STAEDTLER is delighted to announce the launch of World Kids Colouring Day.  This imaginative project aims to celebrate the creativity of young children worldwide and also give practical assistance to those children denied even basic educational opportunities.

This month the government’s teaching advisers, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) have called upon schools to scrap the traditional timetable in favour of month-long projects on subjects such as ‘global warming’. A more creative approach to teaching will make lessons more interesting and cut down on truancy, argues the report – but is this further evidence of dumbing down and a return to ‘trendy teaching’ or a sensible way to make learning more interesting?

We’re delighted to bring you a sample of STAEDTLER’s famous 309 handwriting pen this month. Many of you will already be familiar with this popular pen as it’s been a firm favourite in our schools for years now.

Specifically designed to encourage good handwriting skills, the pen is loaded with the following features and benefits:

Market-leaders of scholastic products Helix have now produced an innovative range of Sharpeners with the ultimate safety feature.

For years, teachers and parents have been concerned at the number of instances where students have been able to simply unscrew the blade from screwdrivers presenting a significant health hazard. For Back-to-School 2007, new Sharpeners from Helix will incorporate a patented antitamper screw that prevents students from removing blades, providing reassurance to teachers.

Faber Blinds has supplied and fitted radio-controlled black-out blinds in a new multipurpose performing arts studio at Edgbaston School near Birmingham.

Leading stationery brand, BIC®, is set to build on its 2006 Back to School success, with the launch of its fantastic Back to School range for 2007.

This year, BIC has developed a new vibrant range aimed at the teens market. By focusing on trend and colour, BIC has created products that will grab the attention of teenagers, and are backed with the reliability of the BIC brand.

Graham Harrison, STAEDTLER’s Business Education Manager, takes up the story.

Based in Wales, STAEDTLER manufactures more than 160 million writing instruments every year. Many of these are world famous, such as the instantly recognisable Noris yellow and black striped pencil and that office classic, the STAEDTLER stick pen.

Learning is fun thanks to supplier of entertaining and intelligent games, Brain-ed. The games - designed to educate youngsters about topical lifestyle and social issues such as health and fitness, road safety, racism and bullying - are from the pioneering company behind the Kaleidoscope Classic – winner of the Smart Puzzle category at the 2006 Science Museum Awards.

2007 promises to be a busy year for The Pilot Pen Company as it has just appointed a new manager to head up its Education Division and launched a groundbreaking range of new products, named BegreeN.

Leading stationery manufacturer, BIC®, unveils its exciting plans for this year’s Education Show at the NEC in Birmingham, including the chance for one lucky school to win a truly fantastic prize.