Expressive Arts Conversation Day 3

The third Expressive Arts Conversation Day took place in the Insight Institute, Strathclyde University. The main aim of the day was to explore the current national position with regard to developing practitioner confidence and capacity in relation to expressive arts. Delegates attended representing a range of stakeholder groups such as Teacher Education Institutes, Local Authorities, Arts Partners, teachers, and students.

The day got off to a flying start with three very inspiring and provocative talks. Charlie Byrne (Stratchclyde University) discussed the role creativity plays within an Expressive Arts Curriculum. Anne Valyo(Aberdeen University) highlighted the benefits and challenges of establishing partnerships which are sustainable. Fiona MacGregor(Glasgow University) spoke about recognising and nurturing talent in learners.

The speaker inputs stimulated table conversations where issues were teased out and discussed. The outputs from these conversations provided the basis for a session on future planning. Aims were established from earlier table conversations, and through using future planning tools, actions were agreed.

The Fridays, a band of young musicians from Hazelwood school provided music over lunch. Their infectious enthusiasm for performing, talent and wide ranging set list had something for everyone and provided a real high point of the day.

The afternoon session focussed on the ‘Creative Space,’ where young people lead their learning in the Expressive Arts. An example of this in action was given by Wilma Eaton(Strathclyde University) who, along with students from Strathclyde university, explained an initiative they had undertaken with a primary school in Glasgow. Ron Cowie, Senior Education Officer, Education Scotland, then guided the delegates through a draft proposal of what the conditions required to make a creative space might look like.

The ‘Creative Space’ model along with outputs from the day will be shared early in the New Year.

Raspberry Pi Day 17 January 2015 – University of Strathclyde – 10am to 4pm

The Raspberry Pi is a credit card sized computer, designed to improve computer programming knowledge. It is a low cost but capable device that can be used by people of all ages to learn about computing. It connects to the Internet, plays HD video, and can be installed with a variety of Linux operating systems. The Raspberry Pi supports a multitude of applications and development tools – like Scratch which is designed to teach programming concepts to young people. The Raspberry Pi also makes it easy to connect to external sensors and electronics, allowing it to be incorporated into a wide range of projects, such as robots, games, weather stations and more.

The Raspberry Pi day is an event for all levels of ability and involvement. Several talks will be given during the day, covering the basics of the Raspberry Pi, as well as programming and electronics applications. There will also be a laboratory area, with Raspberry Pis for interactive demonstrations and space for guest projects.

Book your tickets now. Tickets for children are free. Adult tickets are £2.50. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For more information: http://phys.strath.ac.uk/raspberrypiday/