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

Unlocking the Potential of Erasmus+

I am delighted to share that YouthLink Scotland and Xchange Scotland have been funded by the European Commission (through its representation in the UK) to promote Erasmus+ and support organisations in Scotland to participate in the Erasmus+ programme and enable more young people across Scotland to benefit from European funding.  Please see attached flyer for further information.

There is more funding in Erasmus+ this year than ever before and applications are open to the UK. The upcoming deadlines are 26^th April and 2^nd October 2017.

We have the first applicant support workshop in Glasgow on 16 March (11am to 4pm). 

For further information and to book your place please contact Marj Clark marj@xchangescotland.org  or phone 0141 237 2430.

If you have a meeting or event which might benefit from an Erasmus+ awareness raising briefing please get in touch!

Please see the attached link for further information:- further-information

Contact: Marj Clark, Xchange Scotland on 0141 237 2430 or Liz Green, YouthLink Scotland on 0131 313 2488.

posted by Alita Spink, Schools and Learning Support Officer , Schools and Learning

Please find below some information you might find useful.

You may be aware of previous Rory Training sessions we have offered to primary schools in Angus and I am delighted to be able to offer another round of training after the Easter Holidays.

Places are limited to 20 so if you would like to apply for this training opportunity please e-mail Angus ADP at AngusADP@angus.gov.uk stating your name, job title, school and whether it is Round 1 or 2 dates that you would prefer to attend. For further information please contact Angus ADP on 01307 476492.  Further information can be found here – rory-flyer-2017

First Ever Manifesto for children of alcoholics

Last week seen the first ever manifesto for children of alcoholics launched at the house of commons.   The manifesto sets out a 10 point Plan to help the 2.6 million children across the UK.  >> Find out more about the manifesto

Alcohol Focus Scotland has developed a range of resources and learning opportunities which can be used with children, young people and families in a range of settings to help build resilience and protective factors.

Oh Lila is suitable for use with pre-school aged children.  Over 500 nursery staff across Scotland have now been trained are now using this resource.

Rory has been independently evaluated for use in schools and is now used by over 650 trained teachers across Scotland.

The A.D.A.M. (Another’s Drinking Affects Me) website was developed in consultation with young people. Includes directory of services.

C.H.A.T. (Children Harmed by Alcohol Toolkit) A toolkit for practitioners working with children and families affected by alcohol.  CHAT was independently evaluated and is now used by over 100 trained practitioners in social work, addiction and children and family services and community justice settings.

My Family and Alcohol is a new website for those affected by their own or someone in their life’s drinking.  Developed in consultation with family the website was launched in January 2017. A range of posters are available.

Alcohol Focus Scotland can also provide bespoke training.  To find our more contact us on 0141 572 6700 or email training@alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk

posted by Lesley Eaton, School Travel Administrator, Schools and Learning

Just a reminder that The Big Pedal is coming up in March and our communications will be ramping up. Here are some key points and messages you may want to promote:

What is it? The Big Pedal is an inter-school cycling and scooting challenge that runs across the UK and is open to all primary and secondary schools.

What does it involve: Schools compete to try to get the largest percentage of pupils, staff and parents travelling to school by two wheels. Schools enter data each day to climb the leaderboard. This years theme is Around the World in 10 Days and pupils will track their progress on a wall chart (sent to schools when they register – see below), learning about the countries and cities they pass through along the way.

Dates: The Big Pedal runs from March 20th – 31st.

10 days, 5 days or 1 day & Superhero Day: Schools can choose to enter a 1 or 5 day challenge where their best day or best 5 days out of the two weeks count. A good day for the 1 day challenge would be Friday 31st March, when we are encouraging schools to run a Superhero Day where pupils dress themselves and their bikes as Superheroes. Schools in Scotland can share images on that day on Twitter to @SustransScot #BigPedal to go into the draw to win prizes.

What is the value to schools?Joining in The Big Pedal is a great way for schools to get the whole school community excited about active travel and get staff, pupils and parents active. Participation can directly impact school traffic issues and schools can win great prizes.

Registration: For information (including lots of resources for schools to use) and to register, visit http://bigpedal.org.uk/.

What can you do?

• All schools will receive an email about The Big Pedal so please flag it up and encourage them to take part. 
• Ask schools in your area who are taking part to share on Twitter to @SustransScot #BigPedal. We will retweet and promote their tweets.
• If you have any underspend this year you could use this to offer additional local prizes to increase participation in the challenge.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kirsty by email Kirsty.Rankin@sustrans.org.uk.

posted by Alita Spink, Schools and Learning Support Officer, Schools and Learning

To mark our special birthday, we are creating an inspiring and brave band of Unfearties. Unfearties are adults who make a difference in children’s lives, who are willing to speak up for, and stand alongside, children. Click here to join us and receive your badge.

Colin recently took the opportunity, provided by a call for responses to the Scottish Government’s Educational Governance Review, to look back over our 21 years of work with schools. As a result, we’ve created the publication, School should be a Joyful Place. Available here 

CP Investigates Bullying is working with children from eight schools across Edinburgh to explore themes of empathy, human dignity, kindness and trust. More info here

Our Aberdeen Imagineers continue to dazzle in the Granite City, as the programme begins its focus on attainment as part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge. More info here

Cathy McCulloch, OBE

posted by Alita Spink, Schools and Learning Support Officer, Schools and Learning

Scotland’s Natural Larder – foraging and wild foods in Scotland
11th March 2017, Gatehouse of Fleet

Come and join us for an inspiring training day for teachers, exploring how Scotland’s natural food resources can be used as an inspiring and engaging topic for learning in schools. We will spend the day visiting a sea food smokehouse, a working estate and foraging on beach or woodland. You will then take learning back to school and have opportunity to put into practice your learning, and attend a sharing event at the end of term to share and learn more.

Book your FREE place here 

Local School Nature Grants

What do bird-boxes, bee hotels, den making kits and nature experts all have in common?  They are all available free to schools as part of Learning through Landscapes new Local School Nature Grants Programme, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

The grants provide an assortment of nature equipment up to the value of £500 and a two hour training session. The packages are customisable, enabling schools to choose from a menu of items which best suit their learners and their setting. All schools in England, Scotland and Wales are welcome to apply, and with 72 different products on offer there is something for everyone.

Click here to find out more and apply online. 

posted by Alita Spink, Schools and Learning Support Officer, Schools and 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 the latest news.

We look forward to seeing you again soon.