September 2011

The know zone

  • On the level
    However unpopular or culpable an employee seems to be, any dismissal process against them has to be just and impartial, says Richard Bird, even one instigated by the secretary of state. More
  • Nobody's fool
    Now you've budgeted for your staff, make sure you get value for money in whatever you ask them to do, says Sam Ellis. There's no easy way to do this, but an online tool may help. More
  • Lead vocals
    Quotes from Albert Einstein, Socrates, Bill Cosby and Confuscious More
  • The guv'nor
    Philip Capper was named school governor of the year at last year's UK Teaching Awards. He is chair of governors at Ysgol Bryn Elian in Old Colwyn, Wales. He recently retired from his full-time job in the offshore fishing industry. More
  • b-live to work
    The b-live Foundation was set up six years ago to help and inspire young people to make informed career choices through partnerships with schools, employers and other organisations. More than 230,000 students are currently being supported. More
  • Adding value
    Getting the best from staff More
  • Examination thoughts
    From September 2012, external exams for GCSE will be done at the end of the course so there will be no modular exams part-way through. Is this a good move? And if changes are to be made to GCSE, are there others that would be more effective in improving them? School leader s share their views. More
  • Leaders' surgery
    Commanding performance, Don't know much about biology... More
  • Ever-shifting pension debate
    Held just two weeks before the teacher unions' one-day strike on pensions, the June Council meeting was dominated by this topic and debate over how ASCL should proceed. More
  • Answering the right questions
    The shocking events in England's cities – and the involvement of young people in them – underline the need for the profession to seize the debate about the purpose of education, says Brian Lightman. More
  • Stick to the plan
    Nigel Poole presents his 20 top tips to becoming a valued, respected, hard-working, cheerful, credible, versatile and all-round impressive leader. More
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The b-live Foundation was set up six years ago to help and inspire young people to make informed career choices through partnerships with schools, employers and other organisations. More than 230,000 students are currently being supported.

b-live to work

What does the b-live Foundation do?

The programme includes a secure careers social networking site plus curriculum lesson plans and teaching resources. It helps schools integrate employability skills into the curriculum alongside subjects such as English, maths and ICT. It also provides 11-19-year-olds with careers information, work experience and job opportunities.

Who is involved?

There is an education board with members including the Institute of Careers Guidance (ICG), ASCL, National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and The School Governors' One-Stop Shop (SGOSS), plus teachers. They ensure that the programme meets statutory curriculum requirements.

What resources does it offer?

Much of the foundation's engagement with young people is done through the website which provides impartial and high-quality careers information, advice and guidance. Through the site, young people have access to personalised careers and learning information as well as a CV generator; they can also apply for jobs and apprenticeships. All content has been specifically created to support the transition from education into employment, whatever their backgrounds.

In schools, it is delivered by teachers. The programme includes 11 curriculum linked employability projects each with lesson plans, student work sheets and PowerPoint presentations. There are also opportunities to enter high profile national schools competitions.

What does it cost?

All services, including access to b-live.com and lesson plans for the employability programme, are free of charge to all schools.

Does it carry out research?

b-live is working with MP Alan Milburn's office on a four-year longitudinal survey that will feed an independent review on social mobility and child poverty. The results from the first wave of the survey – which will involve students, headteachers and parents – will be published in April 2012. The survey starts this month (September) and ASCL members are encouraged to take part.

What events are planned for this year?

b-live is running a series of school cluster group meetings across the UK where headteachers can find out more about the b-live Foundation's services and speak to schools that have already undertaken b-live projects. In October, it launches the b-live Foundation national awards.

What other activities is the organisation involved in?

We are currently setting up careers boards along with our partners.

Focus on: b-live

For further information visit www.b-live.com or ontact Jason Simpson, Schools partnership manager via Jason@b-live.com

b-live website

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