Choices for Life

May 9, 2014 K. Mayer Leave a comment

Police Scotland’s ‘Choices for Life’ Team will present a number of through provoking dramas, which P7 students can view in their class.

This event will have a Commonwealth Games theme running through it, with lots of interesting Commonwealth Games footage and interviews with some of our own Scottish athletes, during their build up to this fantastic event.

Students will also have the opportunity to discuss any relevant issues with their teacher, as well as having their questions answered by one of our exert panel members who will be in the studio.

The drama to be screened will be ‘Sophie’s Story’ which will feature realistic issues that young people may be faced with in relation to alcohol and negative peer pressure.

To join this internacive and dynamic event please visit Glow or email choicesforlife@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Culture 2014, Educational resources, International Education, International partnerships, Uncategorized

Commonwealth Connections – Vision Africa

May 9, 2014 User deactivated 2 Comments

Commonwealth Connections is a project by UK registered charity, Vision Africa. The Commonwealth Games Federation says the aim of the Games is “Uniting the Commonwealth through sport.”

The 2014 Games provide a unique opportunity for children in various Commonwealth countries to learn about themselves, each other and the countries which will be competing in the event.

Vision Africa works with disadvantaged children and young people in Kenya. Through Commonwealth Connections, the charity aim to give children a forum to find out the similarities as well as the differences between children in Kenya and the UK.

One of the aims of the project is to teach children that despite living in different economic circumstances, their fellow children often share the same dreams, enjoy the same activities and even eat some of the same foods.

As well as celebrating diversity, we hope that engaging in Commonwealth Connections will help young people realise they have a lot in common too.

Vision Africa have pulled together a range of resources including videos, photographs, activity sheets and information which are free to download.

Why not keep up to date with progress by following on Twitter @VisionAfrica or Facebook

Clyde, Competition, curriculum, Game On Challenge, Game On Scotland Plaque, Games Legacy, Glasgow 2014, International partnerships, Legacy 2014, Queen's Baton Relay, Sport, Uncategorized

Inchlair youngsters lead the way

May 9, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Isobel Edmond, Head Teacher of Inchlair Nursery School shares how youngsters have embraced the context of the Commonwealth Games and how this has had a tangible impact on learning.

The Game On Challenge has given our pupils the skills to try out new Sports. We are purchasing new equipment to ensure that the children can continue to develop their new skills in our wonderful outdoor play space. When the coaches are not available children can very ably organise equipment and ensure that their peers wait and take their turn. They could be the Sports coaches of the future.

There is a real noticeable increase in the confidence of children to apply learning to new situations. The Story of the birth of CLYDE, “Captain Bristle’s Thistles” really caught their imagination. From this they have had countless role play experiences using uniforms, telescopes, globes, flags, flower pots, thistles, climbing frames. We have noticed their play is more focussed and shared experiences give children more opportunity to talk and learn together during exciting, imaginative play activities. There can be no doubt that using the Commonwealth Games as a context for learning has added an exciting layer of experience which has enriched learning for all.

A year ago our pupils would mostly say they lived in Stenhousemuir not Scotland. A focus on the Commonwealth Games has made them very aware that they are Scottish. They recognise the saltire and call it the “X” factor flag. The baton relay has given them the opportunity to study Commonwealth countries, flags of the world, maps, and wild animals. Relations have sent them postcards from across the globe. Access to the internet and in particular the BBC coverage of the Queen’s Baton Relay has enabled children to see places for themselves which has made them much more aware of life beyond our own town. We have complied a short video which allows the children to share their learning.

As a school, we sponsor a child in Malawi. Our support means she can go to school. We sell Nursery Cookbooks to raise funds for this as part of our Enterprise project. As Malawi is part of the Commonwealth children have been interested in finding the country on the world map, recognising the flag and studying pictures of Rachael over the years. They see her home, a hut in a dry dusty garden. The fact that fascinates them most is that she never has any shoes. This has helped our pupils understand how fortunate they are to live in a country which recognises and values the importance of learning. They have been genuinely touched by the difference in lifestyle between Scotland and Malawi and are beginning to understand how fortunate they are.

We were thrilled to be part of the “Going for Glasgow” challenge. Our children have had the opportunity to take part in 12 sports activities. To develop the Legacy, children take our CLYDE toy to their after school activity classes. They take photos and display them in the Nursery along with posters from their sports classes. Hopefully this will encourage other children to join a new club. The children love to talk about CLYDE’S visits and Parents are fully engaged with this idea.

As an active nursery, we are committed to daily outdoor play and developing physical sports activities. Being part of the Game on Challenge this year has brought a real buzz and sense of excitement to the Nursery. There is a competitive spirit as older brothers and sisters tell us about what they are doing at school to complete their challenge. Our youngsters go home at night and share their learning with family and friends. A number of parents have been inspired by their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge.
The high spot of our year is receiving the award of a Game On Scotland Plaque by Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games, Sport, Equalities and Pensioners’ Rights. This award has given staff, pupils and parents a great sense of achievement and pride in the excellent work being done.

We would really advise anyone who has not already registered their Game On Challenge to do so. It has been great fun here at Inchlair, and we look forward to reading what you have been up to!

Culture 2014, Expressive Arts, International Education, Maths

BBC School Radio programmes around the Commonwealth Games

May 9, 2014 K. Mayer Leave a comment

BBC Scotland Leanring has produce a number of school radio programmes which will focus on the Commonwealth Games over the coming weeks.
For First Level learners, Movement First takes in a tour of 5 Commonwealth countries through music, movement and imagination.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03g6hc9

For second level learners, Making the Commonwealth looks at the preparations for the Games and looks at the maths behind the tournament?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01yb2sg

Three more programmes in each series with new programme going out weekly on Thursday evening.

Programmes can be streamed from the site or downloaded for up to 1 year after they’ve been broadcast. We have a huge array of content for primary learners including features and radio dramas about Scottish History and Archaeology, the Referendum, Science, Myths and Legends, Bullying, as well as linkups with big stars like Nina and the Neurons and Dick and Dom! It’s a great way to bring active listening to the classroom and there are lots of opportunities for everyone in the class to get involved.

You can explore here:

(Early/1^st Level) http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03g64r6/episodes/player

(2^nd Level) http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03g64r7/episodes/player

Educational resources, Glasgow 2014

New Venue Films available

May 8, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

A range of top-class sporting venues across Glasgow and Scotland will be used for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and we’ve produced films for each, to help you see where the action will take place. Access them on the Game On Scotland site.

From the Athletes’ Village through to Tollcross International Swimming Centre, there’s a wide range of spectacular venues to explore, all captured on film to make for an interesting viewing experience. We are currently finalising the Hampden Park film and this will shortly be added to the site.

On a related note, for those teachers who may be thinking of organising trips to the venues, control will shortly be handed over to the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee to enable them to be made ready for the Games. When this happens, they will no longer be open to the public and it will not be possible to accommodate visits or tours. At that point, the priority is to make the final modifications necessary to deliver 11 days of world class sport. Please do not contact Game On Scotland about organising visits as we are unable to assist.

Culture 2014, International Education, International partnerships

Letter from (North) America

May 2, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

This is the first in a brief blog series highlighting how partners across the Commonwealth, and indeed the globe are using Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games as a context for learning.

Coinciding with the award of our first Game On Scotland plaque on foreign soil, we couldn’t resist the temptation to shine a spotlight on one of our Canadian school partners.

For Major Ballachey Elementary School in Brantford Ontario, participation in projects like Game On Challenge and Commonwealth Class provides a fantastically rich opportunity to foster a greater depth global awareness for students. Staff see it as a key component in their drive to cultivate a collective sense of pride and accomplishment for all students.

There is a real passion to share meaningfully with peers across the globe. Major Ballachey students decided the best way to do this was to create a series of short videos documenting life in and around the school. These provided the gateway to further collaboration with other Commonwealth schools.

Commonwealth Class has provided an unprecedented opportunity for students to interact directly with their peers across the globe. Participation in debates across international borders is invaluable as students strive to understand that the richness of our multiple identities are fundamental to the Commonwealth’s principles and approaches.

The Commonwealth is close to the heart for students at Major Ballachey. Located in Brantford, which itself is close to Hamilton, recognised as the birthplace of the British Empire Games, now the Commonwealth Games. This ensures students have a keen eye on the forthcoming games, the athletes and of course the VIP Baton event at which they were awarded their Game On Scotland plaque by Cabinet Secretary, Ms Shona Robison.

Award, Competition, Game On Challenge, Games Legacy

Legacy Ticket Rewards

May 2, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

We are very excited today to share news about our Game On Scotland Ticket Rewards.

There are different categories of reward
• Game On Challenge – Reward Ballot
• Case Study Initiative – Competitive Selection
• Programme Elements Rewards

More information on these great opportunities is available here.

Don’t forget, it is not too late to enter your own Game On Challenge, or to share your inspirational Case Study (word file available on the main Legacy Ticket page from the link above).

Another inspirational way for you and the young people you work with to get the best from the fantastic opportunities available through Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Competition, Game On Challenge, Games Legacy, Legacy tickets

Case Study Incentive

May 2, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

We are extremely grateful to those of you who have shared inspirational Case Studies. As a “thank you” to you, we have approximately 70 reward tickets up for grabs. These tickets will be decided by Competitive Selection.

Schools and youth groups which provide a case study of their Games-related work will be rewarded with up to 10 tickets for one session at the Games.

These will be tickets for the Opening or Closing Ceremony or alternatively for a highly desirable sport session.

If you wish to submit a case study, please complete the form available here by Friday 30th May to be in with a chance to win one of these exciting prizes (conditions apply).

Good Luck!

Competition, event, Game On Challenge, Games Legacy, Legacy tickets

Game On Challenge – Reward Ballot

May 2, 2014 User deactivated 2 Comments

Hot off the press news for those of you who have registered a Game On Challenge, we are delighted to announce we have approximately 900 tickets available to share.

Schools and youth groups signed up to a Game On Challenge have until Friday 30th May to enter the Game On Challenge Reward Ballot.

Entry is easy, complete this form and we will do the rest!

A random draw will then be conducted and successful schools/groups will be offered up to 10 tickets for one sport session at the Games. (conditions apply)

Good luck!

Game On Challenge, Game On Scotland Plaque, Games Legacy, International Education, International partnerships, Queen's Baton Relay, The Commonwealth Class

Game On Scotland Plaques Go International

May 2, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Trailblazers from a Highland primary joined in an online Commonwealth Games celebration with the first Canadian schools to get Game On Scotland awards.

Thanks to a virtual link up, Crown Primary School pupils in Inverness are able to swap experiences with three schools successfully being awarded Game On Scotland plaques in Toronto. Taking the total number of plaques awarded to over 100.

Crown Primary was the first worldwide to receive a Game On Scotland plaque, presented by Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison, last November so it was especially exciting for the youngsters to witness the first ever presentation of a Game On Scotland plaque abroad.

Ms Robison presented the schools with plaques on 1st May at Toronto’s Ryerson University. The Cabinet Secretary was on an official visit to Canada, coinciding with the Queen’s Baton Relay being in the country.

The awards and live link up came during a British Council-organised Commonwealth Sports Day in Toronto, a stopping point of the Queen’s Baton Relay. They are part of Commonwealth Class, a Supporting Legacy 2014 project, that is endorsed by Game On Scotland.

Inverness pupils and Canadian counterparts were able to put questions to the Cabinet Secretary as well as interact with Canadian athletes who will be coming to Glasgow to compete this summer.

The Highlands are twinned with Canada as part of the Support A 2nd Team initiative.

Ms Robison said: “It is fantastic to see the Game On Scotland precedent that was set so ably by Crown Primary School, being followed up today with these plaque awards in Toronto, among the first internationally.

“The Commonwealth Games is an inspirational springboard for learning activities around global citizenship, and encouraging young people to strive to be the very best they can be.

“Thanks to programmes like Commonwealth Class, and Support a 2nd Team, links can be forged across continents which I hope will endure as a lasting legacy beyond the Games.”

Game On Scotland provides a unique platform for schools and organisations to share their Commonwealth learning activities with an international audience. Over 700 schools and organisations across the globe have set themselves a challenge inspired by the sporting spectacle of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

It is so exciting to read of the creative and exciting learning opportunities for young people globally, to understand how the Commonwealth Games is an inspiration to them and gain insight into things which are important to them. There are so many really creative approaches to using the Commonwealth Games as a context for learning and we would like to share a few with you.

As a result of Game On Scotland, learners in Nyarach Primary School, Kenya will hold their first ever Sports day. In contrast, St. Francis Nursery and Primary School, Nigeria are keen to understand the importance of being part of Commonwealth. In the aspect of oneness, being connected together as part of the Global Village.

Bogra Zilla School in Bangladesh hope their links with a partner school will help them develop a deeper bond of brotherhood across the distance. There is a focus on Culture, of the educational ties between them as well as challenging one another in a mini games.

Milford School in Aukland, New Zealand are writing and performing a school production based on their journey to the Commonwealth Games. En-route, children will perform dances and musical items representing a range of countries as they investigate the true meaning of being involved in an event such as the Commonwealth Games.

Highgate International School in Cyprus have learners from 29 different nationalities. They are inspired by the Commonwealth Games to find out more about Scotland – its geography and rich history, putting famous explorers, inventors and sports stars in the spotlight.

With over 25 International partners representing a number of Commonwealth nations and territories already on the map there has never been a better time to make use of the advances in technology. There are fabulous opportunities for our learners to make connections with their peers around the world.

The British Council have over 80 years’ experience in promoting international cultural relationships whilst through BBC Commonwealth Class, learners from around the globe can link up to debate topical issues or embark on special projects.

Our message today is “it’s not too late to get involved!” Set your challenge where you are at, learners from Iochdar School, South Uist are particularly interested in the challenges facing rural communities across the Commonwealth. They want to encourage their community to develop a healthier lifestyle through a variety of physical challenges.

Whatever your challenge, big or small we would like you to share it with us giving your young people an opportunity to learn more about the values that shape our Commonwealth in 2014. In doing so, you can join Crown Primary, their Canadian partners and over 100 other education establishments in being awarded a Game On Scotland plaque in recognition of your achievements.