Bursar’s Review

Spring 2023 www.theisba.org.uk 6 T: 01373 468030 E: mailbox@nvbarchitects.co.uk W: nvbarchitects.co.uk Spring 2023-outlines.indd 1 24/01/2023 10:40:16 News A new international report by Vodafone Foundation shows that many European teachers lack the confidence and experience to use technology in their teaching and risk increased work stress as a result. 3,000 teachers in 11 European countries were surveyed and results reveal a significant digital divide in education across the continent, with teachers supporting the need for training opportunities and support from policymakers as a result. The 21st Century Teachers research finds that: • 20 percent of teachers surveyed say they have little or no experience using digital technology for teaching; • 48 percent feel increased work stress due to the lack of integration of digital technology in their teaching; and • 42 percent feel they quickly reach their limits when using technology. Attitudes in the UK • Half of UK teachers feel increased work stress due to the integration of digital technology in their teaching, and 44 percent feel they quickly reach their limits when using technology; • 61 percent of UK teachers think education policy measures are not sufficient to prepare pupils for future job markets, while only three fifths agree that digital education is a priority of their government; and • 77 percent of UK teachers believe more is expected of schools and teachers from their government in the area of digital teaching than can actually be achieved. The study also highlights an opportunity for governments to address the gap identified by teachers in digital education and digital skills. Vodafone Foundation study reveals digital divide in education Warning of unprecedented heatwaves as El Niño set to return in 2023 The return of the El Niño climate phenomenon later this year will cause global temperatures to rise ‘off the chart’ and deliver unprecedented heatwaves, scientists have warned. Early forecasts suggest El Niño will return later this year, exacerbating extreme weather around the globe making it ‘very likely’ the world will exceed 1.5°C of warming. This year is already forecast to be hotter than 2022, which global datasets rank as the fifth or sixth hottest year on record. But El Niño occurs during the northern hemisphere winter and its heating effect takes months to be felt, meaning 2024 is much more likely to set a new global temperature record. The greenhouse gases emitted by human activities have driven up average global temperature by about 1.2°C to date. This has already led to catastrophic impacts around the world, from searing heatwaves in the US and Europe to devastating floods in Pakistan and Nigeria, harming millions of people. “It’s very likely that the next big El Niño could take us over 1.5C”, said Professor Adam Scaife, the head of long-range prediction at the UK Met Office. “The probability of having the first year at 1.5°C in the next five-year period is now about 50:50. “Science can now tell us when these things are coming months ahead. So we really do need to use it and be more prepared, from having readiness of emergency services right down to what crops to plant”. This report serves as a timely reminder that we can all do our bit. In the Sustainability Guide, published with this issue of the Bursar’s Review, we suggest ways in which your school can approach the vitally important journey to net zero.