The Aspire+ Silver accreditation course is now available to all Wakefield staff who have completed the Bronze course. Access to silver is via the Community Course Catalogue - type in the search box - Wakefield Silver and apply directly to join the course. Further information about Aspire+ silver, including joining instructions can be found on the Wakefield LA main dashboard

The 'Bronze' online VLE training materials are now available for all staff in schools.  Please see your school Adminitrator for joining instructions which have been sent to all schools. Once completed, please send an email with your name and school to hylton.cornish@itslearning.com to ensure you receive your certificate
                         

In this update there is a brand new test tool for the early learner interface, as well as offering improved user experience when using the planner, learning objectives, iOS-based devices and registrations.

http://www.itslearning.co.uk/software-update-october-2012
                   

Wakefield Council has released its first mobile device application - or 'app'.

The app is designed to inform school staff, governors, students, parents and employers about RPA - Raising the Participation Age.

From 2013, the Government have stated that young people must remain in education (at school, college, training provider, employer offering training, voluntary work with training or an Apprenticeship) until the end of the academic year they turn 17, and from 2015 this will increase to at least their 18th birthday.

This means if a young person:
* is currently in Year 11, they won't be affected by RPA.
* is in Year 10, they will have to stay in education until the end of the academic year they turn 17.
* is in Year 9 or below, they will have to stay in education until at least their 18th birthday.

Young people will continue to make their learning choices at the age of 16, such as studying A-Levels or following an Apprenticeship.

The free app, which provides full information about RPA, including an RPA calculator and details on the options available, will be available on the following devices:
* iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad via iTunes - available NOW! See 'Links' section on this page.
* Android via Android Market - available NOW! See 'Links' section on this page.
* BlackBerry via BlackBerry App World

Leaflets with this information have also been issued via schools.