Dance in Scotland Report launched

November 7, 2011 J. Fenby Leave a comment

A new report aiming to raise the profile of Dance in Scotland was launched last week by Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs and Andrew Dixon Chief Executive, Creative Scotland. It recommends changes and developments which will strengthen and reinforce the place of dance in our society. The four key messages of the report are:

Everyone in Scotland should have access to a local dance activity
Investment in professional dance needs to be sustained in order to build new audiences
All children should have access to high quality dance teaching in schools
More opportunities for specialist training and professional development are needed

The report has been developed by the Federation of Scottish Theatre in consultation with Scotland’s dance and education communities. Visit the Creative Scotland website for more news on the report or the Federation of Scottish Theatre website to view the report in full.

Music

Improvising for String Educators

November 7, 2011 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Ever wished you had the knowledge and confidence to move away from notated music in your lessons? Wondering how to develop all round musicianship in your pupils but without the experience in improvisation to use it whilst teaching? Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra and Renee’ Baker host this workshop in improvisation and creative music making which is specifically designed for teachers of string instruments.

Part of GIO Festival IV, Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra welcome Renee’ Baker of the AACM in Chicago to lead a workshop to inspire, inform and instil confidence. Renee’ works as a violinist in many settings from classical orchestras to experimental new music groups, and brings decades of experience in string teaching. She is a passionate educator and this workshop offers the opportunity to gain insight into her creative processes, try out improvising, and discuss ways of using improvisation in a teaching context.

No experience of improvising is necessary; just bring your instrument and a willingness to try.

Tickets cost £10 and booking is essential as numbers are limited. Please email us at giocontact@gmail.com to make a booking or for more information.

This workshop will be at the Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G2 3JD.

Developing the Young Workforce, Music

1on1 with music industry professionals for young people in Glasgow, Fife and The Highlands

November 7, 2011 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Music Plus is a mentoring scheme run by the Scottish Music Centre and supported by the Youth Music Initiative.

The aim of the project is to link young people 1:1 with music industry professionals who’ll offer guidance, encouragement, skills and knowledge across a range of industry roles from performance to event promotion.

Online registration is now open for those who are:

– age 14-19
– living in Glasgow, Fife and The Highlands
– involved in making any kind of music
– interested in working in the music industry
This opportunity is available in: Fife, Glasgow City, Highland
For further information, please contact musicplus@scottishmusiccentre.com (Keith Beattie), or call 0141 552 5222, or visit http://www.musicplus.org.uk.

Languages and Literacy

Creative Writing competition from National Galleries

November 4, 2011 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Insprired? Get writing! Creative Writing Competition 2011/12

http://www.nationalgalleries.org/education/competitions-3740/inspired-get-writing-creative-writing-competition-2011-2012

If you have been inspired by any of the artworks in the NGS amazing collection, why not put pen to paper and enter this year’s competition? There are thousands of works to choose from with categories for both school children and adults, plus free workshops, public readings and the chance of publication for winners. Entries can be in the form of prose or poetry.
The closing date for entries is Friday 20 January 2012. For full details visit the NGS website <http://www.nationalgalleries.org/education/competitions-3740/inspired-get-writing-creative-writing-competition-2011-2012>

Languages and Literacy

Lennoxlove Book Festival, 4-6 November

November 3, 2011 J. Fenby Leave a comment

Visit Lennoxlove House, East Lothian, this weekend for the third Lennoxlove Book Festival plus fireworks! The programme encompasses history, biography, politics, fiction and fun. Michael Morpurgo talks about his powerful classic tale, War Horse, and Alistair Darling about the world financial crisis in his gripping account, Back from the Brink. With workshops on writing and illustrating childrens’ stories and storytelling sessions for families there is something for everyone. For more information visit www.lennoxlovebookfestival.com

Dance, Drama, Health and Wellbeing, Music

New Child Protection Guide for creative partners

November 1, 2011 S. Bullock Leave a comment

New child protection guide allows arts workers to create safety http://www.childreninscotland.org.uk/html/med_prs.htm
A new child protection guide for the creative community in Scotland has been launched to reflect important developments in legislation and policy.
Creating Safety (2011), produced as a joint venture by Children in Scotland and Creative Scotland, reflects new national guidance on child protection, the introduction of the Protecting of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, and changing attitudes towards risk assessment.

Creating Safety is useful for anyone working with children and young people in creative activities, from large arts or heritage organisations developing policy and procedures for child protection to volunteers or freelance professional artists working with children and young people. The guide is aimed at for example, a dancer or film-maker setting up a programme of sessions with a youth group, or a storyteller or musician working in an early years setting.

Developing the Young Workforce, Drama

Working in the Theatre – Glow Meet

November 1, 2011 S. Bullock Leave a comment

World of Work Wednesdays is Back <http://ltsblogs.org.uk/glowscotland/2011/10/28/world-of-work-wednesdays-is-back/> http://ltsblogs.org.uk/glowscotland/

Yes it is back. The popular fortnightly event that focuses on career opportunities for young people across Scotland returns to Glow TV after a break.
This WoWW event focuses on Working in the Theatre. Have you ever wondered what it is like being part of the magic of the theatre? How does a production begin and who is involved in bringing it to life on the stage?

Dance, Health and Wellbeing

Sports and Creative arts – Stirling

October 27, 2011 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Stirling Community Planning Partnership along with Scottish Sports Futures is offering young people across Stirling the opportunity to come together and take part in a range of sport and creative arts activities this Saturday (29th October) at Raploch Community Campus. This event is aimed at young people in P6 upwards (maximum age is 21). For more information please contact Scottish Sports Futures on 0141 218 4640, visit their website <http://www.ssf.org.uk> or contact Stirling Council, Youth Services on 01786 442719.

http://www.stirling.gov.uk/my/news/view/19568

Uncategorized

Teaching in Nature: How going local into nature changes learning

October 24, 2011 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Take a group of teachers, introduce them to the wonders of a local natural place and then leave them to do what they do best. The results? Exciting, creative and motivating cross-curricular outdoor learning opportunities for pupils – and teachers who are confidently using the site across the curriculum!

http://teachinginnature.stir.ac.uk/index.html

Last year four groups of teachers met with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) National Nature Reserve (NNR) managers to learn about the natural and cultural features that make their site special. Over the course of the school year these teachers, from early years, primary, secondary and special schools, worked collaboratively to develop activities for their classes to do on these sites and test them out. Find out more about the project from the teachers and pupils themselves at http://teachinginnature.stir.ac.uk/index.html <http://teachinginnature.stir.ac.uk/index.html>

A report on the project was written by educational researchers from the University of Stirling, who provided invaluable support and insight throughout the project. This is available at:
http://www.snh.gov.uk/publications-data-and-research/publications/search-the-catalogue/publication-detail/?id=1839 <http://www.snh.gov.uk/publications-data-and-research/publications/search-the-catalogue/publication-detail/?id=1839> .

Drama, Languages and Literacy

Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off! – Glow Meet

October 21, 2011 S. Bullock Leave a comment

Live from Dundee Rep Theatre, join us for an exclusive Glow Meet with the acclaimed playwright Liz Lochhead. A rare opportunity to hear the current national poet talk about her writing and in particular the modern Scottish classic, Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off.
Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off – a co-production between the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh and Dundee Rep Theatre. Join the Glow Meet for language and drama activities, design resources and activities, as well as video interviews with the director, actors and designer.

http://bit.ly/glowmqosevent

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