Category Archives: Social Studies

Health and Wellbeing, Social Studies

Glasgow Children paint the way to happiness

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Children in the east end of the city have been busy being creative over the last few months on a project that has addressed what they need in their lives to be safe, healthy and happy.

The StreetsAhead project, run by the Children’s Parliament, has produced a marvellous audio and visual mural to be unveiled by the children at the launch at the City Chambers on Wednesday. The primary pupils from St Michael’s, St Anne’s and Dalmarnock, have created the colourful mural to showcase their hopes for the future and their collective wish to live in a culture of non-violence and respect in their community.

In special school workshops, the P6 and P7 youngsters have been encouraged to think about their lives and communities and the positive and negative aspects they encounter.
The results formed the basis of the mural which was designed over five days by 20 children working together from the three schools.

Sciences, Social Studies, Technologies

Podcasting Sounds in our Environment – D&G Schools TV and BBC

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Monday 27 February, 9.30 am
http://glo.li/AhAfdl

Podcasting can be done by anyone, anywhere. If you have listened to the radio and wished you could have a go, you can! When you’ve seen a live demonstration from a BBC Producer, you will have the opportunity to create and share your own podcast. Hosted by Ae Primary in partnership with Robin Fuller, Forestry Commission Scotland and supported by BBC LAB podcast. Sign up here <http://newsletters-ltscotland.org.uk/t/LQE-PKXN-49RSCF-9RP23-1/c.aspx> . (Glow log-in and password required.)

Social Studies

Pink Buildings – an exhibition of pupils’ art

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South Ayrshire Council News http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/news/kids-get-arty-to-celebrate-pink-buildings.aspx

Provost Winifred Sloan has opened an art exhibition celebrating the iconic pink buildings on New Bridge Street in Ayr.

Entitled ‘A Young Look at an Old Town,’ the exhibition showcased a collection of original prints made by pupils at Newton and St John’s primary schools, featuring elements from the pink buildings and landmarks in and around the New Bridge area, traditionally known as the ‘Gateway to Ayr.’

Sciences, Social Studies, Technologies

Developing global citizens through sciences, social studies and technologies

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Interdisciplinary learning for a low carbon and zero waste future
Venue: Menzies Hotel, Glasgow, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Friday 30 March 2012


http://ltsblogs.org.uk/globalcitizenship/2012/02/09/developing-global-citizens-through-sciences-social-studies-and-technologies/

This CPD event provides an exciting opportunity for secondary school practitioners to discover how cradle to cradle technologies and a circular economy can be used as a rich and stimulating context for interdisciplinary learning relating to sustainable development education and global citizenship within Curriculum for Excellence.

The Scottish Government is committed to a low-carbon and zero-waste economy and the development of enterprise, creativity, STEM (Sciences, Technologies, Engineering and Maths) and higher order thinking skills in young people are essential if we are to realise these ambitious plans for the future. The circular economy concept proposes the use of sustainable technologies, innovative design and production methods and systems thinking to minimise waste and reduce the exploitation of the Earth’s precious resources. This event will draw on exciting developments within industry which are set to transform the way our economy operates in the decades ahead.

This is a partnership event organised by Education Scotland, The Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the University of Edinburgh.

To book, please email: globalcitizens@educationscotland.gov.uk or Tel. 0141 282 5172. Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Drama, Languages and Literacy, Social Studies

National Gaelic drama tour launched

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Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s languages, Dr. Alasdair Allan, last week launched a national Gaelic drama tour at Meadowburn Primary School, Bishopbriggs.


Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig, the agency with responsibility for the production and co-ordination of Gaelic educational resources, collaborated with agencies across Scotland and Ireland to produce a superb collection of traditional Scottish and Irish tales entitled ‘Mar a chuala mise e – As I heard it’.

Head of Project, Donald John MacRitchie said:

“Co-working with the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Belfast provided us with the opportunity of sharing our experiences of developments in education and achieved a 50 per cent saving in our publishing costs. We then worked with Fèisean nan Gàidheal, the organisation which supports the development of community-based Gaelic arts tuition festivals throughout Scotland, to assist in dramatising one of the tales from the book and to produce an online pack on how to dramatise a story.

“We asked our friends at Meadowburn Primary School in Bishopbriggs to host the first performance and the pupils engaged enthusiastically with the actors from Fèisean nan Gàidheal, providing alternative endings to the drama. We were delighted that Dr Allan, the Minister with responsibility for Gaelic, was able to be present to launch the tour which will visit 50 venues across local authorities. We are grateful to Meadowbank Primary and to Dr Allan for their willing participation.

“Stòrlann are key players in the drive to raise the number of Gaelic speakers in Scotland, and drama is recognised as an excellent vehicle for language acquisition.

“Our resources cater for all stages and include the online terminology database, An Seotal, and the website Gaelic4Parents which helps parents with children in Gaelic-medium education.”

Find out more about Stòrlann


Ministear airson Ionnsachaidh, Saidheans agus Cànain na h-Alba, an Dr Alasdair Allan, a’ cur cuairt dràma nàiseanta air bhog aig Bun-Sgoil Innis an Uillt, Drochaid an Easbaig.

Tha Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig air co-obrachadh le buidhnean ann an Alba agus Èirinn gus cruinneachadh sgoinneil de sgeulachdan traidiseanta fhoillseachadh air a bheil Mar a Chual Mise e.

Thuirt Ceannard Phròiseactan, Dòmhnall Iain MacRisnidh:

“Chaidh sinn an uair sin còmhla ri Fèisean nan Gàidheal gus aon dhe na sgeulachdan a thionndadh gu dràma, agus gus pasgan air-loidhne ullachadh a sheallas mar a nì thu dràma a-mach à sgeulachd.

“Chuir ar caraidean ann am Bun-Sgoil Innis an Uillt fàilte air cluicheadairean Fèisean nan Gàidheal airson a’ chiad taisbeanaidh dhen dràma. Chaidh na sgoilearan an sàs gu dealasach còmhla riutha, ’s iad a’ cruthachadh an deireadh fhèin airson na sgeulachd. Bha sinn air leth toilichte gum b’ urrainn don Dr Alasdair Allan, amMinistear le dleastanas airson Gàidhlig, a bhith ann airson a’ chuairt a chur air bhog. Tadhailidh an sgioba air 50 àite air feadh na dùthcha. Ar taing do mhuinntir na sgoile agus don Dr Allan airson pàirt a ghabhail còmhla rinn.

“Tha àite mòr aig Stòrlann san iomairt gus àireamh luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig a chur am meud, agus tha e aithnichte gu bheil dràma na dhòigh mhath air cànan a thogail.

“Tha na goireasan againn a’ frithealadh air gach ìre agus nam measg tha An Seotal, stòr-dàta briathrachais air-loidhne, agus an làrach-lìn Gaelic4Parents a bhios a’ cuideachadh phàrantan le clann ann am foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig.”

Gus tuilleadh fhaighinn a-mach mu Stòrlann agus na tha sinn a’ dèanamh, tadhail air www.storlann.co.uk

Health and Wellbeing, Languages and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, Religious and Moral Education, Sciences, Social Studies

Marks on the Landscape

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Education Scotland’s online interdisciplinary learning resource, Marks on the Landscape <http://newsletters-ltscotland.org.uk/LQE-OG31-3GU5HR-9BG4A-1/c.aspx> , is being used by schools throughout the country to help develop creative learning and teaching experiences across the curriculum.


One of the most popular areas of the resource is the Design Challenge section <http://newsletters-ltscotland.org.uk/LQE-OG31-3GU5HR-9BHYB-1/c.aspx>  which provides a set of interdisciplinary challenges intended to inspire learners to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life situations.

We would like to find out more about some of the innovative ways the design challenges are being used in schools and would appreciate you letting us know how your learners are using them. Please email details to Maureen.Finn@educationscotland.gov.uk <mailto:Maureen.Finn@educationscotland.gov.uk?subject=Marks%20on%20the%20Landscape> .



http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/marksonthelandscape/index.asp?dm_i=LQE,OG31,3GU5HR,1Z1WU,1
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/marksonthelandscape/designchallenges/index.asp?dm_i=LQE,OG31,3GU5HR,1Z1WU,1

Languages and Literacy, Social Studies

Robert Burns activities from National Museum of Scotland

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Celebrate Robert Burns 2012 at the National Museum of Scotland from 21st – 27th January.

Robert Burns: To a Mouse Family Footprints Trail

Dates: Sat 21 – Fri 27 January
Time: All day
Cost: Free
Available from: Info Zone, Level 3, Grand Gallery Balcony

A new museum trail for families exploring one of Burns’ famous poems through exhibits in our Scottish collections.

Supported by Scotland’s Winter Festivals.

Dates: Sat 21, Sun 22 and Fri 27 January
Times: 11:00–13:00, 14:00–16:00
Where: Scotland galleries Levels -1, 1 and 3

Three colourful characters step from the pages of history into the Museum, to explain what life was like in the past.

Supported by Scotland’s Winter Festivals.

Date: Sunday 22 January

Join us for an afternoon of engaging activities, workshops, performances and encounters with some of our 26 Treasures writers, Hopscotch Theatre, and Slice of Life characters who will help you celebrate and explore Scotland, Burns and the Scots tongue!

The Scots Magical Museum

Time: 13:00–16:00 (drop in, but please gather at 13:00 for the introduction if possible)
Where: Grand Gallery, Level 1
Cost: Free

More than 200 years ago a man called James Johnson, working in collaboration with Robert Burns, published an important set of books of Scottish songs called The Scots Musical Museum. This afternoon, Scots writer James Robertson will help create a Scots Magical Museum. Join James at 13:00 as we kick off with some fun introductory games in Scots before you go off and select an interesting object to draw. James will help you find a word or phrase in Scots to describe it before you add it to the Scots Magical Museum. What will you choose?

Hopscotch Theatre: Tam O’Shanter

Times: 13:30 and 15:30 (45 mins)
Where: Hawthornden Court, Level 1
Cost: Free

Join the more than slightly tipsy Tam as he clambers aboard his long suffering, but trusty grey mare Meg, and sets off into the heart of a wild storm, for a confrontation with witches, warlocks and ‘the deil himsel’!  Performed in the round and with audience participation, the versatile actors will bring to vivid life the many colourful characters from this epic, cautionary tale, full of couthy humour and dark mystery.

Supported by Scotland’s Winter Festivals.

SuperScot!

Time: 14:00 (60 mins)
Where: Learning Centre Level 4
Cost: Free, but places are limited. Please sign up on the day in the Learning Centre.
Suitable for: Ages 9–12

What would your ideal Scottish Superhero be like? What superpowers would they have? Join 26 Treasures writer Kate Tough to create your own Super Scot through words and pictures in this workshop suitable for ages 9–12.

Viking Gold

Time: 15:00 (60 mins)
Where: Learning Centre, level 4
Cost: Free, but places are limited. Please sign up on the day in the Learning Centre.
Suitable for: Ages 10–15

V Campbell’s latest book Viking Gold is an historical action adventure about a 16 year old Viking boy who discovers America with the help of a mysterious Irish manuscript. Victoria will read excerpts from Viking Gold and use replica Viking arms, costumes, everyday objects and multi-media to instigate discussions about what life would be like for young people in Dark Age Europe. There will also be a chance to ask questions about her book and the writing process.

Dates: Mon 23 and Wed 25 January
Times: 10:30, 11:30 (20 mins)
Suitable for: Up to 5 years
Cost: Free – sign up on the day for a limited place at the Information Desk in the Entrance Hall.

Our magic carpet introduces your little ones to different themes and galleries in the museum through stories, songs, objects and activities.  Join guest leader and Scots writer Aimee Chalmers for some special sessions themed around Robert Burns and the Scots language.

Supported by Scotland’s Winter Festivals.

Date: Thu 26 January
Time: 18:30 (1.5hrs)
Cost: £6, £5 Concession and Members
Booking: Book tickets online or call 0300 123 6789

A museum is a treasure chest not just of objects but of stories. At this closing event for the 26 Treasures project, James Robertson, Sara Sheridan, Lee Randall and Lucy Harland join Jamie Jauncey to discuss how they tapped into the rich story of Scotland’s past through objects that connect them not only to social, political, cultural and religious history, but to the powerful emotions of people who lived at that time.

James Robertson and Aimee Chalmers kick off this event with a selection of Burns poetry and a 21st century Scots poem inspired by the bard.

Supported by Scotland’s Winter Festivals.

Drama, Languages and Literacy, Sciences, Social Studies, Technologies

Festival of Dangerous Ideas

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The Festival of Dangerous Ideas aims to re-establish the importance of dangerous ideas as agents of change in education – to shift the axis of what is possible! As Oscar Wilde once said: ‘An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all’.

Whether you want to contribute to one of our events, host an event of your own, provide a venue, sponsor a session, or even hold a dinner, exhibition or debate, we would love to hear from you.

During the week-long festival, in conjunction with Creative Scotland and partners, there will be a variety of activities happening around Scotland, including:

•My Dangerous Idea (opportunities for sharing ideas)
•Dangerous Words (what’s the future for books? is the kindle the beginning or the end?)
•Dangerous Wisdom (philosophy cafe – what is the purpose of education?)
•Dangerous Research (a platform for academic voices with FERRN)
•Dangerous Theatre (forum and invisible theatre with Visible Fictions)
•Dangerous Gardening (introduction to guerrilla gardening with an expert from New York)
•Emporium of Dangerous Ideas.
This opportunity is available in: All Scotland
For further information, please contact karen.lawson@scotcol.ac.uk (Karen Lawson), or call 07764 310 470, or visit http://www.scotlandscolleges.ac.uk.

Dance, Drama, Languages and Literacy, Music, Sciences, Social Studies

Imagining Scotland in 2050 – creativity and science competition

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The Scottish Qualifications Authority and Scottish Business in the Community’s inspirational new competition asks young people to develop a piece of creative work that clearly shows their vision of our future – Scotland 2050.



Ideas can be developed in four broad categories:

  • Education and Training
  • Leisure, Life and Style
  • Transport and Travel
  • Work and Careers.


All entrants have to do to enter is develop a scientific project or piece of creative work that shows their vision for Scotland 2050.



http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47271.html