Global Citizenship

April 5th, 2013

Regional events – presentations now available for download

imenzies

Comments: none Tags: Tags: CPD, events, learner voice, resources, school improvement
 : Categories biodiversity, citizenship, community, CPD, curriculum areas, early years, expressive arts, games and sport, health and wellbeing, homecoming, international, languages, leadership, learner voice, mathematics, outdoor learning, primary schools, religious and moral education, renewables and climate change, sciences, scottish culture, secondary schools, sharing practice, social studies, sustainable development, technologies, waste

Thank you to all those who took part in Education Scotland’s regional event programme exploring children’s rights, global citizenship and outdoor learning. We hope this proved to be a valuable and worthwhile professional learning opportunity.

The majority of the presentations, handouts and videos from all three regional events (Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness) have now been uploaded to Glow for practitioners to access. These are available from the Developing Global Citizenship Glow Group at: http://glo.li/XtMdn9

Remember too that on-going support, advice and networking opportunities are available anytime through our professional learning communities on Glow: http://bit.ly/DGConline (global citizenship), http://bit.ly/12qxI1u (outdoor learning), http://bit.ly/10jWdgK (rights, support and wellbeing).

We hope these resources and communities are useful and provide further inspiration, ideas to support your work. Thanks once again to all those who participated (and supported the event) for your commitment and enthusiasm to these important areas of learning.

April 4th, 2013

Ministers respond to Learning for Sustainability Report

imenzies

Comments: none Tags: Tags: events, learner voice, school improvement
 : Categories citizenship, CPD, early years, international, leadership, learner voice, primary schools, scottish culture, secondary schools, sharing practice, sustainable development

Scottish Ministers have welcomed Learning for Sustainability – the report of the One Planet Schools Working Group and have accepted all 31 recommendations, almost all in full.

Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Sciences and Scotland’s Languages, launched the Scottish Government response at Education Scotland’s Regional Event on Rights, Global Citizenship and Outdoor Learning which took place in Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh on 13th March 2103.

Speaking at the event the Minister said, “Learning for sustainability is not an award or new initiative. It provides a strategic agenda  which needs leadership  at all levels to remove  barriers and enable a coherent whole school approach that encompasses the curriculum, campus, culture and community of the school.

“ 5 High Level Recommendations and 31 in all were made focussing on learners experience, practitioners and leaders, whole school approaches, school building and grounds and the approach taken nationally.  Key to this is an entitlement for all learners to have an entitlement to learning for sustainability.

“A Learning for Sustainability Implementation Group will be established in collaboration with the new Regional Centre for Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development and a range of partners, to drive forward the recommendations on behalf of the Scottish Government.

“What is expected to change is that learning for sustainability will not be the learning experience of some, dependent on the motivation of an eco-champion or outdoor enthusiast.   Through the new GTCS professional standards which make Learning for Sustainability an integral part of the standards for all and arrangements to support career long professional learning – peer to peer and school to school – it will help make the excellent practice promoted and shared by so many here today become the norm.”

View the Learning for Sustainability Report and the full response from the Scottish Government: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Schools/curriculum/ACE/OnePlanetSchools

View the video of the Minister launching the Scottish Government response>>

January 29th, 2013

Regional events – rights, citizenship and outdoor learning

imenzies

Comments: none Tags: Tags: CPD, david livingstone, democracy, events, human rights, learner voice, school improvement
 : Categories citizenship, commonwealth, curriculum areas, early years, expressive arts, games and sport, health and wellbeing, homecoming, international, languages, leadership, mathematics, primary schools, religious and moral education, sciences, scottish culture, secondary schools, sharing practice, social studies, sustainable development, technologies

Who should attend:  School leaders, local authority staff and those with a whole school responsibility for global citizenship, sustainability, children’s rights and outdoor learning

Sectors: Early Years, ASN, primary and secondary schools

When:                 

• Edinburgh (Wed 13^th March)
• Glasgow (Wed 20^th March)
• Inverness  (Mon 18th March)

Education Scotland will host three regional events in March 2013 to explore the implications of the Learning for Sustainability report and Children and Young People’s Bill

The Bill, which will be considered by the Scottish Parliament in 2013, will seek to enshrine the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child in Scottish legislation, thus placing statutory duties on all public sector bodies including local authorities and schools.  These events will also help schools consider how to move forward strategically in a range of related areas including children’s rights, pupil voice and participation, global citizenship, sustainability, outdoor learning and Games Legacy activities.

These events will showcase interesting practice from around the country and include input from school inspectors about the changes taking place within the policy landscape and how this might impact on schools. The events will also highlight the many inspiring moments of learning taking place in 2013/14, such as the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Year of Natural Scotland, which provide exciting opportunities for schools to develop coherent whole school approaches.

Places will be limited and offered to local authorities on a pro-rata basis but if you’re interested in attending then please note the above dates for your diary.

These events will be free to attend. Please direct further enquiries to globalcitizens@educationscotland.gov.uk

December 19th, 2012

Year of Natural Scotland 2013

imenzies

Comments: none Tags: Tags: action, events, nature
 : Categories biodiversity, community, curriculum areas, expressive arts, health and wellbeing, homecoming, languages, mathematics, outdoor learning, religious and moral education, sciences, scottish culture, social studies, sustainable development, technologies

The Year of Natural Scotland 2013 provides an opportunity to celebrate Scotland’s stunning natural beauty and biodiversity, and promote ways in which visitors can enjoy our beautiful landscapes, wildlife and heritage responsibly.

In this the third of four focus years leading up to the Year of Homecoming in 2014, there will be many exciting opportunities for schools to engage in initiatives and events to promote sustainable development education and outdoor learning within the curriculum around the eight key themes listed below.

For an early indication of what’s of offer and how your school can engage with the natural world visit: http://www.snh.gov.uk/enjoying-the-outdoors/year-of-natural-scotland-2013/

Details about other opportunities will follow early in the New Year.

December 17th, 2012

Learning for Sustainability – report published

imenzies

Comments: none Tags: Tags: climate and energy, CPD, democracy, human rights, learner voice, nature, resources, school improvement
 : Categories biodiversity, citizenship, community, CPD, creativity, curriculum areas, expressive arts, health and wellbeing, international, languages, leadership, learner voice, mathematics, outdoor learning, religious and moral education, renewables and climate change, sciences, scottish culture, social studies, sustainable development, technologies, waste

Learning for Sustainability – the report of the One Planet Schools Working Group, was published 17 December 2012.

The report includes strategic recommendations to support the development of coherent whole school approaches to ensure that learning for sustainability, global citizenship and outdoor learning are experienced in a transformative way by every learner in every school across Scotland. The report includes a number of recommendations relating to career-long professional learning and initial teacher education and advocates genuine partnerships with local communities and action to improve the sustainability of the school estate. A key ambition of the report is to provide an agenda for strategic change that will create an enabling framework, remove barriers, and build on existing excellent practice.

Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages said:
“I welcome the publication of Learning for Sustainability and would like to thank the Working Group for their work and commitment to producing the report and recommendations. As we approach the Year of Natural Scotland in 2013, the report reminds us of the importance of learning which connects young people to local and global issues, an integral part of Curriculum for Excellence.

“A wide range of actions have been taken as part of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development and we welcome steps to encourage and support schools in their approach to sustainability and global citizenship, including through outdoor learning.

“We will take time to consider the report, to engage with partners on its recommendations and respond in full in March 2013.”

The report can be downloaded from:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Schools/curriculum/ACE/OnePlanetSchools

See the associated Engage in Education blog from Professor Pete Higgins, Chair of the One Planet Schools Working Group: http://engageforeducation.org/news/learning-for-sustainability/

October 30th, 2012

National Interfaith Youth Conference, 17 Nov, Dundee

kmayer

Comments: none Tags: Tags: debating, events
 : Categories citizenship, international, religious and moral education, scottish culture

“Faith in Peace Building” – making a difference through dialogue

Presentations, workshops, exhibitions and lots more.  Open to young people aged 16 to 35 of all faiths and none.

As youyng people in the 21st century we have inherited a troubled world.  This conference is an opportunity for you to join us to become promoters of what is good in our world, challengers of what is destructive and creators of a new type of world where respect and friendships play a central role.

For applications forms please contact Frances Hume:  fhume@scottishinterfaithcouncil.org,  Tel.: 0141 420 6982.

Interfaith Scotland website:  http://scottishinterfaithcouncil.org/

October 9th, 2012

Storytelling course and networking weekend

imenzies

Comments: none Tags: Tags: CPD, events, nature
 : Categories biodiversity, CPD, creativity, outdoor learning, scottish culture, sustainable development

A weekend of story, nature and song near the source of the River Spey

16^th-18^th November 2012

Friday evening – Meet a diverse range of people from artists to writers, teachers to musicians. Enjoy performances by our two facilitators: Emily Dodd and Kenny Taylor

Saturday – Spend the day exploring the magic of storytelling and craft making with storyteller (and CBeebies screenwriter) Emily Dodd. Build confidence, develop your storytelling skills, share ideas and bring your stories to life by making objects to enhance the storytelling experience for you and your group.

OR

Walk in the stunning Highland scenery with Kenny Taylor (wildlife writer, broadcaster and musician). Hear local stories in the landscape where they arose, sharing tales and inventing new ones. Get inspiration from nature in ways you can use wherever you live.

Evening: Storytelling ceilidh with music and song. Performances from all participants encouraged and bring your instruments to have a jam session

Sunday – Breakfast and a blether! People may go for a walk in the surrounding area – but if you just want to get home that’s ok too.

Food and accommodation: Shared accommodation at the Pottery Bunkhouse, Laggan Bridge, Inverness-shire, PH20 1BT http://www.potterybunkhouse.co.uk/

Bring your own food and drinks. There will be a communal meal on the Saturday evening. Please bring something to contribute – anything from a small dish of salad to a few stewed apples. All will be greatly appreciated and consumed!

To book: Send a cheque for £69 payable to SpeyGrian Educational Trust. Post to Tania Noble, 10 Prestonfield Gardens, Linlithgow EH49 6ER. Your booking will be secured on receipt

For more information about the course contact tania.speygrian@hotmail.co.uk

Website: http://www.spanglefish.com/speygriancreativeconnections/

Facebook for photos of our most recent courses: http://www.facebook.com/SpeyGrian

More information about the facilitators and their work:

auntyemily.wordpress.com                     http://scottishislands.posterous.com/

 Photo: Col.Hou/Flickr Creative Commons

September 3rd, 2012

First-ever Scottish School Cooperative: Loudoun Academy

kmayer

Comments: none Tags: Tags: enterprise, Fairtrade
 : Categories citizenship, scottish culture, social studies

An East Ayrshire secondary school is set to become the first-ever Scottish School of Co-operation, in a prestigious education link-up with the Co-operative Society.

The honour goes to Loudoun Academy, which takes pupils from villages including Fenwick, which claims to have founded the first co-operative enterprise in the world in 1761- the Fenwick Weavers.

Twelve Loudoun pupils will be first in Scotland to gain a new SQA award in Co-operative Studies at Intermediate 2 level, on completion of a course launched in the academy this session.

Hugh Donnelly, Director of the Co-operative Education Trust Scotland (CETS) said: “I’m delighted that Loudoun Academy is piloting this entrepreneurial course. We hope subsequently to roll it out to other schools in Scotland”.

CETS aims to inspire co-operative enterprise by working with schools and producing learning resources – and pupils of the Galston school will be first to benefit.

As part of the process, Loudoun Academy will create a young co-operative enterprise to help students develop skills for learning, life and work. They will also organise and hold a major event – yet to be decided – in the school, supported by the Trust.

Pupils will have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of co-operative values and principles and will be assessed by a panel of experts.

The co-operative movement in Britain was established in 1844, when early pioneers came together to provide affordable services on a co-operative basis for members – but the Fenwick Weavers had done that over 80 years before.

Councillor Douglas Reid said: “This is not just an exercise in the classroom. These trailblazing pupils are developing skills for life and work in the real world by working together and taking active leads in school and community life.

“In East Ayrshire, we are ahead of the game – and Loudoun will set the standard for Scotland in this field”.

Hugh Donnelly said: “There is strong evidence that the origins of the global co-operative movement lie in Fenwick.

“In this, the UN International Year of Co-operatives, the timing couldn’t be better to kick start a new era of co-operative development in Scotland”.

Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “Loudoun Academy already displays values consistent with the co-operative ethos –social responsibility, openness and caring for others – and has fair trade, Eco and young enterprise groups.

“This unique initiative is a natural fit into the curriculum, with added benefit of the support and expertise of the Co-operative Education Trust”.

April 26th, 2012

Scottish Biodiversity Week 19th – 27th May 2012

imenzies

Comments: none Tags: Tags: action, events
 : Categories biodiversity, curriculum areas, expressive arts, health and wellbeing, sciences, scottish culture, sustainable development

Scotland’s precious wildlife and landscapes are vitally important and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) want to offer you the chance to get out and about and experience them!

SNH have teamed up with a range of other people to bring you a wide variety of organised and fun events during Scottish Biodiversity Week.

Every year there is an astonishing range of events on offer. Here are just a few examples of the kinds of things that you can do:

• Countryside ranger led pond dipping events for little children;
• Guided walks on Scottish Natural Heritage National Nature Reserves;
• Story telling events;
• Seashore safaris;
• Fossil finding tours
• Expert talks on nature;
• Nature photography workshops.

Visit SNH’s Events Diary to find out what’s on – http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/safeguarding-biodiversity/events/

March 30th, 2012

cultural identity and global citizenship

nickmorgan

Comments: none Tags:  : Categories creativity, expressive arts, ICT, scottish culture, social studies

A key starting point for global citizenship education is a richer understanding of your own culture. Here in Scotland there are great new resources, challenges and projects which will facilitate learning about this country and what it means to be a Scot.

The ‘Studying Scotland’ online resource produced by Education Scotland is intended to support teachers in their work with students learning about aspects of Scottish culture, both historic and contemporary. There is already a wealth of material on the history, arts and cultural life of Scotland. The site will be updated with additional resources over the coming months, to give extra coverage of aspects such as Scotland’s place in the world and contribution to international developments. Museums and cultural organisations will be important participants in this shared endeavour to promote knowledge of Scottish life.

Education Scotland has launched a new design challenge through its ‘Marks on the Landscape’ website, as a means of engaging with creative young people. The challenge is aimed at CfE second to fourth levels and can be linked with a range of curriculum areas including art and design, science, and technologies, and themes such as sustainability. It invites learners to create a design for a double-sided billboard to signal the entry and exit points to Scotland – for example alongside the motorway as drivers enter the country. The design should offer different perspectives for people who are arriving and people who are leaving, and might also reflect on why people need to leave their home country or why they would come to Scotland today. The site has support material and further instructions for the billboard challenge, and entries should be submitted by 21st June.

Finally, the ‘Great Tapestry of Scotland’ project will involve the creation of a history of Scotland in tapestry-form, produced by hundreds of volunteer stitchers through a huge community arts initiative. A Scottish Parliament news story reports on the project launch. The final product will include key scenes from the span of Scottish history and demonstrate the creativity of Scots living today.