24/08/11 - Printable worksheets - sometimes only pen and paper will do

As part of our new interactive site we're keeping the ability to download and print worksheets. We're a big believer in using new technology to enrich education, however there's a time when nothing will beat good old pen and paper. That's why we are making all our worksheets available to download via PDF. Here's an example of the design.

05/08/11 - EdPlace's new look

We're pleased to announce that EdPlace's new look is live. Our new site is a interim site whilst we work on the interactive features that will be coming soon (read about these here). The main updates to the site are integrating the new branding (with Eddie the owl) and simplifying the pricing structure. Previously there were many different subscription types depending on what type of user you are and what area you're interested in. We've now simplified the subscription to 1 type for all users, with only 3 subscription options. One of which is a simple 1 month access, giving you much more flexibility if you need it. We hope you like the changes and please let us know what you think.

28/06/11 - The future of Sats tests

Schools have boycotted them, the government says they are flawed and now a new review says Standard Assessment Tests (Sats) aren’t creative enough.

Children sit Sats tests at the end of years 2, 6 and 9. They are designed to show your child’s progress against other children of the same age. The review of National Curriculum tests that are taken by 11 year olds has suggested that English tests in particular need to be more creative. The review, led by Lord Bew, also advocates for a back to basics approach with a strong focus on maths and reading tests as well as more emphasis on spelling, punctuation and grammar. Click here to read more.

28/06/11 - Boost memory with mnemonics

With exam season over, revision notes put to one side and the summer holidays tantalisingly close, your kids and teens should be looking forward to a well-earned rest. Do you ever worry though that all that cramming might get them through tests and exams but not necessarily stick with them for the longer term? Mnemonics could be just the trick to help improve memory for longer and help stop all that exam preparation, knowledge and understanding stay put ready for the next academic year and beyond. Click here to read how it works.

22/06/11 - Teacher strikes: the impact on parents and children

Teachers have voted in favour of strike action on 30 June over concerns about proposed changes to their pensions. This could mean parents will have no choice but to take time off work or pay for additional child care as millions of pupils will be affected. Click here to read more.

09/06/11 - Links between wealth and children's skills

Children from wealthy, degree-educated households have better skills even by age three than their less well off peers according to a new Scottish study.

By age five they have better problem solving skills and a wider range of vocabulary and could be up to eighteen months behind their peers and less likely to catch up. The study also looked at other factors influencing children's vocabularies and problem-solving skills and it suggests a link between this and mothers attending ante-natal classes, breast feeding and children attending private nurseries. Parents with lower qualifications themselves were more likely to see their children struggle with communication skills.  Click here to read more.

06/06/11 - The art of essay writing

Writing essays isn’t just for English, many other subjects include essay writing too. The basic principles of essay writing also apply to effective exam technique so it’s vital that your child masters the art of essay writing. Click here to read more.

01/06/11 - Coping with exam stress

It that critical time of year - exam time. Click here for EdPlace's 5 tips to help your child cope with exam stress.   

01/06/11 - Education spending has doubled in the last two decades

Despite the current cuts, spending on education has in fact doubled in the last twenty years, according to new figures released by the Office of National Statistics. Click here to read more.

20/05/11 - GCSE revision tips

With many year 11s now on study leave, you may be wondering how best to help your teens prepare for their GCSE exams. A fun way to help without appearing too broad-brush or interfering could be to offer some tips and ideas that will help them find their own ways to revise effectively. Click here to read more.