posted by Louise Kirby, YMI Coordinator, Schools and Learning

Jam Time project was delivered to P7s at Northmuir, Letham, Strathmore and Langlands Primary. This was a free opportunity to have 2 workshops with professional musician Steven Gibbons.  He introduced basic guitar chords, explored guitar styles and pupils played along instantly to modern backing tracks.  Guitars were provided to schools for pupils to continue their interest.

Pupil feedback from Langlands “It was great to be given the opportunity to play the guitar, due to our school being given the guitars. We loved learning new chords and getting to play along to a backing track. We liked playing as part of a group because you didn’t feel put on the spot if you made a mistake. The tutorial wasn’t just about us sitting back and listening, it was a practical, “hands-on” session which was exciting. We also appreciated being give our own guitar pick! Thank you!” 

Feedback from Letham pupils “It was fun, learning new songs, learning the chords, playing the rhythm to the song.”

This project is funded by Youth Music Initiative with an aim of offering young  people opportunities to take part in enjoyable music making opportunities.

For more info on YMI projects contact KirbyL@angus.gov.uk

posted by Alita Spink, Support Officer, Schools and Learning

New RHET website

https://www.rhet.org.uk/  We are pleased to let you know that RHET now have a new website which should make it easier for you to find information and book sessions.

posted by Alita Spink, Support Officer, Schools and Learning

Who can help Food Education in Scotland?

What is this?

Grey Area What is this:  This resource lists a range of organisations who can support your food education projects.

Who is this for?

Grey Area Who is this for:  This resource supports practitioners from all sectors and targets all levels within Curriculum for Excellence.

Explore this resource

posted by Alita Spink, Support Officer, Schools an Learning

When we hosted the Launchpad events with Steven Kidd from UNICEF last year, we received lots of feedback stating that SMT members and teachers would really value the opportunity to come together to hear about the latest resources/games/activities and to find out what other schools have been doing in terms of Global Citizenship/Learning for Sustainability.  Well, in a direct response to your wishes, we have ensured that the opportunity has arrived!

We are inviting all those who have engaged with us in myriad ways over the last 3 years to come to the One World Centre, 189 Princes Street, Dundee, DD4 6DQ on Wednesday 22^nd February, 2017 from 4-5.15 p.m.  Just click on the Eventbrite link here and sign up today for your free tickets:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-citizenship-networking-tickets-31510065454

At our previous events, SMT members and teachers have said:

“I found it inspiring!”

“Look forward to filtering it through our school.”

“It was a highly informative and enjoyable CLPL.  I plan to make LfS a priority in our next School Improvement Plan.”

“We shall encourage our pupils to act!”

We know, from our travels around Scotland, that there is some excellent practice global citizenship education in our schools at the present time so do come along and share and hear he latest news.

We look forward to seeing you again soon.

posted by Alita Spink, Support Officer, Schools and Learning

Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee consider and report on matters falling within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills. This includes: Early Years and Childcare, Schools and Teaching, Child protection and Looked After Children, Skills

Round-table discussion

The Committee plans to host a round-table discussion on Personal and Social Education (PSE) on Wednesday 22 February 2017. The Committee wants to understand what the main issues are in relation to the content and delivery of PSE. This is likely to be a wide-ranging session and will help the Committee to decide what further work it may do on this topic.

Your views

The Committee is keen to hear the views of young people, teachers, parents and carers on PSE.

The Committee is looking for your views on this question:

What should personal and social education sessions be about?

There are several ways you can contribute to the Committee’s work on PSE:

• Send a 100 word email the Committee;
• Comment on twitter;
• Comment on facebook; or
• Make a 1 minute video and send a link to the Committee.

However you want to respond, please provide your views to the Committee by Monday 13 February 2017.

If you have any questions please contact the Committee clerks on 0131 348 5204.

Treatment of emails and submissions

As normal, the Committee will publish any emails or other submissions on this work.  If you would like your email to be published anonymously, please make that clear in your email. 

The Scottish Parliament’s policy on written evidence can be found here: http://www.parliament.scot/help/31037.aspx

posted by Robyn Wade, Teacher of Art, Arbroath High School

A RECYCLED FASHION COMPETITION

Junk Kouture is a national contest which encourages young, secondary school designers to create striking couture designs and impressive works of wearable art from everyday junk that would normally find its way into the bin.

Arbroath High School has two entries, designed by S3 pupils, which have been successful in getting through to the grand final fashion show in Glasgow on Thursday 9^th February.

On the run up to the final, the public can cast their votes on the Junk Kouture Facebook page. You can vote for more than one design at a time and cast a new vote every 24 hours! Please support Arbroath High’s two finalist teams by casting your vote today!

Voting opens on Monday 30^th January and closes at midnight on Friday 3^rd February.

“No Rubbish in Paradise”, designed by (left to right), Milly Cresswell, Hayley Morris & Abbie Sangster.

“Power of the Poppy”, designed by Megan Watson & Catherine Sim;
modelled by Megan Watson. (Catherine posing with the design
and Megan wearing the dress)