I’ve posted a link into the National Modern Languages Glow group to a new, free website offering vocabulary building activities probably most appropriate for learners working at 2nd level . You can find the link in the Resources and Sharing section or click on the link .
Skills for Learning, Life and Work
Developing skills for learning, life and work
Six filmed case studies, from a variety of primary and secondary settings around Scotland, have been published, demonstrating evidence of progression in the development of skills for learning, life and work as outlined in Building the Curriculum 4, including:
- literacy and numeracy
- personal and learning skills (including leadership skills)
- confidence building and other skills linked to the health and wellbeing agenda
- employability
- working with others.
The material can be used to support the development of skills and measurement of progression at the specified levels by practitioners within particular contexts, as well as by children and young people, parents and employers.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment – Modern Languages
I’ve posted a copy of the slides used in my presentation at this year’s Learning Festival in the SLF section of the Modern Languages National Glow Group. I’ve not included the evidence ot the assessment discussed as it is all available on the NAR. If you would like any more information regarding the presentation then please contact me at
fhiona.fisher@educationscotland.gov.uk
or post a comment below.
To access the slides click here
For Mid Calder primary’s NAR project click here
For Douglas Academy’s NAR project click here
Using Little Big Planet to teach History
At the Scottish Learning Festival Tim Laver, PT of History and Modern Studies at Bishopbriggs Academy, explained how the PS3 Little Big Planet 2 game could be used to further engage pupils in their learning. The hugely popular game, which has millions of users worldwide, can be used by pupils and teachers to create their own games with a variety of levels.
To find out more about his seminar click here.
To watch Tim talk about this project on Glow TV click here and select the clip: SLF Extra – Tim Laver – LBP2 (Glow log in required).
Listen to him on Glow Radio by clicking here.
Marks on the Landscape – Technologies
The Marks on the Landscape web resource which focuses on inspiring creativity across the curriculum was launched today at the Scottish Learning Festival.
To view how this resource can be used in relation to Technologies click here.
There are two Design Challenges that have been created for third level Technologies Outcomes:
STEM Central – erally car
An update on the progress of an electric rally car Modified Green Rally Car ‘banned for being too fast’ which fits nicely if you are using the STEM Central electric rally car materials. Are there obvious reasons why a modified electric car might outperform a petrol car?
A busy week ahead for the Early Years Team
The Early Years team here at Education Scotland are excited about the Scottish Learning Festival. On Wednesday Jacque Fee from our team will be delivering a seminar: Policy to Pavement. Also on Wednesday come and join us at our Early Years spotlight session at 12 where you can ask us questions and meet the team. We will also be at the Education Scotland stand throughout both days.
We look forward to seeing you there!
NEW Resource – Working in the energy sector
The energy sector is set to become a key driver in the Scottish economy, offering exciting job opportunities for people at every career stage.
It is estimated that between 52,000 to 95,000 energy-related jobs will be created in the coming decade as Scotland realises its ambitions to become a world leader in wind, wave and tidal renewable technologies. In total, the transformation to a low carbon economy could generate an estimated 130,000 jobs.
The oil and gas sector continues to grow too with companies in this industry looking to recruit 10,000 employees over the next 5 years.
Education Scotland has produced this guidance leaflet for teachers and those who advise on careers.
Download the document below to learn more about:
- the job opportunities that exist and the skills that will be required to access careers in the energy sector
- online support and resources that are available to support learning and teaching
- places to visit including renewable energy demonstration projects
- what you can do to promote awareness and engagement in energy-related careers
Download the leaflet >> Working in the energy sector
Order printed copies of this leaflet – email: globalcitizens@educationscotland.gov.uk or ring Customer services on 0141 282 5000
Literacy Team Update 19th September 2011
A busy week for the Literacy team with lots of really interesting (and popular!) SLF workshops. Ranging from Gavinburn Primary School talking about their multi-modal texts to Debbie Gardner who has a wealth of experience promoting Literacy across all sectors, there is something for everyone.
You can see some of the Gavinburn work here:
http://www.strath.ac.uk/scilt/events/past/mindsets/challengingmindsetsbreakingdownbarriers-conferencematerials/showcasingvideo-gavinburnprimary-frenchrockstars/
In the longer term we are following on the success of of our targeted support days on Literacy Across Learning we will roll out LAL 2 beginning in October. The Primary day will focus on the development of reading and is called, “Learning to read, Reading to learn” with the Secondary following on the theme of Literacy as a responsibility of all.
Both days are very dynamic and include a range of practical ideas. They are supported by materials and resources that are shared from various authorities across Scotland.
The day will be booked through CPD Central and we have advertised it to all our NLN contacts.
Glowing Thursdays – Behind the Scenes at the Citizen’s Theatre
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a National Theatre, who does what and how is the whole production put together?
Why not join us for a sneak preview behind the scenes of National Theatre of Scotland’s seminal production of “Men Should Weep.”
Join the directors, cast and crew members of the Men Should Weep company live from the citizens theatre. A tour of the set led by assistant director Phil McCormack will be followed by discussion with the director and some of the main cast who will reveal their approaches and the many processes adopted to make the show.
You will also have the opportunity to ask your own questions and find out what really goes on behind the scenes.
Register for Glow TV and then sign up and join us on Thursday 22nd from 2-3pm for this exciting event.
Share your good practice!
I am looking for examples of good practice and new resources to share with other practitioners in our National Glow Group for Modern Languages. There are lots of fantastic lessons being taught across the country, so let’s stop “reinventing the wheel” and see if we can share some of our great ideas with our Modern Language colleagues. If you have found an ingenious way of exploring the Es and Os at any level, if you have a wonderful transition project going on, if you have some exciting senior phase resources to share, or if you have just used something that really works, then please let me and everyone else know about it! Feel free to send me an e-mail at
fhiona.fisher@educationscotland.gov.uk
or leave me a comment below.
‘New Looks’ Arts and Music Workshops for Young People at the New Look National Museum of Scotland
Young people aged 14-18 years have the opportunity to have fun learning new skills from professional artists with the National Museums of Scotland taster sessions (no experience necessary).
- Stop Frame Animation with professional photographer David Grinly on Sunday 2 October (Price: £5.00 per person);
- Sound Design course in digital musical instrument making with artist and composer Victoria Gama from Friday 21 October to Sunday 23 October. (Price: £24.00 for three days).
STEM Central – developments sound good
DOs in Sciences and Technologies were working with practitioners yesterday to progress development of new resources for STEM Central which will be shared during this school year. One of the contexts will incorporate E&Os around sound. The Sound context will demonstrate how a concept can be developed from early years through to fourth level, incorporating work with SSERC, making it an ideal way of working within clusters to enhance transition. If you can’t wait and want to find some existing resources to enhance your teaching of sound – try this set of animations from LTS Science of Sound Animations.
Same Difference
The revised Same Difference equalities resource is now live on the Education Scotland website. The resource provides information, advice and case studies on equality and diversity issues from a CLD perspective.
LGBT Youth Scotland – Glasgow Council Lead Partnership Initiative
Glasgow Council has been working to reduce homophobic bullying in secondary schools as part of the Challenging Homophobia Together Project. 10 schools have currently agreed to ensure there is content in the school curriculum and where possible CPD for school staff. This work is led by a local Advisory Group with representation from a wide range of partners including Educational Psychology, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow Community & Safety Services, Strathclyde Police and Castlemilk Youth Project to name just a few. For more information contact Loretta Scott QIO Pastoral Care lorretta.scott@education.glasgow.gov.uk or Scott Lafferty Schools Development Officer scott.lafferty@lgbtyouth.org.uk
LGBT Youth Scotland Early Intervention: Work in Primary Schools
LGBT Youth Scotland has received an increasing number of requests from Primary Schools that are seeking resources and lessons that look at Equality and Celebrate Difference. In Dumfries and Galloway their staff delivered an assembly with all pupils in a local primary school that focused on different families and gender stereotypes. LGBT Youth Scotland feels that challenging homophobia and discussing equality and difference at an early age is essential to ensure that young people grow up to be responsible citizens. For more information regarding resources for Primary Schools e-mail info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Pupils Stand-Up to Homophobia in the Scottish Borders
In Galashiels Academy staff at LGBT Youth Scotland delivered assemblies for S5 and S6 pupils. As a result a group was set up for pupils to look at how they might challenge homophobia in their school. This group has had a real impact on their school including same sex-couples being encouraged to attend their S6 Christmas Dance and a Peer Education programme is due to begin in the next school term. To highlight their achievements two pupils delivered a presentation at the Developing Global Citizens Show Case Event in Stirling, organised by Education Scotland formerly Learning and Teaching Scotland. For more information, please contact karen.wilson@lgbtyouth.org.uk
STEM Central and PROFILES
Education Scotland is delighted to be working in partnership on the PROFILES project, one of three selected for funding by the European Commission within the “Support Program 7 (FP7)”. How can this benefit learners and practitioners in sciences?
PROFILES is the acronym for “Professional Reflection-Oriented Focus on Inquiry-based Learning and Education through Science”.
Four central themes are the cornerstones of the PROFILES project: inquiring learning; reflective teaching; further professional training; collegial cooperation.
Education Scotland’s recently launched resource STEM Central provides an opportunity for secondary teachers to become involved in the PROFILES project with all the associated benefits of bringing research into the classroom, gaining valuable CPD and contributing to current educational researched. For further information about the project, contact Professor Susan Rodrigues, the UK partner at Northumbria University.
Supporting AH Physics
Development Officers for Sciences, Nicola Nielsen and Lauren Boath, and Development Officers for Support for National Qualifications, Therea McIntosh and Andrew Dingwall, worked with partners, practitioners and researchers yesterday to start the ball rolling on what Education Scotland’s support resources for the refreshed AH Physics will look like. We were hosted by SSERC, whose contribution to the organisation and smooth running of the day was very much appreciated; and the practical work with Gregor Steele left all excited, inspired, and fired up. John Sharkey, SQA, set the scene of where we are in terms of development towards the AH which can be taken up by early adopters for academic year 2012/13. Practitioners were joined by researchers, and the IOP, for sharing ideas about supporting practitioners in AH Physics.
Community Learning and Development in Scottish Local Authorities
Community Learning & Development Managers Scotland (CLDMS) has produced a report that looks at how local authorities’ provision of CLD services may be changing in 2011/12 in the light of pressures both for spending reductions and to contribute to achieving national priorities. It looks at changes in budgets and staffing, where services are located and what priorities have been set for them.
New Book – Kurt Hahn – Inspirational, Visionary, Outdoor and Experiential Educator
For many outdoor educators, Kurt Hahn is considered to be one of the greatest influences on the development of outdoor learning as we know it today.
This book will be of interest to those wishing to understand more about Hahn’s influence on the development of outdoor education, Outward Bound and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and its equivalents across the world.
Price: £25.00.
Published by: Sense Publishers, 2011. All profits will go to Maggie’s Edinburgh and the National Hospital Development Foundation.
Kindergarteners get iPads for school
Very interesting article, a sign of the times?
http://www.necn.com/09/12/11/Kindergarteners-get-iPads-for-school/landing_scitech.html?blockID=563064&feedID=4213
Additional Support for Learning: What do you need to know?
This Glowing Thursday will provide an opportunity to find out more about the additional support for learning framework and legislation, the advice and information Enquire can offer schools and the types of issues parents raise with the Enquire helpline. Enquire is the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning.
Enquire want to cover the issues you have questions about so please let them know in advance the topics you’re interested in advance the topics you’re interested in or just join us at 3.45pm on Thursday 15th September to find out more – Glowing Thursdays – Additional Support for Learning: What do you need to know?
Register for Glow TV today and then sign up for all the events that you want to view!! Register for Glow TV and then Sign Up for this event
Games Poets Play
This exciting event which is linked to National Poetry Day taking place on 6th October will focus on the needs of students and teachers writing/teaching poetry for folio.
Poet Liz Niven will work practically with participants to offer assistance in:
Find out more about Liz Niven at Register for Glow TV and then Sign Up for this event
Register for Glow TV today and then sign up for all the events that you want to view!!
The Statistical Accounts of Scotland
Glow users can now access The Statistical Accounts of Scotland at http://edina.ac.uk/stat-acc-scot/.
Just go to the link, and choose to log in via the UK federation. Choose Glow Scotland from the drop down list and press select. Then the screen will prompt you to enter your Glow username and password. You will then be able to access the accounts.
The two Statistical Accounts of Scotland, covering the 1790s and the 1830s, are among the best contemporary reports of life during the agricultural and industrial revolutions in Europe. Learn more about the area in which you or your ancestors have lived, or use this key source to study the emergence of the modern British State and the economic and social impact of the world’s first industrial nation.
Based largely on information supplied by each parish church minister, the original (first) Statistical Account and the New (second) Statistical Account provide a rich record of a wide variety of topics: wealth, class and poverty; climate, agriculture, fishing and wildlife; population, schools, and the moral health of the people.
New National Qualifications – have your say!
National 4 and 5 Modern Languages qualifications are currently at the Unit Specification development stage and the SQA is really keen to hear from Modern Languages practitioners. To view the draft documents and most importantly to have your say please click on the following links.
Information on the New Qualifications
Up to date information on the development of the new National Qualifications, including timelines, draft specifications and opportunities to be involved and give feedback can be found on the SQA CfE website at: http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/34648.2942.html.
A lot of books at bedtime
“Alice Ozma’s father read her a story every night from the age of nine to 18. But why?” Read this inspiring article by Emine Saner at The Guardian here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/sep/10/alice-ozma-dad-read-every-night
Glow TV – School’s Channel First!!
Our first School’s Channel broadcast is coming live from Braehead Primary School in West Dunbartonshire. Headteacher Joanne Paton contacted us through Glow and now her pupils will be taking centre stage on Glow TV for a National Event.
Join us as the candidates for the Braehead Primary Pupil Council for 2011-2012 will be rounding off their election campaigns with their own election broadcasts outlining why they should be elected to the Pupil Council.
Watch the broadcasts and then have your own vote in school. You will be able to ask the candidates questions yourselves too! Find out the winners by logging on to the Braehead Primary website after the final vote on Tuesday 13th September.
Sign up in Glow TV and join us on Monday 12th September at 1.45pm to find out more!
National Qualifications Team
The National Qualifications Team is currently working to develop initial support for the new National Qualifications. We are also contintuing to support existing and revised qualifications. You can access our wide range of existing resources and support materials by going to our home page at: http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/nationalqualifications/index.asp
We also have Glow Groups to support staff delivering NQs you can find these at: https://portal.glowscotland.org.uk/establishments/nationalsite/National%20Qualifications%20Group/default.aspx. We are planning to redevelop these groups this year to encourage greater sharing of resources and ideas among practitioners delivering NQ courses.
Science & Technologies DOs visit SSERC
DOs were at SSERC yesterday, working on STEM Central, and were lucky enough to be allowed a sneaky peak at some of what’s in store for the delegates on the Physics to support CfE two part residential course. Looking forward to the return event on 9th – 10th December 2011 when ES DOs will be sharing STEM Central and working in partnership with SSERC to explore practical work to underpin the STEM Central contexts.
Using Glow/Technologies to Support Learning, Teaching and Assessment
Today I had the pleasure of visiting Bridgend Primary, in West Lothian to find how they used Glow and other Technologies last session in their Primary 6/7 class. Glow was used in a number of ways to support learning and teaching within various areas such as; linking with a school in Orkney, a Class Election (involving cluster schools) and topic work.
Luckily you also have the chance to find out about what they have been doing at Bridgend Primary, as they are presenting at the Education Showcase on Thursday 22nd September at 2pm at the Scottish Learning Festival. Their presentation is called Using Glow/Technologies to Support Learning, Teaching and Assessment. You do not have to sign up to this presentation, so pop along and find out what Bridgend Primary have been up to.
You can also find out about some of their projects by visiting the West Lothian, Sharing our Learning Blog.
Famine in East Africa
A new resource produced by the Edinburgh Disasters Response Committee aims to support teachers who want to assist with charitable aid relief for the famine in the Horn of Africa. Details of the EDRC education pack, and more information about other educational resources to help young people discuss the situation and its causes, are described on the Education Scotland Global Citizenship blog. http://ltsblogs.org.uk/globalcitizenship/
The pack is available for download from the national Glow Group for Developing Global Citizens. https://portal.glowscotland.org.uk/establishments/nationalsite/Developing%20Global%20Citizens/Lists/Pages/Resources.aspx
Mandarin milestone in languages Baccalaureate
Glasgow student makes top grade as interest in Chinese hits new heights
The first pupil to receive a Scottish languages Baccalaureate which includes Mandarin is spearheading a growing trend in learning Chinese for future careers.
French resources to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day – Jan 27th 2012
Based on the Louis Malle film “Au Revoir Les Enfants” and the Joseph Joffo novel “Un Sac de Billes”, these engaging resources have been added to the Modern Languages National Glow Group. They encourage learners to explore the plight of Jewish people in France under the Nazi occupation. Click here to access resources
STEM Central – new contexts on the way
Development Officers for Sciences and Technologies, along with the team at ES, are working on a new context which will soon be added to the STEM Central resource. The Bioengineering context will feature learning journeys for sciences and technologies, based on third and fourth level E&Os, including learning, teaching and assessment ideas. Stop by STEM Central for quality assured resources, bringing relevant, engaging and exciting Scottish contexts into the classroom.
The Land of Me pilot project
The past 6 months or so has seen the team from the Consolarium working within Early Years and Early Primary settings in Dundee, West Lothian and Argyll & Bute in order to explore the educational potential of a piece of software called The Land of Me. A number of posts have been made on the Consolarium blog (content soon to move over to this blog) about the work that some teachers have been doing with this resource. This post gathers all realted posts together so that they are easily accessible:
Posts from Argyll & Bute
Land of Me Initiative kicks off in Argyll & Bute
1/5 Land of Me at Port Ellen PS: Planning for Good Learning
2/5 Land of Me at Port Ellen PS: A Visit from the King of the Land of Me
3/5 Land of Me at Port Ellen PS: Gleeful Children Lost in the Learning Space
4/5 Land of Me at Port Ellen PS: Parental Involvement
5/5 Land of Me at Port Ellen PS: Encouraging Outdoor Adventure
Posts from Dundee and West Lothian
Land of Me pilot: Dundee teachers’ and EYPs’ early feedback
The Land of Me in Dundee: Building Dens in Templeton Woods
West Lothian Land of Me pilot concludes
Feedback or comment on any of these posts are most welcome. If you are using this resource or any other digital world in an early years or early primary setting then please do let us know.
SSERC Residential CPD for teachers of Chemistry
This two part residential course takes place at the end of next month. More information in the flyer http://www.science3-18.org/images/CPD_1112/Chemistry/Chemistry_flyer_11_1page.pdf and Chris Lloyd (chris.lloyd@sserc.org.uk) can provide more information.
David Mach Exhibit
Just to remind you that the David Mach exhibit is still on at the City Art Centre in Edinburgh. This exhibit uses the King James bible as inspiration and David has used sculpture and collage to convey his interpretations of classic biblical stories.
A Design challenge for both Art and Design and RME is being developed with kind permission from David himself – so look out for this in future as a way of linking together two subjects.
Ideas for celebrating world animal day Oct 4th 2011
New French resources have been posted in the Modern Languages Glow group in the resources and sharing area that will help you and your pupils celebrate World Animal Day and discover information about endangered species, their habits and habitats. Click here to access resources
16+ Learning Choices Coordinators’ meeting
Presentations from the 16+ LC event. 71 delegates from Shetland to the Borders attended the event and participated in workshops re provision and support for young people with additional support needs.
Fiona McKean – SDS Presentation
Alison Mitchell – Presentation
Ron Crichton – Assessment – SDS
Rosie Whelan – Scottish Government – Presentation
Health and Wellbeing
New HWB and OL Team are now all in place and looking forward to the work ahead in continuing to support the embedding of HWB, and the promoting of OL, within Curriculum for Excellence.
Last week the team delivered 2 joint events, one with the SCYP team and one with SCYP and the Positive Behaviour team, to lecturers from the Teacher Education Institutes and the FE colleges. Both events were very positively evaluated and a real step forward in terms of partnership work with the colleges and the universites.
16+ Learning Choices Newsletter August 2011
The new look 16+ learning Choices Newsletter August 2011 has been published. In addition to good news articles from across the country, there are updates on developments and links to resources. The newsletter can be downloaded from the 16+ Learning Choices blog
Supporting Learners recently published support for staff materials
The following case studies have been published online
Flexible Learning: supporting transitions for young people with additional support needs
The Flexible Learning Initiative in North Lanarkshire has been set up to support young people who have become disengaged with education to the extent that many of them struggle to attend their mainstream schools.
Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) help support transitions for young people
ELO is a transition programme based in three North Lanarkshire special schools which builds and develops unique programmes for individual pupils with additional support needs arising particularly from social and emotional factors.
Coalyard transition project – providing stepping stones to employment for young people with learning disabilities http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/sharingpractice/c/coalyard/introduction.asp?strReferringChannel=supportinglearners&strReferringPageID=tcm:4-520567-64
The Coalyard is a project in Larkhall offering support and skills development to young people with additional support needs who are making the transition into employment, training or further education.
Self-evaluation in the context of CfE
8th September – Early Years and Primary: 2.00 – 3.30 
Secondary: 4.15 – 5.45
You may be interested in joining this Glow Meet with Kenneth Muir, HM Chief Inspector of Education from Education Scotland to find out more about this topic. He will present on three key areas under the theme of self-evaluation that will help to support the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence. The three areas are:
• Self-evaluation questions to support implementation
• Self-evaluation within the new inspection model
• Inspection advice note (Aug 2011) – further guidance on the implementation of progress with Curriculum for Excellence.
The main focus of Kenneth’s input will be to provide practical advice on the role of self-evaluation in implementing Curriculum for Excellence. He will also set out the expectations of HM Inspectors which are based firmly on the national implementation timetable and expectations endorsed by the Curriculum for Excellence Management Board. There will be a number of opportunities for discussion both during Kenneth’s presentation and following it.
This Glow Meet CPD opportunity will be relevant for all of those interesting in exploring the topic of self-evaluation. There will be two sessions on 8 Sept:
Early Years and Primary: 2.00 – 3.30
Secondary: 4.15 – 5.45
To sign up for this Glow Meet visit the Glow group here: http://glo.li/pcN5lC
If you would be interested in attending this event in person at Optima in Glasgow there are a small number of places available which you can request once in the Self-evaluation Glow group.
We will inform anyone who has secured a place at the ‘live’ session in Optima, otherwise we look forward to seeing you in Glow Meet from 2.30 to 3.30 or 4.15 to 5.15 on the 8th September.
Scots Language Glow Meet
Christine De Luca reads ‘Dodie’s Phenomenal Pheesic’ to a class at Sound Primary School, broadcasted live via Glow Meet 
On Monday 5th September 2011 at 11:15am Christine De Luca will be in Sound Primary School, Lerwick, reading to a P5 class, from her Shetland dialect translation of Roald Dahl.
Roald Dahl’s famous children’s book ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’ contains such a wealth of charming situations, characters, and imaginative language that it stood out as a perfect opportunity for translation into Shetland dialect. Christine De Luca, an admired writer in Shetland, Scotland and beyond, took Roald Dahl’s classic and created a fantastic new version which keeps the story and spirit of the original but tells it in Shetland dialect with Shetland characters.
The dialect of Shetland, like so many of the dialects of Scotland, has unique features but also similarities with its neighbouring Scots languages. Christine De Luca is well-known for her talented use of Shetland dialect in her poetry and children’s stories and is an experienced, expressive reader.
The Creative Links team at Shetland Islands Council’s would like to share this reading with as many other schools as possible so are broadcasting the event live via Glow. After the reading the author will answer questions from children in the class – and also any that come in from viewing schools.
Visit Glow TV to sign up and take part in this event: http://glo.li/nw6vbx
The work of the National CPD Team
This is a cross post from the National CPD Team blog http://ltsblogs.org.uk/cpdteam/2010/09/17/the-national-cpdteam/
The National CPD Team in Scotland provide strategic support for CPD and PRD throughout Scottish Education. You can find out more about the work of the team by browsing this blog and viewing this short video, which explains what we do, where we started and what are our vision, values and beliefs around CPD.
Please feel free to share it.
What is our aim?
The National CPD Team aims to improve pupil learning by building capacity to implement Curriculum for Excellence at individual, school and authority level.
How do we achieve our aim?
- by promoting a consistent model of professional learning which draws on a wide range of academic research, and reflects the values implicit in Teaching Scotland’s Future
- by supporting the development of structures for CPD that focus on improving the quality of teaching and of school leadership
- by working with our partners (through the CPD Network ) to a maintain a high profile for CPD among educators
Who’s in the team?
The current team consists of:
-
Kat Healy
So what is it we do?
Our team plan (due for completion in September 2011) will give you a flavour of our current activities:
- support for the CPDNetwork, including facilitation of the online community CPDNet
- an initiative to help local authorities review PRD
- ongoing support for / improvement of the Flexible Routes to Headship programme
- ongoing support for / improvement of the Learning Rounds model
- constructing a framework for the continuum of leadership development
- building and facilitating CPD communities on Glow such as CPDCentral and CPDStepin
- innovating further in online CPD; CPDMeets, CPDShorts, I-intend, etc
We have initiated and/or continue to support a number of key projects including:
- development of the 4-stage model of CPD and the Teachers for Excellence paper
- international thought-leaders programme
- support for development of CPDReflect
- redesign / support for the national database of CPD (CPDFind)
- coaching / mentoring programme funded by Scottish Government
- worked with the CPDNetwork on a model for evaluation of the impact of CPD
- a wide range of innovative CPD (online and otherwise!) through the CPDScotland project
If you want to know more
- join CPDCentral on Glow
- follow the links in this blog post
- read our latest newsletter
- study our CPD Team plan
- get in touch with Margaret Alcorn cpdanswers@ltscotland.org.uk
The Importance of Teaching
https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/CM-7980.pdf
This publication offers interesting insights into the future direction of the English school system. There is I think much to reflect on in terms of the relevance and likely impact of some of the proposals it contains.
The White Paper begins by confirming that “the first, and most important, lesson is that no education system can be better than the quality of its teachers” but notes that while the system is improving, it is not matching, nor keeping up with, the performance of other countries. It says that “our school system performs well below its potential and can improve significantly”.
The White Paper outlines wide-ranging and significant strategies that will be taken to deliver the required improvement. For example, there is a commitment to:
- free teachers from constraint, ”helping them to learn from one another and from proven best practice, rather than ceaselessly directing them to follow centralised Government initiatives.”
- free schools from external control and “hold them effectively to account for the results they achieve”
- reform teacher training by increasing the time spent in classrooms, focussed on core skills
- develop a network of “Teaching Schools” to lead teacher and headteacher training
- “Sharply reduce the bureaucratic burden on schools, cutting away unnecessary duties, processes, guidance and requirements, so that schools are free to focus on doing what is right for the children and young people in their care.”
- Increase teacher authority to search pupils, issue same day detentions and use “reasonable force where necessary”
- review the National curriculum to reduce prescription and allow schools to decide how to teach
- ensure that exam standards meet the highest international standards
- raise the age of participation in education and training to 18 by 2015
- help every school who wishes to enjoy greater freedom to achieve Academy status, to support schools as “autonomous institutions collaborating with each other on terms set by teachers, not bureaucrats”
- reform OFSTED inspection, “so that inspectors spend more time in the classroom and focus on key issues of educational effectiveness, rather than the long list of issues they are currently required to consider.”
- end the current centralised target-setting process, increase the number of head teachers of excellent schools committed to supporting other schools – and develop Teaching Schools to make sure that every school has access to highly effective professional development support.
- Radically reform the funding model to make it more transparent, fairer and progressive
Lots of interesting ideas to discuss in our staffrooms!
Choinneamhan / GaelMeets
Gus comharrachadh gu bheil coimhearsnachd leasachadh leantaineach proifeiseanta, Dachaidh, ga chur air bhog, tha sgioba na Gàidhlig aig Foghlam Alba toilichte innse gu bheil sreath de choinneamhan air-loidhne gu bhith air an cumail.
Bithear a’ beachdachadh air iomadach cuspair a bhiodh inntinneach do luchd-teagaisg anns an fharsaingeachd agus chan ann do luchd-teagaisg na Gàidhlig a-mhàin. Bidh cuid dhe na seiseanan air an lìbhrigeadh tro mheadhan na Beurla, cuid tro mheadan na Gàidhlig agus feadhainn eile le measgachadh dhen dà chànan.
Bidh Coinneamh 1 a’ dèiligeadh le Measadh. Bidh a’ choinneamh seo ann am Beurla agus bidh Maureen Martin bho Foghlam Alba a’ toirt an fhiosrachaidh a th’ aice fhèin air a’ chuspair. Bidh a h-uile gin dhe na coinneamhan ann an Gàidhlig air Dachaigh air an stiùireadh le Gillebrìde Mac ’IlleMhaoil.
Gus a dhol an sàs ann an Dachaigh, theirig gu http://bit.ly/dachaigh . Gus clàrachadh airson Coinneamh 1, theirig gu http://bit.ly/gaelmeet1 agus coimhead airson a’ bhutain airson clàrachadh.
To celebrate the launch of its online CPD community, Dachaigh, the Gaelic team in Education Scotland are pleased to announce the start of a series of online CPD seminars, GaelMeets.
These will tackle a number of topics of interest to many, not just Gaelic, educators. Some of the sessions will be Gaelic, some in English and some a bit of both!
GaelMeet 1 is the first of three on assessment. This GaelMeet will be in English and features Lorraine Facchini of Education Scotland. All of the GaelMeets will be facilitated by Gillebride MacIllemhaoil, the facilitator for the Gaelic Education CPD community on Glow, Dachaigh
To join Dachaigh, visit this link http://bit.ly/dachaigh. To sign up for GaelMeet 1, visit this link http://bit.ly/gaelmeet1 and look for the enrol button.
Using Glow to support CfE Modern Languages in the Primary School
Creating a Talking Book – Modern Languages in a Primary school
Use the link below to find out how one teacher has used Glow to support CfE Modern Languages in the Primary School.
Le Français en Ecosse: French immersion courses
New brochure for French immersion courses from Le Français en Ecosse, taking place from September 2011 through to April 2012.
Primary/Secondary transition project
Passport to Europe
This three-part resources provides reading, writing, speaking and listening tasks on weather, clothes, numbers, times on the clock, places in the town, rooms in the house, personal language and animals. They contain materials for a fun day event for Primary 7 pupils but many of the games and materials provided are suitable for use in the MLPS classroom
French
German
Spanish
Useful Ideas for Modern Languages in Primary Shools
P7 Harry Potter (Modern Languages)
Examples of how a Harry Potter theme has been used to teach modern languages.
ICT games French – mais oui!
Teaching ideas – Foreign Languages
A huge range of General Foreign Languages resources listed ready to use
CPD Opportunity for Secondary Modern Languages Practitioners
Please see attached an invitation to an evening seminar for language teaching professionals at the University of Strathclyde on 14 September at 5pm.
If you would like to attend this seminar on 14 September at 5pm, please contact Cédric Moreau at the following address: c.moreau@strath.ac.uk
Senior Phase Timetabling
Curriculum for Excellence Timetable development – Summary
Introduction
Four curricular models on the Education Scotland website were developed further with possible timetables for 2014/14; viz. Kirkland High School, Clydebank High School, Charleston Academy and Balfron High School.
Key Points
• All models built upon a well-considered and well developed model for the Broad General Education phase building on the guidance in BtC3.
• All models reported that timetabling of innovative curriculum structures to support CfE did not require any new or specialised timetabling skills
• Although the BGE phase plans were different to previous S1-S3 models and from each other they all allowed suitable progression and transition to the senior phase for all learners.
• The models varied in period number and length.
• All models were developed using traditional timetabling methods:
-development of a curricular model or map
-departmental and staffing capacity calculated
-teaching period and accommodation calculated
-timetable worked up
• All models effectively considered S4 – 6 as a single cohort
• All models provided one or two year courses for learners and offered a substantial degree of flexibility with vertical and horizontal progression
Key Considerations
• All models reported some specific difficulties regarding the incorporation of Health and Wellbeing, Physical education and support into their timetables and further consideration will need to be given to these areas
• All models mentioned the importance of partnership working with schools, colleges and other partners to develop meaningful senior phase opportunities for pupils and there are implications for timetabling around this including blocking to suit college times, consortia arrangements etc.
• Advance planning at this stage (2011) is highly recommended as various staffing and accommodation issues were identified which can be planned for in advance of 2014
• Consideration needs to be made at this stage for the transition years from 2013/14 into 2014/15
• There was some discussion in the models about possible occasional suspension of the timetable at points to help deliver some aspects of CfE and there was also some consideration being given to changing the timetable during the year.
• There were some concerns expressed about 2 year courses – specifically for S6.Some consideration needs to be given to this.
Reflective questions
• Do you have a sound curricular plan on which you can begin to develop a timetable for your senior phase model?
• Have you considered how to provide for Health and Wellbeing, PE and support?
• How strong are your partnership arrangements and how can these partners be involved in developing the curricular plan and a timetable?
• Is your planning early enough to cope with the transition year?
