Category: Uncategorized

Fundamentals in FASD – free 90-minute online training

The Fetal Alcohol Advisory Support and Training (FAAST) Team provides a free, 90-minute training course on the Fundamentals of FASD for Health and Social Care Practitioners. The course aims to provide an overview of prenatal alcohol exposure and the features of FASD.

Visit their Eventbrite page https://edin.ac/4iX2RoI to sign up, or to register your details and be kept informed of future sessions. The next scheduled training is Monday 10th November 2025 at 12 noon

Computing Science Week 2025

We wanted to draw your attention to learning opportunities available from DigiLearnScot and our partners that are running as part of Computing Sceince Week 2025.

You may also be interested in our Live Lesson schedule for the week where teachers and their classes can join live interactive  sessions. These live lesson descriptions and sign up links are at the bottom of this email.

 

You can see all opportunities and sign up information at Computing Science Scotland Week 2025 – DigiLearn

 

Promo videos:

Live Lessons – https://youtu.be/0LrNkyHhOHE

CLPL – https://youtu.be/iyeU6_nFG0I?si=p9PZlzLefRRfrXbD

Full List Summary

Live Lessons

Educator Webinars

 

LIVE LESSONS!

4th NOV; 9:30am

 Register Here

Join us for a fun, hands-on session where you’ll code and play your own game using MakeCode Arcade! No experience needed. Just bring your creativity and get ready to build, play, and learn through coding!

This session is suitable for pupils in Primary 4 or later.

 

 

7th NOV; 9:30am

 Register Here

Join us to celebrate Computing Science week!

This interactive quiz will test you and your learners knowledge of all things Computing! From computer games to algorithms, the internet and code breaking and all the bits in between, there’s a little something for everyone!

Learners can take part individually via a form link that will be shared, or they can just write the answer down on paper.

You may wish to answer as a class, it’s entirely up to you but it should give everyone a taste of what Computing Science Week 2025 is all about!

 

 

 

10th NOV; 9:30am

 Register Here

We’re delighted to invite you to our LIVE lesson on AI for Robotics (Primary P5-P7) for Scottish Careers and Computing Science Scotland Week. The lesson will explore the amazing technology behind robotics, including robots used in space, robots used to help doctors, and robots used to assist people like firefighters. We will also highlight how Artificial Intelligence is used to allow robots to ‘think’ and perform all sorts of tasks. This lesson includes engaging activities and thought-provoking ideas to provide your students with a deeper understanding of the exciting future tech careers available in AI for Robotics

 

 

10th NOV; 2:00pm

 Register Here

Do your students know how technology can help people to improve their performance in sports, keep money safe, and even explore the past?

This final assembly in the series focuses on the subjects of Maths, PE, History, RE and Citizenship, aimed at students aged 10-13. Please note, the assemblies can be watched in isolation or in any order.

Through this assembly, we will open your students’ eyes to how technology can bring together their skills and interests from different subjects, and also highlight some of the exciting future technology careers available.

 

 

 

11th NOV, 11am

 Register Here

Step into the role of an AI Researcher! This live, interactive lesson, inspired by Google AI Quests Flood Forecasting challenge, will teach pupils how Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) uses data to save lives and protect communities from real-world disasters.

We will explore the AI project lifecycle – from identifying a problem to training and testing a model—emphasizing the crucial role of data quality and human judgement. Learners will engage in virtual research tasks that promote critical thinking and responsible technology use.

This session is aimed at learners in P5 – S3, and pupils will require the use of a device, either individually or in pairs. All devices are supported, but to be sure your class do not miss out, please check that they can access AI Quests before attending.

 

 

12th NOV, 9:30am

 Register Here

IF YOU ARE NEW TO SCRATCH, YOU MAY WANT TO JOIN OUR TEACHER SESSION ON NOV 5th

What we will do:

  • Code a project using the browser-based Scratch 3
  • Use the Space Talk project as a guide, with a Computing Science Week spin on it
  • Rebecca will guide you through the project, but you may need to support your learners

What you will need:

  • Devices for your learners to code on (tablets, chrome books, desktop computers, or laptops all work) – they can code in teams if you do not have enough devices for one per learner

Learner requirements:

  • This codealong is suitable for learners who are new to Scratch
  • A good level of literacy will help learners enjoy this session, recommended for P4 and above

 

 

12th NOV 11:00am

 Register Here

What we will do:

  • Code a project using the browser-based Scratch 3
  • Use the Drum star project as a guide, with a Computing Science Week spin on it
  • Rebecca will guide you through the project, but you may need to support your learners

What you will need:

  • Devices for your learners to code on (tablets, chrome books, desktop computers, or laptops all work) – they can code in teams if you do not have enough devices for one per learner

Learner requirements:

Your learners should be familiar with the Scratch interface and know how to

  • Add sprites
  • Add more than one background
  • Navigate the different coding block options
  • Edit costumes
  • Add variables

If you have any questions please contact Rebecca on scotland@codeclub.org.

 

 

13th NOV, 9:30am

 Register Here

Did you know that some of the biggest companies in the world get help from a tech team you might not have heard of before? In this fun and interactive online session, join Mags Moore and we’ll explore how Sopra Steria works behind the scenes with big names like Google, EasyJet, McDonalds, and even the UK Government to help build the computer systems and apps that millions of people use every day!

Sopra Steria doesn’t make games or toys – but without them, planes wouldn’t fly safely, visas wouldn’t get processed, and important websites wouldn’t work properly. They quietly keep the world working!

In this session, you’ll:

  • Discover how technology helps real world problems
  • Learn about cool tech careers like coding, cyber security, design, problem solving and more
  • See how teamwork and creativity are just as important as computers
  • Take part in a fun quiz to see which tech role might suit YOU

No experience needed—just curiosity! Learners will need pen/paper to jot down their answers during the quiz.

 

 

13th NOV, 11:00am

 Register Here

Join micro:bit Champion Mr Morrison to explore the features of the micro:bit and code some fun projects using block based coding. Every school in Scotland should have at least 20 micro:bits, this is a great opportunity to make the most of them. Learners should have access to a device (Laptop/PC/Chromebook/iPad) and a micro:bit between groups of 2-3. They will also need paper and a pencil.

Additional resources can be found here: mrmorrison.co.uk/microbit

 

 

13th NOV; 2:00pm

 Register Here

YOU MAY FIND IT USEFUL TO JOIN OUT TEACHER SESSION ON NOV 10th at 4PM

Want to send your code to space? Join us for an live online Mission Zero workshop and be part of the European Astro Pi Challenge!

This is your chance to write a simple Python program that will run on one of the Astro Pi computers aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In this free, beginner-friendly online event, you’ll learn how to create a personalised pixel art image for the astronauts to see. You’ll use the Astro Pi’s light sensor to adjust the colours of your unique design, all with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.

There’s no special equipment or prior coding experience needed—just a computer with an internet connection. By the end of the workshop, students will have submitted their programs and every eligible participant will receive a certificate showing the exact location of the ISS when their code ran in space!

Teachers: To ensure your students get their certificates, please register for Astro Pi Mission Zero here. You will be issued with a “classroom code” which your students will need to submit their programs during the live lesson.

Certificates will be distributed to registered teachers in June 2026.

Professional Learning

3rd NOV; 3:30pm CLPL

 

Click here to sign up

Computers are all around us and we carry out many of our daily tasks using processes and sequences, and through sorting and classifying, the concepts that computing technology requires to operate.​

Whether outside or indoors, children can begin to explore every day pieces of computing technology through play and begin to develop awareness of what they do, how they work and how they can help to solve problems?​

What can we do in ELC to spark interest in computing science? Where are we already using some of the concepts and approaches of computing science in the Literacy and English curriculum and the Numeracy and Maths curriculum? ​Join this 60 minute session to find out.

Please have a pen/paper or tablet device with a screen you can draw on and a small piece of play dough to hand.

 

 

5th NOV, 4:00pm CLPL

 Register Here

If you are considering coming along to one of the Code Club Codealongs during Computing Science Week, join Rebecca from Code Club for this session to look at the Scratch coding interface together in order to prepare for the live lessons.

Also, learn about the Code Club programme and how to start a Code Club at your school (with resources)!

What we will cover:

  • What is Code Club?
  • The benefits of Code Club
  • What is needed to start a Code Club?
  • How we support you
  • Introduction to the Scratch interface

 

6th NOV; 4:00pm CLPL

 Register Here

Join this one-hour online training session and learn how to take part in the European Astro Pi Challenge. Astro Pi is an ESA and national ESEROs project run in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation that lets young people send Python code to run on the International Space Station (ISS).

Astro Pi Mission Control will introduce you to our two “Missions”, tool and tips for running them, so you can choose which one will suit your students best:

Mission Zero: Write a simple program to take a reading from the colour and luminosity sensor on an Astro Pi computer on board the International Space Station, and use it to set the background colour in a personalised image for the astronauts to see as they go about their daily tasks. Suitable for beginners with Python.

Mission Space Lab: Teams must write a program in Python that captures data from the Astro Pi computers’ sensors or camera about the orientation and motion of the ISS as it orbits the Earth. Then the program must use this data to calculate the speed of the ISS in kilometres per second (km/s).

Participants for both missions receive certificates with the exact time and date their programs ran in space. Mission Space Lab teams will also receive data captured by programs.

At this session you’ll learn:

How to run Mission Zero with your students using using our browser-based coding environment

How to run Mission Space Lab, including using the online testing tool ‘Astro Pi Replay’

Where to find tips for running engaging sessions and trouble shooting

By the end of the workshop, you’ll be equipped to bring space to your classroom and join a Europe-wide network of teachers inspiring the next generation of digital explorers.

 

 

10th NOV, 4:00pm CLPL

 Register Here

This session is ideal for teachers who have classes taking part in the Mission Zero live lesson on 14th November

Astro Pi Mission Zero, an ESA and national ESEROs project run in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, gives young people the chance to write Python code to create a personalised pixel art image for the astronauts to see. You’ll use the Astro Pi’s light sensor to adjust the colours of your unique design, all with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.

Designed for teachers, educators, and club leaders, this session introduces everything you need to participate in the “live lesson” confidently — no coding experience required! Astro Pi Mission Control will introduce you to the learning materials and demonstrate how to create an eligible program. We’ll also show you how to get setup for the activity, and share tips for facilitation.

We’ll be working from the Mission Zero project guide during the session, which can be found here: rpf.io/mzguide

 

 

11th NOV; 4:00pm CLPL

 Register Here

Unlock deeper learning with “Vibe Coding for Conceptual Clarity: Harnessing Pupil Ideas with Google Gemini”—a dynamic 60-minute webinar designed for Scottish educators. Discover the innovative pedagogical approach of Vibe Coding, which moves beyond surface-level facts to capture the core essence and mood of a concept. You’ll learn how to leverage the creative power of Google Gemini to transform these abstract ‘vibes’ into engaging, tangible classroom artifacts (like images, poems, or stories). Crucially, this session provides practical, low-barrier strategies, such as using Google Forms, to seamlessly collect and curate pupil ideas and contributions, allowing you to lead impactful, collaborative projects even when learners don’t have direct access to Gemini. Walk away with an immediate, usable strategy to enhance conceptual understanding and create powerful shared revision resources.

Session Aims:

  • To introduce the concept of “Vibe Coding” as a pedagogical approach for deepening conceptual understanding.
  • To explore how the creative and generative capabilities of Google Gemini can be used to facilitate Vibe Coding projects.
  • To equip teachers with practical, low-barrier strategies for effectively collating pupil ideas and contributions (using tools like Google Forms) to inform a teacher-led Gemini-generated product, in contexts where pupils do not have direct access to Gemini.
  • To model strategies for facilitating a collaborative Vibe Coding lesson that culminates in a shared class artifact.

 

 

12th NOV, 4:00pm CLPL

 Register Here

Cyber Skills Live is an award-winning education website made in Scotland featuring fun and engaging games inspired by real-life tech jobs. Learners discover technology careers in under 30 minutes.

Register Here

Get hands on and learn about ethical hacking in How to Rob a Bank, or about how data science and AI is protecting animals from poachers in Defend the Rhino with AI.

It’s easy to get started – no accounts, software, or prior knowledge required. Just head to our website, and pick an activity. Topics include cyber security, data science, artificial intelligence, and computer coding.

Over half a million young people across the Scotland and around the world have taken part in a Cyber Skills Live event or activity.

In this CLPL session, Daniel Devine from Cyber Skills Live will introduce some of the most popular games and spotlight how teachers have effectively used them as part of their lessons. Daniel will be able to answer questions about the activities, and how to get the most out of the website

 

 

13th NOV, 4:00pm CLPL

 Register Here

Discover how to bring coding to life in your classroom with Octostudio, the fun, mobile-friendly coding app. In this hands-on CPD session, you’ll create interactive projects, explore and learn easy ways to inspire your students through creative coding! Designed for ages 7 and up

With OctoStudio, young people can create interactive animations and games using a mobile phone or tablet anytime anywhere. Take photos and record sounds, bring them to life with coding blocks, and send to family and friends. Now available on Chromebooks too!

OctoStudio is developed by Lifelong Kindergarten, the MIT Media Lab group that created Scratch, the world’s most popular coding language for kids. OctoStudio is completely free of charge.

Middle Leaders Engagement Day

We are delighted to confirm details for our next Middle Leaders Engagement Day. This will be a hybrid session in which attendees can join online or in person and can dip in and out of sessions which are of interest.

If you would like us to book a space at HQ for you so that you can work from HQ before or after the morning or afternoon session please state this on the booking form.

Seasons for Growth

3 and 4 December 2025, 9am until 4:30pm

What does it do?

Seasons for Growth aims to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people (aged 6-18) who are dealing with significant life changes by:

  • Exploring the impact of the change and loss on everyday life
  • Learning new ways to respond to these changes

 

Who is it for?
Anyone who is living with the effects of change and loss. Many factors can cause change such as:

  • Friends can come and go
  • Loss of someone or something you love
  • Parents and families separate
  • Moving to a new place
  • Impact of illness
  • Family work-life changes

Change affects everyone differently, as does grief. It’s the impact of the change, not the event itself that Seasons for Growth focuses on.

Please book via Business World

Breaking Up Fights

27 November 2025

Please note new timings: 9am until 12:30pm OR 1pm until 4:30pm

Business Suite, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells

 

CPI’s Breaking Up Fights™: Intervention Skills Training provides staff with the
skills to prevent fights, assess risk, and respond with appropriate interventions.
The programme, led by one of CPI’s experienced trainers, takes 3 hours to
complete and is split into two parts:

  • Part 1 covers the theory element of how staff can best prepare themselves
    before, during, and after a fight incident. This section will remove ambiguity
    around staff responsibilities, improve risk assessment and decision-making
    to reduce repercussions, and upskill staff with evidence-based preventative
    methods.
  • Part 2 contains the programme’s physical skills. Staff will learn the key
    principles of physical intervention and the six essential skills to maximise
    safety and minimise harm to all involved.

After successful completion of the programme, learners are certified to practise
skills for 2 years.

Facilitation Methods
This interactive programme is taught by one of CPI’s experienced trainers entirely
in-classroom/face-to-face and can be delivered on your school premises. The
programme takes 3 hours to complete, so it can be delivered during a twilight
training session. Alternatively, two programmes can be delivered back-to-back
(morning and afternoon) to two groups of participants during an INSET.
For the theory element of the course (Part 1), access to a large screen or projector
is essential. For the physical skills section, we recommend ample space and floor
mats for each sub-group.
Training can be delivered in groups of up to 24 participants. Participants will
be split into smaller sub-groups of 4 when learning the programme’s physical skills (Part 2).

 

Programme
Objectives
• Apply best practice in recognising, preventing, and responding to fights.
• Professionalise decision making process ‘in the moment’ before and during a fight.
• Identify key techniques to aid composure and build resilience.
• Demonstrate safe intervention skills to minimise harm to all involved.

 

Bookings can be made through Business World.

 

Learn to Code

 Is your school keen to provide more coding opportunities? Do you need help determining where to begin or taking those initial steps?

Code Club are excited to invite you and your school to participate in our free 5-week ‘Learn to code with Code Club’ programme. Run by the Code Club team, the programme helps educators develop the confidence to independently run coding sessions, and provides learners with the skills and knowledge to use code to bring their ideas to life.

Click here to sign up

 

The programme will begin with a training session on either 21 or 28 October, followed by an hour-long session each Tuesday for the four subsequent weeks. All sessions will be hosted by Rebecca Gracher, Sarah Roberts, and Rujeko Moyo from Code Club:

  • A one-hour online teacher training workshop (choose between 21 and 28 October to suit your availability)
  • Four one-hour online coding sessions for learners, (choose between 11am and 1pm to suit your availability)
  • A one-hour sharing session for teachers that provides a space for you to review your learning with other community members, ask questions, and plan your next steps

For more details about the programme, please check our website.

Sign up to reserve your place

The programme is aimed at schools looking to run a Code Club. Please note that only one Code Club can be registered per school, although multiple educators from the same school can participate.

All participating schools must register a Code Club before the start of the programme — we’ll send you further information on how to do this after you’ve signed up. Like all other aspects of the programme, registering a Code Club is completely free.

Click here to sign up

Thank you for your interest — I look forward to meeting you!

 

 

Magma Maths – Deep Dive

Course Content – A deep dive into the Magma Maths platform to showcase advanced features such as pacing, skills and practice mode.

 

Course Aims:

1. Feel confident using Magma beyond the basics, applying advanced features in ways that save time and improve lessons.
2. Use Magma insights to target support more precisely.

 

Target Audience – Maths Teachers

 

Course will be held online

Options:

22 October 2025 – 3:30pm – 4:15pm

23 October 2025 – 3:30pm – 4:15pm

Developing & Supporting Anti-Racism at Early Level

This course will outline the national context of anti-racism in Scotland, reflecting on the importance of this work and building staff confidence around language and using the Mirrors and Windows framework in their classrooms and settings. Staff will explore the anti-racist education resource with opportunities to engage in activities they can use in their practise- interactions, experiences and spaces.

This course will be delivered in 2 sessions – a main interactive, informative session, followed by a reflection and next step development session.

Course Aims:

  • To build confidence in all staff working at Early Level in their anti-racist practice.
  • To explore Scotland’s anti-racist education resource to support Early Level educators and settings.

31 October 2025 – 2pm – 3:30pm

5 December 2025 – 2pm – 3:30pm

Venue – Inspire Academy, Tweedbank