Publications

publications_logo_64Various publications, mainly from the Northern Grid for Learning.

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Behind Bars

  25 October 2011

Click image for higher resolution or download PDF below.

Behind Bars Poster

PDF DocumentDownload this poster as a PDF

  Label Also labeled: eSafety, eSafety Messages, eSecurity, Posters


Northern Grid Monthly Newsletter - October 2011

  12 October 2011

Find out about our latest news, upcoming events, and some of the best educational resources on the web in our Monthly Newsletter.
 

This Month

Enter your school for the Northern Grid Awards

Will your eSafety provision deliver an "Outstanding" judgement?

Creative Strategies to Support Literacy KS2

 

Leave a comment below

 

View the Newsletter »

 

  Label Also labeled: NG Services, Northern Grid Created, News


How to Lose Your Job in 7 Minutes

  30 September 2011

or...The Importance of Ownership

A superb eSafety video from Northern Grids' ‘Protecting Adults Who Work With Children’ event.

 



Northern Grid Newsletter - September 2011

  12 September 2011

Benefit from high quality services included in your broadband price

Subscribers to our newsletter were told about all of the benefits you can get from Northern Grid and the exciting upcoming opportunities throughout the region and beyond.

View the Newsletter

  Label Also labeled: Governors, Head Teachers, News, NG Services, Teachers


Northern Grid Acceptable Use Policy 2011-2012

  12 September 2011

ng_aup_2011_icon_200

Schools are well aware of the need to keep pupils, teachers, data and systems as safe and secure as possible. All schools need to ensure that they have an up to date Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). To support schools in meeting their eSafety requirements Northern Grid has a responsibility to ensure that the whole Regional Broadband Network continues to be safe and secure. This means that all organisations connected to the network need to abide by a common Northern Grid AUP. As technology changes rapidly this Grid AUP is updated regularly.

 

The Northern Grid Acceptable Use Policy has been endorsed and approved by the Northern Grid Directors who are all senior managers within partner Local Authorities. Your Local Authority has agreed to abide by this AUP.

This policy applies to all users of the Northern Grid broadband network whoever they are, whatever devices they are using, whenever and wherever they are connected to the network. This also includes users within a directly connected establishment or users connecting to the network remotely.

Any school, LA or other educational organisation using Northern Grid for Learning's Network or Service is required to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

Failure or non-compliance may result in the school's broadband service being disconnected and / or civil, disciplinary or legal action being taken upon individuals, groups of individuals or establishments.

Head teachers must ensure that all users are familiar with the relevant sections of this AUP.

This document refers to the use of the regional Northern Grid network. Schools also need their own Acceptable Use Policy covering the use of the internet and their network by pupils, staff and visitors.

 

PDF DocumentDownload the Acceptable Use Policy 2011-2012

PDF DocumentDownload the Executive Summary of the Acceptable Use Policy 2011-2012



Important Information about Northern Grid Services

  12 September 2011

Northern Grid for Learning

 

This is a collection of useful information about the services Northern Grid offers and what to do if you want to buy a service from us, or if you want to leave us to go elsewhere.

The broadband Northern Grid provides to schools and Local Authorities is currently provided through Easynet. Our contract with Easynet will expire on July 31st 2012 and Northern Grid is going through a procurement process to identify who will provide our connectivity after this date

This means that information in the documents on this page is likely to change. To make sure you get the most up to date information heads can complete the Expression of interest document. See the Procurement briefing note for more information.



If you wouldn't stick it on a real wall...

  01 September 2011

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privacy poster

PDF DocumentDownload this poster as a PDF

  Label Also labeled: eSafety, eSafety Messages, Posters, eSecurity


Privacy Poster

  25 August 2011

Click image for higher resolution or download PDF below.

privacy poster

PDF DocumentDownload this poster as a PDF

  Label Also labeled: eSafety, eSafety Messages, eSecurity, Posters


A Poster About Passwords

  23 August 2011
Click image for higher resolution or download PDF below.

passwords poster

PDF DocumentDownload this poster as a PDF

  Label Also labeled: eSecurity, Posters, eSafety, eSafety Messages


How to check that your CachePilot web filtering is correctly configured

  14 March 2011

Please carry out the following checks.  If any of the tests fail then your Cachepilot configuration is not providing adequate protection.  Contact Easynet Support on 08453334568 for further advice and assistance.

Google Safe Search

Open your browser and type the URL www.google.com a search windows will open click on the search settings link top right.  If you can view and change the SafeSearch Filtering options SafeSearch in not enforced.

YouTube

If you have decided to allow access to YouTube for a CachePilot user group, login as a member of this group and access the URL www.youtube.com a green banner titled "Enabled Safety mode" should appear directly below the YouTube search bar.  After any video is selected check to ensure that viewer’s comments are disabled.  They would normally appear directly below the video.

Blocked Categories

From your workstation’s browser access the following URLs.  All of the following URLs should be blocked if they are not your browser will be automatically redirected to the Smoothwall home page.  If any sites are not blocked check you’re filtering for configuration errors!

www.smoothwall.net/blocktest/intolerance

www.smoothwall.net/blocktest/drugs

www.smoothwall.net/blocktest/porn

www.smoothwall.net/blocktest/hacking

www.smoothwall.net/blocktest/gore

www.smoothwall.net/blocktest/socialnetworking

www.smoothwall.net/blocktest/adult

 

The above categories are blocked by default on all Northern Grid Cachepilots.

 

Social networking sites are now the most common method of spreading malware and viruses due to their popularity and poor design.  If the school allows access to these sites a rigorous security policy needs to be enforced to protect the network.


Cachepilot FAQ

What can a CP do for your school?

A CachePilot can speed up the delivery of web resources to your school through transparent and advanced caching techniques.  The device can also be used as a local content store.  The Smoothwall web filtering solution protects web users from offensive and malicious websites and offers URL category blacklists and dynamic content control. 

How does the Smoothwall filtering work?

Smoothwall uses two separate techniques to block inappropriate websites.  A URL category blacklist database is stored and updated on the unit of well-known websites.  To enhance the URL blacklist a dynamic content filter is deployed.  This heuristic filter is able to identify and categorize websites in real time, and block or allow them according to the policy deployed.

The dynamic content control uses a weighted phrase limit.  The WPL is a sensitivity bar and defaults to 50 suitable for a primary school.  Secondary Schools may wish to increase the limit (desensitize) to 120.   The CachePilot has the ability to blacklist (block) or whitelist (allow) any website, webpage or file type download.

Can I use Site Lists with the new Smoothwall filtering solution?

We recommend you do not use site lists but they can be added to the site list permission if required.  The new filtering configuration is now simpler to use and more efficient due to the separation of filtering components.  To modify the filtering select User Accounts / Groups  and select the group you wish to modify. The Global group policy applies to everybody and should be populated with your school blacklist. The new filtering configuration allows exceptions to be added in a group thereby eliminating the need to reduce the number of blacklisted categories for the Global group.

 

The Cachepilot slows down web access?

A correctly configured and maintained CachePilot does not generate any significant delay. Slow Internet performance may result from a problem on your network or on the remote web server. The new web filtering solution is more reliable and provides faster performance than a CachePilot running Smartfilter.

Websites on the Internet are hosted on a range of equipment resulting in performance differences to add to this geographic location and server loading can impact on the speed of your web access. If a website is generally slow to access it is a prime candidate for using the CachePilot’s advanced caching functionality.  If the Internet connection is slow contact mark.vinnicombe@northerngrid.org to run a remote diagnostic check.

 

PDF DocumentDownload As Document



Tools for Learning Booklet

  04 February 2011

Download Tools for Learning Booklet


Northern Grid works with teachers, Local Authorities, Museums, Libraries, Archives and other organisations from across the region to develop a range of content for teachers and learners.

The Tools for Learning booklet highlights some of the these resources.

 

PDFDownload Booklet (21 MB)

 

 

 



Northern Grid - Services Guide 2011

  27 January 2011
Download the Services Guide

UPDATE:

The broadband Northern Grid provides to schools and Local Authorities is currently provided through Easynet. Our contract with Easynet will expire on July 31st 2012 and Northern Grid is going through a procurement process to identify who will provide our connectivity after this date

This means that some of our services are likely to change. To make sure you get the most up to date information heads can complete an Expression of Interest document.

 

If your school purchases broadband from Northern Grid make sure you are accessing all of the services included in the broadband price. Our Services Guide gives an overview of the services and products Northern Grid offers in the following areas:

Infrastructure & Connectivity Technical Support
Learning Learning Platforms
esafety esecurity

If your school doesn’t get broadband from us you can still access many of these services. Use our Join Us page or contact admin@northerngrid.orgto find out about our services and prices.

PDF DOcumentDownload the Services Guide (29 MB)



NG Conf 2011 - Sponsorship Opportunities

  26 January 2011


Northern Grid for Learning Email Newsletter January 2011

  12 January 2011
Northern Grid for Learning Email Newsletter

Northern Grid Newsletter


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Procurement Announcement January 2011

Northern Grid has just launched its next procurement exercise to provide broadband connectivity to schools and Local Authorities. 
This procurement will deliver high speed reliable broadband connections and should achieve considerable additional savings and more flexibility for schools. 
The new contract will become live in 2012. 
We are at the initial stages but there will be opportunities for schools to be involved in the process.

Contact Mel Philipson or Gerry Boynes for further information Tel: 0191 4611 844


line
Online CPD course for Clipbank Trial

clipbank Trial

Espresso Education is working with the University of Hull to provide a practical online CPD course. There will be a trial between January and July 2010. This is free for a limited number of places and you can apply as an individual or group.

More informamtion about the Online CPD course for Clipbank

lineDevelopment of ICT Case Study



ICT case studyw

Darlington St John’s Case Study
This Case Study by St John's Primary School, Darlington, details how the school have developed ICT throughout the school. The Case Study includes samples of work and some example policies for schools to use.


More information on the Development of ICT Case Study

line Northern Grid ICT in Education Awards

NG Awards

Many schools in the Northern Grid region are supporting teaching and learning with exciting and innovative uses of ICT. Are you one of them?

If you are you can enter the Northern Grid ICT in Education Awards 2011, celebrate your success and you could win a prize for your school.


More on the Northern Grid ICT in Education Awards

line June Conference CPD event

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Friday 24th June 2011   
Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne


The most important and relevant professional development event of the year, featuring workshops by leading and award-winning teachers from around the UK


More information about the June CPD Conference

Event Focus

Mary Farmer who will be speaking at the June event


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VC to the Met Office

toolkit

The Met Office are offering free video conferences for key stage 1-4 pupils in England. Video Conference topics available are Weather, Climate change and Weather forecasting

More information on VC to the MET Office

lineeAA Board Marketing Co-ordinator

toolkit

The eAA Board has taken the decision to recruit a part-time, self-employed, Marketing Co-ordinator.

Full details of the position

This role will require a commitment of notionally 25 hours per month, with the person who undertakes this role managing continuing membership activities, helping to develop and implement a longer-term strategy to ensure that the eAA retains its membership, and continuing to attract additional sponsorship through new activities and/or services.

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The Learning Platform Network Conference From Adoption to Excellence

toolkit

A unique opportunity for school leaders and learning platform evangelists to come together with the leading learning platform suppliers to share, learn, influence and develop new relationships.
The conference is platform agnostic and as such will provide clear and real life examples of how schools and providers can work in partnership to use their platforms to support school improvement and raising standards.

More information on the Learning Platforrm Network Conference



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Northern Grid for Learning -  11 Vance Business Park, Norwood Road  Gateshead, Tyne & Wear,  NE11 9NE,  England
Registered No: 4824016
Tel: 0191 461 1844   Fax: 0191 461 1833
Email: admin@northerngrid.org
or visit us at: www.northerngrid.org
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Northern Grid Monthly Electronic Newsletter - November 2010

  04 November 2010
Northern Grid for Learning Email Newsletter

Northern Grid Newsletter

lineImportant Information about Northern Grid Services


A collection of useful documents for further information on the services we offer.

Information includes:

  • FAQs about getting broadband and services from Northern Grid
  • Details the average broadband costs to schools of Northern Grid's services
  • A letter to Northern Grid Head Teachers detailing the cost savings and benefits they are already receiving from Northern Grid
  • A guide for schools wanting to purchase an alternative broadband connection
  • A breakdown of the services you receive from Northern Grid and what they actually mean


Further information about Northern Grid Services

lineNorthern Grid E- Safety Services


Northern Grid can offer a range of e safety services to its partner and non-partner schools as well as the independent sector. Northern Grid for Learning has a national reputation for its range of support and materials. Resources are available for organisations with a responsibility to care for and protect children and young people. Northern Grid has worked extensively with national bodies including Becta and DfE to develop policies and documentation to support schools. Northern Grid officers regularly speak at regional and national conferences held by the National Education Network, LSCBs and Becta.

Portfolio of Northern Grid E-Safety Services

Latest e Safety resource ‘How to lose your Job ’ here

lineBeat Bullying 'The Big March'


Big March

Anti-Bullying Week is set to be bigger and better than ever before! The theme this year is 'Taking Action Together' and we're inviting you and your school to join in.

Further information about Beat Bullying 'The Big March'

"The big march will be marching across the Northern Grid and National Education Network websites all day on Monday the 15th November.

lineAnti-Bullying Week 2010



Anti Bullying

Ten top tips and information for your school to help make Anti-Bullying Week a big success from the Anti-Bullying Alliance

More information on Anti-Bullying Week 2010

lineSafer Internet Day 2011


SID2011

It's more than a game, it's your life!

Additional information about SID 2011

If you are planning Safer Internet Day activities and would like some support or promotion for your event please get in touch at admin@northermgrid.org using the subject line 'SID 2011'

lineTyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service - Bonfire Campaign DVD


TWFS

A powerful DVD suitable for young people aged 11+

The DVD has been made by TWFRS and features a local young man, Connor Rowntree, age 16 from Newbottle, who is helping us this year by featuring in this hard hitting educational documentary about his story.

Further information about the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service - Bonfire Campaign DVD

lineNational Schools VC User Group Conference 2010


VC

This year's School VC User Group event is happening this month on the 22nd November at the Royal Society. You can participate from The Northern Grid Office in Gateshead as it will be connected to the conference all day.

More details on the National Schools VC User Group Conference 2010

lineEdCom Free Online Resources


EdCom

All the resources have been written by educational authors and tested and trialled with students and teachers.

Access to resources

Resources include:

    1. Young Science Investigators Cool Creations
      Free Science and technology teaching resource(KS2)

    1. Science Skills
      Free Science teaching resource(KS3,KS4)

    1. Think! Road Safety
      Free PHSE, Citizenship, English and Drama teaching resource(KS1,2,3,4)

  1. My Life
    Free PHSE and Citizenship teaching resources for (KS2)

 

lineCachePilot migration to SmoothWall web filtering


The migration is almost complete all Northern Grid CachePilot’s are now running SmoothWall Guardian. The new filtering service offers enhanced web protection and improved performance.

Any CachePilot still running the Smartfilter filter service will stop working on the 30th of November. Please ensure that you check that your CachePilot has been migrated. The quickest method of checking your CachePilot is to login to the unit type “smoothwall” in the search box and the unit should display “license: Guardian powered by SmoothWall filtering” If this is not the case contact Easynet Support on 08453334568 to resolve.

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Northern Grid for Learning - 11 Vance Business Park, Norwood Road Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE11 9NE, England
Registered No: 4824016
Tel: 0191 461 1844 Fax: 0191 461 1833
Email: admin@northerngrid.org
or visit us at: www.northerngrid.org





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