent) of heads in primary schools were defined as the lead. The survey also explored how online safeguarding practices were


determined and implemented. Just 9 per cent of respondents involved students in shaping their school’s approach, while 32 per cent didn’t involve students in developing policies. This could represent a significant area of opportunity for safeguarding leads seeking to build and embed a more effective whole- school approach.


uwww.rm.com 10 www.education-today.co.uk June 2019


Secretary of State formally opens new and modernised buildings at North Cestrian


Pupils and staff at Altrincham-based North Cestrian School are celebrating the grand opening of the school’s new look following significant investment. After being granted free school status from the Department for Education


in 2016 following a rigorous application process, North Cestrian received £7.3million capital investment for new-buildings and the modernisation of existing features. Extensive planning and consultation with staff and pupils ensured that the


end result of the three-year project delivered a modern and comfortable learning environment for the school while maintaining its historic roots and frontage. The redevelopment of the school has seen a brand-new reception area


with disabled access constructed along with a new pupil entrance, dining room, staff room, Food Technology and Design Technology rooms and an additional Science Laboratory. Corridors and existing learning spaces were also significantly refurbished as part of the project. Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds, was given a tour of the


school before formally opening the redevelopment along with MP for Altrincham and Sale West, Sir Graham Brady.


uwww.northcestrian.co.uk


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