Magic meets Brunel at the Festival of Education

Press release issued: 2 June 2014 The use of magic in science lessons and how to inspire the next generation of Brunels are just two of the topics being discussed at the Festival of Education - a two week series of events which begins on Monday [9 June]. A series of free twilight talks, interactive sessions, presentations and debates have been organised by the University of Bristol's Graduate School of Education to look at some of the big issues in education as well as hands-on activities aimed at pupils themselves. Members of the public are welcome to attend the festival, which culminates in a research showcase on 19 June and covers everything from the new national curriculum and special educational needs to poetry writing and creativity in early years education. The festival opens with a debate around the hot topic of the new national curriculum for England, which comes into force from September. Local teachers and education experts will join Tim Oates, who advised the government on the new curriculum, to discuss whether the new curriculum will transform education for all or be a step back in time. On 16 June, students from Merchants' Academy, Bedminster Down, Cotham and Redland Green schools will give an animated presentation about their experiences during the first three years of the Future Brunels scheme. The five-year programme, run by the ss Great Britain Trust, is designed to inspire them to become the next generation of world-changing engineers and designers.