Category Archives: Sciences

Drama, Health and Wellbeing, Primary, Religious and Moral Education, Sciences

Catherine Wheels Theatre Company – News for Schools and Educators

April 7, 2016 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Each year Catherine Wheels tours one of our productions into school gym halls in the spring term. These productions will then go on to tour around the world.

In 2014, our production of The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk left Sighthill in Edinburgh to be performed on a Broadway stage! In 2015, two casts performed Lifeboat simultaneously in Scottish school halls and in large theatres across the USA.

We also regularly present productions in Scottish theatres and schedule a variety of schools performances.

All in-school performances are designed to fit into school facilities with tight schedules. Costs to schools are by fee at £3 per child (by capacity).

Primary 4-7: Lost at Sea (in schools)

This week, Catherine Wheels premiered a new production at the Edinburgh International Science Festival. Lost at Sea was commissioned as part of EISF ‘Science in the Spotlight’ project which aims to bring together the wonder of theatre with science communication.

Suitable for P5-7, this production will be on tour into schools next spring.

The journey begins with a boy and a girl, fascinated by the story of 28,800 bath toys that accidentally ended up flung into the unrelenting currents of the Pacific Ocean.

Their investigation sees them uncover the mysteries of the sea and discovering its importance to every one of us on earth.

Primary 5-7: Pondlife (in schools and theatres) A new adaptation of Pondlife will be touring Scotland in the autumn. This is available for theatres, halls and schools (with larger facilities where space can be made available for longer set up period and black out can be achieved).

When Martin moves to a new school he feels lost in a sea of strange faces, especially when class bully Sharon takes a dislike to him. That is until he meets Simon McGurk and forms a friendship that not only changes Martin, but curses Simon for the rest of his school days. A poignant coming of age tale about just how difficult it can be to stay true to your friends.

Audience and Press Reviews Absolutely brilliant. Great performance. Wonderful storytelling. Very memorable. What a treat! (Edinburgh Fringe Audience 2012) The teachers of P5, P6 and P7 were very impressed with the performance. The actor was extremely skilled and engaging. The children could not take their eyes off him! It generated lots of interesting discussion back in the classroom. We would wholeheartedly recommend this performance to other schools. (Alyson Wier, Head Teacher, Tweedbank Primary)

Primary 1-3: The Story of the Little Gentleman (in schools)

The Story of the Little Gentleman is currently on tour into Scottish primary schools. By the time we reach the Imaginate performances at the end of May, we will have delivered 110 performances in 66 venues in 13 Scottish local authority areas.

Audience Reviews

Just had classes back from Little Gentleman performance – resounding triumph. Response from ALL kids and staff most positive I’ve ever seen (Head Teacher, Aberdeen Primary) The story was a powerful one. It grabbed the children’s attention from the outset and held it throughout. Pupils understood and could relate to the message it sent out and were eager to talk about it once back in class, linking it to their own experiences. The story was beautifully performed and was efficiently run by the company. Julie Conlan, Principal Teacher, St Mun’s PS (Dunoon)

Booking is open for all three productions. Schools performances are booked in a variety of ways, through Local Authorities or direct with schools themselves. Some schools come together to share a performance.

Please contact us if you require further information on any of the above.

Anna Derricourt

Touring & Schools Development Manager

Catherine Wheels Theatre Company

Tel: +44 (0)131 653 5255

www.catherinewheels.co.uk

Art and Design, Colleges, Community Learning and Development, Primary, Sciences, Secondary, Social Studies, Technologies, THIS IS A TEST

2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design – events

March 23, 2016 S. Bullock Leave a comment

2016 is the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design (YIAD). Events forming part of a year-long programme will use our stunning architecture, thriving creative industries and spirit of invention to show visitors that Scotland stands shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the world when it comes to cutting edge, contemporary design and technological knowhow.

As part of this VisitScotland have launched the new Spirit of Scotland campaign. It focusses on seven traits that best describe the people and landscapes of Scotland: warmth, humour, guts, spark, soul, determination and fun.

With 28 funded events and an increasing array of partner events, the programme for the Year is fuller and more exciting than ever.

Details about all events are available on the VisitScotland website.

Upcoming events include:

Build it! Adventures with Lego Bricks (Edinburgh, until April 17)
Glasgow International Comedy Festival (until March 27)
NVA Hinterland (Helensburgh , March 18 – 27)
Scottish Swimming Championships (Glasgow, March 30 – April 3, June 30 – July 3)
CraftScotland presents Meet Your Maker (April 1 – December 23)
Glasgow International (April 8 – 25)
Melrose Sevens (April 9)
World Canals Public Programme (May 1 – 31)
Festival of Museums (May 13 – 15)
Cycling Tour Series (May 17 and 19)
Gardening Scotland (Edinburgh, June 3 – 5)
Crail Food Festival (June 10 – 12)

Drama, Early Learning, Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing, Primary, Sciences, Social Studies

Spaces Available for Recycling Heroes Workshops

January 5, 2016 User deactivated Leave a comment

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/

Community Learning and Development, Drama, Health and Wellbeing, Languages and Literacy, Sciences, Secondary

Experiential Learning In Stirling, Inverness and Edinburgh – sciences, literacy, health and wellbeing and film

December 9, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

What’s The Grey Matter With Gregory?

School pupils in Stirling, Inverness and Edinburgh are invited to step back to the 1980’s and study the rules of attraction at Abronhill High

Venues in Stirling (Macrobert Arts Centre, 11th January), Inverness (Eden Court, 12th January) and Edinburgh (Summerhall, 18th January) will transform into 1980’s Abronhill High School in this thrilling mix of arts and science education. Students will take biology lessons on the science of human attraction alongside PhD scientists and witness the characters from the film step off the screen and into the classroom as classic scenes are recreated by young actors from the local area. The day will be rounded off with a screening of Bill Forsyth’s classic, Gregory’s Girl.

Abronhill High School appears to be undergoing a rather strange outbreak of ‘flirtatiousness’ that the authorities are none too pleased with. The Department for the Investigation of Amorous Disorders (D.I.A.D.) have been called in to help understand what has befallen those students at Abronhill High – and that is where local 21st century students will come in.

During the course of the day, students (as scientists from D.I.A.D.) will step into the 1980s and the strange world of Abronhill High, meeting the characters from the film, observing their behaviour and taking part in a series of workshops. Students will meet and work alongside PhD scientists as they examine the influence that psychology and hormones hold over human behaviour…

what are the key psychological factors that lead to human attraction?
do we have cognitive control or are we just responding to hormonal influences?
what considerations must we make when managing our relations?
they will develop the key literacy and laboratory skill of observation throughout the day as they devise and regularly revise their theories
they will also develop an understanding and appreciation of this classic British film.

Each event has 100 free tickets available for school pupils aged 13-16 and their teachers. The event runs from 10.30am – 3.15pm and comprehensively covers Science and Health and Wellbeing in the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. Anyone interested in

attending should contact education@cmi-scotland.co.uk.

What’s The Grey Matter With Gregory? is a UK-wide event created by Cinelive in partnership with BFI Education, Film Hub Scotland and The Wellcome Trust as part of the BFI’s LOVE Season, celebrating our enduring love affair with big screen romance. This project is managed by Centre for the Moving Image in partnership with Summerhall, Macrobert and Eden Court.

Drama, Early Learning, Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing, Primary, Sciences, THIS IS A TEST

The Worm – An Underground Adventure

November 16, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Tour 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

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/

Drama, Primary, Sciences, Technologies

The Astro Science Challenge – a free space science adventure for 7-11 year olds

May 13, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

An epic adventure for primary school children about the science of going into space, running in conjunction with Tim Peake aka Britain’s Next Astronaut going into space aboard the International Space Station.

Click here to find out more and register your school’s interest in being involved in this free, high profile project: http://www.astrosciencechallenge.com/find-out-more/

The adventure will consist of six ‘episodes’, each with a new science-based challenge for the students to complete. All participants who successfully complete each challenge in the adventure are rewarded with an online digital badge endorsed by one of our partners.

Each episode will be created in partnership with some of the UK’s most brilliant space science organisations, including the UK Space Agency, The Met Office, The Science Museum, The Royal Observatory, Young Rewired State and NASA Mission X.

It will run over the second half of the autumn term, October-December 2015.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Thanks to funding from Arts Council England, Garfield Weston, The Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Foyle Foundation The Astro Science Challenge is free for primary schools and children aged 7-11 throughout the UK.

Colleges, Community Learning and Development, Sciences, Secondary

Google Science Fair Competition

March 30, 2015 S. Bullock Leave a comment

The Google Science Fair is a global online science and technology competition open to individuals and teams from ages 13 to 18. Find out what you can win, and learn more about the people involved with the competition.

https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/competition

Sciences, Technologies

Electric Car Race

June 18, 2014 S. Bullock Leave a comment

For the first time, two secondary schools in Inverclyde have formed a unique shared-campus team as they get ready to compete in a regional electric car race.

http://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/news/2014/jun/campus-races-top/

The shared-campus project has been organised by the Technical departments of both schools, Port Glasgow High School and St. Stephen’s High School to engage the pupils in a special engineering challenge – to design, build and race their very own electric car.

The challenge has been set by Greenpower UK Education Trust which hopes to engage and inspire students with some guidance from their teachers and an industry mentor.

Creativity Portal News Feed