All posts by Ms Higgins

Curriculum for Excellence, News, resources, Secondary schools

Education Scotland has published further titles in Professional Focus Papers series

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These materials have been designed to assist those supporting learners as they work towards the new qualifications.

The papers highlight important features of learning which are enhanced or different from previous arrangements. They provide advice on approaches to learning and teaching which build directly on those used in the 3-15 Broad General Education in order to promote continuity in learners’ acquisition of knowledge, understanding and skills. The papers are also intended to stimulate professional reflection and dialogue about learning.

This set of materials covers Lifeskills Mathematics, Mathematics, Care, Latin and Classical Studies at both National 4 and National 5, and Dance, Psychology, Sociology and Economics at National 5 only.

They come as part of the development of exemplar course materials across the full range of National 4 and National 5 qualifications, being managed by Education Scotland in partnership with ADES.

The Professional Focus Papers are now available for download on the National Qualifications area of the Education Scotland website.

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Creativity

Scottish Book Trust

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Free events, free books, free resources and much more!

It’s a new term, and familiar questions are surfacing: how will you approach exam revision? Which new things can you try out with pupils? How can you keep your literacy practice fresh and engaging? Look no further – we’re here to help! 

Find out more here!

CPD, Creativity, Events, News, Opportunities

Creative Leadership Symposium

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The Arches | Thu 21 Feb 2013 | 3pm-6pm | 

Free but ticketed (call 0141 565 1000 to reserve your place)

How do we embed creativity into the core curriculum? How can we be responsive to the individual needs of students and learners? What is classroom inertia and how does creative practice offer a way of reimaging how a curriculum is offered?

Is it possible for artists, creative educators and teachers to work collaboratively to offer a more radical pedagogy measured by more than subject achievement? Who might lead this and does it work? Is it effective? What are the benefits of this approach? How might this impact on future pedagogical approaches?

For the culmination of their creative leadership project 100 Little Pennies, run by Gary Gardiner at Oakgrove Primary School in Glasgow, The Arches are hosting a symposium event, followed by drinks, nibbles and an opportunity to network.

Introduced by Dee Heddon (University of Glasgow), contributors include Gary Gardiner andMurray Wason (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), David Cameron (Director of The Real David Cameron LTD), Helen Nicholson (Professor of Drama and Theatre at Royal Holloway) and Lesley Dunlop (Education Consultant).

Join the Facebook event

Creativity

Burns Bash-Glow TV

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Join us for our celebration of the birth of Burns and the life and work of our famous bard on Friday 25 January at 9.30 am. This year we want you to be able to share what you have been doing in your schools and classrooms so join us for our Burns Bash.

If you would like to share your Scottish poems, dances or art work then make sure that you are with us that day to let other schools see what you have been doing – remember we always need an audience too so if you don’t want to perform then please just join us anyway.

Find out more here!

 

Creative Learning, Events, News, Opportunities

Running on the Cracks-The Tron Theatre

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WED 6 – SAT 16 FEBRUARY, 7.45pm
£12 (£7)

WORLD PREMIERE
RUNNING ON THE CRACKS
By JULIA DONALDSON

ADAPTED AS A PLAY BY ANDY ARNOLD
DIRECTED BY KATIE POSNER

Run. Keep running. You’re doing the right thing. Lay low. Head down. Don’t look back. Just keep running, but whatever you do don’t tread on the cracks……

Leo’s world has been turned upside down. With her parents gone and a creepy uncle becoming too close for comfort she’s certainly sure of one thing…she must get out. Leo’s on the run. She knows what she’s running from. Problem is where is she running to?

Adapted from the novel of the same name by the internationally acclaimed children’s writer Julia Donaldson, Running on the Cracks is a fast-moving new play about runaways, identity, survival and how friendships can develop in the strangest situations.

To support the Tron Theatre’s production of Running on the Cracks, Tron Participation is offering a range of opportunities for schools, youth groups and individuals to take part in workshops, talks, performances and therapeutic drama

Workshop Offer
Bringing a group to see Running on the Cracks? Then why not book some FREE workshops.

Pre and post show workshops are on offer to groups. These will allow participants to explore the themes from the production in a practical way. Working with a drama specialist these workshops will allow groups to explore and discuss issues such as making choices, consequences, danger, protection and relationships. Post-show workshop will include a contribution from Aberlour, who we are working in partnership with on this project. They will discuss risk awareness and keeping safe if someone feels like running away.

Glow Meet
Join Julia Donaldson, children’s laureate for a Glow Meet live from the Tron on Tuesday 29th January at 1.45pm. Julia will discuss her inspiration for the book and will answer your questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to speak with one of the UK’s leading children’s author.

How to book?
To book your free workshop call box office on 0141 552 4267 to book your groups show tickets.
Once you have completed this step you will be passed through to Participation who will schedule your workshops.

Creativity

Financial education support from the BBC

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Made of Money is a half hour programme aimed at helping young people take control of their finances. The programme is presented by Radio 1 Newsbeat journalist Adina Campbell and features hints and tips from Radio 1 and 1Xtra presenters, along with expert advice from Martin Lewis and Iona Bain. Focusing on the lifestyle choices that young people make around budgeting, shopping, saving and getting in to debt, Adina shows how, through some straightforward maths, these choices can affect their finances.  Although the programme is aimed at young people, the simple tips can be used by anyone who wants to take control of their money.

 There will be a transmission on BBC2 Scotland on 24 January at 10 pm, along with a ‘webchat’. The audience will be able to find the link to the webchat at www.bbc.co.uk/scotland during and after the programme.

Curriculum for Excellence, Literacy and English, resources

SQA announces set Scottish texts

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SQA has unveiled the provisional list of Scottish texts that will be used in future Higher and National 5 English courses.

The list, including drama, poetry and prose, was drawn up after extensive consultation with English teachers, curriculum experts and other interested parties. It includes classics such as Burns and Stevenson, alongside a range of contemporary works.

Creativity, News, Primary schools, resources, Secondary schools

Creativity in Learning:FIFE

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Fife’s Creative Learning Network have published Creativity in Learning: FIFE an e-zine resource to highlight the impact and benefit of Creativity in Learning which showcases some of the excellent creative learning work being delivered in Fife within the context of Curriculum for Excellence.

Missed out on having your creative learning experiences being added to the magazine?  Don’t worry, you can showcase some of your work on the Schools Showcase Section on the FCLN Glow Group

Creative Partners

Creative Partner: Scotch Broth

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SCOTCH BROTH is an entertaining mix of songs, participation and fun. The songs are well known to older generations – Coulters Candy, The Wee Kirkcudbright Centipede, Wee Willie Winkie, Ye Cannae Shove Yer Granny Aff A Bus amongst many more.
The children will be encouraged to participate by singing, clapping in time, whistling, performing in the Kazoo Orchestra and playing percussion instruments.
SCOTCH BROTH can be performed for one class or the whole school, as end of term entertainment at Easter, Summer or Christmas or can be fitted to any project you may be working on eg Burns, school fundraiser.
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Dennis Alexander is a Scottish Folk singer / entertainer from Kirkcaldy who takes his music all over Scotland. He has a vast repertoire of songs and is well known for his enthusiastic performances, which fits in to almost any situation.  He is also a very well known children’s entertainer and his show, Scotch Broth, features all the best Scottish traditional children’s songs and is available as schools entertainment, folk festivals, theatres and community events.

Watch a video on YouTube

Possible CfE Expressive Arts Links

Music- Early

Music- First

Music-Second

Participation in performances and presentations

“I was very fortunate to have witnessed Dennis Alexanders “Scotch Broth” show for children at Dysart Primary School this afternoon. I would heartily recommend this to all Primary schools … he really gets the bairns involved!
My kids said it was the best time of their life when we went back to class! Had a ball!”
“A big huge thank you to Dennis Alexander for coming along to Dysart Primary School and letting us all experience his children’s show – Scotch Broth!! Fantastic reviews from children and staff! I’ve never seen a children’s show with so much audience participation.”
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Contact:

Dennis Alexander

220F High Street

KIRKCALDY

Fife

KY1 1JT

Tel 07774 722631

daalexander@hotmail.co.uk