We are delighted to announce that the University of Reading has appointed Dr Cathy Tissot as the new Head of Institute of Education. We have said a fond au revoir to Professor Andy Goodwyn, the previous Head of School, wishing him the very best for the future.

Cathy came to the Institute of Education in early 2008 as a senior lecturer to teach primarily on courses on special educational needs. Cathy was previously the Director of Teaching and Learning, and has also been the Programme Director for the MA in Education and SENCO accreditation programme and the Deputy Director of Research.

Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA (and a lifelong supporter of the American football team the Green Bay Packers), Cathy moved to France in 1990 and later that same year to the UK.  Cathy has always had an interest in special educational needs and worked with many children with disabilities while working as a primary school teacher in the United States.

Cathy started a lifelong research interest in autism spectrum disorders through studying for her doctorate at Brunel University which explored the factors that determine appropriate educational provision for children with autism spectrum disorders. Her research focuses on adolescence and the particular challenges that puberty brings to this group of students, as well as the staff that support students with disabilities in schools (SENCOs – Special Educational Needs Coordinators).

A governor at two autism specific schools, she enjoys working with teachers and parents to try and improve services for this group of students.

Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell said “We are very fortunate indeed that Cathy Tissot is our new Head of the Institute of Education. These are tough and demanding times but Cathy brings the necessary skills and experience to ensure that our Institute of Education remains amongst the country’s best”

On her appointment Cathy said, “I am really looking forward to continuing to work with colleagues at the Institute of Education as well as the broader university and local schools as we navigate through the opportunities that the ever changing government priorities for initial teacher training bring.  The IoE’s strong recent REF results are a great success to build on”.

Find the right September 2016 course for you at the University of Reading by clicking here

 

Secret generosity of Mary Kirkus, librarian who was first to respond to an appeal from Hiroshima, leads to deeply poignant gift for UoR 60 years later.

New research has found the University of Reading was the first institution to respond to Hiroshima University’s (HU) global call for support after it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. Astonishingly, this remained secret until 2011, when a thank you letter arrived from HU – along with a deeply moving memento; a collection of roof tiles, complete with safety certificate, collected from the riverbed. These came from the globally iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, the only surviving structure near the hypocentre of the blast and now part of the famous Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The gift is hugely poignant as portions like this are believed locally to be infused with the soul of the victims.

In 1951 HU President Tatsuo Morito sent letters to universities world-wide, asking for support to re-establish the university by donating books for a peace library, as well as seeds to bring the charred grounds back to life. Previously unseen documents from both universities’ archives reveal Reading was the first to respond, a decision that remained a secret for 60 years.

Intriguingly, in the post war environment of economic gloom and emergent details of the war in the Far East, the research suggests that the decision may not have been sanctioned by senior management.

Records show that is was not discussed, or at least minuted in any formal meeting, by senior figures at the University. A letter from Mary Kirkus, University Librarian from 1941 to 1959, to President Morito suggests she may have made the decision alone. The University of Reading was inscribed on the donations in acknowledgment of ‘the contribution’ and ‘good will’, and remain in the Peace Library today.

Dr Jacqui Turner, from the University of Reading’s Department of History, has led the research. She said: “6 August 1945 is a date that changed the world. The atomic bomb decimated Hiroshima and completely destroyed its university, killing all students and staff. With post-war tensions still running high the world was slow to respond to President Morito’s request. However five UK institutions did send donations in 1951 – and the University of Reading led the way. Momentum for the peace library steadily grew and it now forms part of the main library at Hiroshima University.

Morito’s request was for books or pamphlets that reflected what was ‘considered valuable by your university or of note in your country’ or books concerning ‘peace problems’. Mary Kirkus of the University of Reading sent:

• John W. Wheeler-Bennett, Disarmament and Security since Locarno 1925- 1931 (1932)
• Aristophanes, The birds and the frogs – a translation into English of Aristophanes comedies
• Handbrucher der praktischen Vogeschictsforschung  (A full set of Journals of Pre-Historical Research)

Dr Turner continued: “Why did Reading respond? It’s likely this was a personal decision by Mary Kirkus, although we may never know for sure. Amazingly this decision remained secret until 2011 when our previous Vice-Chancellor received a thank you letter from his counterpart at Hiroshima – along with the surprising and remarkable gift of the collection of roof tiles. This was a hugely emotive gesture: letters highlight how the Japanese believe that each tile ‘contains the souls of the people whose lives were regretfully taken away by this tragedy’. In the immediate aftermath of the bomb many rushed into the rivers of Hiroshima and died in the water before being washed away – ‘the roof tiles have absorbed the blood and body fluids’ of those who died that day.”

Reading and Hiroshima’s unique bond is growing stronger and stronger. Earlier this year the University held a symposium to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing.  During the event Vice-Chancellor of the University, Sir David Bell, read a letter sent by the Mayor of Hiroshima who asked attendees ‘in response to the desire of all hibakusha (survivors of the bomb) to continue to strive with us to eliminate the absolute evil of nuclear weapons and achieve a peaceful world. He also received thanks from President Ashara, current President of HU with thanks for an “outstanding example of peace.”

Dr Turner said: “The legacy of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs reverberates around the world, not more so than in the cities themselves. It has been an emotional and fascinating journey to uncover this story – Reading is very proud to be a friend of Hiroshima University.”

The tiles are an integral part of the Department of History’s innovative teaching programmes and are used actively in its leading research projects.

 

Last Saturday and Sunday, the University of Reading Malaysiawelcomed almost 2,000 visitors, four times as many as expected, to our brand new campus in Educity, Iskandar.

The Open Days gave prospective students and their parents the chance to experience the campus first hand and see the facilities that we have on offer, including the Student Village and the EduCity Sports Complex.

Based on our sector-leading Open Day operation in the UK, we combined a welcome from the Provost, Professor Tony Downes, with subject taster sessions and an expo in the Student Association space. Our current students were on hand to tell our visitors what it is like to study with the University of Reading Malaysia and share information about the clubs and societies.

In line with Malaysian hospitality, guests were also able to enjoy an English high tea.

The University of Reading Malaysia will welcome its first Foundation students on the 14th September and first undergraduates on 28^th September. We will be offering foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in business and finance, quantity surveying, real estate, and psychology, plus English language teaching, and the prestigious Henley Business School MBA.

Provost, Professor Tony Downes, said: “Our Open Day weekend was the first time we have invited the public in to see our new campus.  What a milestone to have reached, after many years of dedicated hard work by University of Reading Malaysia and University of Reading staff – so, time for a very big thank you to everyone involved.  It was an amazing weekend of excitement, pride and emotion. We can’t wait to welcome our first students here in a few weeks’ time.”

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, Sir David Bell, said: “The opening of the University of Reading Malaysia campus is an important step in our overall plan to become a truly global institution.

“Universities in the UK are competing against institutions around the world. Having a strong presence in south-east Asia will help us as we seek to attract even more top quality international students.”

To apply for the University of Reading Malaysia, please click here.

 

Visit our Backstage Pass blog here.With less than a week to go until Reading Festival 2015, The University of Reading is delighted to announce its first-ever partnership with Bauer Media and Festival Republic. As part of this exciting collaboration, University of Reading students will be backstage at Reading Festival 2015 this bank holiday weekend, bringing fans the big interviews and festival news as it happens. During the three days the students will be part of Bauer’s team, creating content for Bauer channels alongside Kerrang! The partnership also gives our students exclusive behind the scenes access to some of the biggest names in music.

Melvin Benn, Festival Republic has said: “We’re extremely excited to be working both with Bauer and the University of Reading this year. It’s a great opportunity for this next generation of journalists and we’re proud to say they’re able to start their journey at Reading Festival 2015.”

Karen Smalley, Head of Brand and Campaigns at the University of Reading, said: “We are thrilled to be working alongside a global publishing powerhouse like Bauer Media. For our students it’s an amazing opportunity to show their talents and represent the University. They’ll be gaining experience and contacts that could shape their future careers – interviewing some of the hottest bands and some of the music industry’s biggest hitters along the way at Reading Festival 2015.”

Neil Mcsteen, Head of Music at Bauer Media, said: “The stage is set for the best Reading Festival ever. Collaborating with the University of Reading at its famous hometown music festival was an opportunity not to be missed. By using ‘super-teams’ comprised of our renowned experts and hungry, talented students, Bauer will be providing its audience with the fastest and most complete coverage of the Reading Festival to date.”

The Reading Festival takes place between 28th-30th August. The University of Reading will be blogging and tweeting leading up to and over the festival weekend. As well as giving festival-goers updates on what they can expect weather-wise, Reading researchers will be providing expert commentary on subjects ranging from youth sub-cultures to how music can help us understand the causes of depression.

 

For those with Firm or Insurance offers, the UoR Confirmation page will guide you through the next steps in confirming your place. It will also give you the answers to the most popular questions asked by applicants at this time of the year.

Modern foreign languages in the primary and secondary school: Teaching the new National Curriculum
For the second year, we are delighted to be able to offer free and extensive CPD for primary and secondary school language teachers through funding from the government, co-delivered by experienced local teachers and University tutors.

The programme will begin with a whole day of input and activities, followed by monthly twilight sessions and will end with a half-day event. French language upskilling sessions will be provided for primary teachers in addition, each month.

Government funding allows us to be able to make a substantial contribution to supply costs for teachers attending the first and last event plus some twilight sessions.

The programme will be of benefit for all those teaching languages, especially colleagues leading languages provision in schools, as well as those new to delivering primary languages.  The language of focus for primary colleagues will be French; for secondary colleagues, sessions will include examples in French, German and Spanish.  Much of the content for secondary colleagues will be very relevant for the new GCSE specifications, especially with regard to spontaneous speaking and literary texts.

Sessions will include:

• Creating a joined up KS2-3 curriculum for languages
• Developing core oral skills, including accurate pronunciation and spontaneous oral interaction
• Literacy skills in the foreign language –including reading for comprehension, appreciation and vocabulary development
• Developing grammatical competence across Key Stage 2 and 3
• Developing learners’ listening skills
• Assessment
• Primary-secondary transition

As well as gaining a wealth of practical ideas, participants on the programme will also enhance their understanding of the principles that underpin effective language learning.

Last year there was a very high demand for places so please book early at: http://store.rdg.ac/UoR-ModernForeignLanguagesinthePrimaryandSecondarySchool15

Session 1
Whole day, Friday 9 October, 09.30-15.30, Institute of Education: The new National Curriculum across Key Stages 2-3 and principles of effective teaching and learning; developing learners’ listening skills; assessment and evaluation; transition issues

 

 

Twilight Sessions – All held at the University of Reading, Institute of Education, London Road Campus

Session 2 (Speaking): Wednesday 4 November 2015, 16.30-18.30

Session 3 (Speaking): Thursday 3 December 2015, 16.30-18.30

Session 4 (Reading):  Wednesday 13 January 2016, 16.30-18.30,

Session 5 (Reading/writing): Thursday 4 February 2016,16.30-18.30,

Session 6 (Grammar/writing): Wednesday 2 March 2016, 16.30-18.30,

Session 7 (Sharing practice; transition): Half day, Wednesday 23 March, 13.30-16.30

If you are unable to attend the first whole day session, you will still be very welcome to come to the twilights.  We also welcome different teachers from the same school for different sessions, i.e. attendance can be ‘shared’ within a school, so that ideas can be cascaded across colleagues.

Additional French language tuition will be offered on the following dates for primary teachers, with all sessions held at the University.  There will be two levels of classes, one for beginners with little or no knowledge of French, one for ‘improvers’ or Intermediate learners

Beginners	Intermediate/Improvers
Tuesday 20 October, 17.00-19.00	Thursday 22 October, 17.00-19.00
Tuesday 24 November, 17.00-19.00	Thursday 26 November, 17.00-19.00
Tuesday 8 December, 17.00-19.00	Thursday 10 December, 17.00-19.00
Tuesday 19 January, 17.00-19.00	Thursday 21 January, 17.00-19.00
Tuesday mid-February, 17.00-19.00 (date TBC)	Thursday mid-February, 17.00-19.00 (date TBC)

 

We will pay for one day’s supply cover for teachers who attend the first and last event plus some twilight sessions, with schools asked to fund the remaining half-day.  There are no further costs for the CPD. Further details will be emailed out with joining instructions before the first event.

For further information about any aspect of the CPD, please contact:  education-events@reading.ac.uk  or  phone 0118 378 2612

 

This CPD is being delivered as a consortium led by the University of Reading and involves the following partners:

• Bartholomew School, Eynsham
• Fair Oak Junior School
• Keep Hatch Primary School
• Oxford University Department of Education
• Radstock Primary School
• The Willink School, Burghfield Common
• Wellington College Teaching School Partnership
• Wokingham Secondary Federation

 

Over the past three years, the John Madejski Academy has been supporting Dr Carol Fuller, Deputy Director of Research at the University of Reading, carry out a study into the effects of outdoor learning and exposure to outdoor education on students’ social, character and academic development.

Whilst many people agree that there are positive benefits, very little hard evidence exists and through working with Ufton Court, a small focus group of students, now in Year 11, have been making regular visits to engage in an outdoor learning programme. The Academy and University have also been tracking their academic progress data and regularly taking student voice feedback via interviews and questionnaires.

The focus group made their final visit to Ufton Court this week as the research period now draws to a close. Students have been challenged each visit to undertake more adventurous activities and develop their skills in leadership, team work and communication. This visit saw some of the most difficult activities yet with students building a medieval slingshot, designing and building a chair from resources found in a woodland and putting their team work skills to the test on the low rope challenge.

The initial research findings are highly encouraging and Dr Fuller will now conduct further analysis before writing up the study for publication in academic journals.  The University would like to thank the Academy as well as Ufton Court for their support of this programme and also the group of students who have willingly engaged in all aspects of this research with energy and enthusiasm.

The University of Reading recently presented Internet pioneer Dr Vinton G Cerf with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science. Dr Cerf is widely known as one of the ‘fathers of the internet’, co-designing its protocols and architecture. Today he is Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist for Google, contributing to global policy development and the continued spread of the Internet.

Dr Cerf has received numerous awards including the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, US National Medal of Technology, the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, the Charles Stark Draper award and Officer of the Legion d’Honneur. In 2012 President Obama appointed him to the National Science Board.

Dr Cerf is a hearing aid user and together with his wife, Sigrid Cerf, who has a cochlear implant, is a strong role-model for deaf people and innovative forms of communication. After the degree ceremony, Vinton and his wife Sigrid met Cathy Wardale, Programme Director of Theatre Arts, Education and Deaf Studies. This unique course is offered nowhere else in the world and offers the chance to study theatre arts, education and deaf studies together, with a focus on Sign Theatre.

Dr Cerf then visited the IoE’s Learning Hub where he discovered a unique innovative learning tool – a talking pen pal book which allows children who speak different languages to learn together in one classroom.

He met Ken Carter, Founder and Executive Director of Decibels, a charitable company with the aim of promoting the arts-based education and training of disabled children and young people. Ken is also Director of the Deafax Research and Development Unit, of which Dr Cerf is Honorary President. Both charities are based at the University’s London Road Campus and work closely with the Institute of Education.

Dr Cerf said: “The University of Reading has a well-earned reputation in the academic world. The award of this degree honoris causa means a great deal to me, personally and professionally. I hope I can continue to earn this distinction in the future.”