BIEA forms exciting partnership with the University of Northampton
The BIEA is delighted to announce that the University of Northampton is on board as a partner for our 2020 STEM conference and competition: STEM (Stop) the Tide of Plastic Pollution. We are proud to join forces with them in our endeavour to quell the growing plastic problem that our oceans face, and to provide a better education to children across the globe.
The university has very generously offered our cause financial, technical, and training support that we believe will help raise our STEM-based ventures to the next level next year and beyond, and will aid the company as a whole to promote ecological values to schools worldwide, as well as a stimulating and streamline education system. We hope to represent a modern concern for the pressing environmental issues our planet faces by incorporating them into our respective learning spheres. We hope to build a close relationship with the university over the coming years, and believe that our work will encourage other universities to follow in this vein; the resources that universities can provide - and the collective knowledge and experience of their teaching staff - will be crucial in inspiring the next generation at our competitions and providing stimulating panel discussion and debates at our conferences.
The university will also assist our competition by offering the teams greater incentives to perform: the members of the winning team, particularly that of the 15-17 age group, will be recognised in some way for their achievement if they were to apply. They will also be in attendance at the international final in July, where they will be watching and supporting the teams, as well as providing career guidance for those members wishing to speak to the representatives present.
This will be a great opportunity for the students to engage with a university adopting a fresh approach to learning; the University of Northampton is a young, ambitious, and prestigious university based in a fast-growing town 60 miles north of London. It has been recognised for its commitment to innovation and social enterprise by being names the UK’s first Changemaker Campus in 2012, an enormous achievement considering the university’s age, and a clear sign of its intentions going forward. We are proud to be partnered with such a committed and ambitious institution, and anticipate a constructive relationship that will help us create a future we want to visit!
BIEA EYFS (0-3 years old) child care thematic training successfully concludes in Beijing
On November 25, the BIEA successfully completed the EYFS (0-3 years old) childcare training in Beijing, introducing the cutting-edge British EYFS education framework. Laura Rathbone, a senior lecturer of the BIEA Early Years League (E-League), brought a unique EYFS education lecture to teachers, sharing her rich EYFS teaching experience. The trainees laid a solid foundation of EYFS in the two-day study, and they had a practical session in the Windsor Bilingual Kindergarten on the last day. They obtained the British Vocational Training Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificate afterwards.
Laura focused on the age characteristics of children aged 0-3, and interpreted EYFS childcare and daily teaching from different perspectives such as the EYFS conservation and education programmes, and the EYFS teaching cycle (observation, evaluation and planning). The trainees received guidance on the problems encountered during these stages. In addition to the positive interaction, the information Laura shared inspired the teachers, giving them new ideas about their own teaching methods. Some trainees commented that the training has reshaped their understanding of childcare and education.
The teachers are now interested in BIEA E-League's latest 0-3 year-old thematic courses, and some are interested in using British teaching aids.
On the last day of the course, the teachers visited a Chinese nursery - Windsor Bilingual International Kindergarten - adopting the British EYFS teaching framework. The school’s teaching director, Wendy Weng, relayed her own EYFS knowledge to the teachers.
In China, daycare education has increasingly attracted attention from early years educators in conjunction with changes in the market. Everyone is enthusiastic about learning the advanced education concepts of British EYFS, in order to help them create a better education environment for young children. The EYFS (0-3 years old) childcare training courses run by the BIEA E-League have garnered wide attention from early years educators across China. In the future, while maintaining the quality of training, BIEA E-League will share further details of the BIEA Early Years League Qualification (ELQ) accredited nurseries and British early years education study tours.
BIEA’s 7th EYFS training has been successfully held in Hangzhou
From the 19th to 21st October, BIEA Early Years League (E-League) held its first British EYFS (0-3 years old) thematic training in Hangzhou. The teachers who participated in the training obtained BIEA Continual Professional Development (CPD) certificates. As the first EYFS training in China focusing on 0-3 year old children, teachers sharing a passion for EYFS from all over the country learnt a lot of fresh information from Angela Fedi, BIEA’s CPD Training and Quality Assurance Specialist.
The training focused on the educational content of 0-3 years old children in the UK and how one can effectively link this with EYFS. Its content included child observation, evaluation, teaching plans and the support provided by EYFS in developing positive relationships amongst the children — this received high attention from teachers. The teachers put forward some specific problems related to circumstances in their nurseries; Angela drew from her rich teaching management experience consequently to give instructive solutions to these issues.
In order to consolidate the EYFS knowledge of the teachers, Angela held an interactive game session that required teachers to classify different behaviours according to their own understanding. She divided the teachers into groups and asked them to design thematic activities for children aged 0-3. She then gave professional advice and guidance according to each group's design. In addition, Angela shared activity, weekly, and environmental plan examples for children based on the EYFS framework.
In the future, the BIEA E-League will expand the EYFS thematic training. Together with the BIEA Early Years League Qualification (ELQ) accreditation programmes, BIEA aims to bring the best support to teachers, providing more training in adapting EYFS, and more opportunities to visit excellent nurseries that will help E-League members improve the quality of education and establish authentic EYFS nurseries in their home countries.
The 6th EYFS training concluded successfully in Chengdu Station
On the 21st October, the BIEA Early Years League (E-League) successfully held a three-day EYFS training session in Chengdu. The teachers gained professional EYFS knowledge, as well as a deeper understanding of how nursery teachers in the UK work, with the help of BIEA CPD Training and Quality Assurance Specialist Angela Fedi. They were enthusiastic and expressed their excitement for next session’s agenda.
The EYFS training takes the interpretation of the early years education in the UK as a focus, and serialises the important contents of the key person system, teaching and learning methods, home education and child behaviour. Out of these, the teachers were most impressed with the contents of the key person system.
The key person system outlined in the British EYFS framework refers to the dedication of a staff member (teacher) in taking care of - and being responsible for - a group of children in nurseries. This makes the children feel safe and looked after, and the key person then assumes an important role in their growth. The implementation of this system is one of problems being encountered by Chinese nurseries.
After the training session, the teachers commented that they understood the importance of the key person system, which facilitates continuous evaluation in a child's growth, but were wary that the implementation of the system still requires adaptation to be successfully integrated into the Chinese nurseries. In addition, Angela further summarised the qualities that a key person should possess and the strategies they should master before visiting a child’s family. Teachers found the discursive element of the training to be valuable, as they could communicate with experienced British EYFS experts face to face.
On the last day of the training, Angela presented the Continual Professional Development (CPD) certificates to the teachers. With BIEA’s promotion of Early Years League Qualification (ELQ), its recognition in Chinese nurseries is getting higher.
In the UK, professionals like lawyers, doctors, or teachers must take a certain number of CPD courses per year in order to obtain a CPD certificate and upgrade their industry skills. BIEA ELQ also has the same requirements for the teachers of the accredited nurseries; this is also one of the factors determining whether the nurseries can achieve accreditation.
BIEA and Anhui Women's Federation reached a strategic cooperation
On 12th November 2019 the British International Education Association (BIEA) was pleased to welcome Wang Xijin, Vice President of the Anhui Women's Federation and delegates from the Anhui Province to its London headquarters. BIEA Secretary General Nikki Collins warmly welcomed their visitors. Together they discussed the promotion of British early years education globally, developments in STEM education, and international training and exchange programmes for female teachers, before signing a strategic cooperation agreement.
BIEA is a non-profit educational organisation that promotes British international education overseas, to meet the need for quality education in the international education market and to establish a direct dialogue with educators worldwide. BIEA’s early years education training and accreditation programme, which is based on the UK EYFS standard, has received global attention. The annual BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition has also gained worldwide acclaim. The competition, which brings together technology, science and human ingenuity, has attracted enthusiastic responses from young people and teachers all over the world, with the 2019 event attracting participants from 34 countries and regions. Even more youth worldwide are set to take part in the 2020 competition, which addresses perhaps the most pertinent environmental issue that the world currently faces with its theme: “STEM (Stop) the Tide of Plastic Pollution”.
The Anhui Women's Federation is a leading force in the women’s movement in China. The organisation is responsible for promoting government policies on women and protecting women’s rights, including the livelihood and wellbeing of girls. It has made positive contributions to promoting economic and social development in Anhui Province and the progress of women's careers in China.
The partnership of these two organisations will address the demand for British-style models of both early years and STEM education in Anhui Province, as well as making a specific commitment to developing the skills of female teachers and students in the area.
The first phase of the two organisations’ work together will be the “BIEA Sino-British STEM Camp Project (Primary and Secondary School)” and the meeting this week involved detailed planning of this collaboration. During their visit, delegates also visited the esteemed British girls' school St Teresa's Effingham in Surrey and The Perse School in Cambridge, where they met with the principal of each school and spoke to teachers about their specific early years and STEM education programmes.
This new partnership marks a further strengthening of the connection between BIEA and China, following the recent announcement of BIEA’s partnership with Soong Ching Ling Science and Cultural Centre, which will lead on a regional version of the BIEA STEM competition, to be held in mainland China. The foundation of a promising relationship between BIEA and the Anhui Women's Federation has opened up new and important opportunities for students from Anhui Province to participate in STEM education. Through alliances like these, yet more young people across China will benefit from participating in this highly regarded international competition.
BIEA Representative Delivers Keynote Speech at International Plastics Recycling Conference "ChinaReplas2019"
The 2019 China International Plastics Recycling Exhibition and the 22nd China Plastics Recycling Conference (ChinaReplas2019) was held this week in Suzhou International Expo Centre on 7th - 8th November. The conference, which brought together over 130 exhibitors, was supported by the China Synthetic Resin Association, China Scrap Plastic Association, and the European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organisation. Alex Zhang, International Development Director of the British International Education Association (BIEA) was invited to attend and deliver a keynote speech entitled "STEM (Stop) the Tide of Plastic Pollution", alerting the audience to the theme of BIEA 2020 International STEM Youth Innovation Competition and BIEA 2020 STEM Conference.
In his speech, Alex referred to the technological revolution over a hundred years ago that resulted from the invention of synthetic plastics but he also highlighted how the revolution that was intended to benefit people has triggered today's environmental disaster. BIEA is committed to encouraging youth to use technology to find solutions to tackle contemporary social and environmental issues and recently announced the theme of the 2020 International STEM Youth Innovation Competition "STEM (Stop) the Tide of Plastic Pollution". The competition challenges young people to use science and technology to solve the problem of plastic waste in our oceans, in line with the rationale and ethos of "ChinaReplas2019".
The annual BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition targets young people aged 9-21. Each year the competition has a different theme, which addresses a worldwide environmental or social issue. Competitors are required to use STEM to find solutions, integrating humanity with science and technology. The competition comprehensively trains and enhances STEM skills in young people through technical report writing, oral presentation, technical development, mission execution, evaluation and teamwork.
BIEA and China Synthetic Resin Association, the organiser of ChinaReplas2019 have recently begun a strategic partnership which aims to encourage young people to address the problem of plastic pollution via STEM. The two organisations will work together to promote the BIEA 2020 International STEM Youth Innovation Competition, jointly organising youth activities on the theme of plastics and establishing education exchange platforms and training in the field of plastics for young people, both in China and globally.
BIEA STEM – New Partnership in China Announced
China Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Centre for Young People Joins BIEA in Developing STEM Education across China
British International Education Association (BIEA) is pleased to announce a partnership with Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Centre for Young People (SCLSCC) on the BIEA 2020 International STEM Youth Innovation Competition.
The competition aims to inspire young people globally to study STEM subjects and consider a career in STEM, engaging them in a global enterprise, which is rooted in equal opportunities and educational development. The theme of the 2020 competition, "STEM the Tide of Plastic Pollution" addresses one of the most urgent environmental issues the world faces today. Challenging young people to utilise science and technology to tackle this problem encourages them to consider ambitious yet realistic approaches to the care and conservation of the planet and empowers them to have a meaningful impact, working towards creating a better future for the world, together.
As BIEA’s strategic competition partner in Mainland China, SCLSCC will deliver a regional model of the international competition across the country, engaging the largest education system in the world, which encompasses around 250 million students in well over 500,000 schools. This means that potentially millions more young people aged 9-21 will have the opportunity to develop their STEM learning and many more transferable skills, while the competition and programme itself expands even further internationally. Competitors in the Mainland China Regional Competition will also have the opportunity to win places in the international competition final, held in the UK in July 2020 and involving teams from around the globe.
At the signing ceremony on Monday, David Hanson, BIEA STEM Chairman shared the vision for the competition with the audience; he is confident that “our chosen topic will not only illustrate the importance of technological innovation when it comes to environmental protection, but also inspire the next generation of STEM graduates to put their minds to solving these pressing world issues.”
David Hanson presenting BIEA STEM Mission to the audience
BIEA’s mission is to promote British education to emerging international education markets in China, UAE and beyond, working to meet the needs and challenges in international education. BIEA is proud to be working with SCLSCC, an established and esteemed philanthropic organisation that aims to continue the work of Soong Ching Ling, an influential leader and political figure who had, among many other humanitarian pursuits, a life-long and active commitment to the development of education for youth and children.
The competition registration is open to schools across the world: www.bieacompetition.org.uk
BIEA & CPRRA Join Force to ‘STEM the Tide of Plastic Pollution’’ - New international STEM competition partnership announced
25 October, Beijing, China. British International Education Association (BIEA) & China Plastics Reuse and Recycling Association (CPRRA) announced a strategic partnership with the intention of encouraging young people to develop solutions that tackle plastic pollution through STEM. An MoU for the partnership was signed by David Hanson, STEM Chairman of BIEA and Ms Nanqing Jiang, Secretary-General of CPRRA.
The BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition is BIEA’s flagship programme, designed to encourage students between the age of 9 -21 to pursue study and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It presents a unique opportunity to motivate the next generation of leaders who will change the way we explore and connect in the world. One theme is chosen and announced each year (in January) to reflect the pressing issues and challenges in today’s world and how technology could be used in solving these challenges. There are five main components to the competition: report writing, innovation, presentation, Dragon’s Den style pitching and mission execution. With teamwork as the heart of the competition, students are developing critical skills that are essential for the future, no matter what career paths they may chose.
The 2020 competition theme considers the most challenging problem our planet faces today: STEM the Tide of Plastic Pollution.
China Plastics Reuse and Recycling Association (CPRRA) is the largest professional association for the plastic recycling industry in China, representing manufacturers, research institutions and trading companies in the sector. It has made a significant and continuing impact on plastic recycling programmes in China.
Through the unique BIEA International STEM Competition format, both BIEA and CPRRA will reach more young people to actively participate in solving the global plastic crisis. Joint efforts will be focusing on three initial areas in China:
1. BIEA 2020 competition theme technical support
2. Nationwide events for young people raising awareness and participation in plastics recycling
3. Developing a national information platform and associated educational resources on plastics
On the joint partnership, David said 'This is an important milestone in BIEA’s International STEM Competition, with CPRRA, we are bringing STEM education for young people to the forefront of China’s plastic recycling industry.' Nanqing, who was United Nation’s Environmental Programme National Officer in China for ten years, also agreed that the fight against plastic pollution has to be led by the future generation and, with BIEA’s expertise in international STEM education, CPRRA is well on track in its mission to inform and educate young people about plastic waste.
The 2020 competition is now open for registration: www.bieacompetition.org.uk
Details of competition guideline will be emailed to registered schools on 15th January 2020.
BIEA and the reowned British company Nurserybook signed an exclusive cooperation agreement, promoting the internationalisation of EYFS
The British International Education Association (BIEA), a non-profit educational organisation in the UK, has signed an exclusive cooperation agreement with the development company of the UK's well-known educational product Kinderly - the Nurserybook Ltd. BIEA and Nurserybook will jointly launch Kinderly NH app, a digital product for nursery teachers and parents using EYFS (Early Years Education Foundation Stage), the core of the UK's early years basic education system.
The NH in the app title is an abbreviation of Nursery Home, and gives users a sense of its functions. For nurseries, the app will provide teachers with the document recording functions involved in EYFS teaching, such as the EYFS observation table and EYFS evaluation functions. For parents, the app provides an intuitive child development report and will also embed parenting knowledge and instructional videos that are aligned with the latest UK EYFS content, allowing more families to recognise EYFS and benefit from this internationally recognised early years education system.
EYFS is increasingly recognised as an important methodology in the international early years education circle, in nurseries and early years education institutions both in the UK and worldwide. But there are also difficulties in teaching and home communication during the implementation process; the development of the app will help solve these problems. There will be a joint effort to provide authentic EYFS products for nurseries around the world, and BIEA will assist partners to develop according to local needs.
BIEA E-League (Early Years League) members will also be the first users to benefit from the app. E-League is a consortium of British early years providers (EYP) promoted by BIEA. This consortium is dedicated to providing professional education and early years education to other countries and regions in the UK. Since its launch, it has also been committed to providing members with comprehensive product help and support. The development of BIEA-Kinderly NH reflects current trends in the market as well as demonstrating the deep insight of E-League's needs for members.
As the leader of EYFS in the Chinese market, BIEA continues to provide EYFS services to more than 200 homes and EYFS related professional support for 5000+ teachers. Based on the establishment and operation of BIEA China Office, BIEA is familiar with the needs and demand of overseas markets, and has been committed to helping the globalisation of British education.
In BIEA's development strategy, although ELQ (Early Years League Qualification) accreditation is the core of the E-League sector, building a platform to support member development is also the focus of E-League development.
Nurserybook Ltd. has extensive experience in the development of educational products. Kinderly’s well-known products, adhere to the UK EYFS to provide a good life for every child. It also provides a professional and effective digital childcare solution for early years educators.
Combining the strong educational background of one, and the industry-leading educational products of the other, BIEA and Kinderly have jointly developed the Kinderly NH App. This app will provide excellent teaching for nurseries and early years education institutions that practice EYFS education around the world, whilst also being convenient for parents to use in the home.
BIEA has extensive resources in the UK, including some from third-party collaborative suppliers. BIEA is expanding the market overseas and anticipates closer cooperation with the overseas in the future. BIEA welcomes the cooperation of various suppliers and nurseries, and strives to provide authentic EYFS products for nurseries around the world.
BIEA 2020 International STEM Youth Innovation Competition - Theme announced
We are delighted to announce the 2020 BIEA competition theme "SOS - STEM (Stop) The Tide of Plastic Pollution."
As plastic pollution in the oceans and along shorelines is one of the most pressing environmental problems that the world is currently facing, the 2020 BIEA competition will ask teams of school students to come up with innovative solutions.
Work in teams and develop your skills in this brand-new challenge which will get you thinking, researching and creating an engineering solution that can be applied to a real-world problem!
Pre-registration is open now and details of the first round (report writing) will be announced in January 2020. Teams who qualify for the finals will be invited to the UK Finals Event to be held in July 2020.
Register here and be kept updated about the 2020 competition.