September 24, 2020
by C. Gillespie
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Improving Gender Balance and Equalities – programme of professional learning

Education Scotland’s IGBE Professional Learning Programme has three areas:

Live Professional Learning Sessions
Networking Opportunities
Professional Learning Courses

The next event is on 6th October 3 30 – 4 30pm – Gender Balanced Interactions

This session explores the impact of unconscious bias on interactions which practitioners have with learners in everyday practice. We will examine what unconscious bias is, and how it can shape expectations and perceptions of learners of different genders. We will then explore how learners of different genders may be treated differently as a result. Practitioners will also be asked to reflect on their own unconscious bias and the interactions they have with the learners in their settings, and to consider the following questions:

What examples of this specific issue have you seen in your setting?
What do you think the impact of this is on the children and young people you work with?
How could you address this moving forward?

Target Audience: All practitioners – ELC, primary, secondary, CLD

Download our pdf summary here for an overview of our programme of professional learning.

September 8, 2020
by User deactivated
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The power of partnerships in STEM education Gayle Duffus, National Education Officer for RAiSE

The Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) strategy made clear the commitment to give young people exposure to careers and pathways in order to develop their own potential. This is particularly important in the STEM subjects where there is a raft of perceived barriers and a lack of understanding of the subjects’ application in the world of work.

Striking up meaningful partnerships is key to giving young people experiences which excite and resonate. One of the lessons I have learned through managing the RAiSE programme is that establishing partnerships is far more than a one-off, tick box exercise. In order for any relationship to flourish and grow, the investment of time is vital.

Over the past few years, we have worked closely with the UK Centre for Astrobiology at the University of Edinburgh. They were committed to primary outreach and had developed materials but were keen to extend their reach and impact. Astrobiology is such an exciting topic and, looking at the opportunities and expertise from a primary practitioner perspective, we were able to develop an offering which addressed a wide range of curricular drivers, promoted creativity and innovation, engaged pupils, upskilled practitioners, and addressed issues such as gender balance in an age-appropriate way. That is where the collaboration between expertise and education is imperative to develop an offering of real potential.

The feedback from practitioners and pupils was incredible. Together we brought space and technology into the classroom, profiling cutting-edge research in extreme environments for children. To see the excitement on the pupils’ faces was wonderful and it’s these STEM experiences that will stay with them.

From this relationship, throughout which we have spent a lot of time cultivating mutual respect and understanding, we are now working with another university developing a suite of materials for a fellow RAiSE authority.

Effective networking, which involves more listening than asking, is a strategic investment in the depth and breadth of current and potential relationships.

It is about mutual offering of support. Many of the partners we work with will check in on all manner of educational outreach, not just directly RAiSE activities. We appreciate their trust in us and know this cultivates commitment to our programme and objectives.

It is through conversations which are open and flexible that opportunities flow. Renewable energy company Quaybridge wanted to work with schools. With them, we identified that there was a lack of awareness of the diversity of roles relating to wind farms, and issues with gender balance of the workforce within the sector. Through this process, we have moved from an initial, welcome, resource focus, to the company developing an interactive website with child-friendly graphics showcasing the careers and pathways related to the renewables sector.

I value the time these companies and organisations have committed and want to ensure they, and the practitioners and young people, are getting the most from the opportunity. We want them to share our objectives and feel pride in the part they’re playing in developing our young people. To achieve these goals, partnerships must be treated as respected, invested relationships.

September 7, 2020
by I. Menzies
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Higher Biology Podcast – Prof Jason Leitch discusses the science behind COVID Guidance for Schools

In the latest Higher Biology Podcast, published on Monday 7^th September, Scotland’s National Clinical Director, Professor Jason Leitch, discusses his learning and career pathway from his biology classroom in secondary school to advising the First Minister on the national COVID emergency. Prof Leitch also answers questions from young people on the science behind COVID guidance for schools, such as the guidance on face coverings in secondary schools.

Created and hosted by biology teacher, Paul Downie (Faculty Head Science, Hyndland Secondary School in Glasgow), this podcast is the latest in a series of interviews with scientists, authors, film-makers, broadcasters, journalists and politicians. The podcast not only provides invaluable depth and insight for students preparing for the SQA Higher Biology qualification, but also provides a fascinating insight into the world around us for anyone with an interest in living things.

The Podcast Programme is just one of 162 projects that have been supported through Education Scotland’s STEM Grants programme in 2019/20. Overall, £1.9 million in funding was made available last year, benefitting an estimated 14,000 practitioners in over 700 establishments. In the initial phase of funding for Hyndland Secondary School, Paul Downie delivered a Cell Biology, Anatomy and Cancer-themed event across twelve schools in partnership with the National Cancer Research Institute. The Institute was holding a major conference in Glasgow in 2019. Following the closure of schools during COVID lockdown, Education Scotland provided flexibility for the remaining funds to be used to support the creation and development of this high quality podcast programme. The podcast has also received support from Leckie and YoungScot, with young people now being rewarded with 100 Young Scot points for every Podcast episode they listen to.

The Higher Biology podcast gives young people in Hyndland Secondary School, and beyond, access to experts from across the globe. An increasing number of Scottish schools are directing learners to listen to the podcasts. However, engagement has far surpassed original expectations with a growing number of listeners tuning in from 47 countries across the world.

Through the podcasts, learners have benefitted from input to the curriculum from a range of experts including: leading primatologist, Frans de Waal; David Attenborough’s Principal Cameraman, Doug Allan; Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Sheila Voas; Scotland’s first black professor, Sir Geoff Palmer; round-the-world-cyclist, Mark Beaumont; and author, Jonathan Drori, amongst others.

Paul Downie said: ‘It has been really uplifting seeing so much positive feedback coming in from right across Scotland and beyond. Young people have limited access to experts to enhance their learning. The podcast has provided a platform for some really remarkable people to assist young people in understanding the curriculum and its relevance. I think it can best be summed up in a quote from one of my own students, “Sir, it was much more interesting than just listening to you talk.”’

Ian Menzies, Senior Education Officer for STEM at Education Scotland, adds, ‘Education Scotland’s STEM Grants Programme was designed to release the tremendous creativity, initiative and potential of Scotland’s practitioners and to promote leadership and collaboration. We’re inspired with the approach that Paul has taken and hope others are too. The Podcast Series exemplifies beautifully how adapting our learning and teaching approaches in a time of education recovery can enable us to find new ways to inspire learners.’

The Podcast with Professor Jason Leitch is available here:

https://thehigherbiologypodcast.buzzsprout.com/

The other podcasts in the series are available through the following links:

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IYmuKW8N0WmU06hag8ynk

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-higher-biology-podcast/id1511339665?uo=4

Google Podcast

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMDQ5MTU4LnJzcw==

Podcast Site/Player

https://thehigherbiologypodcast.buzzsprout.com/

For YoungScot COVID guidance on face coverings in Scottish schools visit: https://young.scot/get-informed/national/facts-at-secondary-school

September 4, 2020
by Janey Irving
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Shaping our future through STEM – STEM Webinar series for the Northern Alliance starting September 2020

Across academic session 2020/2021, the STEM team within the Northern Regional Improvement Team are developing a webinar programme for practitioners across the Northern Alliance.

At the heart of this programme is the belief that STEM can empower and inspire our young people to help shape their world and future. The global impact of COVID 19 has shown the importance of considering how we live our lives, for example, living more sustainably and supporting local economies, the significance of digital communications, and the unforeseen impacts of our actions on the environment.

A brief synopsis of each session in Phase 1 of the webinar programme is detailed below and practitioners are invited to sign up using the Eventbrite links.

Members of the STEM team can provide more detail on request (contacts below).

The webinars will be hosted on Google Meet. All sessions will take place from 16:00-17:00 (twilight) and will be able to host up to 250 attendees.

We will also be inviting establishments from across the Northern Alliance to share their practice. The STEM team will offer follow up sessions with participants, focusing on supporting establishments and associated schools groups.

DATE	SESSION TITLE	SECTOR	LEAD OFFICER	EVENTBRITE LINK
Tuesday 15^th September	Planning STEM learning activities	All sectors	Iona Coutts	https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/planning-stem-learning-activities-tickets-116081397585
Tuesday 27^th October	Learning for Sustainability & STEM	All Sectors	Mark Irwin	https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/learning-for-sustainability-stem-tickets-116082561065
Tuesday 17^th November	Play-based learning in STEM for upper primary and secondary	Upper primary/ secondary	Janey Irving	https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/play-based-learning-in-stem-for-upper-primary-and-secondary-tickets-116082944211
Wednesday 9^th December	How to promote STEM through the learning environment	All sectors	Jen Hodson	https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-promote-stem-through-the-learning-environment-tickets-116082996367

September 3, 2020
by C. Gillespie
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SSERC Covid-19 Back to school guidance

Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC) have released guidance to help Early Years, Primary and Secondary Science and Technology Departments prepare and be ready to keep learners and all others safe as they returned to establishments.

The link below includes advice about hygiene and adapting practical work.:

https://www.sserc.org.uk/health-safety/covid-19-back-to-school/

Since the return of learners into school buildings, SSERC have and will continue to add to these resources with an FAQ page dealing with the general issues that have arisen.

September 1, 2020
by C. Gillespie
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PISA global competence results imminent – October 2020

In the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) cycle, Scotland opted to participate in the global competence assessment. This is the first time global competence has been included in PISA.

Participating countries had the option of taking part in a global competence assessment and/or student questionnaire.

Students in 27 countries and economies, including Scotland, took both the global competence assessment and questionnaire.

Global competence will be the focus of the PISA 2018 report Volume VI, which will be published on 22 October 2020 at a launch event in Singapore.

Curriculum for Excellence

Scotland’s results will be based on assessments undertaken by almost 3,000 15 year olds who took part in PISA 2018. This includes global competence questions in the assessments, as well as questions on attitudes and beliefs in the student questionnaire. Scotland also took part in the PISA Teacher Questionnaire, which included questions on teacher beliefs and practices in the classroom.

The global competence results will allow important insights into aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence. This is particularly the case for Learning for Sustainability, where the results feed into our understanding of how Scotland is moving towards aims of the Vision 2030+ report, including the following aim:

Our learners are committed to the principles of global citizenship, social justice and equity, democratic participation and living within the ecological limits of our planet.

The results will also provide insights into the Four Capacities of CfE, allowing a greater understanding of how the curriculum is helping to develop some of the broader outcomes for young people. This is particularly the case for the Responsible Citizens Capacity, where the results will provide data on Scotland’s young people in respect of:

respect for others
commitment to participate responsibly in political, economic, social and cultural life
knowledge and understanding of the world and Scotland’s place in it
understanding of different beliefs and cultures
ability to make informed choices and decisions
ability to evaluate environmental, scientific and technological issues
ability to develop informed, ethical views of complex issues

The results will provide a further evidence base to assess the impact of Curriculum for Excellence, in particular its role in supporting young people to become global citizens and to develop a broader range of skills and awareness relating to Learning for Sustainability.

Go to the PISA website for more information: https://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisa-2018-global-competence.htm

September 1, 2020
by C. Gillespie
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West Partnership – Online school

Over summer 2020 The West Partnership launched a significant initiative to develop online learning materials. The initiative is called West OS – for West Partnership Online School.

What is it?

West OS is a collaborative, teacher led response to feedback from learners. It seeks to improve outcomes for learners by providing teacher led lessons online which can be accessed at a time and place of their choosing. The aim is to promote equity by ensuring access to excellent learning experiences regardless of circumstances, including challenges which prevent full time attendance.

In the initial development phase, West OS aims to achieve its goal by producing and collating short, quality assured video lessons covering all elements of the 3-18 curriculum.

There is significant potential to develop West OS to facilitate a wider range of ways to deliver the curriculum and enhance the learning experience for all learners.

Watch this video to find out more: https://youtu.be/1ISoRWPxvUw

Get involved – a call to action

At present there are over 100 practitioners creating content and a bank of over 200 video lessons.

West OS needs you!

Practitioners who volunteer for this role should have the following skills and experience:

Be a skilled classroom practitioner
Have a detailed knowledge and a depth of experience in teaching the relevant curriculum area
Have an interest in digital learning and have key basic knowledge of recording voiceover for PowerPoint or similar base level skills in recording a learning episode

What does it involve?

Express interest in being a learning video presenter – complete the Microsoft form via this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oyzTzM4Wj0KVQTctawUZKXLy86slMVhHurPgdWCeAwlUNVM4V082N1pFRkpLSlE1MFo4UFRNMldLUC4u
Depending on numbers of applicants, the West Partnership and your local authority will approve your application to be involved.

For more information please contact gw14downiepaul@glow.ea.glasgow.sch.uk or John.Stuart@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

August 21, 2020
by C. Gillespie
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Scottish Government advice on visits and trips

The Scottish Government recently issued the following advice for schools on upcoming visits and trips in Autumn term 2020 and also on the re-opening of outdoor education centres:

Scottish Government Advice for Schools: Visits and Trips Autumn Term 2020 (issued 14 August 2020)

https://www.goingoutthere.co.uk/appendix/coronavirus-covid-19-reopening-and-operation-of-outdoor-education-centres-and-reintroducing-visits-by-schools/

Coronavirus (COVID-19): reopening and operation of outdoor education centres and reintroducing visits by schools:

https://www.goingoutthere.co.uk/appendix/coronavirus-covid-19-reopening-and-operation-of-outdoor-education-centres-and-reintroducing-visits-by-schools/

Educational value of Scotland’s Outdoor Education Centres:

https://www.sapoe.org.uk/links/local-authority-outdoor-education-centres/

August 18, 2020
by C. Gillespie
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SQA launch exam consultation

Today, SQA is launching two consultations to gather feedback on modifications to qualifications and adjustments to the 2021 exam timetable.

Please note closing date is 24th August.

John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills said, “Coronavirus has had, and will likely continue to have, an impact on learning, teaching and assessment over the coming year. I am aware that many teachers will be keen to understand fully the arrangements for the assessment of national qualifications in 2021. The Education Recovery Group has discussed a number of options in relation to this, and I welcome this consultation exercise by the SQA examining options for possible course modifications that could help to support the delivery of learning, whilst maintaining the validity, credibility and standard of qualifications.”

Link to info: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/94837.html

Link to survey: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/technicalconsultation2021

July 23, 2020
by C. Gillespie
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Space Champion online sessions

Space Champions, supported by ESERO-UK and the UK Space Agency, are delivering online sessions for teachers and technicians; using space as a context in teaching with space-themed experiments and linking to featured resources.

Regional deliverers of space-related training have launched workshops exploring how to use space as a context in teaching, the different ESA education programmes on offer and how to get recognition through the Space Education Quality Mark. They will guide educators through the resources and tools available and how to run space-related experiments for students.

Online sessions this summer:

04 August – Join Teacher, Paul Hill, for a free CPD session that looks at how Space can be used to inspire in your science curriculum and how you can make use of the fantastic, free resources available from ESERO-UK. Find out how you can look for life on Mars, run a mission to the moon, explore Antarctica, launch rockets and design spacesuits. There will be a chance to see how simple, exciting and inexpensive experiments can be run in class and have a chance to ask those pressing space and science questions.

Space in the curriculum CPD for teachers

Free resources are available that can be used in the classroom and beyond. Areas covered but not limited to, include:

primary level earth and space, literacy, numeracy and how Science works
secondary level biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, geography and DT

Introducing space resources available to teachers and their students

Space Detectives CPD – The topic of space holds fascination for many people of all ages. Did you know that we can use “space” as a context of delivery through which much of the primary science curriculum can be taught? This is a super way of engaging young primary pupils and inspiring them in those all-important STEM subjects: