No half measures Police academy High value Teachers share their views on The new beat for bobbies Why it counts to learn revised Professional Standards includes secondary schools about managing finances

Summer 2013 Issue 50 For the teaching profession, by the teaching profession

our 50th issue

Supporting

The great outdoors Learning about what nature has to offer

Teaching Scotland . 3 www.teachingscotland.org.uk Contents Teaching Scotland Magazine ~ Summer 2013

No half measures Police academy High value Teachers share their views on Th e new beat for bobbies Why it counts to learn revised Professional Standards includes secondary schools about managing fi nances

Summer 2013 Issue 50 For the teaching profession, by the teaching profession

our 50th issue

Supporting

The great outdoors Learning about what nature has to offer

Contacts GTC Scotland www.gtcs.org.uk [email protected] Customer services: 0131 314 6080 Main switchboard: A new 0131 314 6000 measure Views on the revised Education Scotland Professional Standards www.education scotland.gov.uk PAGE 16 0141 282 5000 SQA www.sqa.org.uk [email protected] 0845 279 1000 Smarter Scotland 4 News and opinion 26 Green crusader www.infoscotland.com Recent developments from GTC World-famous conservationist Childline Scotland and the wider profession John Muir is celebrated 0800 1111 Parentline 12 A golden anniversary 30 Taking flight 0808 800 2222 Teaching Scotland turns Pupils learn about seabirds and fifty. We look back showcase their skills on the beach 14 Professional Update 33 The police academy Feedback sought from Police in schools break down teachers on new system barriers between young people 20 Hands-on education 36 High value Broadcaster Cameron McNeish calls Project teaches young people for children to learn more about nature about managing their finances Please scan this graphic 24 On your bike 46 On the waves with your mobile QR Sustrans is encouraging young people Drama teacher kick starts code app to go straight to get active by foot or two wheels a radio station at her school to our website

“Focus your time on what matters. Prioritise teaching and learning and think about short cuts through paperwork and additional tasks” Top tips for teachers, page 10 4 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013 Keynote Anthony Finn, CEO GTC Scotland Time to catch up?

A colleague recently reported that with an expectation of support several teachers attending a course by their employers. were unaware of either the Some teachers may not McCormac Review or Donaldson’s have engaged with these two Review of Teacher Education issues because they felt that (Teaching Scotland’s Future). they had enough to do just For those of us immersed in keeping up to date with these issues, this was unexpected. current changes; others And yet, why should we be may have seen them as surprised? Teachers lead very busy developments which could be lives and currently have a major looked at in the future. And yet, focus on the development of a new there are some initiatives that curriculum and on related teachers need to know about in assessment practices. advance so they can be ready for If, however, concentrating on them when they arrive and, indeed, more immediate priorities has exercise some influence on what prevented some teachers from they will look like. taking the time needed to find GTC Scotland has also recently out about other new been working on two important developments, they may be issues. New professional on the baseline Standard for doing themselves a disservice. standards consistent with the Registration which is aimed at Can these two reports have recommendations of Donaldson beginning teachers; they include gone unnoticed in staff rooms? were launched in March. They set new suggestions for teachers to One of them (McCormac) has out professional expectations for reflect on as they gain experience received significant national teachers throughout their careers and knowledge in mid-career; and media coverage and will, in and they define the key values of they offer guidance to those turn, lead to a ballot by teacher the teaching profession. They build teachers who are considering unions on the acceptability of developments in leadership and negotiated changes. management. The other (Donaldson) has Consequently, from 1 August, been widely welcomed. It sets out There are initiatives that there will, for the first time, be a positive way forward for teachers’ professional standards in place professional learning, not just teachers need to know which are relevant to every teacher when they begin teaching but about in advance so they in Scotland. throughout their careers; it can be ready for them when Another key, and related, argues in favour of teachers they arrive and, exercise professional initiative which has taking control of their learning, some influence on them important implications for teachers Teaching Scotland . 5 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

Teaching Scotland is the magazine of the General Teaching Council for It’s important Scotland (GTC Scotland). GTC for teachers to Scotland is the independent keep up with new professional body which maintains developments and enhances teaching standards and promotes and regulates the teaching profession in Scotland. We strive to be a world leader in professional education issues. GTC Scotland aims to promote equality and diversity in all its activities. Teaching Scotland is written, designed and published by Connect Communications (Scotland) Ltd on behalf of GTC Scotland. www.connectcommunications.co.uk

Main office GTC Scotland, Clerwood House, 96 Clermiston Road, Edinburgh EH12 6UT T: 0131 314 6000 Editor-in-Chief: Glenise Borthwick Editorial office Connect Communications, Studio 2001, Mile End, Paisley PA1 1JS email: info@connect communications.co.uk Editor: Daniel Lambie email: teachingscotland@ gtcs.org.uk Design and production: James Cargill Advertising Clare Stebbing Tel: 0131 561 0024 email: clare@connect is becoming better understood. of those involved have found their communications.co.uk Our meetings about Professional experience of Professional Update The views expressed in Teaching Scotland are Update are attracting much larger to be positive and helpful. those of invited contributors and not numbers than was the case 18 When the new school session necessarily those of GTC Scotland. The information contained in Teaching Scotland is months ago; and there are opens in August, a significant of a general nature and is not to be taken as advice on any individual situation. GTC signs that an increasing professional threshold will be Scotland does not endorse any goods or number of teachers recognise crossed. New standards will be in services advertised, nor any claims or representations made in any advertisement in that this change is imminent. place and Professional Update will Teaching Scotland and accepts no liability to any person for loss or damage suffered as a Three local authorities (as have made an impact right across consequence of their responding to, or placing well as a sample of staff in Scotland. If you have not yet found reliance upon, any claim or representation made in any advertisement appearing in universities, and independent time to learn more about these Teaching Scotland. Readers should make appropriate enquiries and satisfy themselves schools) have been piloting our developments, perhaps the before responding to any such advertisement, proposals for Professional Update moment has come to catch up? AF or placing reliance upon any such claim or representation. By so responding, or placing during session 2012/13; around reliance, readers accept that they do so at half of authorities will become More info their own risk. You can find out more about all of the Printed on paper sourced from involved next session; and the well-managed sustainable forests scheme will be live in every school developments mentioned in this © GTC Scotland, 2013. from August 2014. To date, most article at www.gtcs.org.uk ISSN: 1469-3054. 6 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013

Education programme fun context for learning across the curriculum. It’s Game The site contains three categories of content: quality On for fun information, inspiring resources and unique opportunities. ways to Included is information about everything from the Queen’s Baton educate Relay to individual nation profiles. Process Children and young people will be The resources provide stimulating at the heart of the Glasgow 2014 lesson ideas in a series of learning Annual Commonwealth Games, thanks in journeys across stages and part to the recently launched Game curricular areas. Registration On Scotland education Game On Scotland is also programme. creating a range of Games-related Fee collection The programme has been opportunities for students to play Collection of the annual developed as a partnership between their part in making the Games a registration fee started in March Education Scotland, the Glasgow success. The first gives pupils the and will continue until June. 2014 Organising Committee, chance to have their artwork Fees are collected in a number Glasgow City Council and the displayed within the Commonwealth of ways, teachers paying via Scottish Government. Games Athletes’ Village. their salary, or by receiving a The Game On Scotland website letter from GTC Scotland. (www.gameonscotland.org) is Register your place on the Game On We work hard to ensure the designed to help teachers realise as Scotland event for school leaders, process works well, processing much value as possible. It contains local authority staff and those 66,000 payments and liaising a range of materials designed to with a whole school responsibility with 40 different employers. help educators use the Games as an for Games Legacy at We are aware that, inspiring, motivating, relevant and http://bit.ly/GOSEvent-17June occasionally, a teacher’s fee can be paid by more than one employer. If you had the fee deducted more than once, we GTCS National Lecture 2013 identify these extra how to register for the event. deductions in May and start Hear a top talk Previous national lectures the process of issuing refunds. have been delivered by As this can be a lengthy GTC Scotland National Lecture Sir Harry Burns, Annie Lennox process, refunds are normally 2013 takes place in the and Sir David Putnam. issued between the months of autumn 2013. Keep an eye on Some of the previous lectures May and June. Please also www.teachingscotland.org.uk can be viewed on the GTCS’ advise us if you have changed, for details and information on website www.gtcs.org.uk or are about to change, your name and/or address, by using the MyGTCS facility, Waverley care which allows you to amend of June, the pack contains four films your record directly. capturing the experiences of people A focus on who are HIV positive. Supporting Using MyGTCS living with HIV the films are HIV information go to www.gtcs.org.uk and sheets and Health and Wellbeing either Sign Up, as a first time A fresh angle for teaching Health lesson plans, including Cross- user or if you already have an and Wellbeing is provided by a new Curriculum links. The campaign is account Log In. Alternatively Curriculum for Excellence resource called ‘Always Hear.’ you can email your new details pack from Waverley Care focusing to [email protected] on HIV. Distributed to all Scottish Visit www.HIVAlways Hear.org secondary schools at the beginning to view the films and resources. Teaching Scotland . 7 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

Joint statement when the importance of Committed supportive regulation of the profession comes to to high the fore. These four Teaching Councils are standards committed to maintaining and helping The Teaching Councils to raise standards while of Scotland, Wales, speaking as an advocate Northern Ireland, and for high quality teaching. the Republic of Ireland “The General Teaching have issued a joint Council for Scotland statement supporting works closely with teachers and reinforcing other Teaching Councils the need for regulation across the world but in a time of flux. particularly those based GTC Scotland Chief close to our borders. Executive Anthony Finn “We share information says each of the this commitment to of great change, not and ideas and, with this Teaching Councils have high standards in only in society but in in mind, we feel this is a agreed a common teaching will have the understanding of good time to enshrine approach to the significant benefits for the role of teachers our partnership in a standards expected of the learning of pupils. across Europe. joint statement of teachers and hope that He said: “This is a time “It is at times like these intent.”

Literacy and numeracy well or very well at the relevant CfE level in Looking reading: 83 per cent at P4 (first level), 90 per cent at at the P7 (second level) and 84 per cent in S2 (third level). numbers A small proportion of Scotland’s Chief pupils are not yet working Statistician has published within the relevant level the results of the 2012 for reading: one per cent Scottish Survey of at P4, two per cent at P7 Literacy and Numeracy. and three per cent in S2. This is the first time that Performance was least literacy results have been strong in listening and published from this talking. Performance in P4 annual sample survey, and P7 was similar at 56 which monitors national and 58 per cent of pupils performance in literacy performing well, very well and numeracy in alternate or above their CfE level, years. The survey covers while the figure for S2 is school children at P4, P7 46 per cent. and S2. Girls outperform boys in writing, at all stages. Some of the main findings were: The full report is at: The majority of pupils www.scotland.gov.uk/ in all stages are performing stats/bulletins/01037 8 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013 In my view... David Drever, Convener, GTC Scotland

clear yardsticks and expectations against which schools and new We’re helping teachers could measure themselves. Crucially, these new teachers to approaches brought with them entitlement and support structures that recognised the importance of proactive personal development. measure up The revised suite of three Standards: for Registration This stage of the school year is a Previously in these columns, (incorporating Provisional and good time to look to the future. I’ve evoked jaundiced memories of Full Registration); for Career – In our primary schools, the long ago when probationer Long Professional Learning; and class sevens are limbering up for teachers were either left twisting in for Leadership and Management secondary school and are the wind unable to cope, or were (incorporating Middle Leadership anticipating, with pleasure and subject to the caprices of and Headship) are all premised dread, the visits and taster days headteachers who were unable or upon the same strategy of that will prepare them for the unwilling to write a coherent, supporting and recognising big school. useful probationer report. personal professional development In our secondaries, the fourth, The Teacher Induction Scheme at every stage of a teacher’s career. fifth and sixth years have been and the Standard for Full The new standards go live in exhorted to remember the Registration brought these slack August of this year and thereafter promises of work, college and practices to an end by providing GTC Scotland will be actively university, and to give it their best engaging with the profession in shot in the SQA exams. embedding and refining them. The leavers have been bade The new standards go live in Looking to the future, they will farewell and pointed in the August of this year and be a sounding board for developing direction of the university of life. practice at every stage of a teacher’s Meanwhile, our probationer thereafter GTC Scotland will career, and as such they will support teachers are preparing for their be actively engaging with the individual and be a bulwark to future with job applications and the profession in embedding the profession at large. DD plans for supply work. They will and refining them have faced the concluding weeks of the Teacher Induction Scheme with feelings of pleasure, satisfaction or apprehension depending on the experiences this past year has afforded them. While the future employment prospect for our new teachers is not in the hands of the GTC Scotland, their preparation and readiness to take up a career as fully registered teachers is our responsibility. The Standard for Full Registration has been a very important element in fulfilling that responsibility. Teaching Scotland . 9 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

ADvERTORIAl

What’s new with online learning...

UWS School of programme is to equip Education has a quality participants for a work portfolio of post- environment where graduate learning integration of service opportunities. delivery and multi- All career-long professional practice is professional learning at either being developed International visit postgraduate certifi cate, or is the expected norm. postgraduate diploma, A look at teaching MEd and MSc is delivered enhanced online. Participants are educational drawn from across Practice Kosovan style professions with a focus Th is places a strong on the context of A delegation of visitors from Kosovo spent the emphasis on research to learning and teaching in encourage sound critical day with GTC Scotland recently. A number of the widest sense. refl ection and is ideally international delegations have visited us to find Th e professional suited to those working out more about the work we do regulating the learning portfolio has within education and teaching profession in Scotland. been created in response lifelong learning or to the needs of a range We’ll feature the journey the Kosovan teaching working in the wider of organisations, childcare, healthcare and profession has taken since the Balkan conflict in providing engagement social work sectors. It is the next issue of Teaching Scotland. with topics and issues practice based with that are important to participants requiring to practitioners, while have on-going access to providing the chance to refl ection and practice Travel participate in relevant inquiry opportunities The teaching will career-long professional within their professional mainly will be in English. learning. context. 10 spots Although many young Sri Th e online Lankans have either Tamil professional learning Coaching and to teach in portfolio covers Artist or Singalese as their first Mentoring Teacher; Coaching and Th is is designed to off er Sri Lanka language, English is Mentoring; Enhanced a refl ective and being introduced as the Educational Practice; ‘non-threatening’ available language of instruction. Inclusive Education; environment through The project will cover Leadership for Learning which to critique practice and Mental Health and Teachers completing their flights, accommodation, when viewed in light of Education. Adding to the national and international probationary year and food and provide a existing portfolio and literature on coaching without a position in a stipend of £400 per new for September 2013 and mentoring and other Scottish school for the month. The deadline for are... models of professional next academic year have applications is 5 June. Mental Health and development. the chance to teach in UNAS says teachers education Participants are required to locate ‘authentic’ Sri Lanka. will benefit from “a wider Th is provides an interdisciplinary delivery learning activities within The United Nations international vision of approach based on their professional Association Scotland schooling and education”. expertise from across context and aff ect a (UNAS) is offering 10 the School of Education positive and immediate places to teach in either For further and the School of Health. impact on professional practice. Jaffna and Kandi in the information go to A focus of the academic year 2013-14. www.unascotland.com Email: [email protected] or [email protected] for further details regarding online professional learning opportunities. 10 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013

Top tips for... managing your time In the last issue we asked for your top I write a list in my planner every day of things to do in tips on managing order of importance and tick time. Here are some them off when I achieve them. If Keep a photocopy of all the there are any unticked, they carry materials you use for a topic pearls of wisdom: on to my list next day! and then store these in labelled Liane Montgomery plastic wallets for future use. It’s amazing how many ‘topic’-based resources I have used again in other health, Focus your time on what literacy and RME lessons. You can even be matters, IMPACT upon kind and let the next teacher who children. Prioritise teaching and teaches that topic have a look learning and think about short Plan your non-contact time through your materials too! cuts through paperwork and weekly in advance. List all ‘to do Lauren Brooks additional tasks. items’ in priority order, work through. Emma Shepherd Plan activities for before/after teaching time the week before while planning lessons. Invest in a visualiser to link to IWB. You can place anything under it, display it to the class, For the next issue, cuts down on photocopying time. Create a send us your top tips on good template for worksheets, save it, Lists, lists and more lists. how to bring the great adapt/differentiate as required. Take an Get things done sooner outdoors into the classroom. Fill rather than later, in your own extra copy of everything and file it! Natalie Train in the form below or go to http:// time, not while running out of www.surveymonkey.com/s/ time. Don’t do more than is outdoortoptips and you’ll be necessary. entered into a draw to win a Shirley Taggerty stay in a lochside cabin (see right)

What is your top tip for bringing the great outdoors into the classroom? Provide 50 words or less. One entry per person please to be received before 31 July to be entered into the draw to win a lochside cabin break (see right)

Name Please tick here if you would like to be told about special offers from our sponsor, Forest Holidays. Address Send your entry to: Teaching Scotland Top Tips, GTC Scotland Clerwood House, 96 Clermiston Road Edinburgh EH12 6UT Email TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This prize draw is not open to employees of GTC Scotland. Only one entry per person please. We reserve the right to publish the name of any winner in future issues of Teaching Scotland, but will not hold details Phone Number for any other purpose. Entries must be received by 31 July 2013. One winner will be selected at random, and will be informed by email or telephone. GIVE US YOUR TOP TIPS AND WIN A STAY AT FOREST HOLIDAYS LOCHSIDE CABINS Ever thought about escaping for a whatever sort of break you like – Ardgartan, where the pine-clad few days and breathing in pure whether that means relaxing in a mountains sweep down to meet the Scottish fresh air in glorious natural private hot tub while taking in the shore of Loch Long at the edge of surroundings? Then why not enter beautiful surroundings, hiring the Argyll Forest Park. Argyll is our competition? bicycles to explore the area, or having a major makeover this year. Forest Holidays, which offers learning a new skill, such as As well as improved facilities, from luxury cabin breaks in idyllic canoeing. May 2013, Argyll will be home to Forestry Commission settings, is Driving past tranquil lochs and 40 cabins, instead of its original 14. offering a chance to win a four-night majestic mountains, you’ll begin to In Strathyre, the beautifully- stay in one of their scenic locations understand why this breathtaking designed, contemporary timber and in Argyll or Strathyre. landscape has inspired writers and glass cabins are situated in the A Forest Holiday is one where painters for centuries. shadow of Ben Ledi next to Loch you have the freedom to choose The Argyll site is situated at Lubnaig in Strathyre.

With this offer, you could book a two-bedroomed Silver SPECIAL Birch cabin, with private hot tub, in Argyll for three nights for OFFER just £256! Forest Holidays is offering For further details on any of the 10 per cent off any 2013 break, Forest Holidays sites, to check booked before 30 June 2013 availability, or to book now, – just enter FHTEACH13 when call 0845 130 8223, or visit you book online. www.forestholidays.co.uk www.forestholidays.co.uk

Holiday t’s and c’s The prize is for four people in a two-bedroom Silver Birch cabin with hot tub. A four-night midweek stay may be chosen at any time, including school holidays , apart from bank holidays. The winner is responsible for their own travel to the site. Prize must be taken by 31 December 2013. 12 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013 As Teaching Scotland celebrates 50 issues, we look back Issue 16 at how education has evolved… June ‘05 The end-of-term Words: Glenise borthwick issue celebrated GTC Scotland’s 40th anniversary and had a range of diverse articles on Scots language, special needs Thanks to education, leadership and you for the research. Issue 30 June/ July ‘09 inspiration! The summer issue, as you’d imagine, celebrated the great outdoors. Maureen Watson from WWF e’re fit, additional chance and made a introduced the fabulous and difference in Scottish education. concept of ‘One 50 and we’ve We’ve covered most subjects, most Planet Schools’, been on a sectors and followed through every while other articles journey. We’ve educational change in the years featured our hadW teachers join us along the way, between 1965 until 2013. Professional organisations who support We’ve looked after our figure. Standards and Code of Professional teachers, local authorities and Compact and delivered to Conduct. international partners, pupils and teachers’ homes five times a year, educational policy makers, we’re getting educational all contributing to news out to every getting the GTC teacher in Scotland Scotland’s national Happy helped by our sister magazine in pretty online edition Now we’re looking forward to good shape on housing extensive our next 50 issues and we want reaching its 50th and exclusive you to come with us on our next issue. copy, podcasts journey. After all, being 50 is We’ve covered th and films. pretty special. great teachers, issue We hope we’ve To mark our 50th issue, we’re exciting lessons, been a driving force in launching a new feature where innovative ideas and 50 Scottish education and we’ll peek into the archives of inspirational educators. we’ve done it in partnership previous Teaching Scotland Probationers, mentors, visionary with the teaching profession. magazines to remind us of some head teachers, Chartered Teachers, So thank you to everyone who of the education issues. GB researchers and pupils inspired by has shared our journey to date and all of these people. welcome to everyone who will be Memories past It’s been a journey of excellence joining us over the next few years All back issues of Teaching Scotland when we’ve profiled those who as we work together towards a are now available to download went the extra mile, took the great future for Scottish education. at www.teachingscotland.org.uk Teaching Scotland . 13 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

Issue 20 June ‘06 It seems quaint now, but in 2006, our feature on online learning was cutting edge! Ewan Macintosh showed how teachers could exploit online resources to make lessons more interactive and explained that Google was a search engine. Remember when we didn’t know that?

Issue 40 May/ June ‘11 Heather ‘the Weather’ Reid graced our front cover in an issue Teaching focusing on science and technology. In an Scotland interview, the former online BBC presenter chatted about her love of A look at what’s catching science, and how it plays the eye on our website a crucial role in modern education. In another The web-based version of fascinating article, our magazine is full of Scottish Borders exclusive content, extended teacher Vanessa Richards shared her features, blogs, podcasts research on the use and videos. We’ve also of games consoles recently launched a news in the classroom. feed that gives you access to all the top education stories. So you never need to Full terms and conditions apply go anywhere else to keep to this prize draw and are up to date! WIN WIN WIN available on request. Employees WIN WIN WIN of GTC Scotland are not eligible In the coming months, we’ll To celebrate our anniversary, to participate. We reserve the have exclusive features on: we’re giving one lucky reader right to publish feedback in Kilmarnock Town Trail the chance to win £50 of future issues of Teaching – an exciting and Amazon vouchers. Just write Scotland and in associated inspirational project around and tell us about a favourite marketing materials. the Ayrshire town. article in a former issue, in 50 Scottish Storytelling words or less. Send your Centre – a close look thoughts along with full at the work they do contact details to in schools. [email protected]. uk, entitled ‘Favourite Article’ Bookmark before 19 July. www.teachingscotland.org.uk 14 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013 Image courtesy of ACTS – Mal McCurrach For the good of teaching Gillian Hamilton, Head of Educational Services, believes teachers are recognising that Professional Update is there to support them

he phase one pilot of experience to be unobtrusive and a Professional Update is constructive way of helping teachers coming to a close, and with their professional development. GTC Scotland Rosa said: “I was heartened to continues to work hard hear that many recognised Tto make sure that experiences and Professional Update as a means to perspectives from this are used to help teachers and the teaching evolve and develop as we plan for profession to raise standards and, phase two of the pilot. ultimately, improve the experience Education officers from GTC and outcomes of learners. Scotland are attending a series of “Listening to the positive feedback sessions, where those feedback is a validation of the work involved in phase one are sharing everyone has put in so far to create a their thoughts on progress so far. Gillian Hamilton: ‘the Professional Update framework within which the entire Gillian Hamilton, Head of system will continue to evolve’ profession will benefit.” Educational Services, said: “The GTCS is not complacent, feedback we have received has university partners, it will be largely however, and recognises that a lot of been very positive. I’m happy to unchanged from phase one. work still needs to be done to allay say that only minor changes are Gillian added: “The Professional the preconceptions and fears of needed ahead of phase two Update systems and process will those who have not been involved in launching in August. continue to evolve. This is the the pilot. “We have learned the importance purpose of the pilots – to respond to “We will continue to make of working in close partnership with user feedback before the full launch concerted efforts to get out and local authorities, schools and in 2014. For example, further speak to as much of the profession teachers at all times. We’ve listened changes to the online recording as possible to reassure them that and responded to their feedback mechanisms will be implemented Professional Update, far from throughout this first phase, and will over the summer.” being another administrative carry out further evaluation at the Rosa Murray, one of the burden placed on already busy end of this school year.” education advisers from GTC teachers, complements existing Creating this consensus, Gillian Scotland, attended a phase one processes in place locally to believes, has been key to the success feedback session at Perth and create a cohesive, robust of the first phase, which we have Kinross recently. She said that those mechanism for supporting documented in previous issues of involved in the pilot found the teachers across Scotland.” Teaching Scotland. This means when phase two launches, involving around half of the local authorities Find out more in Scotland, further education Next issue we’ll look in more detail at those involved in phase two colleges, independent schools and

16 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013 Our revised Professional Standards are being launched in August 2013. We brought together a group of educationalists to discuss their development and potential impact Standards for leadership and management

Teaching Scotland (TS): aspect means for our teaching, Can you give some details about what this is going to mean for what your individual experiences our learners and also for us have been, or are, of the within a school. Professional Standards? AF: I am working in partnership DS: I’ve probably use them in two with a number of local authorities different ways, as I am a and we are starting to look at the headteacher of a primary school development of masters level and also Dumfries and Galloway’s accredited learning within schools. SQH Co-ordinator. In my school If we didn’t have the Standards, we use the standards frequently then this would be really difficult when staff are self-evaluating. I as they provide us with a helpful created a pro forma to support staff framework. self-evaluating against the We worked hard within the standards and this is really useful writing group to ensure the the new Standards and the when teachers are planning language contained in the discussion among staff and the professional development. We have Standards for Leadership and children about these has been just finished a round of Management was at masters level really useful. professional and development to help support the development review meetings and we used the of masters level learning. GH: Some experienced Standards to support this. As SQH headteachers didn’t always see the co-ordinatorI use the Standards to DS: I also had the privilege of previous Standard for Headship as structure network meetings and working with this writing group. a support for their professional support people through the SQH Being part of all the revisions from learning:they saw it as a Standard journey as well as general an early stage meant I was able to to prepare them for headship, but leadership opportunities in our take back some of the materials we then didn’t always see the need to authority, so they give me and the were working on and look at them continue to reflect against this participants a structure to work with teachers in my school. Standard once in post. What we with. The revised Standards for Having taken over a new school have tried to build in the Standards Leadership and Management are that was still in the process of for Leadership and Management is much more focused on impact, revisng its vision, values and aims, a Standard that meets the needs of asking us to reflect about what each we actually looked at the values in those aspiring to, or in formal Teaching Scotland . 17 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

The Panel:

GH: Gillian Hamilton – Head of Educational Services, GTC Scotland.

AF: Alison Fox – Alison Fox is a Senior Teaching Fellow at the School of Education at the University of Stirling, where she works within the Professional Education Team. Previously she taught across Scotland in the primary and special sectors, latterly as a headteacher in West Lothian. Alison is currently Director of Local Authorities Partnerships within the School of Education

GG: Gail Gilbert – What pleases me greatly Grammar about the new standard is Primary school in that it is realistic of the job and South Ayrshire, achieving and attaining the head for 18 months standard fully is always going and recent graduate of Flexible Route to Headship (FRH). to be something to aspire to CR: Carolann Riley – Principal Teacher leadership roles, from aspiring supporting and challenging Westfield principal teachers, through the colleagues at a local and Primary School, career spectrum to experienced national level. Cumbernauld. Currently head teachers and beyond. participating in first phase of AF: In the same way Denise and Professional Update pilot in GG: I would say the Standard does Gail are describing how they as North Lanarkshire Council. very much reflect that. I look at it headteachers are using these as a head teacher of just over Standards to support self- DS: Denise eighteen months – I have a lot to evaluation and professional Sommerville learn still, but the Standards for learning with their teachers, local – Head teacher Leadership and Management will authorities should also be using of a primary support me in this. these Standards to support school in Dumfries self-evaluation and professional in Galloway and also SQH DS: For me, the Standards for learning with their headteachers co-ordinator. Also part of the Leadership and Management also and other staff in leadership roles. writing group for the Standards to raise the expectation of for Leadership and experienced headteachers. There is Management. now the expectation that you are continued » 18 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013

The Standard is multi- purpose because it is there for you to reflect against your own development, but your knowledge is crucial when you are supporting the development of others

continued » DS: The Standard emphasises the from early in their leadership importance of collegiality, which is development. such an important part of our role If PRD is truly for supporting as as head teachers.You are self- GH: I also think the Standard sets well as challenging, then we all evaluating the whole time, whether out what we want our leaders in have a right to that support as well it be formally or informally. You are schools to be like, and in turn, as a responsibility for our own engaging with people all of the helps providers of leadership professional learning. time, supporting teachers in their development plan programmes to development and encouraging help develop these leaders. AF: DS: What pleases me greatly about them to contribute to whole- Can I ask Caroline, as a principal the new Standards for Leadership school improvement. teacher, do you find the Standard and Management is that it is for Middle Leadership helpful, realistic to the job that I do. GG: I think there was an idea that because Denise and Gail are Achieving,maintaining and we have to do more to support saying that they think the Standard enhancing the Standard fully is leadership development because for Headship is very relevant to always going to be something to there aren’t enough headteachers. their jobs? aspire to, and it is very reflective But the revised Standard is much of what we as head teachers more than that; it is about CR: Yes, I am. The Standard for actually engage in and try to sustainability of leadership. Middle Leadership shows me what do on a daily basis. It’s about supporting leaders is expected of me as a Principal

GH: The revised Standard is explicit about both leadership and So, what do you think? management, recognising the Go to www.gtcs.org.uk/revised-standards to read more about importance of both in leadership the Standards and their revision. Email us your thoughts to roles in our schools. [email protected] Teaching Scotland . 19 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

Teacher, and it will help me development, but your knowledge contribution at authority and identify my areas of strength and of the Standard will also be crucial national level. I think there is also the areas that I will want to when you are supporting the opportunity there for the develop further. development of others. The experienced heads to develop development of others, and further capacity in their own TS: So going back to where you building capacity in the system, I authority. were when you first took on the think, are really important themes role and you weren’t sure what you in this Standard. DS: Again, I am probably in a good were supposed to do, if this It encourages us to look at the place to do that and I enjoy doing Standard had been in place at that Standard and asking what else do I it – I feel I have something to offer. stage do you think that the path or need to know and do and how We also do a leadership course the task in front of you would have will I make that happen? It on a Saturday morning and been clearer? encourages us to be Go to this helps us to continue proactive and say: “I www.teaching to develop CR: Yes, definitely. realise I don’t have the scotland.org.uk to professionally.You feel view videos of the When I took up the post of experience in this area panellists presenting as if you want to give Principal Teacher, there wasn’t a – how can I get that?” their thoughts something back to standard in place to help me to do people and this is a good this, and in the early days, I wasn’t GG: I know a headteacher’s way to make that happen. always sure of all that I was job is challenging, and many That certainly is the model supposed to be covering. headteachers are also contributing our authority is encouraging to leadership development across among headteachers. We have a GH: In each of your different roles, the authority. Part of what the vision of what we want our the Standards for Leadership and Standards say about being a profession to look like – then we Management will help you to headteacher is that you should be have to take responsibility to help reflect and to plan your own contributing and making a shape it.

NUMERACY RESOURCES / CURRICULUM for EXCELLENCE

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Each ‘on track’ DVD assumes a good understanding of the numeracy content in the previous DVD uses of 100+ board, £80 school, £40 home use numeracy package for home use only, £50 Wee Red Box ®, Numeracy Alphabet ® 47 Gilmour Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5NS, 0131 622 0728 20 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013

Well-known Scottish mountaineer and broadcaster Children learn Cameron McNeish explains why it’s so important so much from that children learn about the great outdoors exploring their surroundings

Inset: Cameron Hands-on McNeish education Words:Tim Power

ameron McNeish However, we are in danger of losing admits he was a little them from a number of threats, distracted at school – such as wind farm developments.” for the windows of his Young people have a key role to Kings Park school in play in the future preservation of Cthe south of Glasgow gave him a the great outdoors, but Cameron’s panoramic view of the Campsie concerned that the swaddling effect Hills... and this fuelled his of health and safety legislation and a wonderment at what lay beyond the growing risk-averse culture is horizon and an eventual career smothering opportunities for young championing the great outdoors. people to experience the great Today, he is an internationally outdoors and, more importantly, to renowned wilderness hiker, author, develop a love of the journalist, broadcaster and countryside. authority on outdoor pursuits and, He said: “I have of course, is a great exponent of a huge concern, encouraging people to enjoy the particularly in wild areas of Scotland. Scotland, that His inspiration has been John we are losing Muir, Scottish naturalist and wild land at a conservationist who was the phenomenal from inner original architect of the US’s rate, and if we cities who don’t National Park system, which have younger realise that milk protected the nation’s natural generations that comes from cows wilderness areas such as Yosemite have no real love or – I don’t know if they and the Grand Canyon. appreciation of these wild are true, but they create a Cameron explained: “John Muir places, then in the future, we are metaphor for how we are bringing believed that if he could get enough going to lose these precious areas up the younger generation today.” people into the wilderness, there much faster. According to Scottish Natural would be more people who would “I believe we are raising a Heritage (SNH) the percentage of love these places and protect them generation of youngsters who not land that could be designated ‘wild for the future. only do not have an appreciation land’ – away from human habitation “That’s what I try to do through for these wild places, but are also and land use – has fallen from 40 my magazine articles and television probably ignorant of the natural per cent to 20 per cent in just 10 programmes, to encourage people history in these areas, and that years, and Cameron has been to visit the wonderful places we means they have a much narrower working with SNH and lobbying have on our doorstep – some of the outlook on life. We all hear about the Government to stop this most amazing landscapes in Europe. these apocryphal stories of kids erosion of the quality of the Teaching Scotland . 21 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

countryside. He’s also worried about the long-term potential this risk-adverse culture will have on a new generation: “I feel children and young people are losing their sense of adventure and a sense of risk. I hate to think what a society will be like, say in 50 years’ time, when there are no risk takers, because we need these people to create progress in all walks of life. “In my childhood, I remember building go-carts with no brakes, we’d drink out of streams and nobody seemed to worry about it. Some of us were good enough to get into the football team and others were not, but we all had to learn to accept failure sometimes. Children are largely robbed of these character- forming experiences today.” That’s why Cameron is keen for more people, especially children, to enjoy the benefits of getting to know the countryside, as he’s witnessed the changes it can bring to young people with his own eyes. He recalled an expedition 20 years ago when he helped to supervise a school group over a wilderness trial from Fort William to Dalwhinnie and saw the changes

continued »

history video developed for which was broadcast in 2012, and Scotland from schools called ‘Wild Scotland’. has also written a guide: He’s also helped develop Scotland End to End: Walking the end to end ‘Scotland’s Natural Trail’ – a route Gore-tex Scottish National Trail. Through his writing and his packed with ideas of spectacular Cameron explained: “It’s a popular television programmes Scottish attractions to visit. wonderful walk from the rolling Cameron McNeish is recognised However, his biggest project in hills of the Borders, through the as one of the UK’s best-known recent years has been the great canal networks linking mountain walkers and development of a new walkway Glasgow and Edinburgh and commentators. from one end of Scotland to the further up linking Fort William He has a busy schedule this other, starting at Kirk Yetholm in and Inverness along with some year, helping to support the Year the Borders right up through of the finest natural landscape in of Natural Scotland with Scotland to Cape Wrath on the Europe up in the north-west of numerous talks and events, and far north-west of the country Scotland. To see all that in such a has recently completed the He filmed a documentary of small country as Scotland is quite voice-over for a new natural the 470-mile walk for the BBC, remarkable.” 22 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013 continued » and finally released the bee, which great mountain biking centres flew off. He was absolutely throughout Scotland. Then there’s delighted he had helped the bee – rock climbing, canoeing and white in the young people over a number it’s just one of those wonderful water paddling. I’m delighted there’s of days of walking and camping. things that can happen to young lots of that sort of thing in Scotland He said: “They were a bunch of people when they are exposed to for young people to enjoy.” hard to manage kids from nature and the wilderness.” While he applauds the efforts of Edinburgh and the school had been Although the youngsters all the Duke of Edinburgh Awards for banned from using Youth Hostels agreed it was something they would getting young people out into the – it gives you an idea how wild they like to do again, Cameron believed countryside, he feels they are were! The school wanted to take missing a trick if they want them to them on a hike somewhere where continue to enjoy the outdoors. they couldn’t upset anyone, so I “You really need a series of “I always feel sorry for these devised a few days’ walk with young people labouring under 40kg overnight camping. events to help encourage packs with big leather climbing “It was fascinating to see how the young people to get involved boots. I think it’s an unnecessary everyday pressures that the in the great outdoors” burden for them in this day and age. youngsters struggled with ebbed “I’ve never worn climbing boots. away. They still moaned about the experience was squandered as Today’s lightweight fell boots, or walking, but they gradually became there was no follow up afterwards. even good quality trainers, are all engrossed in their surroundings and He explained: “You really need a you need and their lightness make interested to learn more about it. series of events to help encourage the whole experience much more “We stayed in a bothy one night young people to get involved in the enjoyable. The worst thing to and one of these lads, a particularly great outdoors. It’s ironic, but happen to a young person on a long rough character, found a bumble walking is probably not the most walk is getting lots of blisters – it bee infested with parasites. Instead exciting way to get kids interested in will put them off walking for life!” of squashing it, he held it in his the outdoors. But luckily, today, During his life, Cameron has hand for ages and used a matchstick there are a great variety of activities hiked in many wilderness regions of to carefully remove all the mites to engage them, as there are lots of the world, but when it comes to an Walk your way round Scotland Scotland’s trails allow people to down in the 17th century during a enjoy the open air while taking a clan feud. walk through the nation’s idyllic The Moray Coast trail is a landscape. 50-mile walk from Findhorn to The most famous route is the Cullen that offers the opportunity West Highland Way (pictured) to study a unique landscape and which runs 96 miles from wildlife. It is also home to around Milngavie to Fort William. 130 Bottlenose Dolphins which More than 40,000 people use it are often seen leaping in the sea throughout the year, with about between April and September. 15,000 completing the journey. It There are also walks of under passes by Loch Lomond and gives through the Angus Glens before five miles across Scotland which walkers the opportunity to study returning to its starting point. are ideal for pupils. The Callander diverse wildlife from the Scottish Named after notorious cattle Park walk in the woodland of wildcat to the golden eagle. thieves of the 17th Century, there Falkirk is three miles long. The The Cateran Trail in Perthshire is are numerous historic sites along main attraction is Callendar House a 64-mile circular route that the route such as the restored which hosted Mary Queen of starts in Blairgowrie and goes Forter Castle in Glenisla, burnt Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Teaching Scotland . 23 www.teachingscotland.org.uk impressive outdoor culture, he says that Scandinavia stands out. “I’ve always been impressed with the system of mountain bothies in Norway, some of which are quite luxurious. They rely on voluntary contributions for their upkeep from the people who use them and everyone pays their way,” he said. “This is helped by nurseries where children are mandated to spent at least an hour outside every day whatever the weather. This can be simple play or nature studies such as picking berries or learning about plants. This is a wonderful way to give children an appreciation of the nature around them and for them to develop a love of the great outdoors.” TP

For more information, visit www.cameronmcneish.co.uk 24 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013 Sustrans is aiming to get more children and young people travelling to school ‘actively’ – be that by bicycle or on foot – in a bid to promote healthy lives On your bike kids

ustrans is a leading Survey Scotland”, which gathers data officers whose jobs involve UK charity that makes from a large number of schools encouraging active travel in their smarter travel choices across Scotland on how children schools. Sustrans provides the school possible, desirable and normally travel to school. Sustrans travel professionals network with inevitable. We work has found that children want to be training and resources and they withS pupils, parents and teachers to active on their journey to school. implement these in their schools. make the everyday journey to When asked, 48 per cent of school more physically active and children would like to cycle to School Travel Plans sustainable. We are passionate about school, yet in Scotland only 3 per Encouraging schools to develop walking and cycling and we cent do. Cycling Scotland and School Travel Plans is one way we pioneered the “safe routes to Sustrans are working to increase the achieve greater active travel to school. schools” scheme in the UK. number of children being offered A School Travel Plan is a simple Bikeability Scotland cycle training at written document that identifies local Why walk and cycle when school. There is a clear target in the issues relating to the school journey, you can take the car? Cycling Action Plan for Scotland sets out a strategy of agreed aims and Being physically active on the journey identifies a package of measures to school has been shown to improve designed to promote more concentration and performance in the When asked, 48 per cent sustainable travel choices for pupils, classroom, as well as introducing of children would like to parents, staff and visitors to the healthy lifetime habits. school. Developing a School Travel On average, a quarter of all cars cycle to school, yet in Plan can help meet Eco-schools and on the road at 8.45am are on the Scotland only 3 per cent do Active Schools objectives. Sustrans’ school run. website has numerous guides, Linked to this, there is a growing that aims to get 10 per cent of all resources and DVDs that can help obesity epidemic, with 29.9 per cent journeys in Scotland by bike by with writing one. of children in Scotland categorised as 2020. Getting more children cycling obese or overweight. We believe that to school will significantly contribute Big Street Survey the problems of both congestion and to achieving this target. Sustrans has Another project that we have is the childhood obesity can be tackled by a range of initiatives through which Big Street Survey, which is a series of increasing the number of children we aim to encourage more children resources, including a lesson plan travelling actively to school. to travel actively to school. and pupil workbook aimed at P7. The pupils survey the streets around Annual Hands Up School travel professionals their school and where they live, and Survey Scotland In Scotland, we have a strong come up with a class manifesto for Every year, Sustrans co-ordinates the network of school travel change in their local streetscape, collection of the annual “Hands Up professionals who are local authority which would make it safer and Teaching Scotland . 25 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

greener. When finished, the class people cycling to school wins each way to encourage children to cycle, manifestos are sent to the local daily stage. especially in the transition to decision makers with the intention secondary school. that they will act upon them. Free Range Kids This is achieved through a Sustrans has been working with Sustrans’ recent campaign, ‘Free locally-based I Bike Cycling communities in Fife to assess the Range Kids’, focused on giving Officer, who organises events and streets around schools and adapting children a voice in making the lessons promoting cycling. them through a process of streets safer to play in by During its pilot phase, community consultation to make decreasing speed limits to 20mph. this project achieved increases them better for walking and cycling. There are lots of hints and tips on of cycling of 7 per cent to the Free Range Kids website on school and 58 per cent during The Big Pedal how to let children play more leisure time. Every year, Sustrans organises The Big freely in their local areas. Pedal, a virtual cycle race for schools For your ears across the UK. Last year, more than I Bike Listen to our exclusive podcast at 1,000 schools raced round a virtual In five local authorities in Scotland, www.teachingscotland.org.uk/ course. The one with the most Sustrans works in a more focused podcasts

Get reading, download guides to writing studies of projects that have School Travel Plans and order a successfully boosted walking get cycling DVD, which comes with teacher and cycling. It also has Sustrans produces a range of and pupil guides that information sheets on resources for schools and talk you through the topics from parents to increase active travel School Travel Plan walking to school to school. process. to setting up a On its website (www. The website also bicycle recycling sustrans.org.uk) you can has a range of case project. 26 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013 More than a century after his death, Scotland’s most famous conservationist and naturalist continues to inspire – and the John Muir Award is just one way his legacy is being celebrated, writes Rebecca Logsdon of the John Muir Trust Celebrating John Muir

housands of John Muir follow in his footsteps. The John Award participants and Muir Trust celebrates a 10-year partner organisations working partnership this year with have been celebrating the Cairngorms National Park Muir since its launch Authority – well over 2,000 people byT the John Muir Trust in 1997. from all backgrounds complete Not just by learning facts and their John Muir Award each year figures – though many have – but by connecting with the special by embracing Muir’s ethos and qualities of the Cairngorms. connecting with wild places in a spirit of fun and adventure. Here Creative geographers are some examples. “Pupils were really creative in interpreting the tasks and Role model for transition challenges. We had a model “John Muir and the Award provide a made of geographer John Muir link between primary and secondary complete with beard, boots, school and are the focus of their Children across Scotland are finding ways and Victorian clothes, sat on to connect with nature thanks to Muir transition in Shetland. We very much a rock. This is the Curriculum use Muir himself as a metaphor for for Excellence in action, personal development, focusing on This is the Curriculum demonstrating the pupils’ research, his childhood in Scotland – ‘He was for Excellence in action, understanding and creativity of once 11 years old just like you and demonstrating the pupils’ themes we encountered.” had no idea what mark he would research and creativity of Murdo MacDonald, Geography leave on the world’ – and the themes we encountered amazing journeys, achievements, and John Muirals adventures he experienced. When Burnfoot Community School, setting things up, we start with and ecology to help found the first Hawick, P6 class created ‘John background about the Award, National Parks in America. Since Muirals’ – big wall posters to interwoven with stories from Muir’s National Parks were established, a represent Muir at different life life as well as some of our own.” global family of 6,555 protected stages as part of their literacy- Pete Richardson, Outdoor Education National Park areas covering focused Award. “The processes of and Activities Officer, Shetland 12 per cent of the Earth’s surface Discovering, Exploring, Islands Council has been created. Visiting a Conserving and Sharing have given National Park and completing your them much to talk and write about. National Park partnerships own John Muir Award is a great Pupils who previously were Muir used his ideas of conservation way to celebrate Muir’s legacy and reluctant to put pen to paper now Teaching Scotland . 27 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

John Muir’s conservation work is renowned throughout the world

A prophet appeared twice on US stamps. without honour Suddenly, however – in Scotland at least – Muir is in The Victorian outdoorsman, vogue. Not only is 2014 the confidently write about their work.” writer and campaigner John centenary of his death, 2013 Mrs Dumma, Principal Teacher Muir has, for many years, been marks 175 years since his birth; something of a ‘prophet a new Muir-branded long- North Glasgow College without honour’ in Scotland, distance walk is being Students on the Scottish Wider the country of his birth. Even launched; John Muir Day Access Programme – for students more so across the UK. Not so was recognised on 21 April; with no or few qualifications – at in America, where streets, trees, and the Government- North Glasgow College completed malls, walkways, buildings, sponsored Year of Natural a John Muir Award themed coins and days bear his name. Scotland 2013 has declared around Scottish adventurers Apart from presidents, only that his life should be Tom Weir and John Muir. The Muir and Elvis Presley have celebrated. outcome was not just to have learned about the men’s lives and achievements, but also to have been truly inspired by them: “Learning about John Muir and Tom Weir’s expeditions has proved inspirational to the students. One has been on a university expedition to Tobago and, in 2013, all three will go on expeditions to Trinidad, Peru and Tanzania. The students plan to use their experiences to progress to the Explorer level of the Award.” Lisa Marsilli, SWAP Development Officer 28 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013 What is the John Muir Award?

The John Muir Award is an Curriculum for Excellence through environmental award scheme Outdoor Learning. focused on wild places. Young The Award is delivered through people – from upper primary school partnerships with a range of level – and adults are encouraged to organisations such as schools, connect with, enjoy and care for the colleges and outdoor centres. With natural environment, from school advice from John Muir Award staff, grounds and urban parks to learning establishments integrate coastlines, beaches, rivers and the Award structure with their own People are encouraged to mountain tops. outdoor and learning and teaching The Award supports experiential activities. connect with, enjoy and learning, and acknowledges and Participants are challenged to care for the natural celebrates the achievement of follow in Muir’s footsteps – discover environment, from school young people beyond formal a wild place, explore it, do grounds and urban parks qualifications. It is recognised as a something to help conserve it and to coastlines, beaches, useful tool for delivering the share experiences with others. rivers and mountain tops

People of all ages take part in the John Muir Award Teaching Scotland . 29 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

Inspired? Want to find out more?

Here is a starter list of useful websites to help people engage with John Muir. www.discoverjohnmuir. com – information, links, activities and resources about John Muir www.snh.gov.uk/natural People are – Year of Natural Scotland encouraged to get out and learn web pages (Celebrate Muir) about the world www.jmt.org – John around them Muir Trust www.johnmuiraward.org – educational initiative of the Your mission? To explore John Muir Trust www.jmbt.org.uk – John Rob Bushby, John Muir Award Muir. The aim is to engage people Muir’s Birthplace Trust UK Manager, champions the in a message that’s relevant in the www.nationalparks.gov.uk role of fun and adventure in 21st century – that we all need to – welcome to National Parks, helping people connect with experience, enjoy and care for Britain’s breathing spaces nature, and has introduced John wild places – in a fun way. www.sierraclub.org/ Muir ‘Missions’ to help celebrate “Feedback has been good. john_muir_exhibit – one- the Year of Natural Scotland. People seem to immediately ‘get’ stop-shop for all things Muir “Fun, adventure, outdoors, the simplicity of some of the wildness – these are vital points inherent messages (learn to swim of entry for connecting with like a frog = being self-taught nature. Nature and wildlife goals from watching nature), and like are often subtle, secondary the combination of illustrations outcomes rather than primary with concise text. They’re all Mission:Explore creates motivators for everyone. done with the end user in mind activities that challenge “As highlighted in a recent – kids, families (and grown-ups young people to (re)discover Outdoor Nation blog by not taking things too seriously). our world and learn about Professor Catharine Ward And there’s potential for places in a creative way. Thomson and by Scottish engagement at a range of levels, These Missions invite people Natural Heritage/National Parks from simple short activity to to have fun outside and follow research, young people enjoy and in-depth discussion. in the footsteps of Muir in a value adventurous activities that “So what? Well, perhaps we similar spirit of adventure. challenge and motivate them. should be wary of over-isolating Get your FREE Missions “We’ve just concluded a our thinking about nature. We e-book and pdf at www. partnership project between the should embrace adventure, missionexplore.net and John Muir Trust and Mission: enjoyment, achievement and johnmuiraward.org Explore (a posse of geographers, learning, as well as responsibility teachers and artists who create and stewardship – in whatever Find more missions at quirky, engaging, irreverent proportion they may occur – as www.missionexplore.net ‘missions’ to inspire young people part of the ongoing discussion to ‘get exploring and questioning about ‘Natural Connections’.” the world’). It’s been an interesting exercise to bring to Rob’s Blog life, via a series of missions, the To read a full version of Rob’s blog, story and adventures of John visit www.outdoornation.org.uk 30 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013

Pupils get the chance to have fun on the beach while learning

Glenise Borthwick hits the beach to join teachers and pupils at the award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre for a fun outdoors learning experience A great day out

t’s the Year of Natural Camphill Primary and secondly in Scotland 2013 and time to go April with Brian Davidson from to the beach. I was excited Kingsmeadow Primary school. when I had the chance to join teachers and pupils at the Arrival and planning IScottish Seabird Centre in North Each visit starts off with an Berwick, East Lothian. information session from Jenny. It’s set in a great location The aim of the Scottish Seabird How to treat the environment with overlooking beaches and the Centre’s education programme is respect, how to keep safe and a few historic harbour in the town, and to inspire people to appreciate, facts about the wildlife you’ll meet you can often catch glimpses of learn about and care for Scotland’s under your first rock or clinging to puffins, seals and gannets and get wildlife and natural environment. seaweed. up close with sea life in the There is also fun and discovery and Never mind the pupils, I was aquariums and rock pools. braving the elements. It’s not a fascinated. I now know to respect fairweather experience but has the habitats and animals that make A great way to learn pupils wrapping up and learning the shore their home, I know that At the centre, there are indoor and about the shoreline in all kinds of the shore is not a place to be outdoor learning programmes weather. Rain, hail or shine, disturbed and that shells look so for all ages, all linked to the ‘Seaside School’ goes on. much better on the shore than on a Curriculum for Excellence and I joined the centre’s Education shelf at home. I now also know there are lots of free resources Officer Jenny McAllister on two about the daily routine of a limpit, available to download. visits, firstly in November with how starfish can survive losing a Teaching Scotland . 31 www.teachingscotland.org.uk limb and how gannets have an on so many levels, from the There does come a time when extra eyelid for diving into the technology of building a we all have to grow up and let a water at up to 60 miles an hour. It sandcastle, boat building and new generation discover the may not stand me in good stead for filming to beach cleans, seaside, often for the first time. GB a role in world affairs but it’s great archaeological digs and map knowing how those we share the reading. That’s not forgetting story Details and booking planet with live their lives. time, food chains and bird The Scottish Seabird Centre is an With rules of safety in place, watching and identification. It’s independent charity dedicated to coloured tabards on to distinguish science, literacy, health and inspiring people to appreciate and the pupils from other visitors on wellbeing and technology all care for wildlife and the natural the shore, we headed down to the wrapped up delivering the environment. For more details, sand and got into the swing of curriculum. visit www.seabird.org things by impersonating the calls I was disappointed not to take The centre is based at The Harbour, of several birds, flying around like part in their pirate days, their North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 gannets and looking for items in puffin picnic and nature scavenging 4SS. To book your visit to the centre, the rock pools. The pupils were hunts, their beach games and call 01620 890202 or email doing well keeping to tasks and climate work. [email protected] working with partners. The Image © Helen Pugh teachers and carers were doing even better by throwing caution to the wind and joining in flapping their ‘wings’ and doing penguin impersonations. My November experience had been sunny and warm with long shadows on the sand. April was freezing and I looked on with envy as the pupils showed disregard for the freezing wind, so enthralled were they with the educational experience. One pupil found a starfish, be it the smallest one you could imagine, but it delighted everyone. Then we looked at the trail left on the rock by a limpet that follows the same trail every day, ending up at the exact same resting place at the end of its search for food. What else did the pupils get up to? They made beach art, they helped survey the beach and they understood climate and tides – so many types of learning, all based on this special experience. They got to use multi-sensory, experiential approaches as they Big award win for the centre were encouraged to engage in The Seabird Centre has just won Seabird Centre has pioneered many different ways with a unique the Queen’s Award for Sustainable some truly thrilling ways to give wild space. All the experiences Development 2013. Broadcaster everyone insights into the were tied into the four Curriculum Sir David Attenborough, pictured dramatic lives of our seabirds. It for Excellence-linked activities. at the centre, sent a special note of richly deserves this prestigious Being on the seaside allows congratulations: “The Scottish award.” pupils to have learning delivered 32 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013

Julie Wilson, National Development Officer for OutdoorL earning with Education Scotland, looks at bringing back the nature table Back to nature ne of my fondest appear. Occasionally, there would as well as encouraging pastimes and childhood memories be something really startling and projects which promoted our of school, and a unusual, such as the skull of a sheep, cultural heritage. I am indebted to classroom institution which fired our imagination and their resourcefulness in inspiring in rural kept us talking for hours. and igniting my passion for OWorcestershire, was the large, As a living record of the nature and a love of the circular nature table which seasons and of our natural world. occupied a shared area linked to connection to nature Go nuts As part of our another class. All year round, it was and the outdoors, our For more information support the for Year of filled with natural objects, foraged nature table provided log on to http:// Natural Scotland, naturetableprimary. artefacts and items of interest which an intriguing and blogspot.co.uk we’ve started a new had been gathered by classmates on enlightening stimulus blog for practitioners to their way to school or on weekend for writing, poetry, share what their walks. scientific investigation, classroom nature table looks Every classroom had one and I artwork and creative endeavour – like and to encourage others to remember being excited such as weaving, photography, establish their own: http:// when, each year printmaking and music. Our naturetableprimary.blogspot.co.uk after a school creative teachers crafted a There are more details on the holiday, rich curriculum around GTCS website, as well as a template catkins, its contents, using to send in your pictures and seashells or seasonal stories, comments, which I’d be happy to conkers would songs and rhymes, post on the blog! JW Teaching Scotland . 33 www.teachingscotland.org.uk The police academy A police presence in schools is not something to be feared, finds Daniel Lambie. It’s about breaking down barriers between generations and improving the safety and quality of life for entire neighbourhoods 34 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013

he notion of campus cops may still conjure up images of fully armed police officers parading around AmericanT schools. Picture students entering schools through full body scanners, and gang members subject to random searches as they walk between classes. It’s a world away from the leafy suburbs of Newton Mearns, nestling in the hills south of Glasgow. But it’s here – in Eastwood High School – that I meet the small team of East Renfrewshire’s community police. They explain to me that the service they provide: far from being focused merely on enforcement, is far subtler and deeper rooted. It’s about breaking down barriers between generations and different parts of the community, about building a mutual respect that permeates far beyond the school boundaries and ultimately improving the safety and quality of life of entire The team neighbourhoods. posed for Colin Laidlaw has been the pictures at officer based at Eastwood High Eastwood High School for the past four years. He School said: “Our primary objective when we are at school is to ensure everyone is safe. Our presence in school acts as a deterrent and “These are not lectures. They are Marion applied to become a encourages better behaviour. We also conversations involving ourselves, campus officer some years ago and play a key role with road safety – partner agencies and the pupils finds the work both rewarding and ensuring that traffic flows around themselves. We use real-life examples satisfying. She said: “We work with schools and creates less of a hazard to bring issues to life in a way that the the smaller ones in primary school, for pupils and pedestrians.” young people can relate to.” but I love working with the But Marion McCallum, who for Marion believes that these talks teenagers. the past three years has been based give the pupils a far greater “It is a really good opportunity to between Woodfarm High School understanding of the legal issues break down barriers with them and and St Ninians High School, explains involved, and how the police and it is also an opportunity to see the that they also play a much more other agencies are working to protect more positive side of the police, proactive role in the schools where communities from the threats they which I think I am personally better they are present. pose. On the flip-side, she feels that at – the happy, smiley “We carry out a number of talks the police themselves develop a approachable, friendly throughout the year – covering a much better grasp of the issues from style in general. I don’t variety of topics including knife the perspectives of the young people. always have that, as we crime, legal highs and citizenship. “It is about building up a mutual have got to have the Cyber bullying is a big topic which respect,” said Marion. “This is one of enforcement occasionally we spend a lot of time talking to the biggest long-term benefits of our as well.” pupils about, too. work in schools.” Breaking down barriers is Teaching Scotland . 35 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

problems in the area and a lot of the kids. I felt a decent enough connection that I could make a bit of a difference up at the school.” The campus cops’ understanding and connection with the local community benefits everyone, giving a broader perspective on specific issues which may not be dealt with properly otherwise. Working with their schools and other agencies, they have a better chance to join the dots. Gordon explained: “If a pupil is showing behavioural issues, we need to try to understand why. It could be that there has been a family break-up which the school doesn’t know about. If it’s a domestic incident, we know about that, or, if there has been a bereavement, the social work may know about this. We’ve then got a better chance of understanding what is affecting this person’s behaviour. “This is another strand of our job – managing and supporting individuals and finding out why they are going through what they are going through.” Marion illustrates how the trust, respect and understanding built up over time can have a deep impact long after school. She said: “The first year I went to Woodfarm, there was a particularly important in lot of crime reporting, but it has areas where there are vastly reduced as I am now more different expectations. experienced in the job and I can Gordon Sweeney is look at how we can deal with things based in Barrhead, a in a different way. It’s about us trying town in the west of to keep the kids free of criminal the county which is less charges and not have them prosperous than those criminalised.” further east. This, he says, And so we come full circle. From brings both challenges and a perception that police in schools opportunities. are there to deal with crime to an He said: “I have worked in understanding that their presence Barrhead for the past five years, so I and influence actually stops crime in knew many families and the the first place. In a world of Key Performance Indicators and targets, Andy Davies It is a really good opportunity to from Mearns Castle High School break down barriers with them and it powerfully articulates the influence is also an opportunity to see the he and his colleagues have: “You more positive side of the police can’t measure prevention.” DL 36 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013

• address the lack of financial literacy among 16 to 19 year olds • provide the opportunity for learners to engage in a social enterprise activity • respond to the Government’s Financial Inclusions team’s Accounts discussion paper ‘Achieving better coordination in Scotland’ 2010. Kenneth Allan, lecturer in Business Management at James Watt College, explained what was meant in order by financial capability. “It’s the motivation to efficiently Students at James Watt College have developed manage finances and the day-to-day an award-winning idea initiating an enterprise management of finance, such as project that addresses the issues of financial effective budgeting and using a bank account,” he said. “It also covers capability and financial awareness planning for retirement, other life transactions and dealing with unexpected events by saving. ttitudes about The credit union project “Young people also need to be money are formed The project was a partnership able to understand financial early and schools between James Watt College and 1st products, such as loans, and be able and colleges have Alliance Credit Union, both based to compare repayment terms and the opportunity to in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire. seek appropriate financial advice. Alay down foundations that will The project was also entered for This will mean that a financially form financial knowledge for the ‘Money for Life Challenge’ and capable person can understand their students later in life, enabling them has been shortlisted for the award. bank statements, bills, payslips, other to make sound decisions and deal The Challenge is a partnership of the basic financial records and even the with their finances. Financial National Skills Academy for Financial day-to-day transactions, such as cash capability is now being embedded Services, Scotland’s Colleges, and non-cash spending and essential in the numeracy strand of the Colleges Wales and Toynbee Hall. and non-essential spending. Curriculum for Excellence and “All of this is relevant not only on Education Scotland will publish a What was the rationale an everyday basis, but taking into framework and delivery plan for for such a project? consideration changes in our financial education supporting The project aimed to: economy, the labour market and financial learning, and financial • address the four capacities of the society where financial decisions are capability. Curriculum for Excellence constantly increasing in complexity.”

an innovative idea to improve members. Unlike a bank, there are Membership money management skills in their no external shareholders, so all has benefits local community. It will offer the benefits go to members at facilities from the North Ayrshire the college. JWC Money1 College campus and will be run on JWC Money1, now in its second a day-to-day basis by a team of More info year, was set up after the dedicated 1st Alliance (Ayrshire) Go to www.teachingscotland.org. students were awarded a £500 Credit Union staff and James Watt uk to read more about The James grant from Lloyds Banking College students. Watt ‘Credit Union Project’, which Group’s ‘Money for Life JWC Money1 differs from has won the prestigious ‘Money for Challenge’. They were awarded commercial banking as it is Life Challenge 2013’ in Scotland the funding after coming up with owned and controlled by its and will now go on to the UK finals. Teaching Scotland . 37 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

Winning students from James Watt College

What the course looks like Then they created a website to The bespoke course includes Young people need to be able inform potential savers and to http://rbsmoneysense.co.uk/ to understand financial highlight the project work being schools/resources, a Royal Bank of products and be able to carried out. The launch took place Scotland Scheme which is compare repayment terms on 1 February 2013 and was a designed to improve financial and seek appropriate tremendous success. literacy. Integrated into the design financial advice and the delivery of the project is What was gained? the SQA Unit Financial Services: The project team gained invaluable Personal Finance Awareness skills throughout the evolution of DM7X11 (Intermediate 2). representative of 1st Alliance with the project. Numeracy was a key Learners were also charged with the learners working on other driver as students had to quickly the organisation, management, sub-projects from the use of social grasp concepts such as interest marketing and operation of the media in marketing to promotion rates and the differences that exist Credit Union supported by tutors of the union. between financial products. and Credit Union Staff. The idea was to initiate a project Working with others was also a In the end, the students to address the issues of financial central theme, allowing students to understood the implications of capability and awareness within communicate effectively with each financial exclusion and the the college. They wanted to reach other to solve the many problems relationship between financial as many students as possible to that arise from running an literacy and social deprivation. emphasise the importance of enterprise project. A significant They became responsible citizens, saving, as well as raising the profile eye-opener for team members was understanding social and ethical of ethical banking. the realisation of the significant issues that relate to financial Teaming up with the local social problems that occur as a products available. But they also Credit Union, they contacted local result of poor financial literacy. The became effective contributors MPs and secured the support of team is now committed to learning to work independently on Young Scot to assist them in continuing its efforts to assist in all aspects of the activity. launching their own college this agenda in the future. An oversight committee information and access point. They monitored all the activities of the also used social media (Twitter Find out more project. It comprised four learners, and Facebook) to help publicise http://rbsmoneysense.co.uk/ two James Watt staff and a their project. schools/resources 38 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013

Telling us WHAT YOU THINK...

In the last two issues of Teaching More than 80% of readers visit Teaching Scotland online Scotland we have been asking for your views on our new look magazine. Many thanks to those of you who have taken part in our survey so far. There has been some useful feedback that we will use to improve the magazine further. You still have time to give us your views. Please visit eighty Nearly 60% of www.teachingscotland.org.uk you prefer the to do so. Here is a summary of the survey responses we have new, smaller received to date. format 60% 85% of you think we have a good balance between Most of you editorial, design and think we carry advertising the right amount of ads, but would like eighty more to be on Educational programmes 81% of our and resources, readers are five and CPD 81 opportunities. female percent 85% of you You’d like more discuss the content articles on ... of the magazine with professional colleagues while nearly More than 90% of you% would 85 development 90 70% of you feel prefer each issue to contain it has helped to varied content (as Opposed develop your professional professional to following a theme) standards practice 70 Keep your feedback coming! Any curriculum 40% of our comments, ideas or suggestions development readers welcome at any time. Email have been [email protected] 64% find it We’ll post the full results on interesting www.teachingscotland.org.uk teaching Figures shown reflect the opinions per for 20 years of those who responded and not 64 cent or more the entire readership.

40 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013 Time to make your mark

Stand for election to the independent give full details of the qualifications required of GTC Scotland Council candidates and electors. Arrangements for election 2013-2014 I extend an invitation to you to consider standing An election will take place later this year to fill eight for election, and to obtain further details from the of the 19 registered teacher seats on the fully independent GTC Scotland website www.gtcs.org.uk/election or by GTC Scotland Council. emailing [email protected] The formal “Notice of Election” will be published in the next issue of Teaching Scotland and online Irene Hunter during week commencing 19 August. The Notice will Returning Officer

The GTC Scotland Council contribute to the work of GTC Scotland, to gain a GTC Scotland is governed by a Council of 37 wider understanding of its work and to enhance your members. This includes 19 elected registered teachers, professional development. 11 educational stakeholder nominees and seven lay Members of Council are involved in decision members appointed by an independent Appointments making at the highest level. They set the strategic Committee. direction of GTC Scotland and monitor its A rolling programme of elections, nominations and performance. appointments for half of the Council members takes They also play an important role in the place every two years. The aim is to retain a degree of development and delivery of strategic advice on operational continuity within the Council. Council matters that impact on the standards of teaching and members serve for a four-year term. teacher professionalism and that affect the profession The eight teachers to be elected will serve on in Scotland. Council from 2 April 2014 for a period of four years. If you would like to play a part in influencing such matters and to bring your ideas, expertise and talent to Standing for election and the opportunities open our work as the independent professional, regulatory to Council members body for teaching in Scotland, we encourage you to As a Council member, you will have an opportunity to stand for election.

Election categories The table below provides an explanation of the categories in which the eight teachers are to be elected: No of Codes Election Council Note Qualifications of election category members persons entitled to category to be nominate candidates elected and to vote I “P” &“PHT” Teachers (including 3 One seat will *Registered teachers headteachers) in primary be reserved to in primary schools schools or nursery schools those employed or nursery schools in Scotland as headteachers in Scotland within each II “S” & “SHT” Teachers (including 5 of these *Registered teachers headteachers) in secondary categories in secondary schools schools in Scotland in Scotland *NB In each of these categories a registered teacher (whether a teacher or headteacher) may nominate and/or vote for a teacher or headteacher.

You will need to be in the correct election category to stand for election or vote in the appropriate category. The term of office for the elected Council seats in the Further Education category (one seat) and the Universities (providing Initial Teacher Education) category (one seat) runs until 1 April 2016. Therefore no election arises to be held in either of these two categories at the present time. Teaching Scotland . 41 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

Key election 2013-2014 diary dates

19-23 August 2013 Election advertised; nomination papers available online or on request

23 September 2013 (noon) Closing date for receipt of nomination papers; by this date all candidates must be in the correct election category

4 December 2013 Closing date for electors; by this date, all electors must be in the appropriate election category

13 January 2014 Ballot papers issued (including information relating to voting online or by post)

5 February 2014 (noon) Closing date for receipt What do you need to do of votes online or ballot papers by post Make sure: Don’t worry if your election/ you are in the correct election/ voting category and/or contact 10 February 2014 voting category in order to stand for details are different to what is (Or as soon as possible election or vote; and recorded at MyGTCS. You can after this date) that your contact details are update your contact details and Publication of results up-to-date so we can send you request a change to your election/ information on candidates and how voting category at MyGTCS. February/March 2014 to vote for them. (Two days – dates to be Find out more announced) Induction Log into MyGTCS or sign up for Further information on the election/ meetings of the new Council a MyGTCS account (www.gtcs.org. voting categories; how you are uk/mygtcs) to check your contact allocated to a category; and the 2 April 2014 details and your election/voting election process is available at New Council members category. www.gtcs.org.uk/election take up office

Teaching Scotland . 43 www.teachingscotland.org.uk CPD listings Listed here are just a few of the wide range of CPD courses running in the coming months

Earth Science leaders and technical support National Youth Choir of Education Unit staff. Programmes are offered in a Scotland Summer School Available across Scotland range of formats that vary from One of the core objectives of ESEU offers no fee, interactive, interactive electronic sessions, NYCoS is to provide training, hands-on practical activities short face-to-face sessions to support and resources for those targeted at the Earth-related immersive one or two-part who direct choral singing and parts of Curriculum for Excellence residential events. Many of our deliver vocal education, whether in Social Studies and Science courses attract external funding to a formal or informal setting. One specifications. offset registration fees. former attendee said: “The T: 01782 734437 “Scottish Schools Education summer school is a wonderful E: [email protected] Research Centre – one of the week of music - a chance to www.earthscienceeducation.com develop my own skills in the prominent providers of professional company of like-minded learning in the sciences.” University musicians.” (Education Scotland 2012). of Aberdeen Summer school in Edinburgh School of Education Programmes T: 01383 626070 August 4-9 available include: Freephone: 0800 8406998 E: [email protected] MSc in Leadership in Professional E: [email protected] www.nycos.co.uk Settings; MEd in Pastoral Care, www.sserc.org.uk Guidance and Pupil Support; MSc YDance in Enhanced Professional Practice; University of Strathclyde YDance, the national youth dance MEd in Inclusive Practice; MSc in organisation for Scotland, offers Master of Education (MEd) Person Centred Counselling; PG inspiring CPD training Different routes are possible with Cert in Early Years Education. opportunities for teachers of all the MEd: Adult Guidance; Autism; T: 01224 274578 age groups that cover a variety of E: [email protected] Education Studies; Inclusive subjects, interdisciplinary www.abdn.ac.uk/education Education; Early Years Pedagogue; combinations and SQA Management and Leadership in qualifications. You can either ‘Bring Scottish Schools Education; Philosophy with Education Research Us In’ or ‘Come To Us’. Sessions in Centre Children; Supporting Bilingual May 2013 include various National SSERC is a science and technology Learners; Supporting Teacher Progression Award and Higher education service, providing health Learning. Students can achieve Dance Units. and safety advice and CPD combined awards in two areas Testimonial: “Very useful CPD courses that promote exciting and by combining classes from session that has clear links with safe practical activities for schools. both areas. Curriculum for Excellence. Have SSERC provides targeted T: 0141 444 8100 got lots of new ideas for using professional development to E: hass-courses-edu in school!” improve subject knowledge and @strath.ac.uk T: 0141 552 7712 skills of mainly primary and www.strath.ac.uk/humanities/ E: [email protected] secondary teachers, curriculum schoolofeducation www.ydance.org 44 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013

Advertising feature – apps central Schools get smart with an app A new smartphone app is helping schools, pupils and parents keep abreast of the latest developments on campus and off

here’s nothing more It is linked to Google Maps, to frustrating for a parent allow parents and pupils to check than to turn up at how to reach the venue for, say, an school for an event event that’s taking place away from featuring his or her the school. A new visitor to the childT – and finding out it’s been campus can click on the map to see cancelled/postponed/moved/ where in the school the event is otherwise rescheduled. taking place. A new smartphone app The app was first designed for developed by a Midlothian Loretto School outside Edinburgh, company provides parents and and since then it’s become pupils with a school calendar that’s increasingly popular with other parents – it not only provides up to always up-to-date... and a whole lot schools who want to reap the the minute information and more besides. benefits. immediate changes, but it also has Available for deployment on an Loretto director of external a rich functionality for parents to Android or IOS platform, the new affairs Jonathan Hewat said: “Our explore. For example, Google maps app – by Apps Central, of Dalkeith first app was for the iPhone in that will allow them to check the – can be tailored to meet the 2010. But with the meteoric rise in venue for a rugby match where individual needs of the user, and communications since then, we their child is playing, for example. interests and dislikes can be filtered have just launched the newest “Or if someone is visiting in or out to suit. version of our app which is not Loretto for the first time, they can For £100 per month, the only for iPhones but crucially for click on the event and it shows application, which is branded to Android devices as well. them where it’s taking place. We the individual school’s “We wanted to embrace all of have real time material going specification, has the ability to our audiences – current and through just like Twitter, which deliver push notifications from the prospective pupils and parents, our gives people up to date info about school’s administrator – including staff, and former pupils. The app is changes to what’s happening in and school news and an RSS feed from available for anyone to download, around the school. social network sites – and can also and the user gets immediate “One of the big frustrations for deliver messages to users free of information about Loretto.” parents is when school calendars charge, saving on the cost of text “For our most important are not kept up to date.” messages. customers – our pupils and their The calendar is uploaded at the Teaching Scotland . 45 www.teachingscotland.org.uk

Loretto youngsters love their school’s new smartphone app

beginning of every term by a significant development.” The calendar feature is proving member of school staff, and any Another school enjoying the extremely popular. Miss Allen is changes needed can be updated on smartphone app experience is the administrator, with executive all social media like Twitter and Stirling High School, which in responsibility over all outputs on Facebook at the same time. He March launched its new Apps the smartphone app. added: “We have social media Central app after an initial pilot She said: “I have help from the sharing options and pupils and period, and depute head teacher school admin office, and each parents can fine tune the app to Lesley Allen said: “Feedback has department in the school has their own interests. If a child likes been very positive – we’ve had nominated a member of staff to music but has no interest in sport, about 400 apps downloaded so far, look after subject specific news he or she can filter out the sport many of them by parents. But it’s stories, which will go out to and the app will send all sorts of also the kind of application that parents and pupils in the new information about music events – will be very useful to pupils as well. session.” but no sport. It’s very popular with “We send the school calendar both pupils and parents.” home with pupils, and send regular More info The proof, said Jonathan, is in news reports to the Stirling For more information on the new the pudding. “If it wasn’t popular it Observer, but to have everything in smartphone app, visit the website at wouldn’t be downloaded and used one place means that, for examples, http://appscentral.co and commented upon, and the fact articles that don’t get published in Call Mick Empson on 0131 510 0901 that it’s being taken up by a the newspaper can still be or email him at: mick.empson@ number of other schools is a distributed to parents and pupils.” appscentral.co.uk 46 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013

A Lourdes Secondary pupil gets to grips with the equipment Teaching Scotland . 47 www.teachingscotland.org.uk Kelly Forbes finds out how one drama teacher managed to kick-start a radio station at her school - a great opportunity for her own professional development and fun learning for pupils Radio Ga Ga hen thinking YouTube and the internet were a “They were a great group and about wider great help too!” really enthusiastic. Everyone loves achievement Looking for more support, music which gives everybody a projects for her Rebecca reached out to local commonality to get involved and third years and community radio station, Sunny play songs that they like when waysW to develop her continuing Govan Radio, which was able to making a radio programme. They professional development, Rebecca offer more support to the school pick up transferable skills, but it also Oliver, a drama teacher at Lourdes thanks to funding from Accenture gives them a voice and an identity. Secondary School in Glasgow, went and Oxfam’s Skills to Succeed “I’d been helping to deliver the big and decided to create a radio programme. As part of a funded workshops with the kids in the station. schools project, Sunny Govan was school, so it was exciting when we “When I started at Lourdes they able to offer Rebecca and her pupils got to have the kids in here to show had all this radio equipment for years more than 20 hours of guidance on what they’d learned on their own that hadn’t been used as it wasn’t how to build a radio station from radio show.” accessible to the pupils,” she said. the ground up. The show got fantastic feedback “Patricia Lennon, our Head Teacher, from the listeners who rang and and Debbie McVicar, our Faculty texted in to offer their support to the Head of Music and Drama, both young people involved. Sunny really wanted it to be used, which is The show got fantastic Govan has a listener base of 70,000 why they were so supportive of my feedback from the listeners people, which is a much bigger plan to use the equipment as part of a who rang and texted in to audience than they’re used to Wider Achievement project with my offer their support to the reaching, but they were great and third year group. young people involved really professional.” “I had this big idea but had to work What started off as a class project backwards to try to figure out all the for Rebecca is now being developed planning. Trying to set myself a Sunny Govan has a long history in to a school-wide radio station. realistic goal that I could work towards of working with young people. Its “We’ve currently interviewing for was hard but I just worked backwards Friday Night Posse show already positions for Live@Lourdes, our from there and tried to work out the turns the airwaves over to young soon-to-be-launched school radio kind of training I would need.” people. Heather McMillan, the station. We want to give the children Glasgow radio station, Clyde owner and founder of Sunny Govan a real sense of ownership and One, ran a technical training session Radio, offered the same experience responsibility, which is why they’re that allowed Rebecca some of the for Rebecca’s class. drawing up CVs and applying for more technical training she needed. “The funding we received from positions within the station. We’re “Myself and the other teachers on Oxfam meant we were in a position hoping to officially launch with our the workshop set up our own radio to help Rebecca and her class at first broadcast in May. station called Jaffa FM, where Lourdes.” “This has been such an everyone spoke in Devonshire Stephen Guilfoyle, Training and achievement for the pupils and it’ll accents, and we made jingles with Development Worker at Sunny be interesting to see where the kids cows and sheep in them. The Govan, worked with the kids who take the station from here. Who equipment is incredibly complicated came in and took control of the knows? Give it a year and these kids to use, so I spent a lot of time sitting station for an hour to broadcast their could give the professionals a run for in front of the desk playing with it. own programme. their money.” KF ADvERTORIAl – bUnCHREW HOUSE Steeped in history... Bunchrew House Hotel is a 17th want to return to again and again. century Scottish mansion, off ering Bunchrew’s luxury, 4 star hotel excellent hotel accommodation and rooms are individually decorated award-winning cuisine with 2 AA and have their own unique character Rosettes. Our Highland welcome and sense of style. to this quality Inverness hotel is Accommodation consists of second to none. standard, superior and premium Th ree miles from Inverness city suites, some with four poster beds centre but a million miles away in and open fi res and include all the location, lies the very fi nest of bedroom extras one would expect Inverness hotels - set in 20 acres from a four star country house of beautiful gardens and woodland Apart from the outdoor activities sitting right on the water’s edge of one associates with this area (skiing, the Beauly Firth. sailing, fi shing and golf) there are Whether it’s a romantic break or a plenty places of interest to visit base near Inverness to escape to including Culloden Battlefi eld, the Highlands, you can take in the Cawdor Castle and Loch Ness to spectacular views from our fantastic name but a few. restaurant, wander the gardens and grounds or just relax in our luxurious Take off your watch, relax, individually designed accommodation. and let Bunchrew work its Bunchrew House is a place you will ancient magic on you…

Call us now on 01463 234 917 to take advantage of our two night, dinner (1st night), bed (standard room, upgrades available) and breakfast rate of £65 per person per night. Th is includes 1 bottle of wine and dinner on the fi rst night. Quote TEACHER to get this rate until the end of August. *Subject to availability Teaching Scotland . 49 www.teachingscotland.org.uk Prize Crossword

1 243 5 6 Complete our

7 crossword and answer the simple question below 8 to be entered into our prize draw. 9 10 One lucky winner will receive a 11 12 13 14 two-night stay for 15 two, including 16 17 breakfast, at the superb Bunchrew

18 House near Inverness! 19

Across Down 7. Ena Lamont Stewart play on the 1. He was lead singer with The Jam (6) Terms and Conditions 2015 Higher English list (3,6,4) 2. ‘Call Me ______’, the opening line of Entrants must be aged 18 or over (employees 8. Colossal sea stack, a famous Scottish ‘Moby-Dick’ by Herman Melville (7) or agents of GTC Scotland, their families or landmark (3,3,2,3) 3. Scots-born American conservationist anyone connected with the promotion are not eligible to participate). Entry constitutes 9. Last king of Lydia, noted for whose birth was celebrated in Scotland your acceptance of these rules. The his great wealth (7) on April 21 (4,4) promoter reserves the right to alter, amend 10. Mirren, the actress noted for playing 4. Steep rock face at the edge of the sea (5) or withdraw these terms and conditions or Queen Elizabeth II on film and stage (5) 5. ‘Strange Case of Dr _____ and Mr Hyde’, the prize draw without prior notice. Only one entry per person. One winner will be selected 12. One of Scotland’s National Parks (9) the RL Stevenson novella widely taught in at random. The prize consists of a two night 15. Watts, the actress who stars in the Scottish schools (6) stay for two, including breakfast, at tsunami movie ‘The Impossible’ (5) 6. Assigns a job (8) Bunchrew House (subject to certain 16. Noam, the father of modern 9. In Aberfeldy there are Iron Age dwellings exclusions and availability). The prize does linguistics (7) recreated by the Scottish ______Centre (7) not include travel to and from the hotel. We will draw the winners at random from the 18. Graph ye go around to find 10. The Picts, The Clearances, Wallace and entries submitted. The date of the draw is 31 school subject! (9) Bruce all feature in Scotland’s (7) July2013. The winner will be notified by 19. White, salty Greek cheese (4) 11. US city rocked by explosions in April (6) telephone on the day of the draw and you 12. Big cats (6) must respond as directed within 24 hours of receipt of the call, otherwise we reserve the 13. Keep someone busy and active (6) right to reallocate the relevant prize. The 14. The ______Trail in Aberdeenshire is the judge’s decision is final and binding and no only one of its kind in Scotland (6) correspondence will be entered into. Prizes 17. Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline (4) are non-refundable and non-transferable. There is no cash alternative. The promoter cannot and does not accept any responsibility for late or lost or corrupted entries due to any viruses, delays or failures in transmission, failure of software or hardware or telecommunications networks, FINISHED? Now tell us: nor for any other circumstances beyond the control of the promoter. All lost, damaged or What anniversary are we celebrating this issue? incomplete entries will be deemed invalid. Proof of entry shall not be proof of delivery Send your answer, including your name and contact details, marked ‘Teaching Scotland or receipt. Crossword’ by email to [email protected] by 31 July 2013. 50 . Teaching Scotland Summer 2013 Probationer pathways The challenges of making the transition from student to teacher

placement. When you arrive on day one of your probation year you are trusted. Trusted by your pupils and by the staff in the school. That has grown throughout the year. Building Now I can see skills developed and things progress, whereas in the placement I had to leave pupils behind having taken them through lessons that I would not see the a legacy legacy from. I’ve built up relationships with Susan Liveston is nearing Becoming part of people right across the school and the end of her probation the school team we work well together. It’s more I’m close to the other teachers in the relaxed and I can work with teachers year at Hyndland Primary school. I also feel close to the who have different skills and School in Glasgow. She student teachers; a position I was in interests. talks to Glenise Borthwick only a few months before. I’m keen to be more than just a The challenges about what she’s learned classroom practitioner and I’m My biggest challenge has been dealing and how she has studying for my MEd to understand with differentiation within the developed in that time policy and leadership and the classroom and that was an area that theories of education. It impacts on concerned me when I arrived. my work as a primary teacher, I knew I had to ensure that all my ’m lucky to be at such a diverse although it is a three-year pupils were being pushed. I and interesting school in course taught on wanted to be fluid and Glasgow and I’d very much like Saturdays, so it takes not teach in groups. to stay here after my probation. time and I was also We receive pupils from all over commitment. involved in the Ithe world and it’s really interesting to I also have CPD Christmas show in have that mix. French, Polish, Arabic, opportunities Primary Three. It Urdu and Japanese pupils. I get to offered from the was led by the Head work with a mix of pupils, which is school, my inset and Depute and my great experience in my first year. days and staff class had lines to learn I have an app on my phone which meetings. They all blend and parts to rehearse, but is called ‘Days Until’. I look at it and together. I was involved in getting I’m surprised that there are so few My mentor, Katherine them on to the stage, designing and days left in the probation year. McQuarrey, is the Principal Teacher issuing tickets, prompting, and I’ve had great parents as well as with responsibility in additional getting everyone to where they great pupils, and those early support for learning at Hyndland should be. concerns have not been realised. Primary. There has been real I am realistic in what I can However, a child pointed me out encouragement to look at different achieve. If I have an issue I will ask to her mum who commented with areas of the school in the probation for help. I know pupils can improve concern that I was a probationer. year and she offers me a chance to if their confidence is in place and I I dealt with it by saying, ‘yes I am talk things through and share ideas. like to see that happen. and I’m delighted to be teaching at The one biggest change from the school’. Differences being a student is that I feel part of She is now a very supportive The biggest difference between this community, recognised by parent and realises that probationer being a student teacher and a pupils, supported by teachers and teachers do, in fact, come in to probationer is that I don’t feel like a appreciated by parents. I’ll move on schools well trained and ready to student, yet I’m still learning. In to my post-induction post all the teach with new ideas. many ways, it’s like one long better from being here. SL