Category Archives: Early Learning

Y Dance CLPL

WEDNESDAY 16 MARCH – OLYMPICS FOR PRIMARY

Discovering the Olympics

Wednesday 16 March 2016

9.30am – 4pm

£75 (+ VAT)

Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre, 13 Whitevale Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G31 1 QW.

This session will be for primary school teachers and will cover the Olympic Motto, Olympic Sports, Olympic Rings and Exploring Cultures such as Rio and Japan.

 

 

WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH – OLYMPICS FOR ELC

Discovering the Olympics

Wednesday 23 March 2016

10am – 1pm

£45 (+ VAT)

Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre, 13 Whitevale Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G31 1QW

Sessions are aimed at teachers working in nurseries or early years settings and will cover sport themed dance, Japanese inspired cultural dance using fans and parasols and carnival inspired session.

 

 

MONDAY 25 APRIL – DANCE FOR EARLY YEARS

Dance for Early Years

Monday 25 April 2016

9.30am – 4pm

£75 (+ VAT)

Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre, 13 Whitevale Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G31 1QW

Develop your teaching skills for delivering dance for early years children in this one day course covering creative ideas for dance classes inspired by stories and topics, planning and structuring a lesson plan or creative workshop and using props and music.

 

 

TUESDAY 26 APRIL – DANCE FOR PRIMARY

Dance for Primary Children

Tuesday 26 April 2016

9.30am – 4pm

£75 (+ VAT)

Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre, 13 Whitevale Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G31 1 QW.

Come and explore what dance could be in your classroom.  Using simple games, tasks and sequences your YDance tutor will help you achieve the Curriculum for Excellece experiences and outcomes required for planning your dance session for early – upper primary.

 

 

THURSDAY 28 APRIL – INCLUSIVE DANCE PRACTICE

Inclusive Dance Practice for Teachers Working in ASN Settings

Thursday 28 April 2016

9.30am – 4pm

£75 (+ VAT)

Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre, 13 Whitevale Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G31 1QW.

Develop your teaching skills for delivering dance effectively with children and young people with additional support needs.  In this one day course you will explore –

  • Methods of Inclusive Dance
  • Creative ideas for pupils with and without additional support needs
  • Planning and structuring a lesson plan/creative workshop

 

Spaces Available for Recycling Heroes Workshops

IMG_3138

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recycling Heroes is touring again from Jan 2016 and we still a a few spaces left for schools within Scotland!

Lead by Eco Drama’s very own Recycling Superhero (Bag Girl), the workshop will explore waste minimisation and the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Bag Girl will be ZIP, ZAP and BOINGING into primary schools, nurseries and venues throughout Scotland.

The workshop is a fantastic creative learning experience that engages children emotionally and intellectually with current Eco School’s topics and assist schools towards attaining Green Flags. Suitable for nursery and P1-5, it also makes an excellent choice for school Eco Days or Community Events. 

There are still a few slots available on this tour so please contact Eco Drama for more information and prices.

schools@ecodrama.co.uk

0141 552 9920

07 982 159 071

http://www.ecodrama.co.uk/workshops/recycling-heroes/

Career-long Professional Learning Opportunities for Nursery or Early Years Teachers

Dance for Early Years

 

Monday 25 April 2016

9.30am – 4pm

£75 (+ VAT)

Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre, 13 Whitevale Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G31 1QW

 

Develop your teaching skills for delivering dance with early years children in this one day course covering creative ideas for dance classes inspired by stories and topics, planning and structuring a lesson plan or creative workshop and using props and music.

Discovering the Olympics

 

Discovering the Olympics

 

Wednesday 23 March 2016

10am – 1pm

£45 (+ VAT)

Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre, 13 Whitevale Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G31 1QW

 

Sessions are aimed at teachers working in nurseries or early years settings and will cover sport themed dance, Japanese inspired cultural dance using fans and parasols and carnival inspired session.

 

All courses can be booked via our website www.ydance.org or by contacting Lauren@ydance.org for more information.

 

 

 

RSNO CLPL Opportunities 2015-16

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

CPD Opportunities 2015-16

 RSNO CPD opportunities 2015-16

 RSNO-Large-RGB

Practical ideas for music making with early years (CfE Level E-1)

Perth: Thu 11 Feb 2016: 12.30-2.30pm

Conducting / leading a school ensemble

Glasgow: Tue 26 Jan 2016: 4-6pm

 

An introduction to playing / teaching timpani

Glasgow: Sat 7 May 2016: 3.30-5.30pm

 

CPD sessions are £20 per person and include a ticket to your choice of one of the following RSNO season concerts:

 

Dundee

Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto: Thu 25 Feb 2016: 7.30pm

Dvorák Cello Concerto: Thu 28 Apr 2016: 7.30pm

Oundjian Conducts Shostakovich Eight: Sun 22 May 2016: 3pm

 

Perth

Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto: Thu 11 Feb 2016: 7.30pm

 

Glasgow

Oundjian Conducts The Sea: Sat 20 Feb 2016: 7.30pm

The Stravinsky Project: Symphony in C: Sat 30 Apr 2016: 7.30pm

The Stravinsky Project: Rite of Spring: Sat 7 May 2016: 7.30pm

 

Edinburgh

Oundjian Conducts The Sea: Fri 19 Feb 2016: 7.30pm

The Stravinsky Project: Symphony in C: Fri 29 Apr 2016: 7.30pm

The Stravinsky Project: Rite of Spring: Fri 6 May 2016: 7.30pm

 

 

For more information or to book, please contact RSNO Engage at engage@rsno.org.uk or by calling 0141 225 3552.

Creative Approaches to Learning for Sustainability

Creative Connection – creative approaches to Learning for Sustainability on Friday 4th December at the Church Hill Theatre

  • Between 1.30 – 2.30        light sandwich lunch, tea and coffee (arrive when you can)
  • 2.30 – 3.30                         creative approaches to learning for sustainability
  • 3.30/3.45 – 4.30               continue the chat over wine and nibbles

Creative Connections Invitation – The Lifecycle of Stuff

This event will provide opportunities to discuss and think about creativity in relation to HIGIOS 4.

 

To book your place please email: Linda Lees <Linda.Lees@edinburgh.gov.uk>

 

The Worm – An Underground Adventure

16-9 format worms for webTour booking is now open for Eco Drama’s 2016 production The Worm – An Underground Adventure.

Touring from Jan-March 2016, The Worm, is an enchanting, musical tale celebrating the wonder of life beneath our feet, specially devised for Nursery and P1-3.

Underneath your feet in the muddy brown soil squirms the world’s best kept secret…a wonderful, magical creature called the Worm. Join Wilma and William, two nature lovers, on a journey underground as they discover a family of friendly, musical worms and their colourful miniature world. The Worm is a fun filled musical tale guaranteed to make everyone giggle, wiggle and love the squirmy wonders beneath our feet.

After the performance, the audience are invited to see some real worms in a specially designed wormery.

Watch a short clip of The Worm on Vimeo:    https://vimeo.com/93151473

Curriculum for Excellence links: Social Studies:People, Place & Environment, Science: Planet Earth, Expressive Arts: Drama & Music

Eco Schools links:Food & the Environment, Bio Diversity, School Grounds

To book contact Sara Marshall on schools@ecodrama.co.uk or call 07982 159 071

http://www.ecodrama.co.uk/productions/the-worm-an-underground-adventure/

“Fantastic. Children were captivated from the onset. Discussion afterwards highlighted their obvious enjoyment. I felt the need to compliment the 2 performers after the show and tell them that this was one of the best shows I had ever seen in a school.” Sharon Barclay, Aultmore Park Primary

The Worm at Lochgelly Centre, Looking for Hats

Recycling Heroes Workshops

KA-POW take2The Recycling Heroes workshop explores waste minimisation and the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. A fun interactive drama experience for nursery and P1-5 touring January-April 2016.

Curriculum Links, Social Studies (People, Place & Environment), Expressive Arts (Drama), Science (Planet Earth, Materials)

Eco Schools Topics: Waste Minimisation, Litter, Sustaining Our World

“I really enjoyed the dynamic, fast paced approach. Short and active and the info was clear and easily absorbed. High fun factor” – Teacher, Knoxland Primary

“I feel I could stay a Recycling Hero forever” P4 pupil, St Mirin’s Primary, Glasgow

To book contact Sara Marshall on schools@ecodrama.co.uk or call 07982 159 071

For more information on the workshop CLICK HERE 

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

Out to Play CPD

   eco2 eco1

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

out to play

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

uprooted

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

replanting1 replanting2

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/

Edinburgh – Creative Conversation with Martin Robinson

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

Catherine Wheels Theatre Company – News for Schools, Autumn 2015

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!

 wheels1

World-class Theatre in your school this spring?

 wheels2A 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?

wheels3Magic 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 5th October at 1:30pm, Platform (Glasgow)

Thursday 19th & Fri 20th 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.
wheels4

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)

12th– 24th December, Traverse Theatre Edinburgh.

Click here for more information

wheels logo

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

 

 

 

Catherine Wheels Theatre Company

Tel: +44 (0)131 653 5255

www.catherinewheels.co.uk

www.facebook.com/CatherineWheelsCompany