Debuting at BETT 2008: The Big Bus gets Bigger!

At BETT 2008, TAG Learning Ltd. ("TAG") will be showcasing the latest version of The Big Bus, the cross-curricular resource designed for children from three to eleven years old, on the TAG stand (B56), with new content provided by Software for Whiteboards. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see how the The Big Bus integrates with eportfolio and Learning Platforms systems, as well as running on handheld devices.

TAG Learning is pleased to announce the official launch of the latest version of The Big Bus featuring some exciting new modules. TAG has licenced a number of modules from Software for Whiteboards which will now be included - along with other existing and new modules - in The Big Bus. All current subscribers will have access to these Software for Whiteboard modules at no additional charge.

Subsequently, TAG Learning will be introducing a Software for Whiteboards' phonics module for KS1. This module features a variety of motivating challenges aimed at helping children hear and identify phonemes and blend phonemes to help read words. The activities are set against an exciting adventure story and is equipped with a comprehensive set of teacher controls to optimise the use of the module.

Commenting on the new content, Pilar Cloud, Managing Director of TAG Learning said 'This new content from Software for Whiteboards makes The Big Bus a compelling solution for all primary schools. The new resources are first rate and created by the educationalists with the highest pedigree. We are confident that this new partnership with Software for Whiteboards will be appreciated by all our existing users - and new school users - and will continue to deliver more great resources in the future.'

These new Software for Whiteboard modules come hot on the heels of three other newly-launched modules and BETT 2008 will provide an excellent opportunity for heads and teachers to see these too:

• Pushes and Pulls - introduces (and re-enforces) the concepts and vocabulary of forces and motion to Key Stage 1 children.
• The Spelling Castle - A great resource for teaching spelling rules such as adding 's', 'ing', silent letters and prefixes and suffices, using the 'Look, Cover, Write, Check' method.
• Habitats - Designed for KS2 pupils, Habitats helps pupils classify plants and animals, match animals to habitats, design food chains and develop a keen awareness of the fragile inter-relationships between plants and animals.

Visitors will also be able to see how effectively The Big Bus can be integrated with learning systems. Specifically, it can be seen with TAG's award winning ePortfolio and assessment system, MAPS, where it can actively contribute to a personalised learning programme. There are now over 40 different modules for The Big Bus, and more will be launched in the coming months.

Benefits to Pupils

• Delivers a wide range of engaging, educationally sound learning resources through fun activities.
• Designed to be simple, intuitive and targeted to the abilities of children in early years and primary education.
• Encourages communication and collaboration: great for self-paced and group working.
• Raises motivation and achievement.

Benefits to Teachers

• Fit for purpose: designed by UK educationalists to meet - and exceed - the requirements of the UK curriculum.
• Helps with the delivery of a personalised learning strategy.
• Can integrate with ePortfolio systems (and is included in TAG Learning's MAPS® ePortfolio), Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and can be used with PDAs and interactive whiteboards.
• Easy to use: allows teachers to concentrate on learning opportunities rather than technology.
• Supported with extensive resources including suggested lesson plans, curriculum correlations and worksheets and suggestions for extension activities.
• Multi-level resources permit the tailoring of activities to the abilities of individual children

For more information about The Big Bus (incl. organising a demonstration and artwork illustrating the new resources and applications) please do not hesitate to contact

Peter Cope on: 07886 199640 p.cope@taglearning.com