All the latest news from Kent's schools and colleges
EDUCATION NEWS
Kent Birdwatch 2010
Throughout the year pupils in schools across the county will be using computer technology to record the changing bird population in Kent.
The Kent Birdwatch 2010 project is an opportunity for pupils in Kent primary schools to visit local wildlife habitats and learn about the different species of birds that live and visit the area.
To support the project, 56 Kent schools have already purchased nest boxes with an in-built web cam to publish and share live video from their boxes once the birds start to breed in the late spring. To view the web cam links, click on: http://microsites2.segfl.org.uk/birdbox/
A full range of exciting activities will be taking place throughout 2010. These include:
�– The RSPB Big & Little Schools’ Birdwatch Survey (18 Jan-Feb)
An opportunity for pupil’s to record and publish on the RSPB website the number of birds visiting their school grounds.
�– National Nest box Week (14-21 Feb)
An opportunity for pupils to build and hang nest boxes in their school grounds and on school walls. Since its launch in 1997, more than five 5 million bird boxes have been hung in gardens, parks and woodlands across the U.K
�– Links with Overseas Schools
To find out where our birds have migrated from, 20 schools from outside the U.K will be taking part in the project. To exchange information web conferences between schools are scheduled and will take place at the beginning of each month.
�– Visits to Kent RSPB centres
During May and June, schools will have the chance to visit many of The Kent RSPB Centres, view birds in their natural habitats and take part in activities linked to mathematics, science and the creative curriculum.
To follow the project and to find out more about these and other planned activities, email: Philip.bracegirdle@kent.gov.uk and visit kent.greatbritishlife.co.uk and click on ‘links.’
King's School Scholar
King's School 6th Form pupil, Erica Horan, 17, from Gillingham, has been admitted as a member of The Rochester Cathedral Foundation following her recent academic achievements which resulted in her being appointed a King’s Scholar.
Cathedral Foundation Membership is conferred in recognition of contribution to the life of Rochester Cathedral by its many associates and in particular, King’s School’s pupils and teachers have very strong links with the Cathedral where the senior school conducts its daily worship.
Following an ages-old tradition, dating back to the Charter of Re-foundation of King Henry VIII (June 18, 1541), King’s School scholars are admitted by the Dean, The Very Reverend Adrian Newman, in a service conducted in Latin.
Once a year, on St Andrew's Day, the Dean recognises all the Cathedral Foundation Members at a special evensong called Foundation Callover, where the names are all read as part of the service. Erica Horan was the latest member to be added to the list of 137 names.
Sissinghurst goes green
To mark the start of the construction of their new school building, children and teachers from Sissinghurst Church of England Primary School took part in a special turf cutting ceremony at the Common Road site.
Rosalind Turner, managing mirector for children, families and education at KCC and Revd Nigel Genders, director of education at Canterbury Diocese, joined the children as they celebrated this major milestone in the development of the new �4.7m school.
The new development will replace the cramped Victorian site which the school has occupied since 1840 to create a new five-class school with a ‘Learning Tree Nursery’. All classrooms will be spacious and well equipped and boast outside shaded play areas. A nature trail walk is being incorporated within the site as part of the landscaping design.
Various ‘green’ features form part of the building plans, including rainwater harvesting, wind catchers and photovoltaic cells on the roof.
The project will cost �4,754,819 and is funded by direct grant from the Department for Children Schools & Families and Kent County Council.
