7
Chapter 7
Innovators in excellence
290
The business of ideas
292
British Gas
294 Designmate 295
Express Publishing
296
Graham Shapiro Design
297
Human Values Foundation
298
Institution of Engineering and Technology
299
Kites for Schools
300
Lanaco Information Technologies
301 Messier-Bugatti-Dowty 302
Muslim Aid
303
Rosberg System
The education sector has always inspired debate, discussion and innovation in its drive for excellence. This chapter profiles some of those organisations whose ideas and expertise are helping to raise standards and fuel imaginations
The business of ideas The UK’s drive to foster partnerships between universities and industry offers valuable lessons for companies and educational institutions around the world
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British universities such as Cambridge are global leaders in higher education, and British inventions – from the first practical steam engine and intercity railways to television, ATMs and the World Wide Web – have shaped the modern world.
“ The long-standing problem in the UK has been transforming brilliant ideas and brilliant research into business”
This spirit of innovation still runs through the country. The Cambridge University Eco Racing team of students, for instance, has developed groundbreaking solar-
While such partnerships can come about through
powered vehicles, including the first one to cross Great Britain by travelling from
companies asking universities to work with them,
Land’s End to John O’Groats. However, such accomplishments in world-class
there is an alternative approach. “The other model
learning environments don’t always translate into successful business applications.
– which is probably easier to operate – is university
“The long-standing problem in the UK has been transforming brilliant ideas
academics themselves discovering that their activities
and brilliant research into business,” explains Business Secretary and former
have commercial value and sending them to spin-offs
Cambridge student Vince Cable. “It is a UK deficiency, and we have been trying
or campus businesses,” Cable explains. “That’s the
to address it in Government.”
way that Cambridge has developed.”
As part of its efforts, the Government asked Sir Andrew Witty, a leading figure
A great example of turning ideas into a thriving
in the pharmaceutical industry and Chancellor of the University of Nottingham,
business in this way is RealVNC. This Queen’s Award
to investigate how universities could play a more direct role in supporting a whole
for Enterprise-winning company was co-founded
range of businesses, from SMEs to major corporations. His resulting October 2013
by St Edmund’s College Fellow Dr Andy Harter, who
report produced valuable pointers, not only for the UK, but also for companies
developed the software that allows computer screens
and educational institutions around the globe. The paper placed great importance
to be controlled by remote devices.
on collaboration between industry and universities because the latter “have an extraordinary potential to enhance economic growth”.
Wider opportunities As Cable points out, however, collaboration between
Strategic partnerships
industry and academia does not need to be limited
Already, some businesses in Britain and beyond are tapping this potential through
to universities. It can also be extended to primary
strategic partnerships such as bespoke collaborative degrees and the establishment
and secondary schools, where businesses can, for
of science parks. “When I was at university, there was virtually no link between
instance, raise awareness of their industries and lay
Cambridge and the business world,” Cable says. “Universities regarded business
the groundwork for future recruitment by showing
with a certain amount of disdain. So there’s been a big change in the university
pupils that an interest in less popular subjects, such
world in recognising the benefits of being linked with business.”
as science, technology, engineering and maths,
The former President of the Cambridge Union Society explains that these
could lead to excellent career opportunities.
benefits are manifold. “It’s a source of ideas and a source of money, which
This means that the scope for partnerships
is rather important,” he says, in reference to the UK’s changing approach to
between educational institutions and businesses of all
higher education funding. “Universities are increasingly going to be self-financing
sizes is immense. It also means that all parties stand
institutions because Government isn’t able to continue to provide funding on
to reap great rewards by working together to create
the level that it used to. If universities are going to expand and develop their
an invention culture that, as Sir Andrew Witty puts it,
laboratories, then collaboration with business is one key step forward.”
“successfully translates from mind to factory”.
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Hot prospects British Gas’s hands-on apprenticeship programme provides participants with a mentor, practical experience and a great route into a fast-changing industry
As the UK moves towards becoming a low-carbon economy, energy providers face a range of challenges to ensure an
“ Many of our senior managers started as apprentices within British Gas”
affordable, secure and sustainable energy supply. But big challenges can also create big opportunities.
“Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award helps us deliver training in a rounded way and show
Apprentice academies
our apprentices that the customer experience is at
British Gas, which has some 18.5 million customers and some
the heart of what we do,” says Stephen.
10,000 engineers, has trained more than 1,000 apprentices in
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www.britishgasjobs.co.uk
the last three years. Training is delivered through six academies
Ongoing training
across the UK.
British Gas also provides its engineers with ongoing
“Our trainers have all got vocational skills, which means that
training. Many of them take up this opportunity
they can bring to life the training and contextualise it,” explains
every year, representing an annual investment for the
Stephen Goldthorpe, Head of Academies. “We have also got the
company of around £25 million. There is a flexible and
best simulated environment for training – the re-creation of a
wide range of training on offer for all parts of British
customer house giving a real-life feel.”
Gas’s business, including service and repair, central
This enables British Gas’s apprentices to put the theory they’ve
heating installation, smart metering and electrical
learnt in the classroom into practice. But the company goes one
services. The apprenticeship academies also provide
step further by also allowing trainees to accompany its engineers
mandatory Accredited Certification Scheme training,
into customers’ homes.
which each engineer has to complete every five years.
“Our training works so well because it shows our apprentices
“We regularly provide additional training for our
first-hand what we expect from our engineers and how we deliver
engineers to ensure that they are well aware of new
excellent customer service,” says Stephen. “We concentrate on
technologies, for instance, with regard to energy
the whole package – our training not only includes technical
efficiency,” says Stephen. “By using the apprenticeship
installation skills but also focuses on how to educate consumers
route, British Gas is looking to the future.
about their equipment.”
“We are developing people with the right
Every British Gas apprentice is allocated a mentor: that is,
attitude and aptitude who will be part of our business
an engineer who has been trained to understand the needs of
for a long time because of our excellent progression
a new learner. In addition, the apprenticeship scheme includes
routes,” he continues. “Many of our senior managers
the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award because British Gas believes that
started as apprentices within British Gas. In 2012,
the award’s values are aligned very nicely with its own: investing
our retention rate was 96 per cent, which just
in young people to have skills for life, building confidence,
goes to shows that British Gas makes a significant
helping out in the community and learning about teamwork
contribution to the industry, as well as to its future
and collaboration.
skills requirements.”
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Eureka moments The It tools created by India’s Designmate have proved a revelation for teachers and students alike, making science subjects more engaging and accessible for all
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Animation, 3D graphics and apps might not be the
This is achieved through a combination of
“The layout is designed to be as user-friendly as
traditional means to bring science subjects alive, but
simulations, experiments, educational activities,
possible, so it doesn’t require any special training,”
the latest technology from Designmate is proving
quizzes and videos covering 2,000 different topics,
Shefali says. “Teachers and students can learn how to
invaluable in teaching today’s students. For the past
within the four core subject areas. Each of these
operate the software in 10 minutes, but there is also
10 years the company, based in Ahmedabad, India,
learning resources is about four minutes long, and
support available 24 hours a day, all year round.”
has been pioneering e-learning tools to help simplify
around a quarter of all Eureka.in products come
Eureka.in – which is compatible with a wide
key concepts in biology, physics, chemistry and
in 3D and with simulations common to gaming
range of operating systems – lets teachers edit
maths. Designed for pupils from kindergarten to
platforms in order to engage students’ interest.
the existing library of questions and website links
Year 12, its award-winning Eureka.in products are
As pupils explore subjects such as the structure
to create their own comprehensive lesson plans.
easily adaptable for different curricula, and are
of DNA, thermodynamics and animal anatomy,
In addition to Eureka.in, Designmate produces
now used in more than 11,000 schools worldwide.
they are presented with a series of challenges that
a vast range of educational apps and interactive
help them put their understanding to the test.
e-books. The company has also won major national
Enjoyable learning
The content can be tailored to support a variety of
and international awards, including a WSA (World
“Science is full of abstract and complex concepts that
textbooks and teaching concepts, while translated
Summit Award) for Best e-learning Product of the
require strong visualisation and exploratory tools to
texts and professional voiceovers in ten languages
Decade, among others. Indeed, with the company’s
understand, and our Eureka.in products make learning
– including English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese
ever-expanding library of Eureka.in topics and
simpler and more enjoyable,” explains Marketing
and Russian – ensure that it is adaptable and easy
its combination of flexibility, ease of use and high
Executive Shefali Singh.
to understand.
quality, further success looks set to follow.
www.designmate.com
Express education Berkshire-based firm Express Publishing produces high-quality English language-teaching materials that enable children and adults around the world to learn with ease
With over 50 years of unrivalled experience and sales in more than 90 countries,
taught and, perhaps more importantly, how it should be taught,” confirms Alex.
Express Publishing is one of the foremost providers of English language-teaching
“Authors Virginia Evans and Jenny Dooley have travelled extensively and worked in
materials. Its commitment to innovation has allowed it to bridge the gap between
classrooms worldwide to ensure Express Publishing’s approach to English language
technology and pedagogy, and forge strategic partnerships with publishers and
teaching is the most relevant to today’s needs.”
government ministries worldwide. With its award-winning books, interactive e-books
With a recent ELTon award nomination for its pre-school iPhone and Android
and whiteboards, and mobile applications, Express Publishing is favoured by learners
app, Happy Rhymes, it is clear that the company is developing its products to adapt
and teachers from nursery to university.
to a constantly changing marketplace. “We’re particularly proud of our ieBook – an offline interactive approach that combines our course material with multimedia,”
Worldwide experience
says Alex. “Authentic videos, striking graphics and interactive games serve to
Based in Newbury, Berkshire, Express Publishing has achieved its global success
enhance the learning experience.”
through an ongoing dedication to quality and a needs-based approach to teaching
One of the company’s great strengths is its ability to predict trends and
materials. “Every market is different, so there’s a need for diversity within our
produce user-friendly material that reflects those trends. “Learners are using more
materials, as everyone learns differently,” says Alex Drey, Express Publishing’s
and more technology nowadays and Express Publishing has the complete range
International Market Analyst.
of digital learning products they need,” says Alex.
As well as aiming for a high level of English language competence, the
The combination of classroom innovation, applied teaching experience and
publications are designed to respect learners’ cultural sensitivities while raising
cutting-edge technology means that Express Publishing’s products are more popular
cross-cultural awareness through up-to-date, engaging topics. Taking a holistic
than ever. With a current list of over 3,500 titles to its name, it has become a
approach to learning, Express Publishing’s products are developed to meet
formidable learning tool in the world of English language teaching, and its ongoing
learners’ academic, social and emotional needs through visual, auditory and
success is a testament to a passionate commitment to the highest standards of
kinesthetic material. “We have an excellent appreciation of what should be
teaching and learning.
www.expresspublishing.co.uk
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Smarter by design cheshire-based marketing specialist Graham Shapiro Design ensures that its clients – who include commercial giants and educational institutions alike – have their finger on the digital pulse
The days of teachers taking registers in old-fashioned hardback books and
two Silver Heist Awards for its work with West Cheshire College, for Best Website in
students leafing through unwieldy university prospectuses are well and truly
2008 and Best FE Prospectus in 2009, respectively. It’s proof, if proof were needed,
numbered. These days, education tools and marketing materials come in the
of the quality of GSD’s work across design, traditional print and digital media.
form of everything from apps to social media campaigns.
In addition to garnering industry recognition, the firm has also created a
No one knows this better than award-winning designer Graham Shapiro, the
buzz with several new apps, including a careers pathway option for students
founding force behind Graham Shapiro Design (GSD). With a string of national and
at Blackpool Sixth Form College. “We’re taking full advantage of the digital realm
international awards to its name, the British firm works with a host of prominent
with them,” Graham says, explaining that users simply type in their career choice
commercial brands, as well as dozens of schools, colleges and universities.
to bring up their “route to success”.
Personalised campaigns
that allows teachers to take the register on their phone. Within 12 weeks of its
“GSD is a visual communication business that covers every kind of marketing
release, hundreds of schools had contacted GSD about replacing their cumbersome
solution, from graphic design, printed literature, branding and advertising through
existing systems. “The app is very quick, very user-friendly for teachers and really
to content-managed websites, mobile apps and social networking,” he explains.
secure,” says Graham. This is only the tip of the digital iceberg, in his opinion, with
In Graham’s opinion, brand awareness is as vital to the education sector as it
new technology offering ever more innovative solutions. And with the teen market
is to the global names he’s worked with, such as Samsung, Clive Christian and
a key one for many of GSD’s education clients, it’s vital that colleges and universities
Liverpool FC. Based in Nantwich, Cheshire, his core team works with a pool of
become as tech-savvy as their target audience is.
talented consultants to create personalised campaigns for everyone from Blackpool
“There will always be a call for print, but interactive prospectuses and digital
Sixth Form College to the University of Bedfordshire – with the latter enjoying a surge
magazines on tablets and apps are the way forward,” says Graham. “And in both
in enrolment figures after GSD revamped its prospectus. The company has also won
print and digital formats, we are education marketing specialists.”
The company has also launched Reggie®, one of the world’s first mobile apps
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www.gsd.net
Onward and upward THE HUMAN VALUES FOUNDATION PROVIDES INNOVATIVE TEACHING RESOURCES THAT PROMOTE VALUES LITERACY, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND A POSITIVE MINDSET
In the early 1990s, British schoolteacher June Auton developed a teaching method that has had a profound positive impact on individuals and society as a whole. Since some of her primary school pupils were struggling with negative influences in their lives, she introduced them to five core values that they could count off on one hand: truth, love, peace, right conduct and non-violence. This simple strategy quickly improved the children’s progress, so she set up the Human Values Foundation (HVF) in 1995 to supply values-based teaching resources to educational institutions. Cross-cultural values June’s programme for primary schoolchildren, entitled Education in Human Values, enables children to be calm, confident and compassionate by using class discussion, storytelling, singing, quotations, group activities and silent sitting. The range of values explored transcends cultural and religious beliefs, thereby appealing to all children. While the HVF promotes the importance of teaching human values in schools, its practical cross-curricular programmes are superb for personal development and behaviour management, securing continuous improvements in learners’ social and emotional competences and their general well-being. In 2004, the HVF developed the Social and Emotional Education programme for children aged 12 to 14 and over. As well as silent reflection, quotations and songs, this programme uses group exercises, forums, quizzes and role play to encourage dialogue about life’s challenges and how best to manage them. “Our programmes have an excellent impact on the quality of education,” says Rosemary Dewan, CEO of the HVF. “They help young people develop a moral compass and a positive mindset, so that they can maximise their talents and play a positive part in society and the community. If used widely in schools, they can also have a significant impact on the financial costs associated with individuals’ poor social, emotional and psychological health.” The programmes have already been sold to more than 1,700 schools in the UK. And the HVF has also received many orders from across the world, including one from a TEFL teacher in Latvia, who delights in blending the imparting of emotional and social skills with teaching English. Globally, the HVF helps schoolchildren develop strong values that guide their thinking, decision-making and behaviour. Not only does this ramp up their achievements, but it also gives them a sound emotional foundation on which to build the rest of their life.
www.humanvaluesfoundation.com
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Engineering the future With recent research showing that skilled engineers are in short supply in Britain, the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s role in supporting the industry has never been more vital
Recent research conducted by the Institution
showing young learners how their education can
of Engineering and Technology (IET), which has
be applied to a prosperous and tangible career.”
represented the industry for more than 140 years,
For those in higher education, the institution
has revealed a worrying skills shortage in Britain’s
has developed IET Advantage, a membership scheme
engineering sector. Gareth James, Head of the IET’s
designed specifically for students nearing the end of
Education 5–19 programme, explains that employers
their degree. Delivered over three stages, it provides
are struggling to recruit engineers with the necessary
students and graduates with support for the first six
expertise. “Without qualified technicians entering
years of their career.
the workforce,” he says, “vital infrastructure is likely
“IET Advantage aims to make the transition from
to decline over the next decade.” It’s a potential
education to employment as smooth as possible,” says
outcome that could leave the country at crisis point.
Martin Harris, Product Manager for Young Professionals
“The findings from our research have meant
Membership. “Students and graduates are able to
that engaging with and nurturing future engineers
access expert careers advice, mentorship and support
has become an organisational priority,” says Gareth.
to help them gain their professional registration – a
“The IET has worked hard to develop schemes that
crucial step towards becoming a fully fledged engineer.”
promote engineering as an attractive career prospect
The institution also accredits around 80 university
for capable and talented young people.”
engineering courses and seeks to build constructive relationships with acclaimed engineers, drawing on
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www.theiet.org
Careers advice
their expertise and experience to inform its work.
The Education 5–19 programme works directly with
“The IET is an exceptional resource for engineers
schools to help ensure that the national science,
at every stage of their career,” says Martin. “We are
technology, engineering and maths curricula are
making it possible for a talented and well-resourced
relevant and useful to pupils. “So often, young people
cohort of future engineers to thrive. I would love to
leave compulsory education without knowing how
see as many capable and talented young people
to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired,”
choose engineering as possible. I know that if they
says Gareth. “Through free activity days, careers
do so, then an array of rewarding and challenging
advice, teacher resources and scholarships, we are
opportunities awaits them.”
A flying start Kites for Schools is inspiring and educating children across Britain with the simple and joyful act of building and flying a kite
There are few activities that, generation after generation, continue to set the imagination of a child soaring quite like flying a kite. The simple pastime requires little to get off the ground – just a kite, an open space and a breath of wind – and yet it has the power to captivate for hours on end. It’s a joyous pursuit that Karen Gamble and her husband Godfrey, founders of the UK-based company Kites for Schools, have shared with others for more than 20 years. Over the past two decades, the couple have travelled the globe, passing on their kite-building and -flying expertise, attending kite festivals and winning awards for their work. Regularly asked to conduct workshops for children, the pair hit upon the idea of producing kite kits for schools five years ago. “Our kite kit is something that every child can make and fly,” says Karen. “And with assembling and flying a kite comes a real sense of achievement.” This is the key to the success of the company’s kits – they are a great leveller, irrespective of the abilities of an individual child. They are also award-winning: the kite kit scooped the 2012 Creative Play award for best classroom pack in the four-to-seven years category, and was highly commended in the eight-to-11 years group. Curriculum-friendly The kites, created for children aged four to 11, can be incorporated into the teaching of several curriculum subjects, including science, physical education, and art, design and technology. A traditional diamond shape, they are brightly coloured and designed to be quick to fit together and easy to launch, so that children can enjoy going outdoors and flying them. Almost every element of the Dorset-based company’s kites is manufactured in England. As well as supplying schools around Britain, Kites for Schools exports its kits to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, and there is growing interest in the Middle East. Indeed, their appeal is universal. “Not every child is sporty, not every child is academic, not every child is artistic,” says Karen, “but the day the children go out and fly their kites is an occasion where, for once, every child is just as good as each other. It’s quite something to see.”
www.kitesforschools.co.uk
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Tools for schools Based in bosnia-herzegovina, Lanaco information technologies has developed innovative programs and products that are improving the standard of education across the country
Established in the 1990s, Lanaco Information
that teachers may have made. The aim is to improve
Technologies is Bosnia-Herzegovina’s foremost
access to information for all. “EduIS has already cut
system integrator and software supplier, with
the education budget by 15 per cent,” says Dragan,
around 220 employees. It is also a major player in
“and we have had a positive response from parents,
the country’s education system, thanks to two of
teachers and children alike.”
its leading projects: EduIS and Dositej. “We had two
Lanaco’s second project, Dositej, is designed to
key goals when designing them,” says Programme
encourage one-on-one learning. As part of the scheme,
Office Manager Dragan Ninic. “The first of these
the company has supplied schools with Classmate
was to reduce the cost of education – with no IT
Personal Computers (CMPCs). “Currently, more than
infrastructure, the government was unable to control
50 per cent of schools in the Republic of Srpska have
spending or manage resources. The second was to
CMPCs,” says Dragan. “In time, each teacher will have
increase the standard of education in our country.”
a laptop, and every student will have a CMPC.” The system enables teachers to manage an
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www.lanaco.com
Management solutions
entire classroom, distributing individually tailored
EduIS, a cloud-based solution, helps schools and
content directly to each student’s monitor. “It is a
other official institutions to improve efficiency via
lengthy process and a huge investment,” says Dragan.
tools such as electronic class registration and financial
“We have trained more than 11,000 teachers to use
accounting. This has also enabled the government to
the system, which is fundamentally changing the way
consolidate reports, compare performance between
education functions in Bosnia-Herzegovinia’s Republic
schools and gather the necessary statistics to manage
of Srpska.”
education effectively.
With a view to the future of the company and
In addition, the project has introduced an
its innovative products, Lanaco is looking beyond its
electronic grade book to schools, which allows
domestic borders to the wider global market. The firm
teachers to monitor their students, and parents to
will be returning to London’s influential Bett Show for
keep tabs on their children’s work. By logging on
providers of education technology in 2014. And it is
to the system at home, parents can connect to a
well positioned for international expansion, with the
real-time view of their child’s performance, enabling
capacity to adapt its systems to suit the needs and
them to keep an eye on grades and read any remarks
nuances of overseas markets far and wide.
Grounded in success A world leader in aircraft landing gear, Messier-BUGATTI-Dowty’s excellent graduate and apprenticeship schemes are developing future engineering talent in the UK and beyond
Such is Messier-Bugatti-Dowty’s prominence in the
plenty of variety – currently there are craft and
functions within Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, including
aviation industry that, on average, a plane using the
technical apprentices on the programme working
a three-month international placement. Messier-
company’s landing gear touches down once every
in both operational and non-operational roles within
Bugatti-Dowty employs around 6,500 workers
2.2 seconds somewhere around the globe.
the business. The programme typically takes four
at 17 locations in Europe, Asia and the Americas,
Currently servicing more than 23,000 aircraft
years, with the technical certificate covered during
and sought-after destinations include Toronto,
worldwide, the firm has decades of aerospace
the first two, and engineering apprentices based
Singapore and China. A further five-year postgraduate
experience, working on well-known aircraft such
off site at a training centre for the first year.
scheme allows employees to continue their career
as Concorde, the entire Airbus family and the new
Although higher-level qualifications are not a
development once they have completed the initial
Boeing 787 Dreamliner. But it’s not just the company’s
requirement of the apprenticeship framework, selected
18-month programme.
impressive pedigree that makes it exceptional.
apprentices are encouraged to study a relevant HNC,
“The company also offers personal-development
“At Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, we believe that the
HND, foundation course or even a full degree, on a
training courses, such as financial awareness, and
recruitment of apprentices and graduates enriches
part-time basis, during their apprenticeship.
influencing and negotiating skills,” says Senior HR
and complements our direct recruitment activity,”
Officer Richard Jones. Graduates are well supported
says Sarah Powell, HR Officer. “And it plays a key
Graduate opportunities
in their efforts to gain chartered status, with mentors
role in ensuring we maintain and develop a highly
Excellent opportunities are available for graduates
assigned throughout the process, which can take
skilled, qualified workforce now, and in the future.”
who wish to consider a career in the aerospace
several years.
On average, the business recruits eight to
industry. An 18-month graduate scheme, specifically
As Richard concludes: “We provide our graduates
10 apprentices onto its Advanced Apprenticeship
tailored to the skills and interests of each individual
with the training they require and the experience they
Programme each year. It’s a scheme that offers
candidate, provides experience in the primary
need to become future leaders.”
www.safranmbd.com/careers
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Global compassion For the past three decades, humanitarian charity Muslim Aid has been tackling poverty and providing education, relief and hope to those in need
In 1985, several leading British Muslim community organisations of the day joined
effort to provide them with a secure and stable future. The charity’s work within
together to create Muslim Aid, a charity that could respond to the endemic
the UK includes education, winter relief and support for the elderly and prisoners.
humanitarian crisis in Africa. Founded on the core principles of the Islamic faith,
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the charity’s work is summed up in the teaching of the Prophet Muhammad:
Sustainable solutions
“Show compassion to the dwellers of the Earth, then the One who dwells in
Central to Muslim Aid’s activities is creating long-term, sustainable solutions to
the heavens will show compassion to you.”
reduce poverty among some of the poorest communities in the world. The charity
The work of Muslim Aid is informed by an ethos of humanity, neutrality and
also helps refugees, internally displaced persons and recent returnees. From its
impartiality. Muslim Aid works with all those in need, regardless of religion, gender,
offices based in Yangon and Sittwe in Myanmar, for instance, Muslim Aid has
nationality or political opinion. The charity’s activities are broad and far-reaching.
provided emergency relief in the form of hygiene packs, mosquito nets, blankets,
In 2012, Muslim Aid responded to the ongoing humanitarian emergencies in Gaza,
clothes and non-food items to thousands of internally displaced persons in Rakhine
Syria, Myanmar and Somalia. It also provided emergency flood relief to Bangladesh,
State. In response to the Syria crisis, Muslim Aid has supported more than 3,500
India, Cambodia and Pakistan, while its ongoing projects across the globe include
Syrian refugees in Iraq, 220 households in Jordan and 2,100 families in Lebanon
education and skills training, along with the provision of fresh water, housing and
since 2012 by distributing food and non-food items.
shelter, and healthcare. Meanwhile, the charity’s income-generation projects, such
Muslim Aid has 13 field offices in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and
as its interest-free microfinance fund, have benefited communities in Bangladesh,
has delivered projects in more than 70 countries across the world. In 2010, Muslim
Somalia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Indonesia and Sudan.
Aid’s 25th anniversary was celebrated in London. As it approaches its 30th year, the
Muslim Aid’s child-sponsorship programme, the Rainbow Family, supports
charity continues to go from strength to strength in its efforts to alleviate poverty,
children in 17 countries with school fees, food, clothing and healthcare, in an
deliver education for all and provide basic amenities for those in need.
www.muslimaid.org
Systematic triumph Norway’s Rosberg System is revolutionising the way computers are maintained and updated in classrooms, thanks to its efficient and cost-effective School IT management system
Advances in technology have heralded a new wave of educational tools and techniques. But with its rise in schools around the world has come an escalation in the headache that is faulty or underperforming IT. Teachers waste valuable time trying to resolve problems, and IT personnel often have to be called in or devices sent away for repairs or updating. However, Rosberg System’s School IT Manager with patented Verji Share technology solves many of these issues. Simple to use and easy to update, the IT management system allows teachers to oversee the content of school PCs, laptops and tablets as never before. VerjiBox All that’s required is a main server (VerjiBox School) and a small, discreet server in each classroom (VerjiBox Classroom), which also acts as a wireless access point. Each VerjiBox contains a 500 GB hard drive through which updates can be transferred overnight, saving valuable bandwidth during school hours. In addition, the hard drive can be used as a local file-sharing source for students in the classroom. “Many teachers don’t have IT experience, so what we’ve done is make easy-touse interface software that they can download to their mobiles, laptops or tablets, allowing them to control the students’ devices,” explains Alf Kenneth Braathen, CEO of Rosberg System. “It’s a drag-and-drop system, so they can simply go to the content section and drag all the required software to the laptops immediately.” And if there’s a problem with a teacher’s device, a remote service centre is on hand to assist, and can even access the computer screens remotely to provide timesaving solutions. This game-changing technology epitomises the company’s values of “smart, simple and solid”. Other major patented Rosberg technologies include the Verji Connect, which securely connects all devices for a business, regardless of location, and Verji Lock, where information on a device is only accessible while the device is being used – as soon as the device hibernates the encryption keys are deleted. The company’s systems have already proved a big success in schools across its home country of Norway, and are now being used in several countries across Latin America, including Peru and Mexico. “With our current software, we can install our programs in schools anywhere,” says Alf. “Plus we are working hard to update the software to get it ready for the next generation: the ‘Bring Your Own Device’ system.”
www.rosberg.com
303
Index
152 Aditya Birla World Academy www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com
154 Al Ain Juniors School www.alainjuniors.com
156 Al Ma’arifa International Private School www.almarifa-intsch.ae
246 American University www.american.edu
212 Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University www.s-vfu.ru/en
158 Amnuay Silpa School www.amnuaysilpa.ac.th
248 Azerbaijan State University of Economics www.aseu.edu.az
120 Barrowford Primary School www.barrowford.lancs.sch.uk
160 Bayview Glen www.bayviewglen.ca
304
162 Benoni High School www.bhs.co.za
122 Brays School www.brays.bham.sch.uk
292 British Gas www.britishgasjobs.co.uk
211 British Institute of Technology & E-commerce www.bite.ac.uk
124 Chiswick House School and St Martin’s College www.smc.edu.mt
164 Colegio Británico Cancún www.cbritanico.edu.mx
166 Colegio Colombo Británico, Cali www.colombobritanico.edu.co
167 Collège Charles-Lemoyne www.cclemoyne.edu
168 Collège Durocher Saint-Lambert www.cdsl.qc.ca
170 Dar Al Fikr Schools www.fikr.sch.sa
294 Designmate www.designmate.com
126 Essex Primary School www.essex.newham.sch.uk
295 Express Publishing www.expresspublishing.co.uk
296 Graham Shapiro Design Ltd www.gsd.net
128 The High Arcal School www.higharcal.co.uk
297 Human Values Foundation www.humanvaluesfoundation.com
298 Institution of Engineering and Technology www.theiet.org
172 Instituto Oxford www.oxfordmexicomasc.com
174 Instituto Politécnico Nacional www.ipn.mx/english
130 International School of the Stockholm Region www.issr.se
176 International School of Walvis Bay www.iswb.edu.na
173 Iqra Academy www.iqraacademy.edu.pk
250 Islamic Science University of Malaysia www.usim.edu.my
178 Jeddah Prep and Grammar School www.jpgs.org
214 Karel de Grote University College www.kdg.be
252 Khon Kaen University www.kku.ac.th/eng
132 King’s College, The British School of Alicante www.bsalicante.com
299 Kites for Schools www.kitesforschools.co.uk
180 The Koç School www.kocschool.k12.tr
254 Kokshe Academy www.koksheacademy.kz
256 La Universidad San Francisco de Quito www.usfq.edu.ec
300 Lanaco Information Technologies www.lanaco.com
182 Legacy School www.lsb.edu.in
305
134 Literargymnasium Rämibühl www.lgr.ch
216 Logos European College www.logoseuro.co.uk
218 Manchester School of Art – Manchester Metropolitan University www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk
301 Messier-Bugatti-Dowty www.safranmbd.com/careers
302 Muslim Aid
www.qu.edu.qa
191 RIMS International School and Junior College www.rims.ac.in
303 Rosberg System AS www.rosberg.com
222 Samara State Technical University http://en.samgtu.ru
192 Shalom Hills International School
www.muslimaid.org
www.shalomhills.com
184 New English School
224 Singidunum University
www.nes.edu.jo
220 NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences www.nhtv.nl
258 North-West University www.nwu.ac.za
186 The Oxford School www.oxfordpanama.com
136 Parkwood E-ACT Academy www.parkwoodacademy.org.uk
188 Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie www.psnm.qc.ca
www.eng.singidunum.ac.rs
138 Southwark Primary School www.southwarkprimary.net
194 Sparrows Private School www.sparrows.co.za
196 Sri Emas International School www.sriemas.edu.my
140 St Edmund’s College www.stedmundscollege.org
142 St Eskils Gymnasium www.eskilstuna.se/steskilsgymnasium
260 Petroleum Institute
125 St George's School Group
www.pi.ac.ae
www.stgeorge.es/en
190 Podar World Schools www.podar.org
306
262 Qatar University
198 St Peter's School, Chile www.stpeters.cl
144 St Peter's School, Portugal www.stpeters.pt
230 University of Economics in Bratislava www.euba.sk
264 Suranaree University of Technology
284 University of Iringa
http://web.sut.ac.th/sutnew/sut_en
www.tumaini.ac.tz
266 Tecnológico de Monterrey www.itesm.edu
200 Thamer International School www.thamerinternationalschool.com
270 Universidad Adventista de Chile www.unach.cl
272 Universidad de la Integración de las Américas www.unida.edu.py
226 Universidad Francisco de Vitoria www.ufv.es
228 Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo www.uimp.es
274 Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja www.utpl.edu.ec
276 Universidade Federal de Lavras www.ufla.br
278 Universidade Tiradentes www.unit.br
280 Universidade Veiga de Almeida www.uva.br
232 University of Lleida www.etsea.udl.es
234 University of Milano-Bicocca www.unimib.it
286 University of Nizwa www.unizwa.edu.om
236 University of Pisa www.unipi.it
238 University of Valladolid www.uva.es
146 Viborg Cathedral School www.viborgkatedralskole.dk
202 Vidya Devi Jindal School www.vdjs.edu.in
204 Wadi Sofia College www.wadisofia.edu.my
240 Windesheim Honours College www.windesheimhonourscollege.nl
285 Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi www.ysmu.am
282 Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia www.utar.edu.my
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