All posts by Miss Kerr

Self-Reflection

Professional Update

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Catherine Kerr PTC Science/CPD Coordinator

During the whole staff meeting on the 30th August 2013 I presented information about Professional Update – a new procedure required by the GTCS involving all registered teachers. The main focus of the presentation was to reassure staff and to clarify the process including the increased expectation of all teachers to identify their own professional learning needs, the importance of an annual PRD meeting to discuss these and the value of keeping a record of professional learning.  A link to the GTCS Professional Update Frequently Asked Questions site can be found here and includes information about the  aims and benefits, roles and responsibilities and pilot programmes that are going on this year.  A informative Power point presentation on Professional Update can be accessed by clicking the picture at the top of this post.

Self-Reflection, Teaching Pedagogy, Vision and Leadership

Stirling, SQA and SSERC CPD Supporting Science Improvements

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Catherine Kerr Faculty Leader Science

My recent CPD activities have included starting an MSc in Leadership at Stirling University, attending SQA workshops for national qualifications, attending the Secondary Science Education Research Centre and becoming a writer for a Biology eTextbook. In addition to this I am completing a course in Coaching & Mentoring and trialling the online Edmodo resource with my Higher classes. This invaluable professional learning journey has had a positive impact not only on my own practice but also on colleagues and pupils within my faculty.

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Interdisciplinary learning, Skills, Teaching Pedagogy

SSERC Novel Materials

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Catherine Kerr Faculty Leader Science

We have introduced SSERC novel materials into our S1 Materials unit. The resources are simple to use and the pupils enjoyed discovering their unusual properties. The photographs and video illustrate pupils working. Pupils said that they found the materials ‘interesting’ the thermochromic sheet ‘awesome’ and ‘loved’ the spring! Let us know what you think!

Interdisciplinary learning, Teaching Pedagogy

Use of USB Microscopes (NOT just a Science resource)!

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Catherine Kerr Faculty Leader Science

A ‘USB microscope’ can be an interesting and fun tool for pupils in school. It can be used in a variety of ways including; children working in groups or individually, or simply something being demonstrated by a teacher on a large screen in front of the class. Equally as effective, the scope could be taken out doors with the use of a laptop. I have used this with my class to view very small seeds, fabric and materials and they loved guessing the object.