All posts by S. Bullock

Dance – Career-long Refresher Courses for Secondary teachers

November 19, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

YDance is delighted to offer Career-long Professional Learning Refresher Courses for secondary teachers in Scotland, designed as an introductory session or to enhance the skills of teachers who have already attended YDance CLPL sessions for the National Qualifications in Dance (NPA, Nat 5 and Higher).

If however you haven’t attended any previous YDance CLPL sessions, these Refresher Courses could be used as an introductory session for those teachers who are interested in understanding the level of technical skills required if they are considering adding dance to their curriculum.

These sessions can also be adapted to work as part of the broad general education PE lessons and will meet the experiences and outcomes laid out in the Curriculum for Excellence for Dance and Health and Wellbeing at Third and Fourth Stages.

Click below for more information:

http://www.ydance.org/training/refresher-courses-for-secondary-teachers/

Click here for the full list of CLPL available from YDance:

http://www.ydance.org/training/

Attention All

How good is our school? – Increasing creativity

October 29, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

How good is our school? provides a suite of quality indicators that support staff in all sectors to scrutinise their work and evaluate what is working well for learners and what could be better. It is a key aspect of the Scottish approach to school improvement and supports self-evaluation and reflection by practitioners at all levels.

The 4^th edition was launched at this year’s Scottish Learning Festival and features a new quality indicator – Increasing creativity and employability – that will help schools across Scotland to embed progression in skills for learning, life and work in young people’s learning.. To support this, Education Scotland’s Creativity Team have developed two new infographics that can help you quickly understand What are creativity skills?, and identify the national and local support to Unlock your creativity. The infographics can be printed and shared freely.

Join the Creativity Professional Learning Community on Glow or visit the Education Scotland website for more information.

Art and Design, Colleges, Community Learning and Development, Developing the Young Workforce, Secondary, THIS IS A TEST

Skills for the Future Traineeship Opportunity

October 22, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

In 2014 the National Galleries of Scotland welcomed its first Skills for the Future trainees. Six young people, aged between 18 and 24, joined us for a paid 18 month traineeship where they learn to digitise our collections, gain an SQA accredited qualification, and most importantly, substantial workplace experience. Our trainees gain a Level 7 SQA Customised Award in Collections Digitisation, the credits gained from which can be used towards university entrance conditions. Expert members of staff from across the organisation, from curators to art handlers, photographers to digital media, provide hands on training that equip trainees with the broadest possible experience, helping to give increase job prospects upon graduation.

We are looking for young people with an interest in the cultural heritage sector, a passion for leaning, and a keen interest in photography, to join our second cohort of trainees. Recruitment will begin in Spring 2016 with a start date of September 2016. We are planning to visit schools, colleges, and community groups to talk to groups of potential applicants and deliver activity based sessions that will describe exactly what digitisation is and what it involves, during the spring. We are looking for young people who will be 18 by the 1^st September 2016. Please let us know if you would like us to come and talk to your school, college or community group by contacting Project Coordinator, Nicole Meehan at nmeehan@nationalgalleries.org. And we would be very grateful if you would forward this information to any other school/college/community group you think may be interested in this opportunity.

Project website: nationalgalleriesdigitisation.tumblr.com

Project contact: nmeehan@nationalgalleries.org

Art and Design, Colleges, Community Learning and Development, Expressive Arts, Primary, Secondary, THIS IS A TEST

Opportunities for teachers and young people interested in portraiture

October 22, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

BP Portrait Award: Next Generation Taster Sessions

Saturday 31 October 10am-1pm or 2– 5pm

Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD

Get a taste for portraiture with these experimental sessions.

Meet artists Fraser Gray and BP Portrait Award winning artist Owen Normand for a guided tour of the BP Portrait Award 2015 exhibition, experiment with a range of media and techniques and connect with other young people.

There will be a chance to look at an artist’s sketchbooks and ask questions.

All materials are provided. Attend either session. No experience needed, only enthusiasm!

Places will be allocated on a first come basis.

Book your free place now email education@nationalgalleries.org or call 0131 624 6547

BP Portrait Award: Next Generation 2-day Winter School

Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 November 11am – 4pm

Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD

Working with 2 artists, Fraser Gray and past BP Portrait Award winning artist Gareth Reid, you will creatively explore portrait painting techniques, from a life model. All materials are provided. Places are by written application only and will be offered to 14-19 year olds who demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment. You must attend both days.

If you live outside Edinburgh & the Lothians, you may apply for a travel bursary.

For enquiries and an application form please email education@nationalgalleries.org or call 0131 624 6547

· Professional Learning for Teachers: Experimental Drawing CPD

Friday 4 December 2015 1.30-4.30pm OR Saturday 5 December 2015 11am–4pm

Scottish National Portrait Gallery, FREE

‘If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.’ Jim Rohn

These sessions take BP Portrait Award 2015 as a starting point to experiment with media and techniques, and challenge you to discover new ways of making marks, by risking the unusual. There will be time to discuss ideas for use in the classroom. Book Friday for a brief introductory session, or Saturday if you want more time to experiment. Places will be allocated on a first come basis. Book now education@nationalgalleries.org

Colleges, Community Learning and Development, Primary, Secondary

Creative Conversations – Edinburgh – Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out

October 21, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Dear Colleagues,

Nobody Knows you when you are Down and Out is the title of the next Creative Conversation with Chris Kilkenny. Chris was a young carer and grew up in care and in poverty in Edinburgh.

This Creative Conversation will start by listening to what Chris’s experience could tell us about closing the gap for young people, not just in Edinburgh but across Scotland. His is very much the story behind the poverty statistics – and a story we need to hear.

Your invitation is attached for Wednesday 28^th October, at 4pm for coffee and 4.30 for the Conversation. The welcome will be given by Gillian Tee, Director of Communities and Families and the conversation will be facilitated by David Cameron.

Creative Conversation Invitation – Oct 2015

Creative Conversation prog and info – Oct 2015

The venue is The Hub (Castlehill) and you are invited to bring a colleague. Numbers wishing to attend are likely to be high so please get back to me as soon as possible – and no later than Tuesday 27^th October at 12noon.

Here is what was said about our last Creative Conversation with Martin Robinson:

Thanks for a really fascinating session yesterday – food for thought indeed.
I think this was the most stimulating creative conversations yet!! Thank you
Thanks for another great Creative Conversation – as always lots to think about. Looking forward to the next one

Looking forward to seeing you there for another inspiring discussion. And wine and canapes….!

Linda

| www.edinburgh.gov.uk

Art and Design, Colleges, Community Learning and Development, Primary, Secondary, THIS IS A TEST

Design a Christmas card competition – Traidcraft

October 16, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Enter Traidcraft’s Festive Competition to Win Lovely Fair Trade Prizes for Your School!

Traidcraft are asking schools and youth groups to get their creative juices flowing this festive season and design a unique Christmas card for their Design a Christmas Card competition.

All themes and formats will be considered, including collage, drawings and those designed on a computer. Many of Traidcraft’s fair trade cards show a religious theme, so why not even incorporate this activity into a religious studies lesson?

The winners will receive £50 to spend in the Traidcraft fair trade online shop, where you can find treats, novelties, gifts, and seasonal goodies galore!

You can read more about how to enter by visiting the Traidcraft website.

http://www.traidcraftschools.co.uk/design-a-card-for-christmas?dm_i=LQE,3QOCE,KX1ATA,DGSZ3,1

Drama, Health and Wellbeing, Primary

World-class Theatre in your school this spring?

October 6, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Catherine Wheels Theatre Company is a multi-award winning company, based near Edinburgh, creating theatre especially for children. Since 1999, we have performed all over the world, including Broadway and Sydney Opera House but love most when we can perform at home. We are supported by Creative Scotland.
Our in-school production for spring term 2016 is The Story of a Little Gentleman, adapted from the much-loved Swedish children’s book by Barbro Lindgren, this production is a moving and humorous story about loneliness and the power of friendship.

Directed by Gill Robertson.

Suitable for P1-3 Touring February – April 2015 (70 performances available)

This production is specially adapted for school halls, is quick to set up and dismantle. Running time 50 mins. Maximum audience 120.

Cost = £350 + VAT (discounts apply when booking more than one performance)

Please see attached for full booking information.

For more information on our theatre for schools, please contact anna@catherinewheels.co.uk

Drama, Early Learning, Health and Wellbeing, Primary, Sciences

Eco-Drama Newsletter – drama, outdoor learning, CPD, interdisciplinary learning

October 2, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Out to Play CPD

We finalised our Out to Play project with 4 CPD sessions in Glasgow, taking teachers from the classroom to the playground enjoying some outdoor fun!

Looking at the unique role of Drama and Storytelling within Outdoor Learning, Drama Artist Ben Mali McFadyen, the Eco Drama Team and 93 enthusiastic primary teachers used their imagination to explore playgrounds, play games and listen to some special storytelling.

We shared experiences and reflected on how to integrate outdoor learning techniques into the school curriculum and how best to engage pupils with natural environments in exciting and creative ways. In all types of mischievous Glasgow weather of course!

Over 4 days in September, 93 teachers took part from across 33 Glasgow Primary Schools all leaving with their very own Out to Play Outdoor Learning Resource Pack!

“Best CPD event I have been to in ages.” Catriona Brown, Battlefield Primary

“I hadn’t realised the power of imagination within outdoor learning. Really informative session, lots of ideas to start with. Thank you.” Irene Boyle, Corpus Christi Primary

“The thought of outdoor learning sessions with the pupils was rather scary. However I feel much more confident now and look forward to trying new ideas. Thank you for an enjoyable interesting CPD Experience.” Marie McGill, Corpus Christi Primary

For more details on the Out to Play project: http://www.ecodrama.co.uk/projects/out-to-play/

Out to Play Resource Pack

We gave every teacher attending the Out to Play CPD sessions their very own Resource Pack. Developed and written by Ben Macfadyen, the pack contains 8 detailed session plans and accompanying stories, tailored for each age and stage in the curriculum. Ben shares the techniques, games, songs, drama ideas and stories that he used during the Out to Play Residencies.

Full of helpful tips, inspiration and creative practice, this 72 page resource book is simply bursting with ideas to empower teachers to lead their own creative and interdisciplinary learning journeys outside. Perfect for those looking to incorporate creative learning techniques outdoors in accessible and enjoyable ways!

To see a sample section of the resource book or to order a copy please CLICK HERE

“Excellent ideas and superb resource which I intend to use ASAP.” Ellie Henderson, Knightswood Primary

“Lots of practical ideas and activities that can be used with my class. I didn’t really have many ideas before this but now I have been provided with lots.” Nicole Stephenson, Aultmore Park Primary

Uprooted Summer Tour

Thanks to the multi-talented cast and crew, our Summer tour of Uprooted was a blooming success (pun intended!)

Lily, Plum, Basil and the extraordinary Living Stage toured to outdoor venues, festivals and primary schools in Glasgow and East Renfrewshire reaching 1,364 children and adults, with some incredibly lucky weather!

After watching the multi-sensory story unfold to music, dance and some splendid acrobatics, audience members got to have a nibble, sniff and sip on the set’s produce. They were invited to take a closer peek at the tasty herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers growing out of the reclaimed set pieces that made up our quirky family’s home.

Throughout the month of August Uprooted was performed 31 times, toured by a cast and crew of 10 and a supporting cast of hundreds of plants! We were thrilled to perform the show at The Merchant City Festival, The Children’s Wood Harvest Festival and the inspirational outdoor settings of Barrhead Water Works and Kilmardinny House.

Uprooted was also performed to 44 primary school classes from P2-7 at St Vincent’s, Aultmore Park, Corpus Christi and Balornock Primary in Glasgow, where pupils who planted the Living Stage got to see their handiwork in full bloom.

“It made me feel wonderful, bright and bubbly.” Primary 5 Pupil, Corpus Christi Primary

“Fantastic show, imaginative, musical, whimsical. Growing plants is the way forward. Thank you!” Audience Member – Merchant City Festival

“Not to be missed! Fantastic, essential Creative Learning Experience. You will enjoy every minute and be entranced, amused and deeply moved by the experience. Thank you to all the stars!” Teacher, Balornock Primary

“I felt like the show brightened up my day.” Primary 5 Pupil, Corpus Christi Primary

“Staging of the show outside made it a bit more special. Outdoor atmosphere was calming and the set was beautiful – quite magical!” Teacher, St Vincent’s Primary

“The show made me feel calm and happy.” P5 Pupil, Balornock Primary

For more details on the Uprooted project: http://www.ecodrama.co.uk/productions/uprooted/

Uprooted – Replanting of Set

After the tour we returned the Living Stage to the children who helped to grow it. In collaboration with the pupils from Corpus Christi Primary School, we replaced their austere steel fences and transformed their playground space into an enticing unique garden. The pupils were so excited to be given a beautiful play space for gardening, storytelling and nibbling for many years to come.

To watch the transformation here on our time lapse video CLICK HERE

“It made me feel happy to see people care about our planet.” P6/7 Pupil, Aultmore Park Primary

“I felt inspired to grow my own food at home.” P6/7 Pupil, Aultmore Park Primary

“The show made me feel motivated to be more Eco Friendly.” P6 Pupil, Balornock Primary

For more details on the Uprooted project: http://www.ecodrama.co.uk/productions/uprooted/

Early Learning, Primary, Secondary

Edinburgh – Creative Conversation with Martin Robinson

October 2, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

How Long has this been going on…..? is the title of the next Edinburgh City Creative Learning Network’s Creative Conversation with Martin Robinson, author of Trivium 21st Century.

Wednesday 7th October at 4pm for coffee and 4.30 for the Conversation.

The venue is Merchant’s Hall and you are invited to bring a colleague. Numbers wishing to attend continue to be high so please get back to me as soon as possible – and no later than Tuesday 6th October at 12noon.

Creative Conversation Invitation – Martin Robinson
Creative Conversation prog and info – Martin Robinson

Here is what has been said about Martin Robinson, author of Trivium 21st Century and our Creative Catalyst next Wednesday:

Trivium 21st C also has questions for our national policy – in terms of the nature of the formal curriculum, accountability processes and public examinations. Do we have a system that will allow a curriculum like the one Martin Robinson describes to come into being beyond a few privileged institutions – or institutions for the privileged?
I’ve just finished reading this wonderful book and, as I said on twitter, it’s the best education book I’ve read by far. There are lots of teacher-tips books and plenty of academic system-reform or leadership books – but Trivium 21st C occupies different ground altogether.

And of the Creative Conversation last week:

That was a great session – thank you. I always come away inspired and challenged and I enjoy stepping back for a moment from the day-to-day life of Nursery to consider the bigger picture (Early Years)
It was a super event, Linda. Thank you. We thoroughly enjoyed it! (Primary)
Thank you for another excellent Creative Conversation yesterday – ideas shared were wonderful (Secondary)

To book your places email Linda Lees at Linda.Lees@edinburgh.gov.uk

Drama, Early Learning, Primary

Catherine Wheels Theatre Company – News for Schools, Autumn 2015

September 14, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Celebrating!

Thank you all of you who visited us at the Edinburgh Fringe at Summerhall this summer. We enjoyed a sold-out run of The Voice Thief and added a Primary Times Children’s Choice Award to our office wall!

World-class Theatre in your school this spring?

A highlight of our year is always when we perform to children in their own schools in Scotland. Our in-school production for spring term 2016 is The Story of a Little Gentleman, adapted from the much-loved Swedish children’s book by Barbro Lindgren, this production is a moving and humorous story about loneliness and the power of friendship.

Little Gentleman – Info for Schools 2016

Directed by Gill Robertson.

Suitable for P1-3 Touring February – April 2015 (70 performances available)

This production is specially adapted for school halls, is quick to set up and dismantle. Running time 50 mins. Maximum audience 120.

Cost = £350 + VAT (discounts apply when booking more than one performance)

Please see attached for full booking information.

Visits to the theatre this term?

Magic Sho

A new show about a rabbit who never misses a trick and a magician who sometimes forgets to say the magic word. Created by Shona Reppe, directed by Gill Robertson and Ian Cameron.

Suitable for P1-3 Monday 5^th October at 1:30pm, Platform (Glasgow)

Thursday 19^th & Fri 20^th November at 1.30pm, Traverse Theatre (Edinburgh)

Magic Sho is touring throughout Scotland with family performances also in Stirling, Paisley, Hawick, Musselburgh, Greenock, St Andrews, Giffnock, Aberdeen, Inverness and Cumnock.

White is a playful show for very young children and is a perfect first-time theatre experience, returning to the Traverse Theatre Edinburgh this Christmas..

Created by Andy Manley and Ian Cameron. Designed by Shona Reppe.

Suitable for Nursery (or aged 2-4 years)

12^th– 24^th December, Traverse Theatre Edinburgh.

Click here for more information

Catherine Wheels Theatre Company

Tel: +44 (0)131 653 5255

www.catherinewheels.co.uk

www.facebook.com/CatherineWheelsCompany

To see a sample section of the resource book or to order a copy please CLICK HERE

News, opportunities, research and strategy relating to creative teaching and learning in Scotland