Newsletter 49 May 2012
The Marlborough and District Dyslexia Association has organised two events for May.
We look forward to seeing our members on Tuesday 22nd May for our Spring Lecture. The lecture is also open to teaching and support staff, sixth form students, parents and members of the public. We are delighted to announce that our speaker is Myles Pilling, SEN ICT specialist from Wiltshire Council.
Myles is going to give an interactive lecture:-
Information and Communication Technology to Aid the Dyslexic Learner
This will include:
• How to maximise the benefits of existing software at home and in the classroom
• Applications available that may be of benefit and the pros and cons
• The use of iPods and iPads to support recording and learning
Free to members £5 to non-members (to include a year’s subscription)
Venue – Science Lecture Theatre, Marlborough College from 7.30 to 9 pm
If you need more information ring our helpline 07729452143 or email
Our second event is a Coffee Morning to be held at Marlborough Town Hall 9.30 to 12.00 on Saturday the 26th May
Join us for coffee, cakes and find out what we do to help support dyslexics in the area and look at some of the resources that you can borrow. Children can play a selection of games from our resources which are available to loan, free of charge, from Marlborough Library. We are delighted to be joined by the Kennet Accordion Orchestra’s award winning Training Band who will provide a selection of music from 11 am.
The Association has invited the Golden Time Toy Company, Duckling Toys and Learning Works who will display some of their games, activities and books.
Golden Time Toys have a wide range of games that have been selected to support the National Curriculum in Numeracy, Literacy, Science and History and which can help to develop important skills such as lateral thinking, creative and critical thinking, memory skills, sequencing etc.
Ducklings Toy Shop is a traditional, independent toyshop who cater for all age ranges. For small children they have wooden toys, soft toys and train sets. For bigger children they have craft and science kits, and a variety of makes of construction kits.
Learning Works is an educational consultancy based in Marlborough, Wiltshire. They focus on learning and learners… from those with special needs and barriers to learning to the able, gifted and talented. They specialise in educational events and training, CPD Courses and a variety of products.
Dyslexia Training
We welcome to town North Wessex Downs Dyslexia Training (NWDDT) who are running the OCR Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia / Specific Learning Difficulties at St John’s School, Marlborough. The course starts in September. For further information see www.nwddt.co.uk or contact the course tutor by enquiries@nwddt.co.uk or phone 0770 450 6324
Department for education – Press notice – Updated: 26 April 2012
Hundreds of school support staff are to get degree-level and specialist training in helping children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), under a new £500,000 programme set out today by Children’s Minister Sarah Teather.
The scholarship programme will fund 50 per cent of the total course costs – up to a ceiling of £2,000 each.
There will be a competitive application process, open to support staff who hold A level or equivalent qualifications or hold higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status. It will fund staff to take a wider range of degree-level equivalent qualifications and specialist diplomas in specific impairments such as in dyslexia or autism.
Applications will open on 30 April and close on 17 May, with the first scholarships awarded later this year. All applications must be online and the deadline for completed applications is midnight on Thursday 17 May 2012.
More information about applying to the SEN support scholarship programme and national scholarship fund for teachers can be found in full in the funding for training section of the Department’s website.
Surgery Dates –
Marlborough Library from 10 am to 12 pm (2nd Saturday each month)
12th May, 9th June, 14th July
A dyslexia specialist will be present who can offer advice on dyslexia matters and give help in selecting appropriate resources from our huge range of books, games and assessments.
Flag Day
The MDDA Flag day for 2012 is Saturday 8th September. This is our only fundraising event and we would very much appreciate your support. More details at a later date.
Local Tutors
A local private tutor is interested in talking to other private tutors in the area with the intention of providing mutual support. If you are interested please email our website and we can put you in contact with one another.
OUR WEBSITE
The web address is http://www.marlboroughdistrictdyslexia.org
Email address – Click here
Twitter – @mddadyslexia
Helpline number 0772 945 2143 and messages can be left 24 hours a day.
Susanne Harris (Chairperson)