Category Archives: Uncategorized

ICT ASN Assessment and Intervention Guidelines Launch

posted by Jacqueline McGuire, principal Teacher, ASN (Visual Impairment), Children and Learning

Last Thursday we launched the ICT ASN Assessment and Intervention Guidelines at Forfar Academy. These Guidelines were developed by a multi-agency group consisting of ictasnrepresentatives from ASN, OT, SLT and Clinical Science. The aim of the Guidelines is to provide guidance to schools and other partners to identify, assess and to make equitable provision for the technology requirements of learners with additional support needs across Angus. A free datastick containing all the materials was handed out to schools who attended. If you missed the launch, don’t worry, we are putting on another event at the end of September. Check out CPD online.

Grounds for Learning

posted by Matt Robinson, Training and Development Officer, Grounds for Learning

Please click on the link below to view the latest GfL newsletter – full of ideas, resources and funding for raising attainment through outdoor learning and play.

gfl-outdoor-learning-and-play-newsletter-september-2016

You can also view it online at http://cmp.charityemail.org.uk/LJV-4FYLU-4/sv.aspx

Please note we have 15 funded opportunities for school advisory visits, for schools who are struggling to make use of their school grounds.

Code Academy

posted by Carol Lyon, Schools & Learning Support Officer (STEM)

Aspiring Programmers Enjoy an Action Packed Day at Code Academy

Last term, more than 300 Primary 5-7 pupils from 14 Angus schools enjoyed a busy, fun-filled day of Computing Science at a ‘Code Academy’ run by Dundee and Angus College. The pupils participated in a range of workshops from movie animation, to using Probots to hunt for monsters and take a virtual tour round the future V&A Museum of Design, Dundee.

CodeAcy CodeAcy1

       Getting to grips with how a PC works                                          3D imaging

CodeAcy2 CodeAcy3

Programming a robot to negotiate an obstacle             Testing and evaluating compute games
course                                                          designed by college students

CodeAcy4 CodeAcy5

Having fun with Photoshop                                     Coding using ‘Scratch’

What did the pupils have to say about their day?

“This is the best school trip I’ve ever been on in my whole life!”

“This is the college I want to come to when I leave school.”

“I’m definitely coming to Dundee and Angus College…..”   “…….and me!”    “…. me too!”
 

What did the teachers and adult helpers think?

“Extremely well organised event. The pupils had an amazing time.”

“I’m going to start looking at Scratch tonight and integrate it into my classes.” 

A huge thank you is due to all Dundee and Angus College staff for their tremendous efforts in ensuring the day ran smoothly (no mean feat with over 300 very excited 10-12 year olds!), but particularly to Gillian McGovern, Course Leader, for planning, organising and facilitating this event. Thanks also to Katie Gallacher, formerly of Carnoustie High School, for liaising with Gillian regarding arrangements for the day. It simply could not have happened without them.

 

Forfar Academy Showcase: Better Movers, Better Thinkers:……….

posted by Graeme Wallace, Depute Head Teacher, Forfar Academy

FORFAR ACADEMY SHOWCASE: BETTER MOVERS, BETTER THINKERS: RAISING ATTAINMENT THROUGH PHYSICAL EDUCATION

WEDNESDAY 24TH AUGUST 2016
MORNING: TEACHERS / PRACTICAL FOCUS
AFTERNOON: SENIOR STAFF & HEAD TEACHERS (PRIMARY & SECONDARY) 

Forfar Academy is holding a showcase event on Wednesday 24th August 2016 to share with colleagues the Better Movers, Better Thinkers (BMT) programme.  The focus of the event will be on raising attainment through PE. 

Better Movers and Thinkers (BMT) is an approach to learning and teaching in physical education designed to develop the ability of all children and young people to move and think in a more cohesive way with a specific focus on developing, enhancing and fostering Executive Function (EF) skills within the learning process. The BMT approach represents an evolution in physical education and incorporates pedagogical development and innovative content with current good practice.  Further information on the BMT programme can be found here:  http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/resources/b/bmt/introduction.asp 

The day will be hosted by Forfar Academy’s PE Department, several of whom have been trained by Education Scotland as BMT Tutors and will also include input from Andy Dalziell who has been a leading light in developing the programme and has worked on it internationally.  The event is free and will include lunch and refreshments provided by our pupils’ enterprise company, Fat Cats Catering! 

The outline programme is: 

9.00 -9.30 Welcome and introduction
9.30- 10.30 BMT session 1
10.30-11.30 BMT session 2
11.30 -11.45 Coffee
11.45 – 12.45 BMT session 3
12.45 – 1.00 Plenary and questions

1.00 – 2.00 Lunch

2.00-3.00 Presentation to senior staff and Head Teachers
3-3.40 Practical demonstration to senior staff and Head Teachers 

The three BMT sessions will be practical for staff and will range from early years to 4th level (this will be suited to primary teachers and secondary teachers of PE). Finer detail will be available after the holidays.  The presentation to senior staff will focus on the role of PE( and BMT) on raising attainment in schools and the background and research that underpins the programme. This will be suited to Primary and Secondary Head Teachers.   The practical presentation will allow staff to see the programme in action.  

Colleagues from all sectors are encouraged to attend.  Places can be booked by contacting Colin Agnew, Principal Teacher of PE, Forfar Academy by emailing FORAgnewC@forfaracademy.angus.sch.uk by Monday 22nd August.  Further information can be obtained by contacting Colin by email or calling him on 01307 475900. 

We look forward to welcoming as many colleagues as possible on the day.   

Best wishes
Graeme

 

Grants4 Schools

posted by Rhonda McFarlane, Funding Officer, Chief Executive’s Department

The Ernest Cook Trust Grants Programme (UK)

Schools, charities and not for profit organisations wishing to encourage young people’s interest in the countryside and the environment, the arts or aiming to raise levels of literacy and numeracy can apply for funding to the Ernest Cook Trust (ECT). The Trust operates two grant making programmes. The small grants programme (under £4,000) supports state schools and small registered charities which would like to undertake projects which meet the Trust’s objectives and require a small amount of pump-priming in order for such projects to take place and a larger grants programme for grants in excess of £4,000. Meetings to consider applications for the small grants programme take place bi-monthly throughout the year. The full board of Trustees meets twice a year, in April and September, to consider grants in excess of £4,000.

Grants in the past have been awarded to

  • City College in Norwich which received £2,304 to roll out the ‘Grand Random Challenge’ to conquer students’ fear of Maths throughout Norfolk schools and colleges;
  • Fleet Infant School in Hampshire which received a grant of £1,495 to buy Numicon teaching resources, and to raise numeracy levels for the school’s 300 pupils;
  • Swiss Cottage School which received a grant of £7,272 towards an art tutor and resources for an out-of-hours learning project, ensuring learning throughout the year for its 237 special needs pupils.

Applications to the small grants programme can be made at any time. The next closing date for applications for the large grants programme is the 31st January 2017.

http://ernestcooktrust.org.uk/grants/

Children’s Health Fund Opens for Applications (UK)

The Children’s Health Fund is inviting not for profit organisations such as schools, community groups, charities, church groups, housing associations and local authorities, etc that want to provide good food as part of holiday learning, play and activity programmes to apply for funding between £1,000 and £5,000. The Children’s Health Fund expect funding applications at the higher end of our scale (£5,000) will be for more strategic bids. The number of applications accepted for this round of funding is limited to 150 to ensure every application receives sufficient attention. Thus, a Children’s Health Fund grant is enabling Court Lane Infant School to replace its water fountains, which are over 20 years old.

The Board will meet in November to decide which applications will receive funding. Funding awards will be announced in December. The fund will close once 150 applications have been submitted.

http://www.childrenshealthfund.org.uk/grants/

Funding for UK-French School Partnerships (UK)

The British Council has announced that grants are available for secondary schools (including sixth form and further education colleges) that have existing partnerships with a school in France. The funding is being made available through the Charles De Gaulle Trust. The Charles de Gaulle Trust offers a grant of £5,000 per school for students aged between 17 and 19 who will be working on joint projects and study visits that can demonstrate a link to their school syllabus. A minimum of three students must participate in the project work.

The deadline for applications is the 10th November 2016.

https://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/programmes-and-funding/charles-de-gaulle

Funding to Support Joint Projects Between UK and French Schools (UK)

UK schools that wish to organise reciprocal visits to their existing partner schools in France can apply for funding of up to £5,000 through the Lefèvre Trust. The Trust must involve pupils aged 11 – 19 that work with their partner school on joint curriculum based projects. The programme aims to give more young people the knowledge, skills and understanding to work not only bilaterally but in a global context – and contribute responsibly to society – locally and globally. The British Council will accept grant applications from schools, sixth form colleges and comparable institutions providing full-time general, vocational, technical or special needs education. Both private and government institutions are eligible to apply. For example, Barr’s Hill School, Coventry received funding to liaise with Collège Roland Vaudatin near Saint Malo, France.

The closing date for applications is the 10th November 2016.

https://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/about-schools-online/about-programmes/french-exchange/lefevre

Family Holiday Association – Holiday Grant (UK)

The Family Holiday Association (FHA) has announced that its funding programme is open for applications. Through its funding programme families on a low income, that have not been on holiday for the past four years and have at least one child between three and 18 years of age can obtain financial support for a break during 2016 and 2017.

The FHA can only accept applications from referring agents (such as a teacher, social worker or health visitor, etc) and not directly from families. The holidays provided in the UK. Holidays breaks include free accommodation, linen rental, entertainment passes and holiday insurance (subject to medical conditions). FHA may also make a contribution towards the family’s holiday expenses.

To be eligible families must be on a low income (household income must be less than £24,000), not be going on holiday this year and be unlikely to afford a day out. For example, the Obote family lost their mother after a long illness. Thankfully, the Family Holiday Association was able to offer the family a much-needed break, and time to come to terms with their bereavement.

The closing date for applications is the 31st October 2016.

https://www.familyholidayassociation.org.uk/

Funding for Breakfast Clubs (England, Scotland & Wales)

The Greggs Foundation currently supports 380 breakfast clubs throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Schools that are interested in opening a breakfast club at their school must be able to show that at least 40% of your pupils qualify for free school meals and that the school serves a disadvantaged community. School should able to attract adult volunteers to help run the scheme and attendance at the club must be free for all pupils. The Foundation supports breakfast clubs through an initial start-up grant for equipment such as chest freezers to store food items or toys and activities for the club.

The Greggs Foundation also makes a payment each term towards other food items and Greggs plc donates bread from the nearest shop.

Recently set up breakfast clubs include:

  • Hillside Community Primary School, in Skelmersdale which received funding of £600 for its breakfast club which around 45 young people attend each day;
  • Fell Dyke Primary School and Swalwell Primary School, in Gateshead where nearly 50% of school children are entitle to free meals received a grant of £1,100.

Although applications can be made at any time, there is currently a waiting list for funding whilst new sponsorship partners are being identified.

https://www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/breakfast-clubs

British Ecological Society Outreach Grants (UK)

The British Ecological Society has announced that its Outreach Grants programme will re-open for applications at the end of July 2016. Through the programme, individuals and organisations such as schools, museums, libraries and community groups can apply for grants to promote ecological science to a wide audience. The funding is available for projects that increase public understanding of, and engagement with ecology. Applications from museums and schools are welcome but projects must involve significant outreach beyond schools. Projects aimed solely at delivering curriculum to school children will not be considered. The maximum award is £2,000. However, the award may be used as part-funding for larger projects involving other sponsors.

The closing date will be 5pm on the 16th September 2016.

http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/funding/outreach-grants/

HRUK & SUBWAY Healthy Heart Grants (UK)

Heart Research UK (HRUK) is inviting applications from not for profit groups, voluntary organisations and registered charities through their SUBWAY/HRUK Healthy Heart Grants. Grants of up to £10,000 are available in different SUBWAY regions to for new, original and innovative projects that actively promote Heart Health and help to prevent, or reduce, the risk of heart disease.

The grants are available in specific regions at certain times of the year. In the past grants have been awarded to fund cooking sessions, theatre workshops, multi-sport activities, classroom based learning, circus skills, and tandem biking, etc.

For details of the application periods for each region click on the link below.

http://heartresearch.org.uk/community-grants/apply-hruk-and-subway%C2%AE-healthy-heart-grants

Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies (UK)

The Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies has announced the next closing date for applications is the 1st November 2016. The Society makes grants to schools to help promote Latin and Roman studies. Most of the grants are awarded for the purchase of textbooks and other books on Roman topics. The Committee also makes awards to groups and schools and museums organising lectures or study days on Roman themes, and has recently made money available for archaeology fieldwork bursaries.

Schools that have recently been awarded funding include Buxton Community School, Buxton, Derbyshire and the Sir Robert Hitcham CEVAP School Robert which received a grant to help Year 4 pupils study aspects of the Roman invasion and its impact. Applications from schools planning to start courses in Latin are particularly welcome. Grants usually range from £50 to £500.

http://www.romansociety.org/grants-prizes/funding-for-schools.html

Greggs Foundation Environmental Grant Scheme (England, Scotland & Wales)

The Gregg Foundation has announced that the next closing date for its Environmental Grants scheme is the 30th September 2016. The scheme which is funded by the 5p levy on carrier bag sales in Greggs shops aims to improve people’s lives by improving their environments. Grants of up to £2,000 are available to small, locally based community led organisations with a turnover not in excess of £300,000.

Schools are also able to apply and will receive the same level of preference as small organisations. Through the scheme funding is available to purchase equipment; sessional salary costs; purchase of trees/plants; small capital projects and learning activities.

The type of activities that could be funded include for example a group of volunteers who completed litter picking exercises in their local parks or along a local riverbank; an allotment project for people suffering early stages of dementia; a growing project in a local primary school; and clearing an area of wasteland in an area of high social need to create a community garden; etc. The Foundation are more likely to make grants to local organisations based near Greggs shops.

https://www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/environmental-grant

Big Lottery Fund Launches New Programme to Celebrate Local Communities (Scotland)

Schools, voluntary and community groups and statutory organisations can apply for grants of between £500 and £5,000 through the Big Lottery Fund’s new “Celebrate” funding programme in Scotland. The funding is available to hold one-off events or activities to celebrate their local community.

A total of £575,00 million is available and projects could include celebrating something from the community’s history or a local hero. Or maybe it could be a chance to bring people together to get to know their neighbours better. Higher priority will be given from projects which demonstrate communities coming together to celebrate and share their diverse cultures and projects which actively bring different generations together.

Applications will be assessed on a first come, first served basis until all funds are awarded.

https://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/scotland/celebratefund

National Galleries of Scotland Tesco Bank Art Competition for Schools 2017

posted by Pauline Stephen, Head of Schools and Learning

Now open for entries with great new themes to get you started in this fourteenth year of the competition.

·        53 great prizes of art materials for winners with their work displayed at the National Galleries of Scotland

·        20 schools will receive £100 vouchers for art materials as a thank you for entering

·        12 lucky schools will get free artist-led workshops including help towards transport costs

We organise 6 free roadshow workshops with CPD sessions across Scotland each year in promotion of the competition.

We’re always looking for new venues to tour the exhibition (programme of past venues attached) so please get in touch if you have any suggestions for venues in your area. The size of space required is the equivalent of 22 metres long by 2.4 metres high.  A calendar and flyer will be posted to every school in Scotland and flyers only will go to every early years centre in October.

Please  contact me at the address below if there is any further information you need or if I can help in any way. 

Linda McClelland
Playfair Education Co-ordinator
National Galleries of Scotland
The Mound
Edinburgh
EH2 2EL
0131 624 6534
lmcclelland@nationalgalleries.org 

Full details can be found now at  www.nationalgalleries.org/schoolartcompetition

Closing date Friday 5th May 2017

Please click on the links below for more information:

Art Competition Flyer 2017         School entries per council 2016           Touring venues past