Category: Uncategorized

SCHOLAR – Professional Learning Webinars: January – February 2026

Scholar’s programme of free professional learning webinars for teachers is back. Each webinar
will focus on how teachers can make the most of Scholar to enhance and inform learning and
teaching

These sessions are designed to support teachers who are new to Scholar, or looking for a refresher, in making effective use of our comprehensive and high-quality resources, engaging interactive tasks, formative assessments, and insightful reporting tools.

Teachers can view the full programme and register here:  https://go.hw.ac.uk/SCHOLARplWebinars.

 

 

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

 

Please read all the details fully, information on how to book is noted below.

 

I have your name on our distribution list wishing to participate in this training.  The next course will take place on:

 

Dates Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th January 2026 – You must be able to attend both days fully
Time 8.50am – 5pm
Venue Langlee Community Centre, Marigold Drive, Langlee, Galashiels, TD1 2LP

 

The administration of ASIST courses is now done nationally and you need to book through a link to the national portal (which I will provide below).  All bookings are on a first come first serve basis and we are unable to influence or prioritise who gets allocated places.  Once all places have been taken the portal will tell you there are no longer spaces available on this course.

 

Link to book

https://mhandsplearning.publichealthscotland.scot/course_registration.aspx?id=61ef6b80-363c-47d7-9580-cb6970187c0a

 

If you wish your name taken off our distribution list please email myself and I shall action this for you.

 

Upcoming Webinar: Science Curriculum Improvement Cycle

The Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC) for 3–18 sciences is well underway, and significant progress has been made through engagement with practitioners across Scotland. The Education Scotland science team is eager to continue hearing from as many of you as possible, ensuring your voice helps shape a future-oriented sciences curriculum.

We’re pleased to share two key opportunities to stay connected and informed:

🌟 Term 2 Newsletter – Now Available

Our latest newsletter provides:

  • Updates on CIC progress to date
  • A spotlight on alignment work between science and maths
  • Links to our new Science CIC Blog, where you can access ongoing updates and summary reports from the CIC Core and Collaboration Groups

Please share the newsletter with colleagues in your school, setting, or wider networks.

The newsletter can also be accessed via our Science CIC Blog   https://bit.ly/4oRrTcq

💻 Upcoming Webinar: Science Curriculum Improvement Cycle

📅 Wednesday 26 November

🕓 4:00 – 5:30 pm

This online session will include:

  • The latest updates on CIC progress
  • An exploration of the draft curricular rationale statement for the 3–18 sciences curriculum
  • Opportunities for discussion and reflection before wider consultation

This webinar is open to all practitioners across early years, primary, secondary, and ASN who deliver science.

Please do share the event details with your colleagues and networks — your participation and insights are invaluable.

Register here:

Sciences Network – Curriculum Improvement Cycle Webinar 3 Tickets, Wed, Nov 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite

 

Please note: This invitation and newsletter is being shared across several of our networks. If you are subscribed to multiple networks, you may receive this email more than once — our apologies for any duplication.

 

We look forward to your continued engagement as we work together to shape the future of science education in Scotland.

University of Glasgow’s BA Childhood Practice

Are you ready for the next step in your professional learning journey? Join us to learn more about the University of Glasgow’s BA Childhood Practice. Spaces are available to start in August 2026.

 

We will be hosting the first of our Childhood Practice student information events in the coming weeks – please join us online on Tuesday 18 November at an online event between 6pm and 7pm.

 

The BA Childhood Practice Programme is designed for those working in day care services for children enabling students to meet SCCC requirements for lead practitioner.

 

We hope you can join us to hear about the programme and meet the team and ask any questions you may have.

 

  • The programme encourages reflective practice, professional growth and leadership development.

 

  • You will engage in a vibrant mix of face to face and live online seminars, complemented by self study guides and interactive online spaces.  Our approach emphasises active participation, both individually and collaboratively, to develop your knowledge and skills and expand your professional networks, all supported by an encouraging team of lecturers and tutors.

 

  • Our part time twilight sessions run from 18:30 – 20:30, designed to fit in with your busy working lives

 

  • You can hear some of our current students talk about their experience at University of Glasgow here:  BACP testimonials 1.mp4

 

To join us, please open the link University of Glasgow Childhood Practice Online Open Evening – 18 November at 6:00pm

 

We look forward to meeting with you!

Education Scotland – November Webinars

As we move into November we wanted to highlight our upcoming online Leadership+ and BRL+ webinars.

Leadership+ sessions are offered to anyone in a leadership role in Scottish education, across sectors (this includes classroom, ELC and CLD practitioners, middle leaders, and school, setting and system leaders). The aims are:

  • to enhance leadership learning across pertinent themes
  • to encourage critical thinking in leaders at all levels.

BRL+ sessions are one-off webinars from the Building Racial Literacy team, designed to support all educators in deepening their understanding of racial literacy and strengthening anti-racist practice.

 

Firstly, on Tuesday 11 November, 4pm to 5pm our speakers will be Jordan Daly and Liam Stevenson, the founders of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE), with a webinar entitled Leading LGBT Inclusive Education – Guidance to Practice.

This Leadership+ webinar is designed to support education leaders to engage effectively with the Scottish Government’s Guidance on LGBT Inclusive Education. It will explore the strategic actions and whole-school/setting approaches required to embed LGBT-inclusive practice across teaching and learning, and to prevent the stigma and stereotypes that lead to prejudice-based bullying.

Please click here to register for a place at the webinar, or use the link or QR code in the attached poster.

 

On Tuesday 18 November from 4pm to 5.30pm we are hosting Practical Approaches to Racism, a webinar and Q&A with Natalie and Naomi Evans co-founders of the Everyday Racism Project.

In this interactive BRL+ session, Natalie and Naomi will share insights from their work in challenging racism and supporting individuals and organisations to take meaningful anti-racist action. Following a short input introducing their approach and experiences, the majority of the session will be dedicated to questions, discussion, and practical strategies for enacting antiracism in educational settings.

Please click here to register for a place at the webinar, or use the link or QR code in the attached poster.

 

Then on Wednesday 19 November, 4pm to 5pm, Dr Jenni Donohoo will be leading a webinar entitled Leadership for Collective Efficacy.

This Leadership+ webinar will focus on Collective Efficacy- the belief that through collaboration, educators can improve learner achievement. Anyone who has been part of Education Scotland’s Leading Professional Learning programme will know the extent to which Jenni’s work has influenced its development. This webinar is for anyone leading or working in a team, with an interest in positively impacting learners through collective endeavour.

Please click here to register for a place at the webinar, or use the link or QR code in the attached poster.

 

We anticipate high demand for these events, so would encourage you to sign up quickly. If a number o you in your establishment want to sign up, then why not watch together, learn together and take forward your post-event plans together?

 

Please note that our Leadership+ sessions are not recorded, but following the webinars a synopsis will be available on our dedicated Leadership+ pages on the Education Scotland website.

 

Please email edspll@educationscotland.gov.scot if you have any questions or queries.

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.