The best children's books of the year – according to teachers
Who knows better what books children like than the people who read lots of books to lots of children?
This is the premise behind the North Somerset Teachers’ Book Award, an annual children’s book prize judged entirely by teachers.
Shortlist for award will now be decided by teachers who are members of reading groups. The award was set up by a teachers’ book group, which meets regularly to read, discuss and recommend children’s literature. The group’s reading material ranges from picture books to young-adult fiction.
The award's organisers have just announced their longlist, which covers six categories: picture books, poetry books, read-aloud, information books, quality fiction, and moving on (Year 6-8).
Among the books on the longlist are Adder, Bluebell, Lobster, by Chrissie Gittins; Wolf Hollow, by Lauren Wolk; Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, by Kate Pankhurst; The Book Shop Girl, by Sylvia Bishop; and Penguin Problems, by Jory John.
How do we show international students they're still welcome in the UK?
When the government decided against excluding international students from immigration targets through the Higher Education and Research Act, the higher education sector reacted with dismay. Now we are hearing that the Conservative manifesto commitment to cut net migration to tens of thousands is to be repeated. Responsibility for making international students and staff feel welcome in the UK must therefore fall to universities themselves.
Government decisions are sending out the wrong message to the rest of the world. This is a shame, since international students and academics who come to study or work in the UK have greatly enhanced the higher education sector, British society and our economy. They also help make the UK a world leader in innovation, scientific research and collaboration.
There are a number of practical steps that universities can take to try to ensure that international students keep coming to the UK. We know that when choosing a destination, overseas students are motivated by how welcome they feel.
See also: UK high school exam reform could create stumbling blocks for international students