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Sound recording technology is only just over a century old. Article looks at the history of sound recording, and how it can be used to inform the curriculum for Key Stages 1 through 5.

The positive attributes of good PE teaching could be applied to other areas of teaching. A good PE lesson works only because of clarity, with pupils aware of what they are expected to do. The visibility of PE, seeing who is succeeding, who is having problems, means that teachers can provide praise and encouragement as needed.

An overview of the history of airships and the reasons why, to date, they have not succeeded in becoming commercially viable methods of transportation. Ideas are provided for how airships can be used as a topic in history, design and technology, and science lessons.

An analysis of the brain processes involved in visual perception. Included are lesson ideas for pupils in English, science and art to explore the idea of visual perception.

The story of electricity and how it works is told. Most people take electricity for granted and only take notice of its role in the event of a power cut. Article is accompanied by lesson ideas for teachers based on the subject of electricity.

Folk songs are a rich resource for teaching music. The lyrics and tunes cover all styles and moods and such songs' accessibility is what has allowed them to last so long. Singing is an important activity in primary schools because it promotes confidence, is a disciplined team activity, forces children to listen to one another, helps with reading and is fun. The Lincolnshire Poacher and The Water is Wide are presented with notes and performance hints.

A project to tell the story of Joseph and his coat of many colours in a lively manner, allowing children to listen to or read the story. The project also aims to stimulate discussion about jealousies and relationships in families, and to confirm that love can re-unite family members.

The history of the commercial aviation sector and its potential for the future are discussed. The UK government estimates that demand for air travel will grow more than twofold by 2020, which will lead to more airports and runways, and to larger aircraft which are able to carry twice as many passengers as current models.

The story of the bicycle is told, from its origins as the 'Hobby Horse' or 'Dandy Horse' in 1817 through to the present day. In the UK, cycling as a means of mass transport has declined as car ownership has increased. Bicycles are now considered to be leisure or fashion items, with only 2% of all journeys made by bicycle. However, bicycles are still the preferred means of transport in China, where an estimated 500 million bicycles are in use.

Every year, some 125,000 children miss school for more than a couple of weeks as a result of illness. On any given day, 70-80 pupils in a 1,000-pupil school will be off sick. However, many children are too ill to attend school, with almost 3,000 children having to be taught at home and a further 3,000 children being taught in hospital. The issue of serious illness among schoolchildren is discussed in further detail.

The article provides tips on how to make field trips for schoolchildren safe, interesting and educational. Topics include itinerary planning, funding, student discipline, medical precautions and emergency management.

The history of the automobile driving and traffic safety regulations in the United Kingdom is profiled. Automobile driving became popular in the late 1930s, when cars became affordable to the middle classes and still is the most popular form of transportation. At the same time, safety regulations and devices have cut automobile-related deaths.

School arson in the United Kingdom may have caused as much as 56 million pounds damage in 2001 and it is often caused by children who do not realize how fast fire will get out of control. Tips for preventing arson through security, education and sprinkler systems is discussed.

Many inner-city schools in the UK have international students, but the national curriculum often hampers teachers' efforts to include the students' experiences in lessons. In response to this situation, George Dixon school in Birmingham has created an international baccalaureate program, and Dormers Wells in Southall offers induction courses for foreign students.

Issues concerning information technology expenditure in schools are discussed, with focus on the efficiency and the application of the resources. It is emphasized that whilst the focus so far has been on purchasing, it now needs to be shifted toward using the resources acquired.

An initiative to help bright students in six primary schools, in Merseyside, England, has been set up. A similar project is run in Solihull, England. The Excel High Achievement Project was set up to give the brightest pupils additional educational opportunities. The cleverest children from the six schools join together for one day a week and take part in special lessons which last until 5pm. There are some concerns about the children who do not qualify to join the special group. The project is looking for financial help from companies and the universities.

By using the materials for house construction as a starting point several areas of the curriculum can be covered. There are several stories and nursery rhymes about houses, such as The Three Little Pigs. The history of bricks goes back to Roman times and the different materials used for house construction at various times demonstrates the differences in the way people lived. Houses around the world can be investigated for geography. In mathematics construction materials can be used to look at shapes and patterns.

There are a number of ways in which UK schools can foster spirituality as the 21st century approaches. It is worth considering setting aside time for reflective thought, but it must also be recognized that silence and reflection on their own may not be adequate. It may be necessary to provide some focal points, such as a story or music. If possible, reflection should be preceded and followed by discussion, and possibly also by art, writing or drama.

British schools are taking part in government plans to increase the use of computers in schools by connecting to the National Grid for Learning. Some 15% of the funds contributed to the National Grid for Learning are going to be used to develop or buy new educational software. There is evidence more schools are investing in software rather than relying on the free software which came with the hardware. Some observers point out teachers need to be trained on computers in order to choose the best type of software and they should be able to try the software before making a purchase.

A number of artists are using unusual materials in their works of art. They may chose to focus on certain types of materials, such as things from nature or materials found in one place. Artist Mark Dion is using articles found in the mud on a London river bank in his latest exhibition at the new Tate Gallery, Millbank. Others choose to use photographs or pieces of paper as the materials for a collage, such as Hannah Hoch in her work 'High Finance.' The use of one item can be very effective, such as the portrait made from clothes hangers by David Mach, called 'Likeness Guaranteed.'

Dinosaurs first evolved in the Triassic period and they remained on earth for 160 million years. Scientists are unable to fully explain why they died out suddenly. Some palaeontologists point out many of the theories about dinosaurs are not based on factual evidence. Dinosaurs are found interesting because of their size but much remains unknown, such as how they behaved and the colour of their skin. Information about dinosaurs has been gathered from fossilized skeletons and footprints. Scientists are also able to speculate on some aspects about dinosaurs by studying animals alive today.

It is interesting to consider the potential impact on the value of coins and notes in the UK of the introduction of the single European currency, the euro. There are some clear practical, economic and psychological difficulties associated with establishing a common currency. However, it is not now possible to reverse the process of European monetary union. The UK has decided not to participate, at least for the foreseeable future, but the euro will still affect British business. There will eventually be seven euro notes and eight coins, each featuring a national emblem on one side but being legal in any country belonging to the European monetary union.

Author describes a movement project which is based on studying how animals move and which teachers can use to help young children improve their balance, strength and mobility. As well as being used in physical education (PE) lessons, the project also helps with literacy and English, by providing a rich source of vocabulary. The project involves discussing in class how a particular animal moves and then trying to imitate these movements in the PE lesson. There is also a list of words which go with each animal, for example cat words include pouncing, stretching, leaping, graceful and alert.

The 1851 Great Exhibition was held in a purpose built pre-fabricated glass and steel building called the Crystal Palace. It was designed by Joseph Paxton and located in Hyde Park, London, England. After the exhibition had ended the Crystal Palace was moved to Sydenham, London, but it was devastated by fire in 1936. The exhibition had over 6 million visitors. The organisers made a profit of 186,000 pounds sterling. There were some 100,000 exhibits in the exhibition from worldwide contributors. The exhibition was highly criticised at the time despite its success.

It is important that UK teachers are aware that media coverage of the 1997 key stage 1 and 2 national test results does not necessarily reflect the information contained in the three volumes produced by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. Dividing the English results at key stage 2 for the first time highlights the fact that children read better than they write and write better than they can spell. The English results for key stage 1 show a fall in the number of children reaching level 3, but there was a rise in the proportion of children achieving level 2. Practical advice is given for teachers organizing key stage 1 and 2 tests.

Historic photographs can be used in school to discuss a variety of subjects. Photography dates from the mid 1820s and old school photos can be compared with similar photos taken today. Pupils can be invited to discuss the differences in uniform, classrooms, and furniture and equipment. The reason for the solemn faces and pose can also be discussed.

Fresh gradutaes have several advantages over experienced teachers when looking for job opportunities. To maximize these advantages, tips on appearance and information gathering could be useful. Applicants are advised to keep trying despite failed job applications. There is always the chance that out of so many applications one will have a positive result. The tips are also applicable for later job-seeking attempts.

Correcting pupil errors is concentrated on by too many teachers. Mistakes often reveal an intelligence which explains what is going wrong and tools are available to diagnose maths problems and help improve understanding.

A project to regenerate Barnsley, a Yorkshire town crushed by the collapse of the mining industry, is described. The regeneration of the town is using education as its springboard, with a recognition that the culture of poor motivation, a lack of interest in exams and a reluctance to look for opportunities beyond the town needs to be overcome. Some 41% of people of working age in Barnsley has no educational qualifications, compared with a national average of 29%.

Clark County in California is in the middle of a 10-year programme to build 88 new schools by 2008. The project is necessary because of the rapidly expanding population, attracted by low taxes, the potential for work and the fine weather. As a result, the county is experiencing an 11,000-13,000 increase in student numbers each year.

The DDAT (dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit treatment) centre set up by UK millionaire Wynford Dore in Kenilworth, UK, seems to be achieving amazing results from its innovative approach to treating dyslexia. The treatment is based on physical exercises.

Some teachers are unhappy the UK government is asking them to pay 50% of the cost of their laptop computers. The local authorities in East Sussex have decided to give 1,030 teachers their own computers. Under a new initiative in the Isle of Man every teacher on the island is going to be given their own laptop computer. Some 8,000 network points have been placed in the island's schools to allow easy access to the Internet. Some of the teachers have been using the laptops for classroom activities. Teachers are also able to use the computers to write reports and to access internal information.

The elderly can be very beneficial in the classroom to talk about first hand accounts of historical events. They may also be able to bring photographs and artefacts linked to the incidents they are relating. It can also help to change childrens' perception of the elderly and create greater understanding between the generations. A teacher should endeavour to speak to the elderly person before they visit the class. They must be prepared to allow the elderly person to relay history as they remember it. The teacher can follow up important points at a later date.

The Computer for Teachers scheme in England is due to start in Jan 2000. Teachers will be given financial help worth at least two hundred pounds sterling to purchase a computer. The scheme has already been running in Scotland since Dec 1999, where 4,800 teachers applied for the subsidy. Teachers who already have access to laptop computers point out the varied tasks they can carry out on the computer, such as for administration and planning lessons. Some 95% of the teachers who took part in the Portables for Teachers scheme felt the computer had helped them in their work.

Meadow Vale primary school in Bracknell Forest, England, has worked hard to give all teachers the confidence to work on creative music projects with pupils. Music is now a key element in classroom activity. At Sheringham primary in Norfolk, England, the music co-ordinator assists teachers less experienced in music, while at Claremont infant school in Manchester, England, emphasis is placed on the way in which music can foster other skills, such as listening, counting and cooperation.

Teachers wishing to purchase modelling materials that are not intended to harden or that will harden if left at room temperature must take a number of factors into account. Consideration must be given to whether individual pieces of the modelling material will stick together properly, whether the material will stain clothing or surfaces, whether it must be warmed before it can be handled and whether it comes in a range of colours or can be painted. Teachers may wish to consider making their own play dough.

Students in the UK, who aspire to become teachers, must be alert during their job-searching efforts. They should scan the vacancies columns in various publications and should obtain lists of internal and local job advertisements from known sources. Students should also approach popular schools with their curriculum vitae (CV). A neat and word-processed CV may help disarm the prospective employer.

New teachers inevitably experience embarrassing moments in their first teaching practice with classroommanagement usually prove to be the most difficult to master. A beginning teacher deals with various factors such as school policies, relations with a mentor and tutorial support in classroom discipine. Further, a class' experience with a previous teacher may generate stereotypical expectations which could be difficult to overcome.

The article discusses the history and evolution that led to the introduction of ICT in classrooms across England. The benefits and advantages offered by the introduction of ICT are highlighted.

The article discusses the increasing use of the paperless revolution being adopted by schools all across England. The benefits and advantages offered by the same are highlighted.

The article discusses the benefits and advantages that online portals offer to parents by encouraging them to engage in the learning process of their children in a more productive manner. Schools are working on creating a virtual learning environment (VLE) to be shared by teachers and students and easily reached online from home.

The author believes true school leadership involves allowing staff and even students to take certain risks without fear of failure, thus creating future leaders.