A Bakers’ Dozen from Arbroath High School

posted by Margaret Thomson, Library Assistant, Arbroath High School

Thirteen pupils from Arbroath High School recently entered the Dundee Cake competition at this years’ Dundee Flower and Food Festival. The students,  who are all studying National 5 Practical Cake Craft, were required to make a rich fruit cake as part of their course. Under the guidance of the staff in the HE department they produced the traditional Scottish cake and submitted them to the festival. The staff from the department commented on how hard the pupils had worked to research the specific requirements of the cake, the ingredients and quantities, how to prepare and bake the cakes. They also had to learn the correct storage to keep the cakes fresh and safe to eat for the judges at the show. The competition was not a school based category and was open to all bakers from throughout Tayside. By 11am on the Friday morning the school had learnt of their success. Miss Kydd from the HE Department and a minibus full of pupils had travelled to the show for the day and they fed back the news that sixth year pupil, Victoria Melehova was placed second out of a healthy entry of 37 cakes. ahsbakersdozenWhen told of the great news Victoria was surprised but very pleased as she received a prize of £30 to spend as she wishes. The cakes were then collected on the Sunday from the show and returned to the pupils for their own blind tasting led by Head Teacher, Mr Pandrich along with Mr Jukes and Mrs Cull.

The photograph shows the pupils, HE teacher and the cakes with Victoria at front right with her prize winning cake.

S6 Pupils names starting from front right: Victoria Melehova, Chloe Beattie, Emily Sellars, Andrew Lodge, Niamh McGonagle, Victoria Craik, Mrs Forbes, Suzanne Millar, Poppy Willox, Courtney Hughes

 

Kodaly Resource Box

posted by Louise Kirby, YMI Coordinator, Schools & Learning

P1 – P3 classs teachers – Look out for these in your school!

kodalyresources

KODALY RESOURCES

All angus schools were gifted a Kodaly resource box in August 2015 by Youth Music Initiative to support P1 – P3 follow up sessions of Kodaly.

This box includes – Youth Music Initiative

  • 16 Coloured Floor Spots (4 of each colour)
  • Stretchy Lycra Cloth
  • NYCOS Active Learning Through Music DVD
  • Early Years Flash Cards
  • Rhythmically Moving CDs 1, 2 and 3
  • Drumsticks
  • Singing Games Early Years Book
  • Singing Games Middle Years Books
  • Set of Diatonic Boomwhackers.

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.

Wee Wellie Wander

Posted by Louise Kirby, YMI Coordinator, Schools and Learning

Wee Wellie Wander
(Creative Learning Outdoors for Nursery, P1 & P2)
CPD Twilight for Primary Teachers and EYPs

Monday 19th September @ Crombie Park (code LTG37-16/17)
or
Monday 26th September @ Forfar Loch (code LTG38-16/17)
or
Wednesday 28th September @ Monikie Park (code LTG3916/17)

4.00pm – 5.50pm (arrive 3.50pm for a refreshment with a 4.pm sharp start)

*please note the packs have the similar  core activities plus bespoke activities for each location
Welly - Tree

Artist & Designer Louise Kirby worked in partnership with Schools & Learning and Angus Council Rangers Service at Monike Country Park, Crombie Country Park and Forfar Loch to develop a Learning Resource to support teachers and early years practitioners to engage very young children creatively in using the park as a stimulus to looking, exploring, listening, talking, making and doing.

Welly - Snail

Wee Wellie Wander is a colourful, downloadable pack which includes images and descriptors for a variety of rich and creative learning activities using simple tools and natural materials.

While the activities have been designed for the specific parks, most of them are transferable to any outdoor setting.

This CPD session will run through the pack allowing you to try the activities and familiarise yourselves so you can facilitate activities with your pupils.  This will be a practical and active session (we will be outside so wear appropriate clothing and footwear!)

The evening will highlight how the outdoors can provide a rich and meaningful context for learning across the curriculum by stimulating the senses to create a memorable experience and to inspire questioning, critical thinking, creativity and expression.  The pack encourages cross curricular outcomes.

Welly - PathWelly - FrameWelly - Peg

 

 

 

 

Teachers Quotes

“the pack was easy to use and the activities were enjoyable – my pupils had a great time and are still talking about it.  It allows the children a hands on learning experience in and unfamiliar and exciting environment” – P1 Teacher from Borrowfield

“We had great fun and learned lots of new and interesting things and are looking forward to developing our new ideas in our own outdoor area!” – Seaview Nursery Practitioner

Teachers Quotes from previous CPD

“A lovely evening which provided the opportunity to work with colleagues and try the activities hands on.  Always good fun to do activities.”

“Excellent resource that can be easily extended to suit each setting.”

To book your place please book through CPD online. 

 

 

Primary Schools Workshops

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

RSPB and Aldi – giving nature a home in schools.

We are connecting children to nature through our Aldi-funded wildlife workshops

in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow.

PS WorkshopsSo if you and your pupils are interested in exploring habitats, looking for creepy crawlies or identifying common birds, we have the session for you. Our trained educators will deliver inspiring outdoor workshops in your school grounds. With great links to the Curriculum for Excellence and Eco-Schools – what are you waiting for?

Each workshop is approximately 60-90 minutes and is suitable for P1 to P7.Find out more.