Early years in the uk context Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Early years in the uk context - Essay Example This England framework is goal based and outlines large number of goals, which children should achieve in their early education. In this essay, there is an outline of comparison of England and Scotland framework of early education. This comparison gives different aspects on various themes. For instance, the education approach of early childhood in England focuses on the individual child- centered approach. On the other hand, in England all children in a class should adhere to uniform approach. In order to make a comparison between the two curriculum policies one needs to consider the aspect of flexibility. This flexibility includes teacher’s interpretation of the framework and guidelines, which appears to be the identifiable difference between these two curriculum policies. In Scotland, the mode of early year’s education, which applies, is 0-8 program while National curriculum is the mode, which applies in England, North Ireland, and Wales. There are some similarities b etween the process of National Curriculum guidance of England and Scotland. In both nations, curriculum activities follow a subject-oriented system (CLARK, 2012:14). In England, educational syllabuses followed decisions from isolated educational working groups, which include everything covering all curricular activities. Contrastingly, in Scotland each review group gave out its ideal decisions in which some were complex map of primary education. Another similarity between the two aspects of early years curriculum is how the isolated working groups were confident, had tight timetables, and fast introduction to pre-schools. Apart from these similarities, the England National Curriculum has been more effective and has more central development than Scotland 0-8 curriculum. A great difference has been due to political influence in England arising from involvement of government in Curriculum policy. However, due to lack of good approaches to National Curriculum assessment in the year 1988 through 1993 led to the establishment of slimmed down curriculum in the year 1995. During this time, the England National Curriculum differed fro Scotland (0-8) assessment program. This was due to the separation primary and secondary stages. There was first and second stage of the 0-8 Scotland Curriculum Assessment program (DELORENZI & ROBINSON, 2005:41). Stage 1and 2 involves five to seven years and seven to eleven years for primary schools and major stages 3 and 4, which involves eleven years to fourteen years and fourteen years to sixteen years for secondary schools. This Scottish form of 0-8 Curriculum and Assessment Program covers a longer time span compared to the England policy of early year’s curriculum. Another difference occurs when comparing the curriculum coverage at each stage of education. The Scotland 0-8 Curriculum and Assessment programme covers all the required concepts of curriculum with the exception of a core curriculum. On the other hand, the England Na tional Curriculum concentrates on subjects such as mathematics, English, and Science as the key subjects. Subjects like technology, history, art, music, geography, and PE are the foundation subjects at first and second stage with an addition of a National language as foundation subject at the third stage. The nature of early years study program of the two systems is of a fussy interest. In En gland, teachers and education officers

The Importance Of Right Assessment Of Own Skills Personal Statement

The Importance Of Right Assessment Of Own Skills - Personal Statement Example I re-assessed my strengths and weaknesses and have come to realize that I am strong on the economic and mathematical abilities more than chemistry. Weighing all the pros and cons of my future plans, the feasibility of a stable job after finishing a certain course and other important factors that would establish my ability to pursue the course indeed had been a challenge. It took days of considerations and re-considerations until I have come to finalizing my decision, which I believe are now well-established with the aforementioned process I have been through. Like Thomas Edison, my rejection of my application as a major in Chemistry did not mean to be a failure, but a chance to review what I have to work on. And indeed it served its purpose as I have come to the inner strengths that can help me in pursuing my own dream based on my interests and not based on other people’s dreams for me. Dr. Robert Schuler, a great American pastor who built the ‘Chrystal Cathedral’, a church made of glass; on his experiences as a child who grew during the recession, said, â€Å"Tough times never last, but tough people do.† I may not have the blood of such great people running through my veins; however, I have their spirit flowing all over me. I believe as they do, that tough times do not drain the strength of a man rather they serve as fuels to engaging himself in his quests. The trials I have been through during my first application accelerated my thoughts on what is to become of my future and thus served as a turning point for important re-considerations. I have become aware that by following my mother’s footsteps, becoming a pharmacist; I would never be able to get to the top because that is not the dream that I am passionate enough to chase for. I might have let my mother down for not trailing her dream and my future might not be as bright as she wished , but I have faith in myself.

Reducing Plastic Bag Usage In Hong Kong Environmental Sciences Essay

Reducing Plastic Bag Usage In Hong Kong Environmental Sciences Essay The Hong Kong government and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) have launched an environmental levy of plastic shopping bags in July 2009 which aims to reduce indiscriminate use of plastic bags. After one-year of implementation, it is conducted that limited contribution is achieved. Our organization understands the awareness of the indiscriminate use of plastic bags which burdens the landfills and raises the visible environmental problem in Hong Kong. In this paper, we are writing to suggest two proposed policies in terms of extension of the levy scheme: (1) extend the scale of the levy to all retail outlets; and (2) embrace all types of plastic bags into charge. All of these aim to reduce the use of plastic bags more effectively in Hong Kong. Furthermore, we will discuss the effectiveness and concerns of the proposed policies with related references and successful cases from other countries e.g. Ireland, which has already introduced its plastic bag levy in 2002. Lastly, t he paper ends with a recommendation on broadening the scope of the levy scheme by corresponding measures. In 7th July 2009, the Hong Kong government and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) introduced the Environmental levy on plastic shopping bags (the scheme) in order to reduce indiscriminate use of plastic bags and arouse consumers awareness on the visible environmental problem in Hong Kong. The government proposed the scheme with a levy of 50 cents for a plastic shopping bag in a variety of retail outlets. After one-year of implementation, the government conducted that per-capita disposal figure of plastic shopping bags is over 1.8 per person in 2009 which is lowered than the figure conducted in 2005. The accomplishment is appreciated. (EPD, 2009) After a head start of one-year of implementation, it is potential for the scheme to be extended with a broader scope due to its incomprehensive outcomes and the presence of loopholes. Therefore, we are writing to suggest two proposed policies in terms of extension of the levy scheme which aims to reduce the use of plastic bags in a more effective way. Background information 3.1 Statement to the Problem The indiscriminate use of plastic bags is a major visible environmental problem in Hong Kong. From the Landfill Survey'(2005) which is conducted by EPD, it is estimated that more than 23 million of plastic bags are disposed in the landfill every day. In 2009, EPD took into account to this problem with the introduction of Environmental levy on plastic shopping bags. Nevertheless, according to the Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA)(2009), it is estimated that the scheme achieved a limited contribution with only 6% reduction of plastic bag usage after one-year of implementation. The estimation reflects that long-term implementation and extension of the scheme is needed to deal with the problem while the benefit of the extended scheme would probably go directly to environmental protection. 3.3 Our organizations interest with respect to the problem Our environmental organization understands the rising awareness of the indiscriminate use of plastic bags which lead to major visible environmental problem. Our objectives are tackling environmental issues and undertaking research for further advice to government policy in terms of environment protection. The survey conducted by GHK indicated that it takes 20 to 1000 years to decompose the plastic bags in the present landfills. In addition, the usage of plastic bags is increasing simultaneously. (GHK Hong Kong Ltd, 2007) With respect to the limited contributions achieved from the existing scheme, we have drawn up two policy options for the extension of the existing scheme which aim reduce the use of plastic bags and encourage consumers to change their behavior towards sustainable consumption. Policy options Current policy and situation There are only a total of 41 prescribed retailers registered under the levy scheme and about 3000 qualified retail outlets are subject to the current scheme. They are including supermarkets, convenience stores, and personal health and beauty stores. The number of registered retailers shows that the scope of the levy scheme is limited while 96% of retail outlets are still not subject to the scheme. In addition, it is conducted that 3 million of levy is collected in the first season after implementation of the plastic bag levy. However, a clear proposal is usually absent to tell how the revenue raised from the scheme is spent. According to EPD (May 2007), the definition of plastic shopping bags under the levy is that bags that are made wholly or predominantly of plastic with carrying handles, holes or strings. It turns out with the increasing use of alternative bags or wrapped packages, e.g. laminated plastic bags, non-woven bags and fruit bags. For example, supermarket chains were circumventing the levy and many retail outlets are starting to sell prepackaged products. Proposed policies Broaden the scope of the levy scheme (1)Extend the scale of the levy to all retail outlets (2)Embrace all types of plastic bags into charge Policy option (1) Extend the scale of the levy to all retail outlets 4.2.1a) Implementation The current policy apparently shows that the scope of the implement scheme is limited to achieve a more comprehensive goal. With respect to the limitation, the levy scheme should be implemented extensively in all kind of retail outlets in Hong Kong. The remaining 96% of retail outlets, including small-scale, individual neighborhood retail stores and local wet markets should be all covered in terms of the extension of the levy scheme. 4.2.1b) Effects and advantages The extension of the implement scale of retail outlets would further reduce indiscriminate use of plastic bags and arouse peoples attention to serious environmental problem. Ireland is a successful case among all countries implementations while all kinds of retail outlets are subject to the levy which a 15 Euro cent tax is paid for a plastic shopping bag. Nevertheless, Ireland achieved a dramatic reduction 94% of plastic bag usage is reduced with the effect of the levy scheme. (Frank, Simon Susana, 2007) 4.2.1c) Concerns and disadvantages Under the extension of implementation, we concern that some small retailers could not afford a computerized or new cashier system to handle the levy (most of the retailers in wet markets). Therefore, it is difficult for them to collect cash manually before submitting the levy to EPD. Apart from that, oppositions from different sectors would be raised, especially for those retailers which plastic bags are necessary used. For example, butchers in Ireland strongly opposed to the levy because of its hygiene reason. (Frank, Simon Susana, 2007) Therefore, the government should determine whether the exemption is needed for several kinds of retailers with corresponding measures. Policy option (2) Embrace all types of plastic bags into charge 4.2.2a) Implementation We suggested that all types of plastic bags should be embraced into charge. It means that all kinds of bags which are made of wholly or predominantly of plastic, including laminated plastic bags, non-woven bags and fruit bags are all imposed to the scheme even they contain carrying handles, holes or strings. In addition, the levy collected is suggested to go directly to an environmental fund for the expenditure of environmental disposal projects and educational purposes. 4.2.2b) Effects and advantages The scheme fills in the loopholes of the existing policy in terms of the revised definition of plastic bags. All kinds of plastic bags, including wrapped, packing product bags and fruit bags are all applied to the scheme. In Ireland, all kinds of plastic bags are embraced into charge with 15 Euro cents. It achieved with a dramatic reduction (94%) of plastic bag usage. From the successful case of Ireland, we anticipate that the embracement of all kinds of plastic bags into the scheme would effectively reduce the use of plastic bags by consumers and make a link between price value and good environmental behavior among the public. In addition, the levy which goes directly to an environmental fund avoids absence of reporting how the revenue is spent by the General Revenue and gives support to environmental disposal projects. For example, the revenues from the scheme in Ireland are ring fenced in an Environmental Fund which is controlled by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and L ocal Government for administration cost and capitals of environmental program promotion. (Frank, Simon Susana, 2007) 4.2.2c) Concerns and disadvantages We concern that there would be a rise of alternative use of paper shopping bags under the implementation of the proposed policy. As all kinds of plastic bags are subject to the levy, paper bag is the shifting target for both retailers and consumers. We are worrying that a single paper bag produces 2.7 times as much solid waste as the equivalent plastic bag. (GHK Hong Kong Ltd, 2007) According to the Hong Kong Plastic Bags Manufacturers Association executive vice chairman Ricky Wong Wai-ki, the materials and energy used for producing nonwoven recycled shopping bags is more environmental-unfriendly. (GHK Hong Kong Ltd, 2007) Therefore, the government is responsible for further action on tackling the problem of alternative use of paper bags. Recommendation Indiscriminate use of plastic bag is one of the major visible environmental problems in Hong Kong. The introduction of the Environmental levy on plastic shopping bags is necessary to tackle this problem. However, the limited contribution achieved from the scheme urged for a proper modification and more effective extension. Our organization suggests to extending the scale of the levy scheme to all retail outlets while 96% of them are still not subject to the scheme. Therefore, the enlarged scale of the levy would be an effective way to further reduce indiscriminate use of plastic bags and arouse peoples attention to serious environmental problem. The feasibility of the proposed policy is high in long terms with comprehensive planning and certain corresponding measures (for example: promotions, educational activities and distribution of fabric reusable shopping bags) supported by the government. We are anticipating to accomplishing a good environmental behavior developed among the public with this strong publicity campaign. Implementation(s): Study and learn from foreign successful cases of implementing plastic bag levy (e.g. Ireland) Conduct a comprehensive review with evaluation after 1-year implementation of the levy scheme Consult public, retailers and industries opinions on the extension of the levy scheme Broaden the scope of the levy scheme in terms of scale of scheme and the types of plastic bags a) Extend the scale of the levy to all retail outlets b) Embrace all types of plastic bags into charge Organize educational talks to all primary and secondary schools to promote the reduction of indiscriminate use of plastic bags Giving out fabric reusable shopping bags to students and less privileged families every year in order to encourage consumers to change their behavior towards sustainable consumption Reinforce the existing environmental campaign with sufficient promotion Bring your own bag (BYOB) Conclusion Due to limited contributions achieved in the existing environmental levy on plastic shopping bags, an extension of the levy scheme is necessary to achieve a more comprehensive goal. Our organization suggests two policy options, including the extension of the scale to all retail outlets and embraces all kinds of plastic bags into charge. From the successful case learnt from Ireland, we ensure that the implementations of these similar policies are effective. Therefore, it is necessary for the Hong Kong government to extend the levy scheme in terms of scope in order to achieve a sustainable consumption of plastic bags.

Transitioning a Child To Daycare Essay -- Child Development

When a parent leaves their child off at a daycare, they often wonder why their child who was happy and content before they arrived cries and screams when their parent leaves to go to work. This is a very hard transition for infants, which is why it's our job as infant toddler teachers to make the transition as comfortable and relaxing as possible. The reason children feel this way when their parents leave is because they are in what Piaget calls the sensorimotor stage, and are in the beginning of object permanence meaning that an infant realizes something is their even though they cannot see it. This is very important because, before an infant can experience object permanence often refereed to as separation anxiety, they only think about what is in their view at the time, therefore they think about the present rather than the future. The infant feels like the parent left them with a stranger, and they are not coming back. As a teacher you can help decrease this by communicating with the parents, and allowing the infant to get used to the environment, and asking parents not to s...

Drinking Water Essay

How many of you, when go to a restaurant and the waiter/waitress asks do you want something to drink. How many of you would prefer a glass of water out a fridge filled with soda, fruit juices, or beer? My guess is that probably no all of you prefer to drink water. I would choose water over the other options. I was not used to drinking water, but after I heard of the benefits that water has, I started to drink more water. For example when I’m thirsty instead of taking any kind of soda I prefer to drink water because it’s healthier for my health. Americans seem to carry bottled water everywhere they go these days. In fact, it has become the second most popular drink. Now, for those of you who drink water; do you actually get enough water that your body needs on a daily basis? Well according to Governance of water in the western United State everyone should strive to drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day. Today many people like to drink water because it has many benefits, some of these benefits are: Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids: Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. Water helps your body to function properly. Every cell needs water. Water Can Help Control Calories. If you are trying to lose weight, water is the best tool because water has zero calories, cero sugar, replaces high calories drinks, alcohol and fruit juice, a half cup of fruit juice can contain up to 80 calories, natural appetite suppressant. Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good: Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. Natural Headache Remedy: Helps relieve and prevent headaches (migraines & back pains too! ) which are commonly caused by dehydration. A water guzzler is less likely to get sick: Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu, cancer, infection, pain arthritis, and other ailments like heart attacks. You will have more energy through the day as a result of drinking more water. Your body will feel healthy which will lead you to feel happier and put you in a good mood. If you think you need to be drinking more, here are some tips to increase your fluid intake and reap the benefits of water: 1. Carry a water bottle for easy access when you are at work of running errands. 2. Choose water when eating out. Generally, you will save money and reduce calories. 3. Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. This can also help with weight management. 4. Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag. 5. Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste and help you drink more water than you usually do. Water is life’s mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water. † Albert Szent-Gyorgyi quotes.

Political Compromise

The political compromise during the period of 1820 to 1860 was unable to reduce sectional tension during this time period. According to Tom Meltzer and Jean H. Bennett, in their book Cracking the Ap U.s. History Exam, â€Å"The new period of expansion resulted in a national debate over slavery, as would every period of expansion to follow until the Civil War resolved the slavery question. † The Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and†¦ were just a quick fix for the inevitable to come, the civil war. The political compromises of this time period were not able to meet their final goal, primarily because of misunderstandings The Missouri compromise, which admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, helped balance the U. S. Senate. The compromise was one of the first measures anticipating the Civil War, It was helpful for a small period of time before more states were created and tipped off the balance. The Missouri compromise wasn’t effective in reducing sectional tension, because it was only effective for a small period of time before sectional struggle began over the new territories that were being settled. Another example of a quick fix to reduce sectional tension is the Compromise of 1850. California created a state constitution that prohibited slavery, which of course caused the South to oppose bid for statehood. The Compromise of 1850 admitted California as a free state, enacted a fugitive slave law, and created the territories of Utah and New Mexico, it also let them decide if they wanted to be a free or slave state.