I came across this interesting video from a 1947 classroom which gives teacher tips on managing pupil behaviour. Have a wee look:
Some questions to reflect on:
We told you last week about our Digital Storytelling exercise. Well, already there has been a major plot development!
Award-winning childrens’ author, Theresa Breslin, has kindly agreed to provide the story starter for Digital Storytelling 3.
Among the schools who will be taking part are Kilbarchan, Lochfield, Invergowrie, Pumpherston and Uphall Station primary schools.
The great news is that as of the time of writing this blog post, there are still slots available. So if you want to take part, get along to the storytelling learning space
<Please note, there are also still slots available for Storytelling 2 (for older writers) see Digital Storytelling 1 and 2 update for another surprise!>
About Theresa Breslin
You can keep up to date with Theresa’s work online:
We told you last week about our Digital Storytelling exercise. These two stories haven’t even started yet and there has been a major plot twist!
Renowned Scottish childrens’ author, Cathy MacPhail, has kindly agreed to provide the story starters for both Digital Storytelling 1 and Digital Storytelling 2.
First to take up Cathy’s challenge will be the young writers of St Michael’s Primary in Dumfries. Of course, they won’t see Catherine’s starter until just before they start writing!
You can see all the other schools taking part in this particular challenge on Glow by going to the storytelling learning space
<Please note, Storytelling 1 is full but there are still slots available for Storytelling 2 and Storytelling 3 –see Digital Storytelling 3 update for another surprise!>
About Cathy MacPhail
You can keep up to date with Cathy’s work online:
Calling all educators!
Welcome to Build-a-space live from Lockerbie!
You too can have the online learning space of your dreams! Maybe it’s a space for your class, your CfE projects, your parents? Whatever it is, we will do our very best to make it happen.
We have assembled a ‘crack team’ of experts from the Digital Learning & Teaching Team (Pam Currie, John Sexton, Ian Stuart, oh and me, Con Morris!)
The team will be assembling (some online and some in person on Lockerbie campus) on Thursday, 5th March to support you and build your spaces until all our pointers are exhausted.
How to take part
We’ve received a fantastic number of entries for the Scottish Education Awards but times running out now. The awards showcase and celebrate the hard work and dedication across Scottish education.
To be in with a chance of winning make sure you’re entries are in before midday on 16 February.
A full list of categories and details on how to enter are on the Scottish Education Awards website. Get you’re entry in now and good luck.
The Scottish Learning Festival (SLF) 2015 will address the theme of raising attainment and achievement for all, with a focus on maximising educational outcomes through:
* local partnerships and collaboration – to share approaches that lead to better outcomes
* self-evaluation – to ensure creative and innovative approaches to sustained improvement
* work-related learning – to improve transitions into sustainable, productive employment.
Is your establishment delivering Learning for Sustainability (LfS) that you would like to showcase? Are you able to share your approaches to promoting local partnerships and collaboration? Would you be willing to help others make the connections between the different aspects of LfS; including global citizenship, sustainable development education, outdoor learning, international education, children’s rights and play?
If the answer to any (or all) of these questions is “Yes”, we would love to hear from you. Please consider submitting your seminar proposal by Friday 27th February 2015.
SLF 2015 takes place on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September in Glasgow.
SLF provides high quality continuing professional learning and is a rendezvous for educational professionals both nationally and internationally, providing a unique platform to engage with a diverse range of experts, colleagues and suppliers.
We are now accepting seminar proposals for the 2015 conference programme which will feature around 100 seminars over the 2 days.
Is there a project you have been working on that could be showcased? Or perhaps you are aware of establishments that demonstrate good practice? We would encourage you to share this information with your colleagues and networks and submit relevant proposals for consideration.
The theme for SLF 2015: Raising attainment and achievement for all, with a focus on maximising educational outcomes through:
• local partnerships and collaboration – to share approaches that lead to better outcomes
• self-evaluation – to ensure creative and innovative approaches to sustained improvement
• work-related learning – to improve transitions into sustainable, productive employment.
Full details of the theme are available on the SLF website.
If you would like to submit a proposal for consideration please do so before Friday 27 February. Proposals received after this date will not be considered for inclusion in the conference programme. All proposals must be submitted online.
There is a robust review, evaluation and scoring system in place to help ensure that all submissions are treated equally therefore it is essential that all requests to participate go through the submission process and adhere to the timescales.
Last year we received in excess of 300 proposals which allowed Education Scotland to deliver a relevant and balanced conference programme covering all key areas of education. The 2015 conference programme and registration will be launched in May and will feature the sessions that have been submitted and selected for inclusion.
We look forward to receiving your proposals and hope you will contribute to SLF 2015 to help continue to deliver Scotland’s largest annual national education event. If you would like any further information about SLF 2015 please contact the SLF team.
This is the second post in a series which describes some of our work on ‘content-free’ templates for educators and learners to use in CfE learning.
This space is on Glow O365, so it is best to log into Glow (eg on the Learning Spaces Community) before you explore the links below
What’s the thinking behind the Learning Experience space?
This space helps learners and educators co-create a learning experience starting from a bundle of Experiences and Outcomes.
It follows closely the approached offered by the NAR flowchart. In fact, there is a behind the scenes planner which may reduce some of the workload associated with some other methods of planning learning.
What does it do?
For the learner, they can be involved in devising learning intentions and success criteria, talking about their learning, showcasing learning and getting support when needed.
For the teacher, it makes the planning and delivery of a BGE learning experience a wee bit easier.
How do I get it?
The Learning Space template is on Glow O365 and is available to any member of staff from their school site. See How to create a Learning Experience Space for more details
Summary of support available
This is the first post in a series which describes some of our work on ‘content-free’ templates for educators and learners to use in our learning.
This space is on Glow O365, so it is best to log into Glow (eg on the Learning Spaces Community) before you explore the links below
What’s the thinking behind it?
This space helps support the learning of a class throughout an extended period of time.
It covers the first 2 or 3 stages of the Salmon model reasonably well, helping learners with easy access to resources, encouraging socialisation and information sharing.
At the same time, it offers the potential for ‘flipping’ some of the teaching and learning .
What does it do?
It has a number of functions that will support class learners; teacher announcements, newsfeed, calendar and learning resource areas. The slides below will you give some idea of the functionality…
http://www.slideshare.net/ConMorris/intro-to-class-space
Ok, how do I get it?
The Class Space template is on Glow O365 and is available to any member of staff from their school site. See How to create a Class Space for more details.
Summary of support available
Thanks for reading!
Education Scotland are excited to be inviting members of Glasgow City Council into the glow studio to share their work in tackling sectarianism.
We will be given an exciting insight to the Glasgow based model, Sense over Sectarianism, and find out more about the key roles, from the classroom to the education authority.
We will be joined by Mark Adams, Sense over sectarianism; Geraldine Parkinson, Head Teacher, St Thomas’ Primary School and Lisa Sweeney and Sarah Clark from St Paul’s Primary.
All our guests will be keen to share their experience and take your questions on the day. You may also be interested in our new discussion forum for equalities and diversity –bit.ly/equalityanddiversity
Join us for this live Glow TV event on Wednesday 14th January at 4pm. Regsiter now in Glow TV – Embedding Anti-Sectarian Education in our Schools
We’re delighted to announce that SLF 2015 will take place on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September in the SECC, Glasgow. SLF is the largest education event in Scotland and will focus on raising achievement and attainment. Those interested in presenting a seminar at the festival can submit a proposal in January, when further information will be available on the SLF website.
Registration for the SLF will open in May, look out for more information over the coming months and save the dates in your diary now.
We are also working with a range of partners to host a series of SLF Extra events in 2015. On 17 February, Aberdeen City Council in partnership with Education Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and Moray Council will host the Aberdeen Learning Festival in the AECC. The festival will include keynotes, workshop and an exhibition. More information about the event and how to register will be available in January.
On 27 February Children in Scotland, in partnership with Education Scotland, are hosting the first in a series of six free events for all those involved in education. The morning session will focus on pupil engagement and participation and the afternoon session will look at parental engagement. This first event takes place in Melrose and more information is available on the Children in Scotland website.
More SLF Extra events will be taking place in 2015, visit the SLF website for details.
Nominations for the Scottish Education Awards 2015 awards are now open. Celebrating the hard work and success in Scottish education, the awards recognise the achievements of people who dedicate their lives to children and young people.
There are 17 awards available across a range of categories covering all areas of education. New awards for this year include learning for sustainability, making languages come alive and transforming lives through partnerships.
If you know of a school or teacher that deserves to be recognised for their hard work visit the Scottish Education Awards website for more information and to submit a nomination.
Nominations must be submitted by Monday 16 February 2015, good luck.
On 12th November, Education Scotland brought together 35 delegates from all over Scotland to discuss and engage with others about best practice in making provision for those with complex needs. Delegates heard an update from the Doran Review from Laura Meikle of Scottish Government, considered good practice, listened to four examples of good practice from Isobel Mair School, Stanmore House School, Southcraig School and Mavisbank School. The presentations featured on curriculum, learning and teaching, assessment and support through inclusive practices. The event was valued and practitioners asked for other ones to follow. Delegates mentioned that they enjoyed the exchanges with fellow practitioners and felt that Education Scotland has a key role to play in ensuring more successful partnership working across services through GIRFEC practices. Another Conversation is to be organised for 3rd December and details will be circulated.
Glasgow City Council would like to invite you to our first Restorative Approaches National Conference. This conference is for everyone working with children, young people and/or families. It will be of interest to those who are involved in relationship-based interventions, working with young people and adults to help resolve conflict, repair emotional harm and utilise reflective practice within schools and communities.
We are delighted to bring Marg Thorsborne, a leading expert from Australia in the area of Restorative Approaches, to Glasgow. Marg will deliver keynote speeches over the course of three days. These will incorporate an overview and implementation of Restorative Approaches. She will also facilitate, through a series of workshops, how this practice can help promote and maintain positive relationships in our daily interactions with adults, children and young people.
We are delighted that Marg is spending most of her time in Scotland at this conference, in addition to her further training events with Education Scotland and other local authorities.
Sign-up now for TeachMeet @ Scottish Learning Festival 2014.
Learn something new, be amazed, amused and enthused. This is an informal gathering of those curious about teaching and learning. Anyone can share great ideas they’ve trialled in their classrooms, ask important questions or simply sign up to take part in learning conversations. Education professionals from all sectors are welcome to take part.
The Scottish Learning Festival TeachMeet is always something special. It is usually the biggest TeachMeet in Scotland and often attracts some of the biggest names in education. It is also great fun!
With SLF 2014 now only 4 weeks away we hear for one of this year’s keynote speakers, Prof Alma Harris about her keynote and her thoughts on Scottish education.
I am looking forward to being part of the ‘Scottish Learning Festival’ 2014 and engaging with this vibrant educational community. I will be bringing a group of Malaysian educators with me and I have promised them a warm welcome but not warm weather! In my previous visits to Scotland I have found that teachers and principals appreciate honesty and integrity so my aim is demonstrate both.
In my session I will argue that we need to go ‘beyond PISA’ to find the touchstone of real educational success and that there are important lessons that systems, like Scotland, can give to the global educational community. Despite the fact that education systems in Asia currently dominate the top of the PISA tables, there is much that the East can learn from the West in terms of educational change and improvement. Some of these messages will be shared with you all.
The aim of the session is not to devalue or dismiss PISA but rather to underline that high performance in education is defined by much more than rankings. The session will argue that we need to put the ‘learner’ at the forefront of our educational reform processes and avoid being seduced by superficial explanations of ‘high performance’ that tend to objectify learners and place performance above learning.
I will also focus upon leadership and will aim to answer the question, ‘what type of leadership is required to ensure success for every student in every setting?’ To answer this question, I will share the findings from two recent comparative studies. The first set of findings comes from a ‘7 System Leadership Study’ that is exploring the relationship between leadership development and leadership practice in differentially performing systems (Australia, England, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia Singapore and Russia). Initial findings highlight that there are more similarities than differences in the approaches these systems are using to secure and sustain improvement. The findings also challenge some of the cultural assumptions and popular assertions about ‘high performing systems’.
The second study looks at leadership within high performing organisations across different sectors (education, sport and business). The full range of empirical findings can be found in a new book with Andy Hargreaves and Alan Boyle called ‘’Uplifting Leadership’. Among, a range of conclusions, the findings from this study show that the type of leadership needed to secure and sustain exceptional performance is that which builds professional and social capital.
Overall, my message is that we need to look ‘beyond PISA’ and to move past the current preoccupation with international rankings, if authentic school and system improvement is to be achieved. I will propose that the real power and potential for system transformation in Scotland resides in the professionalism of its teachers and its school leaders, combined with an unshakable belief that every child deserves the best education possible.
It is with a huge degree of humility that I take part in this ‘Scottish Learning Festival’ 2014 involving educators from many countries. It is also with a great sense of pride that I am speaking at a conference that is about learning first and foremost. Putting the learner at the heart of the reform process, deeply, authentically and genuinely gets us much closer to the outcomes that we want for all young people.
If you want to hear Alma’s keynote then register for SLF 2014.
With SLF 2014 now only 5 weeks away we hear for one of this year’s keynote speakers, Dr Frank Dick OBE, on his thoughts about how people are prepared to take ownership of their lives and the vital role that teachers and mentors play.
A Winning Lead
Whether as teacher, coach or mentor, our purpose is to prepare the pathway that takes people from who they are to who they will become. My thinking in this was mostly shaped by two life changing books: Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull which to me was about taking the risk of being different; and The Prophet which persuaded me that the coach is to the athlete as Kahlil Gibran saw the parent to the child – the parent is to the bow as the child is to the arrow.
Both of these seemed to point to preparing people to take ownership of their lives – to doing things right and to do the right thing.
We are not in total control of conditions in our lives, nor of results, but we are of our attitude to dealing with them and of our performance. And because life is more like a white water ride than a flat water glide, our attitude must find us controlling the controllables and being agile to turn uncertainty and adversity to advantage. In this, focussing on the performance of those whose development we influence and our own, is key.
Our behaviours, it seems to me, must work to a simple acronym: “O.D.D.” Own: take personal ownership of each moment to turn it into opportunity. Decide: take considered risks in decision making to turn opportunity to advantage. Do: just do it – effectively and excellently.
Giving ownership means not only preparing people to be let go (arrow) but being prepared to let go (bow).
Whether teaching, coaching or mentoring or being taught, coached or mentored, the most important quote to reflect on is Arie de Geus: “Probably the only sustainable advantage we have, is the ability to learn faster than the opposition.” The key to this, clearly is in being prepared to learn.
“Being prepared” is about attitude (again!) and process. The attitude part is clear and must be there every step of the life experience pathway towards who we will become.
The process starts with learning to learn and having in place the “machinery” to learn. For example, before a Commonwealth Games you must put in place how you will collect the necessary intelligence to debrief meticulously all that has influenced the performance and results.
In all of this we might agree that there are some things in life we can be taught, and others we can only learn.
Early in our life experience pathway of shaping personal and professional growth, we are taught the “science” for our education and development role. As we proceed, through experience, we learn the “art” of translating the science to action excellence by effective decision making.
The trouble, however, as Vernon Law avered, is: “Experience is a hard teacher, because she gives the test first and the lesson after.”
Yet if we are to learn the art of delivering our purpose in education, we must be exposed to the challenge and pressure of experiencing the untrodden path. It is by taking such risk that we turn fear to courage in the process of making right judgement calls.
It is important to get this right. The learning experience must be planned to ensure it is appropriate for the intended lesson, and we must have a critical competency set in the person responsible to teach, coach or mentor following the experience.
To return to our purpose: by preparing the pathway well, we not only develop people for their arena, but through the process for a better life. We not only develop them to improve performance, but to deliver it under pressure, on the day.
Want to hear more from Frank? Then register for SLF 2014 today.
Blake Stevenson and consultant Dr Suzanne Zeedyk recently undertook a year- long evaluation of the Bookbug for the Home training, which aims to expand the reach of the Bookbug programme (this encourages families to read with their children from a young age) to vulnerable families and those living in deprived areas. Professionals who work in families’ homes, such as social workers, are provided with the knowledge and resources to introduce the principles of Bookbug Sessions – talking, singing, cuddling and book sharing. 1,145 professionals have been trained over the last two years and 800 more from 8 local authorities in Scotland are signed up to take part this year.There was a noted impact on professionals who undertook the training, with 99% saying it was relevant to their role and a good use of their time and 71% stating that it had positively impacted on their professional practice.
Researchers found that parents who took part in Bookbug for the Home had developed closer bonds with their children, and felt more equipped to play, interact and read with them, with the number of people reading daily with their children increasing from 41% to 78%, and the number of people singing or rhyming daily with their children increasing from 53% to 78%. This in turn has had a beneficial effect on children’s confidence, social skills, speech and language development and positively impacted on parent and child attachment, with 98% of the professionals who undertook the training noticing a positive impact on the families involved in the programme. To read more about this positive evaluation and to learn more about the Bookbug for the Home programme please see link below.
http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/learning/early-years-professionals/assertive-outreach-evaluation
Bookbug is run by Scottish Book Trust and funded by the Scottish Government.
Inclusion, wild places and the John Muir Award
This resource is a showcase of inclusion-related John Muir Award activity. This includes examples of the Inclusion organisations
(including schools and colleges) that use the Award and why they do. It also features short case studies from different sectors, and how the John Muir Award contributes to inclusion national policy. Click here to access a copy of the resource.
The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme focused on wild places. It encourages people from all backgrounds to enjoy, connect with, and care for the natural environment. The John Muir Award is suitable from an upper primary level.
The Curriculum for Excellence and the John Muir Award resource helps people find out more about the John Muir Award and how it can meet a range of educational needs, recognise achievement, deliver Experiences and Outcomes through themes across learning. Access this resource here.
Nominations are now open for the SQA’s annual Star Awards.
The awards are a unique way to celebrate success, triumph, achievement and recognition of the best in education and training. Behind every success story lies motivation and commitment, pride and self-esteem and, of course, sheer hard work.
See the stars come out – nominate your stars today at www.sqa.org.uk/star
Closing date for entries is Friday 27 June 2014.
SATURDAY 7th JUNE – 10.30-4.00
Godfrey Thomson Hall Thomson’s land Moray House School of Education, The University of Edinburgh, Old Moray House, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ
A GATHERING OF PEOPLE
A gathering of people with a commitment to develop rights-based values, attitudes, skills and practices in working with children and young people. This will be of particular interest to teachers, community
leaders and workers and all those who are committed to the development, formation and support of young people in their own and in a global context.
IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
Twende Pamoja seeks to promote the development of a global vision, in the context of relationship. It supports partnerships between communities, schools and places of learning in Tanzania and Scotland. In the past 3 years Twende Pamoja has conducted workshops enabling young people in both countries to articulate their vision for the future.
ABOUT YOUNG PEOPLE AND WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Seven Tanzanian young people who have been working as young leaders are presently in Scotland and along with seven young Scottish counterparts will take part in the day.
IN A DAY THAT AIMS TO
• raise awareness and develop knowledge/understanding of the UNCRC
• reflect with young adults in an international context about these issues
• enable individuals and establishments to self evaluate their practice in the light of the UNCRC
• support improvement planning within communities and institutions
• encourage reflective dialogue in the midst of busyness
AND FOR WHICH THERE IS NO CHARGE
If you would like to register for the day e-‐mail the following information to
Tea/coffee will be provided. Participants should bring their own lunch. Having taken part in this event you may be interested in coming to the Conversation on 21 June.
Nominations are now open. The SQA’s annual Star Awards are a unique way to celebrate success, triumph, achievement and recognition of the best in education and training. Behind every success story lies motivation and commitment, pride and self-esteem and, of course, sheer hard work.
See the stars come out – nominate your stars today www.sqa.org.uk/star
Closing date for entries is Friday 27 June 2014.
Registration for SLF 2014 is now open at www.scottishlearningfestival.org.uk
The theme of SLF 2014 is raising achievement and attainment for all with a focus on maximising educational outcomes through:
• early intervention and prevention – for children, young people and adult learners in order to maximise educational outcomes;
• health and wellbeing – ranging from physical education and sport to the full range of health and wellbeing subjects which are the responsibility of all practitioners;
• employability skills – to secure a highly educated, well prepared and well-motivated young workforce able to compete in a global market.
SLF 2014 is free for everyone to attend and gives you access to:
• Inspirational keynotes from Michael Russell MSP, Dr Frank Dick, Prof Alma Harris and John Carnochan;
• Over 100 professional development seminars where you can engage in activities and learn from practitioners and young people;
• Lively debate at the professional discussions led by Sir Ian Wood, Chair of the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, Sir Bill Gammell, Chairman and Co-founder of the Winning Scotland Foundation and Kenneth Muir, Chief Executive of the GTCS;
• Scotland’s largest education exhibition with over 100 exhibitors showcasing educational resources;
• Opportunities for discussion and professional networking with peers and colleagues from across Scotland.
Book Now
To guarantee your place at SLF 2014 and your choice of seminars book now, as many sessions do fill up before the summer break. Visit www.scottishlearningfestival.org.uk to browse the full conference programme and book your place today.
This is part of a series of Higher Resources guides linking Mandatory Course key areas to useful learning and teaching resources.
The pages show the Mandatory Course key areas table from the SQA Higher Physics Course and Unit Support Notes with an additional column containing hyperlinks to videos, animations and other resources. Content new to the course from the Higher Still Higher has been highlighted in green to further assist practitioners.
Updates will appear on GLOW 365
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are permanent lifelong developmental disabilities caused by maternal use of alcohol during pregnancy. Worldwide incidence is estimated at 9/1000 live births.
As part of a programme of events over the last 3 years, to coincide with the Scottish Government funded FAS Surveillance Study, this year an event for nursery, primary school and educational psychologists has been arranged.
The events keynote speaker is Jo Egerton, Schools Research Consultant & Educational Writer, who has a teaching background and a wealth of practical experience to share on:
– The impact of FASD on learning
– Helpful teaching and learning strategies
– Supporting social skills
– Promoting mental health and wellbeing
– Encouraging positive behavior
– Working with families
We will also have parents talking about both positive and negative experiences.
If you would like to book a space on this event, please contact RCPCH.admin@rcpe.ac.uk
The Scottish Peer Education Network is an initiative hosted in Edinburgh by Fast Forward. Peer Education is a term wide used to describe a range of initiatives where people from a similar age group, background, culture and/or social status educate each other about a certain issue. SPEN supports and promotes peer education and the work of peer educators, practitioners, and policy makers involved in this sector across Scotland.
What does SPEN do?
SPEN works in partnership with organisations, young people, professionals, the NHS and schools to encourage and enable youth participation in peer education. It works by connecting, promoting and supporting a diverse range of projects that cover a variety of topics and skills across Scotland. SPEN advisory group meetings are held every few months to allow members to discuss their projects, exchange ideas and learn more about how peer education is being run across the country.
Why should I join?
Join SPEN for free and you will be joining around 200 other peer education projects throughout Scotland, with access to the following services:
• Training
• Events
• Information
• Consultancy
• Resources
• Networking Opportunities
Visit our website at www.spen.org.uk to become a free member, to find other Peer Education projects near you, or to simply sign up for the monthly newsletter featuring Peer Education news, funding, training and resources.
Twitter: @SPEN_Scotland
Facebook: Scottish Peer Education Network
Blog: http://fastforwardorg.wordpress.com
Contact: simon@fastforward.org.uk / 0131 554 4300
Thursday 12th December, 10am- 3.30pm, IET Teacher Building, Glasgow This event is aimed at those with an interest in supporting improvement in children and young people’s mental health and reducing inequalities which impact on their mental health. The event will combine presentations with workshops, leading to opportunities for discussion and debate. Key note presentations will raise awareness of a variety of national developments in the field of children and young people’s mental health and showcase illustrations of innovative projects being taken forward by local area partnerships. Workshops and the market place will provide an opportunity for discussion and debate about emerging developments and issues. Speakers will include – The current picture of Children and Young people’s Mental Health in Scotland – Dr Jane Parkinson and Elaine Tod (NHS Health Scotland) The impact of Mental Health and Wellbeing within the Curriculum for Excellence – Lesley Kirkwood and Suzanne Hargreaves (Education Scotland) Building capacity and confidence to address Young people’s needs – Erica Stewart-Jones (NHS Health Scotland) Support for Young People – Pathway development – NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Project 99 – Youth Mental Health and Social Media – Young Scot/Snook/NHS GG&C To register for this event, please visit the eventbrite website.
Disney’s THE LION KING is working closely with The National Autistic Society to create a friendly and supportive environment to enjoy this award-winning musical which is currently playing at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre.
The specially adapted performances will be suitable for people with autism, with trained staff on hand in dedicated quiet and activity areas should anyone need to leave their seats.
For more details about these performances please visit the The Lion King -Autism Friendly website.
Royal Horticultural Society
The Edible School Garden
Dumfries House, KA18 2NJ – Tuesday 19th November 2013, 10 am – 3 pm
Kilbarchan Primary School, PA10 2LA Thursday 28th November 2013, 10 am – 3 pm
To give teachers of all age groups the skills to confidently grow and manage a simple productive garden throughout the year. To ensure that produce is used in tasting, cooking and enterprise activities. Every school should be a food growing school.
Objectives
At the end of this course you will:
a) Have the knowledge and skills to sow and grow the RHS top 14 fruits, vegetables and herbs for the school garden, to provide a range of fresh, healthy produce throughout the school year
b) Get hints and tips on tasting and cooking with the produce, outside in the garden and in the school canteen
c) Know how to add value to your produce through correct harvesting and storage, preserving and other simple enterprise ideas.
Experience: Suitable for beginners and those with some experience.
CPD Provider
Angela Smith
angelasmith@rhs.org.uk
RHS Development Officer for Scotland
The Golden Rules for Participation are a set of principles designed to help anyone working with, and for, children and young people.
Their purpose is to remind adults of what participation means from the point of view of children and young people, and to encourage children and young people to think about what they need from adults to support them to participate.
They have been developed by Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People through consultation with children and young people from across Scotland. They are also informed by research, reflecting the knowledge and experience of those working to promote participation. Every school received a pack of these Golden Rules, in April 2013.
Join us for a Glow TV event on Wednesday 18th September at 11am to see how children from Lawmuir Primary School in North Lanarkshire are using the Golden Rules. Your pupils can take part in the activities or they can make up their own to share. The session will be developed and led by pupils.
First of all find your golden rules. If they are hidden somewhere in school go to The 7 Golden Rules for Participation and download a set or phone 01315583733 and order a replacement copy.
Sign up and join us in Glow TV On Wednesday 18th – SCCYP – The 7 Golden Rules for Participation
Getting the most out of education can be difficult if you are looked after or struggling to be in school. That’s why Enquire have produced two new guides to help young people understand their rights to support in school.
“What happens when you can’t go to school?” will help young people understand their rights to get support so they can carry on with their learning even when they are not at school. The guide considers a number of reasons young people might be away from school including being ill, caring for a family member, being excluded, home schooled from a travelling community or a refugee.
“Extra help at school when you are looked after” will help looked after pupils understand their rights to extra support and what that support might be. It explains how they can be involved in making decisions about their learning and the planning that should be in place for them as they prepare to leave school.
Created with help from children and young people, the guides are an essential tool for all those working with young people who aren’t in school or who are looked after. Short and easy to read, like all Enquire’s resources, it has been accredited by the Plain Language Commission.
The guides can be used as a teaching resource for a whole class or with individual pupils.
Both guides can be downloaded from the website
Senior Leaders Professional Learning Event – Dounans Centre, Aberfoyle: Friday 20th September 2013
A one day event for head teachers and deputy head teachers, focusing on whole school approaches, inspection and self-evaluation for school managers. Delegates will hear from senior managers, education officers and others with experience of outdoor learning in the context of school improvement.
Staff Professional Learning Weekend – Dounans Centre, Aberfoyle: Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd September 2013
This opportunity is aimed at staff from all schools and settings within the partner authorities, and will provide inputs from project and centre staff, from the National Park ranger service, and from Education Scotland staff to support you in embedding Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning in your school or nursery. As well as a variety of ‘sharing good practice’ sessions run by teachers across all sectors.
The weekend will provide staff with practical tools, ideas and inspiration for developing progressive and frequent outdoor learning opportunities for pupils which will support and enrich all aspects of their learning.
Spaces are still available on these programmes for further information contact
Joan.Reilly@educationscotland.gov.uk
Workshops Staff Professional Learning Weekend
Staff CLPL residential weekend 2013 – info for schools
Final Programme Staff PL Weekend
Final Programme School Leaders
Education Scotland has recently published annotated exemplification which is deemed to typify the achievement of a level. This work is billed as ‘early insights’ as it should be viewed as a starting point for comment, reflection and amendment. It builds on the Assessing Progress and Achievement professional learning resources which have been used to guide the exemplification. Each exemplar contains a mixture of annotated exemplification, pupil voice and practitioner notes/reflection. The amount of each of these has been determined by the staff involved. The resources are a work-in-progress and draw on emerging practice from practitioners from 3-15. There are currently one exemplar at one level across most of the curricular areas although the aim is to add to these. This Annotated Exemplification of Work is available on the Education Scotland website.
It is anticipated that this resource could be used to:
• Inform any review of the quality of learners’ work which is deemed to typify the achievement of a level.
• Identify the range of work which typifies the achievement of a level across the learning in a curriculum area.
• Appreciate how the quality of work being produced by their learners compares with that in the exemplars.
• Identify aspects of the approaches used which might inform their own practice in their context.
• Contribute to identifying gaps in the learning of their learners.
• Provide a focus for professional dialogue involving a group of staff within or across establishments.
• Provide a focus for dialogue involving parents.
Tell us what you think
We would like to hear what you think about what has been produced so far. Your feedback will help inform this on-going work on annotated exemplification which typifies of achievement of a level in each of the curriculum areas to be shared through Education Scotland’s web-site. In particular we would be interested in your views on how well the exemplars support your understanding of assessment and achievement of a level.
In your comment response please can you let us know which sector you work in – early, primary, secondary, special and also the curriculum area you are responding to. Many thanks.
When? 4th September 2013, 16:30 – 18:30
Where? Dundee Science Centre
Recommended for: Practitioners with responsibilities for Food and Health, sciences, and Health and Wellbeing, and planning for learning for early years to senior phase.
Sign up by contacting Michael Smith on michael.smith@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk or 01382 868609
Food and drink offers an engaging context for learning within Curriculum for Excellence, providing opportunities for
interdisciplinary learning, and for rich and meaningful partnerships between schools, the food and drink industry and other organisations.
4.30-5.15: Registration, light refreshments, networking and tours of the Cooking Bus
http://www.focusonfood.org/cookingbuses.html
5.15 – 6.00: Micro presentations from:
Education Scotland – Food for Thought – Food Education: an overview
Scottish Food and Drink Federation – How to link real life industrial applications to food education in schools
University of Abertay – What help can higher education provide and what are the next stages of study
Food Industry, Agrico– Why we get involved and how we can help support schools
Food and Drink Ambassadors – What we can offer schools
Eco-Schools Scotland – Food and the Environment’ topic; resources and case studies for interdisciplinary learning and teaching
Dundee Science Centre – Bringing food and science to life in Curriculum for Excellence
Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC) – sharing exciting activities on food chemistry
6.00 – 6.30: Food and Science marketplace, meet experts who can help with practical ideas and ways of using food as a context across learning. Discover the resources available from a range of organisations to support your planning for learning and teaching in the context of food and drink. Hear a selection of micro-presentations, explore exhibitor stands, take away free resources, network with colleagues and take the chance to visit the Cooking Bus
Delivered by Education Scotland, Scottish Food and Drink Federation, Dundee Science Centre and partners.
Children’s Services Scotland (Capita Conference)
Wednesday 11th September 2013 – Edinburgh
As the Children and Young People Bill progresses through the Scottish Parliament, this event features the breadth of elements under review and addresses the associated key issues linked to the implementation of the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) components.
This conference will focus on implementing the multiple forthcoming policy changes within children’s services. Attend to hear from key stakeholders about the future of children’s services and how to deliver effective interventions in your area. This event is your opportunity to share best practice and take away guidance to help shape and strengthen services to improve outcomes for Scotland’s children.
DEBATE TIME: Thursday, 13th of June from 1100-1300; Target age: 7 – 14
Join pupils around the world for the first ever Commonwealth Class debate.
How it works
In class, watch the film on the Commonwealth Class website about the ‘women behind the fastest man alive’. Talk about this in class and gather some opinions, examples and comments to share with pupils around the world.
Go back to this page at any time between 1100-1300 BST on Thursday, 13th of June to share and discuss your ideas by emailing them to commonwealthclass@bbc.co.uk.
We’ll publish pupils’ opinions right here, allowing schools to respond and converse in real time.
We aim to include as many contributions as possible.
CELCIS has launched a new website for the revised We Can and Must Do Better training materials.
The We Can and Must Do Better training materials were originally produced on a DVD-ROM in 2008. CELCIS has now reviewed and updated these materials to reflect current research and Scottish policy and practice around:
The materials are relevant to anyone working with looked after children, care leavers and their families; in particular residential workers, foster carers, kinship carers, teachers, social workers and health professionals. They may also be relevant to professionals from across the wider child care workforce who are working with any vulnerable children and families.
These materials can be used for self study or/and as a resource for trainers to develop tutored training courses.
Thursday 6th June @ 7pm.
This is the first in our Pupil Focused Evening Fun events – watch out for more next term!
When downloading a song from iTunes, have you ever stopped and thought, “who gets my money”? If Harry from One Direction only gets 1p from every download, who get’s the rest? Why does Emeli Sande get more than 10 times what Harry gets for each sale?
This is going to be an eye opening look at the different careers and roles of the various organisations that work in the music industry including song writers, singers, musicians, managers, record labels, recording studios, accountants, lawyers, video directors, promotions companies, security and not forgetting the person that get’s the biggest cut of all, the tax man.
What does MCPS and PPL mean and what do they do? Tune in to find out.
The session will be delivered by a music business professional with 25 years of experience and will include the opportunity to ask questions and take part in a music quiz.
So why not sign up and join us in Glow TV? – Evening Fun – The 79p Download
Children’s Services (Quality Improvement) are delighted to announce a series of Professional Learning Glow Meet sessions to share practice around Shetland schools and they would like you to join in too!
The first event on Monday 3rd June at 3.45pm joins Rachel Colclough at Olnafirth Primary School, who will discuss the impact of working towards the national Saltire award.
Last year, her P5-7 pupils designed a wave-power generator and Rachel will discuss how she organised the work and the learning opportunities which arose as a result.
The school reached the finals of the Saltire award in 2012 and has been shortlisted again this year. Sharing with Shetland – Working Towards an Award
The second event is on Monday 10th June at 3.45pm and joins Laura Nicolson at Sound Primary School Nursery Department, who will share ideas about an effective positive behaviour strategy that she has used in Nursery, P1 and P2/3 settings, which has proven very effective.
The strategy comes from the story book – ‘Have you filled a bucket today?’ – Sharing with Shetland – Positive Behaviour Strategy
Find out about further Shetland events and many other Professional Learning events on the Glow TV schedule.
We Can and Must Do Better – new website launched
CELCIS has launched a new website for the revised We Can and Must Do Better training materials.
The We Can and Must Do Better training materials were originally produced on a DVD-ROM in 2008. CELCIS has now reviewed and updated these materials to reflect current research and Scottish policy and practice around:
• Getting It Right for Every Child
• Curriculum for Excellence
• Additional Support for Learning
• The Looked After Children Regulations 2009
• Early Years
• Parenting
The materials are relevant to anyone working with looked after children, care leavers and their families; in particular residential workers, foster carers, kinship carers, teachers, social workers and health professionals. They may also be relevant to professionals from across the wider child care workforce who are working with any vulnerable children and families.
These materials can be used for self study or/and as a resource for trainers to develop tutored training courses.
The RHS Campaign for School Gardening aims to encourage and support schools to develop and actively use a school garden. As part of the Campaign they provide teachers with resources through this website and an extensive programme of CPD days. Fabulous edible garden and playground ideas, like the recycled pallet pictured here.
Join the RHS Campaign for School Gardening and reap the benefits for your school:
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/schoolgardening/default.aspa
Contact your Scottish Regional Advisor for course information.
Angela Smith
Development Officer for Scotland
Education, Funding and Communities
07714560008
The Team will support local authorities and learning establishments to ensure the rights, support and wellbeing of all Scotland’s children and young people are recognised and realised.
RIGHTS
– What every child and young person is entitled to
– What we do to ensure children and young people’s rights are recognised and realised
SUPPORT
– What we do, as professionals, to facilitate full participation, addressing disadvantage and inequality
– What we do to support professionals in realising their role within ‘responsibility of all’
WELLBEING
– What we do to secure and maintain the wellbeing of children and young people particularly the most vulnerable
Afasic Scotland is a charity that supports children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties. Afasic is a registered Professional Learning provider for teacher training, partly funded by The Scottish Government to support delivery of training, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to ensure that the course opportunities and supplementary information reaches all of the schools.
They are offering a Spring Training Day entitled ‘Improving Social Communication Development’ on Thursday 9th May 2013 in Dundee. The course is designed to appeal to teachers who wish to develop skills in supporting children with social communication difficulties. The morning session will be built around awareness and skills-building to overcome difficulties and challenging situations in school. The afternoon will focus on practical solutions with some opportunities to share expertise through workshops. The training is suitable for nursery and primary school teachers, classroom assistants, Learning Support teachers and parents.
For more details please download the attached flyer –AFASIC SCOTLAND Training Flyer.
and the AFASIC TRAINING BOOKING FORM MAY2013.
NB Bookings have now been extended until Thursday 2nd May.
New Enquire film launched!
Getting ready to leave school: Making a good transition
In Enquire’s new film, pupils from Woodlands school in Edinburgh share their views on getting ready to leave school and offer useful tips for adults who might be supporting them during this time. We learn about their hopes for the future and how a learning resource, created by Playback ICE, called the Moving On programme has helped them to feel prepared for their next steps.
Launched at the 2013 Enquire National Conference, the film looks at a variety of key themes, including:
• What transition means to young people getting ready to leave school
• What makes them nervous about this time, and what makes them excited
• How additional support needs can impact on a young person’s ability to make a good transition
• How the Moving On Programme has helped them to feel prepared for leaving school
• The skills they have acquired since starting the Moving On programme
You can watch ‘Getting ready to leave school: Making a good transition’ on Enquire’s Youtube channel
(The film was made by Enquire, the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning, and Media Education. Scottish folk singer Karine Polwart kindly contributed the music.)
What could you change in a day? Could you challenge yourself to do something extraordinary? Live UnLtd want to back your idea to make a real change!
Be Extraordinary for a Day is for 11-21 year olds who’d like to try their hand at addressing a social or environmental issue in their area over a short period of time e.g. a day to a week. If your application is successful, award winners will receive support and up to £500 to help you turn your idea into a reality. Some people may choose to develop their ideas after this short term award while others will not.
Basic Criteria
Your idea must be a short project that will tackle an issue in your area. If successful, your project must take place in a short timescale (for example, a day or a week) between July and December 2013.
This competition is open to individuals aged between 11 and 21 years only. Clubs and organisations cannot apply; however, applications from individuals within a club/organisation setting are welcome to apply, providing the project is run separately from the club/organisation.
People aged between 11 and 21 can apply for £250-£500. Those aged 11 – 17 must have parental permission, and must work with an advisor to assist in making the project happen (for example, a youth club worker, parent, guardian, or teacher). Cash Awards can only be used to cover project costs and not direct salaries.
Apply now and Be Extraordinary For A Day!
Closing date for applications is Friday 14th June 2013
Winners will be announced on Friday 28th June 2013
The Scottish Government has extended it’s consultation about play until 23rd April 2013.
They are looking for individual children and young people and groups aged 3-18 to let them know what they think about play. The views collected will inform into the National Play Strategy which is due to be published later this year.
You can find out more at www.bit.ly/PLAY8129 .
respectme has announced the launch of its first Anti-Bullying Awards.
The awards are designed to recognise the contribution made by children, young people and adults through anti-bullying projects, activities and initiatives across Scotland. There are two categories in this year’s Awards; one for a young person or group of young people, and the other for an adult or adults, who have made a difference for others through their anti-bullying work.
Nominations are now open, and are welcome from groups and individuals from across Scotland. The deadline for nominations is Friday 28 June 2013 and Award winners will be presented at an event during National Anti-Bullying Week in November.
Further information on the respectme Anti-Bullying Awards, together with an application form can be found here
Colleagues from the City of Edinburgh Council have shared news from their annual Early Years conference on the City’s Children and Families blog.
Over 300 delegates from Early Years establishments attended the at Hibs Stadium and Lesley McDowall, Quality Improvement Officer for Early Years, introduces a report from the event, with feedback from delegates. Dr Margot Sunderland from the Institute of Child Mental Health in London made a keynote presentation on “Working with Children with Difficulties and Challenging Behaviour” which seems to have made quite an impact judging by the delegate comments.
The conference also saw the launch of new resources to support literacy and health and wellbeing.
You can read the full report and see the photographs here.
Were you there? Why not leave us a comment to let us know what impact the day has had on your practice?
We’d love to hear more about what is happening to support the development of Early Years, Children and Families in other parts of the country. Have you had an event, shared some learning, or developed practice? Why not get in touch and share it with others?
Remember that Glow users can share, discuss and ask for support from other practitioners on the Early Years Professional Learning Community at http://bit.ly/earlyhome .
Promoting Diversity and Equality: Developing Responsible Citizens for 21st Century Scotland
This publication aims to support schools and centres in promoting diversity and equality through all aspects of planned learning.
Diversity is about recognising and valuing difference, where everyone is respected for who they are. Equality is about creating a fairer society, where everyone can take part and where everyone has the opportunity to be all they can be.
Curriculum for Excellence challenges schools and communities to develop children and young people as responsible citizens who:
• show respect for others
• understand different beliefs and cultures
• are developing informed, ethical views of complex issues.
All involved in successful learning need to understand themselves what it means to live in this diverse society, and to help children and young people understand what it means for them.
Careers in Theatre is the Festival Theatre Edinburgh, The Lyceum Theatre and The Traverse Theatre’s unique interactive one day careers event. Join us live in Glow TV on Tuesday 26th February for 3 unique sessions each one hosted at a different theatre.
Front of House and Box Office Session – 10 – 11.30am
In our first session find out how the operational side of the Traverse Theatre works with representatives from our Front of House and Box Office teams. This workshop will explain and explore how we go about creating the best possible experience for our customers/audiences before and after they have been to one of our shows. Sign up and join us in Glow TV!
Technical Theatre – 12 – 1.30pm
During this second event find out more about a day in the life of a theatre technician, with Graham Raith, Head of Electrics at the Festival and King’s Theatres. Including on stage visit to see Scottish Opera’s set of Massenet’s Werther. Sign up and join us in Glow TV!
Acting and Directing – 2.30- 3.30pm
During this session learn more about acting and directing in a Producing Theatre, whilst meeting some of the people involved in Time and the Conways. A great chance to find out how to make a career as an actor or director. Sign up and join us in Glow TV!
The event is aimed at 5th & 6th year pupils interested in pursuing a career in the theatre, and will also act as a CPD session for Drama, Guidance/Support Teachers and Career’s Advisors. It may also be of interest to upper primary and early secondary pupils also interested in the theatre.
Join us for some or all of these exciting events and learn more about the careers involved in theatre and remember that all the events will be recorded and available in Glow TV’s Watch Again section.
Education Scotland have recently developed this professional learning resource. It provides an opportunity to reflect on effective practice in learning, teaching and assessment, drawing on the work published on the National Assessment Resource (NAR). It also provides a structured look at the NAR flow chart as a tool for planning effective learning, teaching, moderation and assessment.
The resource can be used by individual practitioners keen to reflect and improve on their assessment practice as well as pairs, groups of practitioners, associated school groups (ASGs) or clusters working collegiately to reflect on and improve practice.
It is available to download from the Education Scotland website and welcome section on NAR. There will be a Glow meet on Wednesday the 13th of February at 8:20am and Thursday the 14th at 4:15pm to explore the resource further.
Our latest WoWW event on Wednesday 6th February at 2pm will explore the retail sector with speakers from very different aspects of the industry sharing their insight and experience into the opportunities that working in this sector offer. While the emphasis will be on the retail sector the speakers will highlight the soft skills required for entry into not only this but any employment sector making this a valuable learning experience for all young people who will be seeking to enter the world of work.
Why would I want to work in Retail?
The retail industry employs around 2.9m people in the UK and generates over £260bn a year in sales – larger than the combined economies of Portugal and Denmark.
By its very nature retail is a fast-moving industry as organisations try to respond to – and predict – customer demand and future trends. But if you think that a career in retail is limited solely to the shop floor, think again.
From sourcing new producers to transporting goods, ordering stock and forecasting trends, there are a multitude of roles that are critical to the retail operation that you may never have even realised.
And these roles can also be found in a number of associated sectors, from warehousing and distribution to finance, marketing and design.
The retail industry has plenty of variety – not least because of the vast array of products in the marketplace.
In both traditional retail stores and in new online markets, there really are limitless opportunities for people to work within a sector that interests them regardless of whether you are a petrol-head or fashion lover.
So join us to ask questions and find out more. Sign up and join us in Glow TV.
The Enquire national conference, in partnership with Scottish Borders Council, will take place on March 7th 2013 at The Tweed Horizons Centre, Newtown St Boswells
It will explore partnership working in providing additional support for learning to children and young
people.
The programme will:
• engage and inform professionals across health, education, social work and the voluntary
sector
• highlight how communications, relationships and resources are managed to ensure the best
support is provided to those who need it
• consider how parents, children and young people are actively engaged and how their
involvement is effectively and appropriately managed.
Price – £140
For more information visit the Children in Scotland website
The first issue of the College Development Network’s Additional and Complex Needs Newsletter is now available on the website. This newsletter continues the work of the Profound and Complex Needs Newsletter.
The newsletter can be accessed here
Learning for Sustainability – the report of the One Planet Schools Working Group, was published 17 December 2012.
The report includes strategic recommendations to support the development of coherent whole school approaches to ensure that learning for sustainability, global citizenship and outdoor learning are experienced in a transformative way by every learner in every school across Scotland. The report includes a number of recommendations relating to career-long professional learning and initial teacher education and advocates genuine partnerships with local communities and action to improve the sustainability of the school estate. A key ambition of the report is to provide an agenda for strategic change that will create an enabling framework, remove barriers, and build on existing excellent practice.
Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages said:
“I welcome the publication of Learning for Sustainability and would like to thank the Working Group for their work and commitment to producing the report and recommendations. As we approach the Year of Natural Scotland in 2013, the report reminds us of the importance of learning which connects young people to local and global issues, an integral part of Curriculum for Excellence.
“A wide range of actions have been taken as part of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development and we welcome steps to encourage and support schools in their approach to sustainability and global citizenship, including through outdoor learning.
“We will take time to consider the report, to engage with partners on its recommendations and respond in full in March 2013.”
The report can be downloaded from:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Schools/curriculum/ACE/OnePlanetSchools
See the associated Engage in Education blog from Professor Pete Higgins, Chair of the One Planet Schools Working Group: http://engageforeducation.org/news/learning-for-sustainability/
