BESA CORNER


This month, in our ongoing feature highlighting the work of members of the UK education suppliers’ trade body BESA, we hear from JUNIPER EDUCATION and THIS IS SCHOOL.


Authentic: Merriam Webster’s Word of the Year and Your Classroom Inspiration


There were many words on the long list for Merriam- Webster’s Word of the Year 2023, but what really stood out to many educators was authentic. Authenticity can be a game- changer for student learning, but when it’s so hard to define - and often even harder to find - why should you look to make it a core aspect of your 2024 teaching approach?


Authenticity in learning is all about finding resources that provide additional context for students and exposes them to cultural nuances, opinions and voices that they might not


otherwise be able to access to better enhance their connection to and comprehension of their subjects.


Contributing to a more dynamic and effective learning environment, by using authentic resources you will see:


Improved critical thinking - and listening! - skills For Modern Foreign Language students, this might mean exposing them to videos of native speakers that do not use actors, to better expose them to natural rhythms of speech (think filler words and non-verbal communication that we all naturally use every day); for Geography students they might listen to an unscripted answer to an exam prompt, which they then have to analyse and improve on.


Increased engagement and motivation


Using resources which include unscripted - and sometimes unexpected - moments which can include current events and cultural nuances better capture student interest and imagination by presenting subjects in a dynamic way. Embracing cultural capital which goes beyond outdated textbooks, which can leave students feeling apathetic, leads to increased motivation and a more positive attitude towards learning.


Enhanced understanding of complex concepts Authentic learning resources can bring up complex concepts and require students to apply critical thinking skills to be able to properly analyse and evaluate information from real-world sources. Although this can be an adjustment for some, it’s an invaluable long-term learning experience, helping them to look beyond top-level interpretations and instead encourage them to see the practical applications of what they are learning - which will only make your lessons more relevant and valuable beyond the classroom doors.


Real world learning, real world application


Connecting with real-world context can captivate student interest and really boost their motivation to learn, by providing them with examples, scenarios or problems which they can actively picture themselves as part of. This means using authentic resources to put students at the centre of ‘the action’ and provide them with opportunities to transfer their existing real-world experience and make their own applications in the classroom. This helps them not only with meaning and relevance, but also being able to better understand the interconnectedness of the world - by being able to see a French speaker discuss seeing the most popular new movie (rather than someone on a tape reading a script about a film released decades ago…) for example, they can better recognise the cultural similarities they have as global citizens. Incorporating authentic learning resources across various subjects requires planning and thoughtful integration but the benefits for student understanding, engagement and motivation are truly fantastic. By engaging with and encouraging this experiential approach to education, you’re sure to benefit your students through their examinations - and beyond.


For more details on how This is School can enrich your teaching experience and make subjects more accessible, engaging, and applicable to students’ lives beyond the classroom visit: www.thisisschool.com


14 www.education-today.co.uk


Creating a safer learning environment in schools


Comment by MARIA THOMAS, Education & Training Advisor at Juniper Education


In a 2023 collaborative survey by the NSPCC and NASUWT, over 8,000 teachers and senior leaders reported a significant increase in safeguarding referrals across UK schools. A staggering 93% acknowledged a rise in such referrals in the past year, highlighting a concerning trend in child welfare issues within schools, academies, and trusts.


Drawing on Juniper Education’s expertise, 40% of our workforce have previous hands-on school experience, and with insights from prior Department for Education (DfE) reports, we see a clear link between child mental health, well-being, and academic success. This highlights the importance of implementing robust school safeguarding measures to create an environment that supports academic and personal pupil growth.


What safeguarding challenges do schools face? Schools encounter numerous challenges in safeguarding, such as handling online safety risks, dealing with mental health issues, ensuring child protection protocols, training staff, creating school policies that adhere to government guidelines, addressing external threats, conducting risk assessments, supporting vulnerable groups, and managing privacy concerns – and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Safeguarding in schools involves navigating many challenges, and the complexities emphasise the significant difficulties in managing them effectively. Creating a secure environment for all pupils requires comprehensive strategies and proactive measures – something which is a challenge in itself.


Is there a correlation between pupil well-being and learning? In short, the answer is yes! There is a distinct connection between pupil well-being and positive learning outcomes. Feeling good mentally and emotionally can positively impact their ability to focus, retain information from lessons, and perform well in school. On the reverse, challenges with well-being may make it harder for pupils to engage with their studies and do their best in class. So, feeling good and being mentally well can improve learning outcomes.


Five practical ways to improve safeguarding in your school • Continuous Professional Development (CPD)


Provide comprehensive training for teachers and school staff to keep them updated on safeguarding regulations and management strategies. This will help them to identify risks, follow reporting procedures, and offer mental health support. Explore Juniper Education’s training program at http://www.junipereducation.org/cpd to create a school culture focused on safeguarding, well-being, and learning.


• Compliance


Ensure strict adherence to government guidelines by creating detailed safeguarding policies aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 statutory regulations. Regularly review and update these policies and conduct internal audits to identify areas for improvement. • Create a safeguarding culture


Encourage a culture of shared responsibility for safeguarding among everyone in the school and wider community. Promote open communication, trust, and a supportive environment where concerns are taken seriously and are promptly addressed. • Utilise technology


Benefit from digital resources and EdTech solutions tailored for safeguarding. Implement secure communication platforms, integrate reporting mechanisms, and use digital tools for training and awareness campaigns to improve safeguarding efforts. • Use other resources


Take advantage of external resources from third parties, like Juniper Education’s Safeguarding Checklist for Schools https://junipereducation. org/safeguarding-checklist. Created by school safeguarding experts, this checklist serves as a reminder of schools’ safeguarding obligations and helps identify areas for improvement.


Make safeguarding a priority in your school


Safeguarding in schools is an ongoing challenge that requires a proactive approach. With the trust of over 14,000 schools and 70% of MATs, Juniper Education offers a dedicated solution to help schools, academies, and trusts enhance safeguarding, improve pupil well-being, and elevate academic success. To find out more visit: www.junipereducation.org/cpd


March 2024


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