If you’ve never been to an education exhibition, then perhaps you could take a look at the BETT Show (British Educational Training and Technology). Entry is free. If you have been to BETT in the past, the venue has changed – it is no longer in Olympia but at the ExCel exhibition centre in London’s Docklands.
1. Register online – There are long queues for those who have not pre-registered. Once you’ve completed everything make sure you print off your attendance document.
2. Go to a seminar - No pre booking is needed for seminars and workshops, attendance is on a first-come basis – so get there early! There are no charges for any talks or workshops – I phoned and checked as this seems generous.
3. Plan your rests – it’s very tiring so aim to attend a workshop or seminar to have a long rest.
4. Don’t be tempted to take every bag of catalogues that is thrust into your hand. In my first year my hand was painfully red from heavy plastic bag handles cutting into my skin.
5. Take your own drinks and snacks These have been expensive in the past and the queues long – so take water at least. This is a new venue so not sure about the catering facilities. If you get peckish there are a few sweets on some of the stands!
6. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to enter (unless invited to take part), which means you can’t take pupils from your class or if you’re visiting on the Saturday in your own time you can’t take your own children along with you.
If you miss this one, the Education Show is at the NEC in Birmingham, in March. It is smaller than it used to be, but still worth a visit.
2. Go to a seminar - No pre booking is needed for seminars and workshops, attendance is on a first-come basis – so get there early! There are no charges for any talks or workshops – I phoned and checked as this seems generous.
3. Plan your rests – it’s very tiring so aim to attend a workshop or seminar to have a long rest.
4. Don’t be tempted to take every bag of catalogues that is thrust into your hand. In my first year my hand was painfully red from heavy plastic bag handles cutting into my skin.
5. Take your own drinks and snacks These have been expensive in the past and the queues long – so take water at least. This is a new venue so not sure about the catering facilities. If you get peckish there are a few sweets on some of the stands!
6. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to enter (unless invited to take part), which means you can’t take pupils from your class or if you’re visiting on the Saturday in your own time you can’t take your own children along with you.
If you miss this one, the Education Show is at the NEC in Birmingham, in March. It is smaller than it used to be, but still worth a visit.
The BETT show started in 1985 as a trade show for the emerging information technology industries.
The BBC Micro was the first computer I used in schools, followed by the, then, amazing Acorn Archimedes in the late 80s. I have fond memories of this computer as I was an IT advisory teacher for a few years then, keeping just one step ahead of schools.
It’s an interesting experience to see such a wide range of IT resources in a single day. Each year there seems to be new trend; from CD-roms through to the internet, interactive whiteboards, tablets… I expect this year to be dominated by apps and handheld devices.
There is not a single area for maths, so it’s a case of looking on each stand. One of my favourites is TTS with the excellent Beebot for work on angles, movement and direction. They have a new Beebot App which may be worth trying. Another popular resource which you may be familiar with is Mathletics.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the day is going to a Learn Live seminar or workshop. There is only one directly linked to Primary Maths this year:
10 practical ideas for using ICT to support the learning of mathematics Weds 30th: 16.15
However, there are many general workshops that will be relevant, or go to see Prof Brian Cox – just for fun.
The BBC Micro was the first computer I used in schools, followed by the, then, amazing Acorn Archimedes in the late 80s. I have fond memories of this computer as I was an IT advisory teacher for a few years then, keeping just one step ahead of schools.
It’s an interesting experience to see such a wide range of IT resources in a single day. Each year there seems to be new trend; from CD-roms through to the internet, interactive whiteboards, tablets… I expect this year to be dominated by apps and handheld devices.
There is not a single area for maths, so it’s a case of looking on each stand. One of my favourites is TTS with the excellent Beebot for work on angles, movement and direction. They have a new Beebot App which may be worth trying. Another popular resource which you may be familiar with is Mathletics.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the day is going to a Learn Live seminar or workshop. There is only one directly linked to Primary Maths this year:
10 practical ideas for using ICT to support the learning of mathematics Weds 30th: 16.15
However, there are many general workshops that will be relevant, or go to see Prof Brian Cox – just for fun.
