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TeachingFor the teaching profession, by the teaching profession Scotland October/November 2010 Issue 37

HISTORY MANI A Devine intervention

CONSULTATIONI GTC Scotland independance, what’s your opinion? Something tochew on Scottish culture in the modern classroom TeachScot_pg02-03 1/10/10 15:13 Page 2

Welcome October/November 2010 – Contents

Education review Breaking down barriers A world’s first The review of teacher education Could you create a better relationship Digitising Scotland’s Homecoming reaches a crucial phase between parents and schools? Year 2009 for future generations Teaching Scotland For the teaching profession, by the teaching profession October/November 2010 Issue 37 15 HISTORY MANI A Devine Back to intervention the future Professor Tom Devine on why Scottish History can help this generation

CONSULTATIONI deal with the challenges GTC Scotland CONTACTS independance, what’s your opinion? our country is facing GTC Scotland Something tochew on Web: www.gtcs.org.uk Scottish culture in the modern classroom email: [email protected] Customer services: 0131 314 6080 Front cover image courtesy of Gillian Kyle Main switchboard: 0131 314 6000 www.gilliankyle.com Learning and Teaching Scotland 20 Web: www.ltscotland.org.uk 4 Dispatches Leading email: enquiries@LT Headline news from GTC Scotland.org.uk Scotland and the wider the way? Tel: 08700 100 297 education community. Why and how Scottish Scottish Qualifications Authority 12 Review Culture should have an Web: www.sqa.org.uk Interview with Graham active role in today’s email: [email protected] Donaldson on the Teacher classroom Tel: 0845 279 1000 Education Review. Her Majesty’s 24 Professional Practice Inspectorate of Education We invite you to think about Web: www.hmie.gov.uk what you would do in another Tel: 01506 600 2000 imaginary scenario. National CPD team 26 CPD Web: www.ltscotland.org.uk/ News, views and opportunities cpdscotland 18 email: cpdanswers@lt to help with your continued professional development. Strangers in scotland.org.uk 29 Crossword our own land Smarter Scotland Enter our prize crossword for a A personal view on Web: www.infoscotland.com chance to win a luxury weekend the impact of moving Teacher Support Network break for two. Web:www.teachersupport.info Scottish Culture into Tel:0800 564 2270 30 Chartered Teacher the periphery Our regular columnist shares her Childline Tel:0800 1111 thoughts and observations as a Parentline Tel: 0808 800 2222 Chartered Teacher.

Teaching Scotland Teaching Scotland is written, Editor-in-Chief: The views expressed in Teaching made in any advertisement is the magazine of the General designed and published by Glenise Borthwick Scotland are those of invited appearing in Teaching Scotland. Connect Communications Teaching Council for Scotland email: gleniseborthwick contributors and not necessarily Readers should make appropriate (Scotland) Ltd on behalf of (GTC Scotland). GTC Scotland @gtcs.org.uk those of GTC Scotland. The enquiries and satisfy themselves GTC Scotland. www.connect information contained in Teaching is the independent Editor: Daniel Lambie before responding to any such communications.co.uk Scotland is of a general nature and professional body which email: teachingscotland advertisement, or placing reliance MAIN OFFICEi is not to be taken as advice on any maintains and enhances @gtcs.org.uk upon any such claim or GTC Scotland, Clerwood individual situation. GTC Scotland representation. By so responding, teaching standards and House, 96 Clermiston Road, Design and production: does not endorse any goods or or placing reliance, readers accept promotes and regulates the Edinburgh EH12 6UT Alan Morton, James Cargill services advertised, nor any claims that they do so at their own risk. teaching profession in T: 0131 314 6000 Paul McGinnity or representations made in any Scotland. We strive to be a EDITORIAL OFFICEi advertisement in Teaching world leader in professional Connect Communications, ADVERTISINGi Scotland and accepts no liability to education issues. GTC Studio 2001, Mile End, Clare Stebbing any person for loss or damage © GTC Scotland, 2010. ISSN: Scotland aims to promote Paisley PA1 1JS Tel: 0131 561 0024 suffered as a consequence of their 1469-3054. Teaching Scotland is equality and diversity in email: info@connect email: clare@connect responding to, or placing reliance printed on 100% recovered paper all its activities. communications.co.uk communications.co.uk upon, any claim or representation with FSC accreditation. TeachScot_pg02-03 1/10/10 15:14 Page 3

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Stay Keynote connected Anthony Finn, CEO GTC Scotland Online... Keep an eye on our website for the latest news from GTC Leading the way in Scotland. There are also information sections to help you at every stage of your career. professionalism www.gtcs.co.uk

We are beginning to understand what the future holds CPD needs of teachers and the support which teachers may for GTC Scotland. The Scottish Government has recently require to develop their skills. This was difficult to answer, but it Tweet us... published a parliamentary order which builds on the decisions does go right to the centre of teacher professionalism. For instant updates and made in the spring and seeks views about how these There is compelling evidence that the quality of a teacher can the chance to share your might be implemented. You can find more details on make a fundamental difference to the quality of learning. I am thoughts on any issue, www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/09/13155827/0 also convinced that teachers want to do their jobs well and are follow GTC Scotland On our own website, too, we have set out questions about keen to improve their skills. And yet, there is a real risk that on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/gtcs proposals for the election and appointment of members, current financial constraints will lead to CPD budgets being about panels and also about rules which will govern the targeted as an easy option at the very time that teachers need Council in future. most support. We must therefore find ways to ensure that we The Scottish Government’s approach is very supportive of continue to invest in teaching, promoting CPD activities which GTC Scotland and contrasts sharply with that of the new are meaningful and relevant, if also cost-effective. How else can Westminster Government, which has now decided to abolish we promote and maintain high standards? GTC England, a body established only 10 years ago with more Graham Donaldson picked up similar themes in another E-news... Sign up to the Teaching limited powers than GTC Scotland. contribution to the Scottish Learning Festival. Discussing some Scotland e-newsletter for There has been much discussion in England about the of the issues which are emerging in his Review of Teacher previews and extended impact of this decision. We understand, for example, that there Education, he emphasised the strength of the teaching content, delivered straight is considerable confusion about where responsibility will lie for profession and the clear professional standards which govern it. to your inbox. teaching standards, for registration and, indeed, for the But he also rightly highlighted the different levels of support www.teachingscotland. regulation of those teachers who, for whatever reason, are available to teachers at different points in their career. org.uk/subscribe deemed unsuitable to work with children. The big question is Beginning teachers are, of course, very well supported, whether a successor body might emerge with a different name. but perhaps too much is left to chance after completion In Scotland, things are very different. Here, Government intends of the Induction Scheme. Occasionally, the quality of support to strengthen GTC Scotland’s powers, allowing it to become the available to teachers is dependent on the people with whom world’s first independent professional body for teaching. We they happen to work or on the provision available through presently have the lead role in respect of entry to teaching, local support networks. Can patchwork serendipity be a Events... professional standards and accreditation of courses; suitable base on which to build our future professional For information an independent GTC Scotland will, from 2012, have expectations? on upcoming full decision-making powers in these areas. These are big questions and I am well aware GTC Scotland As these responsibilities are, however, how easy it is to ask them and how difficult it is to events, including discharged on behalf of the teaching profession provide answers, especially in these challenging Professional Recognition, and in the wider public interest, we will times. As GTC Scotland plans to enter a new visit our website @ continue to operate by consensus, working phase, however, I believe that it will need to be www.gtcs.org.uk/events closely with key stakeholders in the profession centrally involved in this debate. I believe all and the wider educational community. teachers should have a responsibility to develop At the recent Scottish Learning Festival, I listened their skills and a right to appropriate support to allow Probationers... to the Cabinet Secretary, Michael Russell, them to do so. But what does appropriate mean? For support and carefully outline his vision for Scottish information throughout Education. After Mr Russell We must your probationary year, confirmed his support for there’s no better site than a stable and planned find ways to www.probationerteacher route towards full continue to invest scotland.org.uk implementation of Curriculum for in teaching. Excellence, a couple of How else can delegates posed challenging we maintain questions about the high standards? TeachScot_pg04-07 1/10/10 16:22 Page 4

4 If you have news to report, please email: [email protected]

Curriculum collaborationi Privacy policyi Use of Scots education your data GTC Scotland has published a new privacy policy on our becoming creative website. This policy sets out how we obtain and use The Scottish Government has information gathered about launched ambitious plans to place teachers on the register, as well creativity at the centre of Scottish as details of how they can education. access the information held. The Education and Culture Action Plan aims to bring together the , For more go to education and cultural sectors to www.gtcs.org.uk home/legal provide learning which will ignite children’s imaginations and help them develop their creative skills. Competitioni Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: “The modern world is changing rapidly and if we are to A play equip our children with the skills on words they need to succeed in the new delighted to have partnered with Alan Armstrong, Director of global economy, we must teach Learning and Teaching Scotland in Curriculum and Assessment at Word game Scrabble is them to be resourceful, flexible, developing the Creativity Portal, Learning and Teaching Scotland, challenging primary schools confident, responsible and, perhaps which is one of the first of its kind in said: “The Creativity Portal will bring across the UK to take part in a most of all, creative. the world. Scotland’s cultural and education competition encouraging “That is why it is so crucial to have “The portal is a significant aid to sectors closer together in children to have fun with creativity at the very heart of the implementation of the supporting delivery of Curriculum words – and a education. The Action sets out how Curriculum for Excellence. Not only for Excellence by encouraging and chance to win this can be achieved through will it provide benefit to teachers sharing high quality creative £500 cash. collaboration between the and pupils in Scotland, but also to learning experiences for children The first 100 education and culture sectors. the cultural organisations involved and young people.” schools to enter “The Creativity Portal – the first who now have a platform for the competition will also each tangible resource from the Plan – increased presence in both urban , The Education and the Arts, receive a free Scrabble Junior set. will aid the rollout of Curriculum for and rural areas, with the ability to Culture and Creativity Action Plan The competition closing date Excellence in our schools and give spread the benefit of high quality can be accessed at: www.scotland. is 30th October 2010. teachers a forum for sharing best cultural experiences.” gov.uk/expactionplan practice across the country.” , Teachers interested in Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of receiving an information pack d Go to our series of features,starting on page 15, Creative Scotland, welcomed the on the role of Scottish Culture in the modern classroom should email: scrabbleschools@ approach. He said: “We are also mattel.com

Class sizesi Government moves to limit primary class sizes Michael Russell has confirmed that Mr Russell said: “Low class sizes sizes. Good progress is being made control mechanisms. There is regulations to legally limit primary can play a key role in both raising and our work with COSLA has shown certainly food for thought in the one class sizes at 25 have been laid pupil attainment and improving that we can continue to drive down report and I plan to discuss the before the Scottish Parliament. behaviour in the classroom. As our class sizes through the flexibility in content with councils and other The regulations follow a teachers put Curriculum for our agreement to deliver 20 per interested parties before consultation earlier this year. Excellence into practice, this is more cent of primary one to three pupils announcing any further steps.” Subject to Parliamentary approval, important than ever. in class sizes of 18 or fewer. the regulations will come into force “I am absolutely committed to “I will also be considering the , The review of class size control on 11 October 2010 and apply for making sure an increasing number recommendations from the mechanisms is available from the 2011-12 academic year. of pupils benefit from smaller class independent review into class size www.scotland.gov.uk TeachScot_pg04-07 1/10/10 16:22 Page 5

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In my view David Drever, Convener, GTC Scotland Agreement by committee In the last edition I gave an idea of work of GTC Scotland. The what the Council does. But how Professional Conduct Committee does it work? formulates and reviews policy Although the full Council meets relating to the professional conduct four times a year to agree strategic of teachers and receives reports direction, the main work of GTC from its Investigating and Scotland is done by committees Disciplinary Sub-Committees. and panels that operate throughout The Investigating Sub- the year, and are staffed by a Committee considers whether mixture of elected teachers and registered teachers or applicants for appointees (with the provision that registration have a case to answer statutory and other committees involving misconduct, conviction, responsible for teacher registration and competence. If there is, the and regulation have an elected Disciplinary Sub-Committee must GTC Scotland consultationsi teacher majority). resolve on options ranging from no While a Council of 50 members order, through reprimand and might seem large, the reality is that conditional registration order, to they are all gainfully deployed removal from the register. Tell us what throughout the committee The work of these two structure with little spare capacity. committees combine a concern for In fact, staffing committees will professional conduct with a need to be a major challenge in the protect the wellbeing of the you think Thirteenth Council – under Scottish children and young people in our Government legislation, future care. Despite the very small number As part of the process of GTC The consultation on the Rules Councils will be reduced to 37. of registrants who come before us, Scotland being established as a ‘self- proposes new Registration and Currently, the strategic direction the nature of this work requires regulatory, profession led body, Standards Rules and a revised of GTC Scotland between Council great delicacy, careful judgement along the lines of the General Statement of Registration meetings is in the hands of the and fairness throughout. Medical Council’, we are currently Principles concerning the Policy and Strategy Committee. This Another committee that deals seeking your input to our registration of individuals qualified group comprising the Committee with registration issues is the consultations. to teach outside Scotland Conveners and a number of other Exceptional Admission to the Two consultations are currently (currently known as the Statement members elected from the Council, Register. This group considers and taking place – one on the election of Principles governing Exceptional is responsible for developing and hears cases of teachers trained and appointment of Council Admission to the Register). These implementing Council policies. outwith Scotland who apply for members and the appointment of rules will apply to those seeking It is chaired by myself – all other registration. individuals (other than Council registration (or re-registration) with Committee Conveners These committees deal with members) to our panels (e.g. the GTC Scotland, as well as those are elected from statutory matters – there are others Disciplinary Sub-Committee and already registered with the Council Council at its first responsible for education, Professional Standards Panels; and who are looking to gain meeting. professional standards and finance. another on Registration and professional standards awards. The next layer Can I ask you to curb your curiosity Standards Rules. Responses will be published deals with the and I’ll consider them in my next Regarding elections and around March 2011. routine, essential column? appointments, Irene Hunter of GTC Scotland said: “We need to decide , To take part go to our website at The main work is on several key points relating to how www.gtcs.org.uk/independence. done by committees we elect and appoint people to sit The site includes details concerning on the Council and on our panels. consultations, the rationale for the and panels that operate “Your views on these proposals are proposals, timescales and a series throughout the year important to us.” of questions and answers. TeachScot_pg04-07 1/10/10 16:22 Page 6

6 If you have news to report, please email: [email protected]

Recipe book. CfE. Cooking the SuperJamway HMIE set to support

Fraser Doherty, Scotland’s jam HM Inspectorate of Education support. These take account of senior management teams and local entrepreneur, is now sharing his (HMIE) has taken the innovative step progress so far and local priorities authority staff; and supporting self- recipes with the nation through a of shifting some of its resources to for development. They aim to make evaluation activities. Inspectors will new cookbook. support the implementation of the best use of resources available, be engaging in professional The Super Jam Curriculum for Excellence. to address priorities which have dialogue, not providing answers Cookbook is a From August to December been identified and to contribute to or templates. collection of 2010, the inspectorate will not building and sustaining capacity. There will be no published recipes for jams, conduct any secondary school Inspectors will be involved in more reports on these visits. Inspectors marmalades and inspections – rather, inspectors will than 400 activities spanning a broad will use the information to help to chutneys. be carrying out a wide range of range of topics. There is a strong inform reports on implementation Fraser, who was named Young support activities for schools, in emphasis on support for curriculum for the Curriculum for Excellence Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007, partnership with local authorities, planning, but the themes also cover Management Board. has also been the driving force Scottish Qualifications Authority and areas such as assessment, transitions behind SuperJam Tea Parties for Learning and Teaching Scotland and individual curriculum areas. , If you would like to know more elderly people. staff. Activities will include meetings with about this work, including the Over the summer months groups of staff in individual schools; activities and their themes, please , The Super Jam Cookbook education authorities were in contributions to existing professional go to: www.hmie.gov.uk/generic/ by Fraser Doherty is Published discussion with HMIE’s District development programmes; work supporting+the+implementation+ by Ebury Press £10.99 Inspectors to agree plans for with groups of principal teachers, of+curriculum+for+excellence

Websitei An engaging GTCS website. opportunity We’ve got a new look A new website aims to encourage the education community to have a online broader say on the future of Scottish education and promote a direct GTC Scotland has relaunched its communication with the Scottish main website, giving it a fresh Government. new look and easier to navigate Engage for Education has new structure. material every day. Visitors can stay The site has been built around informed on the new curriculum, feedback from users and extensive with fact files and brand new video research carried out by the Web showing how teachers and Services team. This ensures it secondary schools are putting CfE guides users to the information into action, then have their say in they need quickly and makes best the lively blogs and workshops. use of web technologies to The Engage for Education improve the user experience. concept has recently taken to the Manager of Web Services, road with a series of open events in Angela Hamilton, said: “We Aberdeenshire, Alloa and wanted to create a fresh and Benbecula, where Education modern website that engages Ministers answered the public’s users and has an intuitive and user- questions about the new focused navigation structure.” curriculum. “We are very pleased with the site, and initial feedback from users , Follow Engage on twitter has been extremely positive.” @engageforedand don't forget to have your say at: , Go towww.gtcs.org.uk www.engageforeducation.org TeachScot_pg04-07 1/10/10 16:22 Page 7

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Obituary. Farewell Diary to a warm, Just a few ‘don’t miss’ events coming up Scotland’s curriculum areas of sciences, wonderful Colleges/SQA social studies and technologies. Academy: Curriculum www.ltsscotland.org.uk/events woman for Excellence and Health and Wellbeing Assessment Part 1 Roadshows Annie McSeveney sadly died on 19 October November: 2 – Aberdeen, 23 August of complications This course begins on 5 October, 4 – Kilmarnock, 9 – Edinburgh, 16 – Perth, 19 – Glasgow. following surgery to treat a sub when delegates will be invited to participate in an easy-to-use web December: 2 – Inverness, arachnoid haemorrhage. Members 7 – Stirling, 9 – Glasgow Annie’s professional knowledge and conference. Delegates will then be of her family were with her. Developed to support both passion for life will be much missed instructed to explore the online Warmth, compassion, materials at their own convenience local authority staff with a responsibility for Health and intelligence and vision are qualities Teachers Scotland (ACTS) in 2009. before the face-to-face event on Tuesday 19 October 2010. Wellbeing and senior managers to which Annie gave real meaning. Meanwhile, having gained a http://events.scotlands in schools and early years centres The breadth of Annie’s interests was masters in Education, she was about colleges.ac.uk/events to develop robust programmes of learning, teaching and matched by her enthusiasm and to submit the final draft of a Embedding More assessment in this area. commitment to everything she did. doctoral thesis when she took ill. Choices More Chances www.ltsscotland.org.uk/events She was a truly inspiring person. She shared some of her work at the October: 26 – Edinburgh, Scotland’s Colleges Annie was born in 1946 in Scottish Educational Research November: 3 – Glasgow, 10 – Aberdeen Innovation and Bradford. Teaching first in Shotts Association conference in 2008 and This conference, from LTS, will Excellence and then in Biggar, she moved to was due to present recent research allow local authorities and their Conference 2010 Leadhills as Head Teacher, before in Helsinki in September. partners to consider their current 23 November systems and structures and what returning to class teaching at Such a rich professional life would The conference aims to highlight improvements are needed to innovation and excellence across Braidwood Primary School, Carluke. be enough to satisfy most, but ensure effective delivery of young the FE sector. In 2005, Annie was among the Annie also had active interests in people’s entitlements to a http://events.scotlands first to attain Chartered Teacher music, sailing and running. She coherent, inclusive Senior Phase. colleges.ac.uk/events www.ltsscotland.org.uk/events status and she became an assessor played clarinet and, with her Scotland’s Colleges Developing global and supervisor for other Chartered husband, Sach, organised several Annual Awards 2010 citizens through Teachers. Her counselling skills, recorder groups. She was thrilled 23 November sciences, social studies The Annual Awards will follow learned as a Breastfeeding when her father also took up the and technologies the conference. For details on Counsellor for the National Childbirth instrument, describing her great November: 2 – Edinburgh, how to enter, please visit the Trust, and extensive professional delight in playing with him recently. 12 – Inverness, 19 – Glasgow Annual Awards page on the knowledge helped her to oversee She had five children and four Events have been organised by Scotland's College website. LTS to demonstrate how climate To book a place on the Innovation many others to Chartered status. grandchildren, all much loved, with change can be used as a rich and Excellence Conference 2010, Retirement was not a sign for whom she was very involved. context for learning to embed please book online. Annie to slow down. With the Annie’s time here was too short, global citizenship and http://events.scotlands sustainability issues within the colleges.ac.uk/events support of the GTCS, Annie began but she did not waste a minute of it. the labour that would lead to the This list is not exhaustive and GTC Scotland does not endorse any event included. birth of the Association of Chartered Dorothy Coe ACTS To promote your event to every registered teacher in Scotland, call Claire Stebbing: 0131 561 0024 TeachScot_pg08-09 1/10/10 16:24 Page 8

8 If you have news to report, please email: [email protected]

The PVG Schemei School inspectionsi Scheme set HMiE to review how to go live in November schools are inspected The Scottish Government plans to go live HMiE has launched a public consultation on produce more proportionate, focused, with the Protection of Vulnerable Groups proposed changes to the way schools are sustainable and effective inspections. Scheme on 30 November. inspected in Scotland. The inspectorate is keen “They should enable us to focus on schools A retrospective process for people already to hear your views on: that need support while still monitoring the working with children or protected adults to • moving to a smaller sample of health of the system and sharing good become Scheme members will be phased in schools to be inspected each year, practice. over a three-year period, beginning one year while ensuring ‘high risk’ schools “We very much want to hear the after the go-live date. are included views of everyone who has an interest The Scheme will impact teachers and how • focusing inspection on in school inspections to ensure that any GTC Scotland regulate the profession. aspects of provision most changes are suitable and understood We’ve taken the decision to make sure important in driving improved and we continue to meet the needs of all that any new applicant for registration is performance of our stakeholders. We want to continue to either already a a scheme member, or has to • proposals for increasing the involvement of use inspection to improve Scottish education in join the scheme in order to register with us learners and parents in the inspection process the most efficient and effective way possible.” with effect from 30 November 2010. • ways of increasing staff involvement • clearer, more accessible reports , The consultation period runs from , Further information on how the • moving towards a shorter period of advance 23 September 2010 to 17 December 2010. retrospective process will affect teachers notice for inspections. More information is available from will be provided nearer the time when this Bill Maxwell, HM Senior Chief Inspector, said: www.hmie.gov.uk/generic/ process begins. “We believe this package of changes can School+Inspection+Framework+ Review TeachScot_pg08-09 1/10/10 16:24 Page 9

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GTC Scotland hosted a recent discussion on accomplished teaching In my view Hugh Paton, Anniesland College As Annie said: tell me why?

GTC Scotland registration is a Qualification (FE) ‘in-service’. requirement for teachers but not However FE Lecturers are for lecturers in FE? Why? members of the ‘teaching The odds are, if you’re in FE and profession’. They can join a reading this, you are one of more ‘teaching union’; they can join the than 800 lecturers who currently Teachers Pension Scheme and yes choose to be a member of GTC they can register with GTC Scotland. Tell me why? Scotland. However, there seem to I’m sure there are other things be some hot issues in providing that could be bought with the fee. GTC Scotland Regulation for FE. The EIS Further Education With the current demands over Lecturers’ Association, and the EIS, Professional Standards, GTC New reporti have clearly stated over a number Scotland membership could be of years that they want GTC considered an opportunity for Chartered Teacher Scotland to be the Professional Colleges to demonstrate an Regulatory Body for FE and, from internationally recognised discussions, FE appear to want professional standing for their report published GTC Scotland. So why hasn’t it lecturing staff, if they really want to GTC Scotland has published a learning by investigating how the happened? take it! So tell me why Scotland’s research report of a pilot study into effects of accomplished teaching While some want it, and some Colleges aren’t arguing this? ‘Means of Investigating the Impact might best be evidenced not, the decision apparently is not I’m aware of one College of Accomplished Teaching on • How the capability of those with us but with others. Who? offering to pay the first year GTC Pupils’ Learning in the Context involved in implementing the Are the differences legitimate? Scotland registration fee and of the Chartered Teacher Initiative initiative could be improved to We in FE deliver, very another that supports the in Scotland. develop more effective means of successfully, post 16 National Enhanced Disclosure fee element, The research was commissioned promoting the professional learning Certificate through Higher National but where do Scotland’s Colleges by GTC Scotland and the Scottish of teachers seeking to become with wide Industrial, Commercial and the Scottish Government Government and carried out by the highly accomplished. and International activity. stand on this? University of Stirling and the One of the outcomes of the Like Secondary Education, we All stakeholders should be University of Glasgow. report was that researchers found support School College working together towards a single The study explored the following Chartered Teachers to be ‘enquiring Partnerships with school pupils coherent and independent body questions: professionals engaged dialogically attending college and college that helps ensure those teaching • How more rigorous and and critically with their practice.’ lecturers delivering in schools. in Scottish education, no matter systematic research might be Like Secondary Education, we what sector, have and maintain undertaken to assess the impact of , To find out more, go to deliver the Higher programme agreed Professional Standards; accomplished teaching on pupils’ www.gtcs.org.uk and are involved in CfE. and GTC Scotland is well So who or what is blocking GTC established to be that Scotland Regulation for FE? independent body. CfEi The business-focused materials Is it because FE are ‘teach first’ As John F Kennedy said: “So, let are designed to help employers with not all lecturers coming to FE us not be blind to our differences Help for employers understand the benefits of with a teaching qualification? – but let us also direct attention to engaging with young people Lecturers do have high academic our common interests and to the on new curriculum through CfE and encourage them qualifications, often including means by which those differences Education Secretary Michael Russell to get involved. industrial and commercial can be resolved.” has launched a brochure and experience, but some may have to website giving employers , Go to www.employersand undertake their Teaching , [email protected] information about CfE. young people.org TeachScot_pg10-11 1/10/10 16:28 Page 10

10 If you have news to report, please email: [email protected]

In at the Competitioni deep end Time to break the Follow the blogs of three probationery bullying habit teachers as they Two thirds of secondary school (37 per cent) discover the teachers claim bullying and felt most strongly classroom… bad behaviour are big midday that there are not enough break concerns. activities for children to do “It's been a In a nationwide survey carried (compared to the national average crazy few out by YouGov for General Electric of 30 per cent). Teachers in Scotland weeks. The (GE), 73 per cent of Scottish (22 per cent) were least concerned kids have started to teachers were concerned that lunch about the lack of activities. settle into my way of breaks are a problem for isolated Mark Elborne, President and CEO things, and they really or shy children. Nationally, 68 per of GE in the UK, said: “Our Design feel like my class now. cent of teachers were concerned My Break competition hopes to I love the job and I about this. address the concerns of teachers GE is launching a competition for that children have nothing to do cannot believe that schoolchildren to design their ideal during the lunch break. I get paid to do it.” lunchtime break, with tickets to the “With tickets to the London 2012 MR VBL 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Olympic and Paralympic Games up “Why has Games in London for the winners. for grabs, we hope schoolchildren no one ever Regionally, teachers in London will be inspired to get creative and invented a (36 per cent) and the Midlands enter some interesting ideas.” medal for completing half of the race?! This monumental occasion was marked rather spectacularly by the Chattering classes school sponsored walk.” A summary of educational issues that have made the media MISS J “Oh how the The big squeezei Size does matteri Stress-proofingi weeks are There were 54,600 teachers in Scotland’s Education Secretary for teachersi flying by! At the classrooms in the second quarter Mike Russell has announced new According to the Fife Free Press, beginning of the year of 2010, according to official rules to bring in a legal limit of 25 Fife Council plans to stress-proof the days and weeks figures – some 200 more than pupils in the first three years of all of its schools by carrying out a were slow. Now, when there were in 2002. primary education. survey that focuses on the I'm beginning to feel like The BBC reported Education The Daily Telegraph Scotland wellbeing of teachers and staff. I'm mastering the Secretary Mike Russell saying it reports that the SNP Nearly 300 schools are taking front-stroke and quite was not possible for local administration, which failed in its part in the online StaffWise audit, enjoying it, the authorities to employ the same ambition to bring in maximum recording the way employees weeks are passing in number of teachers as they had class sizes of 18 – or fewer – view their working environment. the blink of an eye!” done previously, pointing to the pupils, is trying again. Mr Russell As part of the 10-minute survey, MISS M recession, which has led to a says the new regulations will also teachers will answer questions on squeeze on public spending. make it harder for people to get support, role and relationships. , Follow the blogs of three They reported that local their children accepted at the School leaders will identify probationery teachers at authorities throughout Scotland school of their choice because www.probationerteacher areas for improvement and the scotland.org.uk are already offering mature the new limit would put results will be used to help teachers early local councils “on a improve staff morale. retirement more sound The audit was developed packages, leading footing” with the support of the to the number of when Scottish Government by Teacher teachers falling by more dealing with Support Scotland in partnership than 2,000 in the last year. placing requests. with Fife Council. TeachScot_pg10-11 1/10/10 16:28 Page 11

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PPA competitioni Advertising feature Island school hosts launch of magazine competition The scheme is helping young people get started in their career PPA Scotland’s business manager Kathy Crawford visited secondary schools in the Outer Hebrides recently to give talks on Senior pupils the magazine industry to teachers and pupils. Instead, they will give Paible She also launched next year’s School the chance to work SCIP into work Scottish School Magazine with Acorn Web Offset on Competition at Paible School, a the production of their school A programme designed to help CV, experience a 1:1 interview tiny school at the head of a sea magazine. young people in Aberdeen find a with honest and constructive loch in North Uist. The unique competition is worthwhile job could be rolled out feedback from professionals, and The competition supports the supported by Teaching Scotland in other parts of Scotland. finally, what is involved in an aims of the Curriculum for and many leading Scottish The Schools Careers Industry Assessment Centre. Excellence and has been applauded magazine publishing companies. Programme (SCIP) has been Industry sponsors play a big by Keith Brown MSP, Minister for The Scottish School Magazine running extremely successfully in part in SCIP, giving an informative Skills & Lifelong Learning. Competition was launched by PPA the Aberdeen area since ‘Energise presentation about their Paible’s 2010 entry to the Scotland in 2006 and has led the Your Future’ – a schools/industry/ company, what they do, what they competition took the bronze award way in encouraging school leavers careers event – laid the look for in employees and how for School Magazine of the Year to consider the magazine industry foundation. they recruit, and they also take and pupils were told that the as a career choice. This event brought together part in the programme, giving winners of the 2010 gold award, school pupils and companies from valuable information and Robert Gordon’s College in , For more information about this the oil and gas industry. As a result feedback to pupils. Aberdeen, have waived the prize competition, contact Kathy Crawford of many conversations with The testimonials from pupils, to have their school magazine at [email protected] visit teachers, pupils and industry teachers and sponsors are glowing professionally printed. www.scottishschoolmagcomp.co.uk representatives, the idea of and the results phenomenal. helping young people bridge the So much so that this year C-T-C skills gap between school and has been asked to deliver SCIP in Incentive schemei work was born, and Alastair Fraser every school in Aberdeen City for and Kay McCandless set about the next year and in every school Co-operative first with turning the idea into a reality in Aberdeenshire, for the next through their company, Coaching- three years. Training-Consultancy Ltd. (C-T-C). Kay and Alastair are passionate school affinity scheme The SCIP programme is aimed about what they do and they are The Co-operative Electrical has open to any school in the UK. at pupils going directly into work now actively looking at running launched a scheme to offer the James Holland, Managing after leaving school and focuses the programme in other parts of latest household and consumer Director, The Co-operative on building confidence, Scotland so that as many electrical goods at competitive Electrical, said: “This is an exciting understanding more about teenagers as possible can benefit prices for local communities development to provide schools themselves, how they think and from SCIP. while providing schools with the with additional funding for communicate with others and opportunity to earn commission equipment or educational activities. how to maximise these skills in an , For further information, please for items sold. Consumers get access to a wide interview. They’re shown how to visit www.c-t-c.org or contact The scheme will enable schools range of electrical products and build a professional and effective [email protected] to offer parents and pupils access to their local school benefits as well.” the wide-ranging products and services from one of the UK’s largest , Schools or charities wanting and online electrical retailers with a further information about the cash bonus paid into school coffers. initiative should contact David The new school affinity scheme is Sanderson on 0161 829 7884 TeachScot_pg12-13 1/10/10 15:16 Page 12

12 If you have news to report, please email: [email protected]

Building a bright fut

The adage ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix The Teacher Education Review has reached it’ may be true, but that doesn’t mean to say ‘it’ can’t be improved. a crucial stage, writes Daniel Lambie That’s the drive behind the Teacher Education Review which, Graham has been encouraged coming years.” “Sure, we need to be flexible under the co-ordination of Graham by the level of enthusiasm shown One of those challenges is and creative, but our decisions Donaldson, is now coming to a by the profession during the bound to be finance. So how does cannot solely be driven by the crucial stage. The review will build consultation. He said: “We Graham see his review balancing need to cut costs. on the strong foundations that have enjoyed the exercise greatly, the need to preserve quality, with “We need to be aware of the made our teacher education system thanks to the hugely constructive the prevailing pressure on public significance of the decisions we a worldwide benchmark to create a and creative engagement shown expenditure? take now, and the implications structure that can support the from all quarters. He said: “We can’t be naive as they will have on a generation of profession in the coming decades. “The information we have regards current financial pressures, teachers. We must create an Throughout 2010, Graham’s gathered has been crucial and but we need to be informed rather aspirational environment which team has been gathering the will ensure that whatever we than dictated by them. What this allows the profession to maintain thoughts and ideas of educational recommend is appropriate and review is doing is looking beyond and raise standards.” practitioners and stakeholders addresses the challenges and these; five, 15, 25 years into the Standards are an area of across Scotland, as well as opportunities that the teaching future. We therefore can’t lose teaching keenly – some may say scrutinising the teacher education profession will face in the sight of the bigger picture. disproportionately – scrutinised by programmes in other countries. the media. Case in point being the They are now in a position to We must create an aspirational stories of alleged poor literacy and analyse these findings and begin to environment which allows the numeracy skills among new formulate the recommendations teachers that made the front page that will ensure our system remains profession to maintain and raise standards of the papers earlier in the year. So fit for purpose. Graham Donaldson how will the review address these TeachScot_pg12-13 1/10/10 15:16 Page 13

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In my view Tom Hamilton, GTC Scotland Meeting the aspirations of future learners

GTC Scotland fully supports the education systems have teachers current review of Teacher who are well qualified, are Education being undertaken by innovative and autonomous with Graham Donaldson and Council good levels of self-efficacy and members have met with him as resilience. International research well as contributing a written also suggests that the education response which can be found on system itself has to be supportive our website. of its teachers, offering them Finance is currently an issue but opportunities to develop subject the Council would concur with Mr and pedagogic skills within a Donaldson’s sentiments and collegial ethos. stress that the many qualities of Scotland clearly has some Key themes the current teacher education of these elements already in system must be maintained if place and the General Teaching emerging Scotland’s ongoing aspirations for Council for Scotland will be uture While too early to define exact learners are to be met. fully supportive of future recommendations, Graham is Literacy and numeracy are developments which allow our able to identify several key themes clearly significant issues for strong foundation to be built concerns? First of all, said that are emerging. These include: education which are also upon to improve outcomes for Graham, the issues need to be • Making sure the various subjected to close scrutiny by the all learners in Scotland. put in perspective. “Most newly education programmes which press. The Government’s Entry qualified teachers will have no teachers will touch, from Memorandum for Courses of Literacy and issues with literacy and Induction, through CPD to Initial Teacher Education already numeracy are numeracy. But we do have a duty headship, flow together and demands qualifications in these to ensure that all teachers in the support one an other areas from applicants for clearly significant classroom have a competence • Building the mechanisms to teaching. So the issue may, in issues for education, that allows them to deliver to the allow teachers to more fact, be one of lack of confidence which are subjected high standards we should expect. independently manage their rather than lack of knowledge “Our review has identified that own CPD and universities do endeavour to to close scrutiny by there is an occasional gap in this • Developing the relationship deal with this complex matter the press area, but it is by no means one between universities and within initial teacher education. that cannot be bridged. We need schools to further enhance International research to ensure that we do not the Induction Scheme suggests that the best discourage perfectly good • Exploring routes into teaching teachers on the grounds of literacy to promote flexibility and and numeracy, when we can opportunity to enter the address these through the teacher profession education system.” • Getting the right balance between the development of , For next steps and to review how we teach and what we current progress, keep an eye on teach throughout an www.reviewofteachereducation individual’s career. inscotland.org.uk TeachScot_pg14-17 1/10/10 16:29 Page 14

14 Tell us what you think. Please email: [email protected]

In association with Microsoft Creating a world first for Homecoming Scotland

Homecoming Scotland 2009, a year-long celebration of Scottish heritage and culture, is set to become the world’s first digital event storytelling archive – and it’s coming to a town near you soon! Thanks to a collaboration between Microsoft, the Scottish Government, Queen Margaret University and Service Point, the Homecoming archive will become an organic and interactive platform where people of all ages can share information and experiences for generations to come. It will include Homecoming brought multimedia documentation that together kin and clan tracks the conception, delivery and evaluation of Homecoming. University base, he explained: “In The archive is the brainchild of beginning of the project was still in According to Professor Joe spring 2011, we’ll be taking the work Professor Goldblatt, who has 30 its research phase. As a result of this Goldblatt, Executive Director of the we’ve done with the Homecoming years’ experience studying special work, the research team has been International Centre for the Study of Scotland 2009 archive around the events such as family reunions. He able to fine tune the program and Planned Events, this project could country. This travelling exhibit will approached EventScotland during create a platform that can be rolled lead the way to schools, colleges, not only allow people to delve into 2009 to find out if they had any out to the world. communities and countries sharing the archive, but also add their own plans to archive the Homecoming Professor Goldblatt said: information in a whole new way. contributions. celebrations, and when they said “Microsoft also provided us with From his Queen Margaret “We’re keen that people bring they didn’t, he created some! His the kind of marketing advice that memories, pictures or even proposal was accepted and funded in itself is priceless, and put us in objects that they have personally in part by the Scottish Government, contact with its network of collected during Homecoming. and the rest is quite literally set to partners across Scotland, allowing A whole We can then digitise these and become history. us to find the skills and support we new zentity add them to the archive.” The Homecoming Scotland 2009 needed to make our vision a reality. This will not only make this archive was the perfect opportunity This led us to a web development Zentity is Microsoft’s Research particular archive more vibrant and to trial and further develop the firm who have become one of the Output Repository Platform, a inclusive, it will also, Professor Zentity software, which at the key collaborators.” mechanism to place and store Goldblatt hopes, inspire participants digital information. The tools to embark on their own projects. and functionality offered allow “A key part of the travelling project and attend the users to easily find what they exhibition will be to teach d travelling exhibition. are looking for, and to add their participants how to create their own YOUR CHANCE TO. He may be reached at own contributions. archives,” he said. BECOME INVOLVEDI [email protected] Zentity focuses on the This could lead to a new management of academic generation of social networking, Professor Goldblatt For more information assets – such as people, where often-disparate groups share welcomes inquiries from about Microsoft’s work in books/papers, lectures, detailed knowledge, resources and teachers and others who Education in the UK,see presentations, videos, understanding of shared experiences would like to have their the Partners in Learning workflows, datasets, and tags – with the world. It could also lead to a students participate in the Network,at http://uk. as well as the semantic series of exciting school projects that Homecoming Scotland partnersinlearning relationships between them. lend themselves perfectly to 2009 event story telling network.com Curriculum for Excellence. TeachScot_pg14-17 1/10/10 16:29 Page 15

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Learning about Scottish History has never been more important, says Professor Tom Devine. The renowned historian tells Daniel Lambie that it doesn’t just help young people make sense of the past, it is also crucial to their understanding of the future

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16 What do you think? Please email: [email protected]

History is a wonderfully powerful intellectual discipline. It helps to develop clarity of thought, scepticism and lucidity. It encourages analysis, argument, debate Professor Tom Devine d The tightrope between academic Fortunately for his readers and credibility and populism is a difficult students, Professor Devine rekindled one to straddle. But it is a measure of a passion for history as he whiled the success of Professor Tom Devine away his free time in the libraries of that he has managed to do this Motherwell. A fascination about the throughout his career. His books on two world wars encouraged him to Scottish History have both sat high explore the copious texts on the on the bestsellers lists and enjoyed subjects. Within these he uncovered the respect of his professional peers. more than statistics, but also reason His approach is simple, and one and context. He also found gaps that that teachers struggling to bring fuelled his imagination, leading him history to life in the classroom could to interpret, analyse and come to his learn from. At the risk of over- own conclusions. simplifying, the secret of his success His discovery – what he describes is to present history from the as “the tension between fact and perspective of the people, and interpretation” – inspired Professor realise its present day context. This, Devine to dedicate his professional he believes, gives history a currency life to history. and dynamic more likely to engage a It is this very journey that he wider audience. believes makes history a vital part of Professor Devine’s approach to the modern classroom. He said: history stems from his own initial “History is a wonderfully powerful exposure to the subject, while at intellectual discipline. It helps to school in Lanarkshire in the early develop clarity of thought, 1960s. He recalls dull lessons scepticism and lucidity. It constructed around memorising encourages analysis, argument, dates and the lineage of elite debate.” families. These exercises would be He also feels that history provides punctuated by instructions to copy, a crucial role in the development of verbatim, pages from textbooks into our young people “in a modern his jotter. The staid approach democratic society, especially one He illustrates his arguement by could have a deep and long-lasting presented history as a lifeless series like our own where advertising referring to fashionable historical impact on how the coming of facts and it encouraged him to sloganising and soundbite texts over the past few generations. generations react to Scotland’s turn his back on the subject in his marketing are endemic and there is He notes that the popularity of present fiscal situation. early teens. a huge overload of John Prebble, whose interpretation Having set out a convincing case information. Historical of Scottish history encouraged a for the importance of history in the study helps discern the perception of victimhood, coincided classroom, how would Professor realities behind the hype. with the rise of the SNP and Devine ensure that lessons don’t “While we can never nationalist sentiments in the 1960s replicate those he had to endure? predict the future, history and 1970s. He wonders what First of all, he recognises things can help children impact this understanding of our have moved on. He said: “I’m understand the past, history had on our self-esteem and encouraged that the approach to and how our current the subsequent failure of the history is much more imaginative situation is part of an devolution referendum in 1979. now and that specialist history ongoing journey as a Then, more recently, more teachers in schools speak to me nation. If children are triumphal texts from authors such as with such passion about their taught the ‘total Arthur Herman reflected and subject.” curve’, it can and does reinforced the new self-confidence While aware that this passion impact perspectives we enjoyed due to relative comes from a personal of themselves and prosperity. interpretation of history, teachers their country.” So history, and its interpretation, cannot afford to influence their TeachScot_pg14-17 1/10/10 16:29 Page 17

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Professor Devine’s texts on Scottish history have managed to combine Let Historic Scotland help popularity with credibility you bring the past to life

How can we actively engage young Scotland and spanning 5000 years of Independence or World War people with their past, increase of history from Skara Brae in Orkney One, while others, aptly entitled understanding of its relevance to to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. ‘Discovery Sessions’, offer flexible their lives today and excite them Well-planned visits to such sites, options which can be tailored to enough to consider history as integrated with classroom studies, meet teachers’ needs. option for further study? can provide that significant extra Teacher-led visits and many of As a provider of imaginative dimension to pupils’ learning which our activities are free. Last year we learning opportunities which will deepen understanding, spark had over 93,000 visits with a 97.5 engage young people with the creativity and provide a meaningful percent satisfaction rating for magic of the real thing, Historic context in which to develop critical quality! Not only that, but the Scotland has noticed a marked thinking skills. Scottish Government’s Travel increase in demand since the Historic Scotland’s 2010-11 Subsidy Scheme offers assistance inception of Curriculum for schools programme is out now and with transport costs to all our Excellence. For many years, primary offers teachers a range of activities sites. It’s easy to apply when you schools have been staunch at sites across the country. book a visit. advocates of the positive impact Some support particular areas of visits to historic sites can have on study such as , If you want to find out more learners. Now it would seem that the Wars about what Historic Scotland more secondary teachers of history has to offer, please go to its than before are finding themselves website www.historic- enabled, through new Higher scotland.gov.uk/learning History coupled with the focus on If you would like a copy of our Does history have outdoor learning, to get out of the Schools Programme or have a a part to play in our classroom to enthuse, inspire and specific request, please telephone children’s future? motivate their students. 0131 668 8793/8936 Historic Scotland cares for 345 Go to www.teaching nationally important sites, staffed scotland.org.uk and unstaffed, located all over and tell us...

students own journeys too greatly. He said: “It is always a good idea to stress that conscious or unconscious bias is inevitable and to show how different historians can quite honestly come to different conclusions on the basis of much the same evidence. “Teachers need to make sure their methodology is explained, in terms of known and unknown bias; the elitist nature of many texts; parochialism; and even, in national histories, the temptations of ethnic conceit and boosterism.” By doing this, he believes, teachers offer their students the best possible opportunity to realise the intellectual potential which history can deliver if taught in an engaging and exciting fashion. TeachScot_pg18-19 1/10/10 16:30 Page 18

Alan MacGillivray presents his personal view of how Scottish culture is represented in the modern classroom and beyond Strangers in their own land In Scotland today, in our schools and Very many pupils into a sharing of its rich secrets. Nobody is colleges, we are surrounded by strangers charged to tell them that they are the in a strange land. I am not referring to and students of rightful inheritors of a 1,500-year-old immigrants from abroad, legal or illegal. Scotland live in a land tradition of languages and literature that The strangers are the pupils and students strange to them has been an integral part of European who are being taught within the civilisation and has influenced societies the autonomous Scottish education system, because they are not world over. Of course, nobody has told plus many of the teachers themselves, shown the culture most of their teachers that either, so how who are administering this system; and the wealth that defines it can the pupils be expected to know? strange land, strange to them all, is English teachers are the product of the Scotland itself. The reasons for this Alan MacGillivray same inadequate curriculum as their paradox are not hard to find. pupils. For pupils, teachers, and indeed To begin with the strangeness of the Scottish culture and literature. officials and politicians as well, Scottish land. Unlike virtually every other country Encouraging words in abundance have culture is pawky and parochial, the in the world, Scotland has long been been uttered, yet never has any Education language is common slang, and literature governed by people who have difficulty Minister, whether Conservative, Labour or amounts to platitudes about Rabbie Burns. accepting the self-evident truth that all SNP, committed clearly and Every one of these delusions is the citizens have a right to know about the unambiguously to placing a mandatory product of laughable ignorance and culture of their own land. Everywhere else Scottish element in the language and pathetic prejudice. The growing number in the world, including our great neighbour literature curriculum. Thus very many of scholars and enthusiasts who are aware to the south, there is a requirement that pupils and students of Scotland live in of the true range, scope and depth of the education system at all levels pays a land strange to them because they Scottish literary and cultural achievement attention as a duty, an inescapable are not shown the cultural wealth that are doing a great job in the face of obligation, to the national cultural assets, defines it most fully. governmental apathy, civil service hostility including its literature and its language. In this way, they, and very many of their and the irrational prejudice of colleagues Usually this requires an element of teachers, are like immigrants to to spread at least some knowledge in the mandatory examination and assessment. Scotland. They look schools. However, the results are Scotland is different. None of its around the visible patchy and many schools are administrations and governments over surface of the total desert areas where many decades have paid more than a society and are Scottish language and fluctuating lip-service to the validity of not admitted literature are concerned. A necessary first step in redressing this is to review what may needed in the Exclusive! form of Scottish language Go to our website for an essay and literature courses for on Scottish Literature in the English teachers at both modern classroom by John undergraduate and postgraduate levels of Hodgart, from the Association tertiary education and for Scottish Literary Studies training. Striking a note of faint TeachScot_pg18-19 1/10/10 16:30 Page 19

In my view Anne Jardine, LTS A wealth of resources Education about Scotland’s rich curriculum. Contrary to the belief culture plays a key role in CfE. In that it is merely a dialect of English, order to develop as responsible Scots is recognised as a language citizens in a globalised world, it is in its own right by the Scottish and essential that pupils have a firm UK Governments and by the optimism, one can say that even in official understanding of Scotland’s European Union. It is estimated quarters there is now a growing sense that society, heritage and history. that around 1.6 million people this nonsensical state of affairs cannot be Reflecting this, Learning and speak Scots and there are plans for allowed to continue. The total lack of any Teaching Scotland (LTS) has a formal question on Scots to be arguments that can be mounted against created a range of online included in the 2011 census. the rational policy of making the teaching resources for teachers and In addition, LTS is committed of Scottish literature and culture learners to explore and promote to the promotion of the Gaelic mandatory in Scottish schools, the Scotland’s culture. language. Our first Gaelic realisation of the inescapable right of all LTS, along with partners from Language Plan, approved by the future Scottish citizens to be informed the Heritage Education Forum, Bòòrd na Gààidhlig, was launched about their own country, and the sense developed a suite of online last year and produced under the that officialdom is beginning to look resources called Scotland’s History, terms of the Gaelic Language merely ridiculous in its intransigence – which explores more than 5,000 (Scotland) Act 2005. these are bringing about some movement years, enabling learners to develop LTS has recently produced a in the glasshouses of government. Yet the an understanding of how Scotland DVD resource for Gaelic early years instinct is to move at a snail’s pace, fighting has grown as a nation, as well as an settings, which will provide a delaying action. The time for action is appreciation of their heritage inspiration for teachers and ensure now. A Minister of Education must grasp within the global community. that pupils beginning to learn the nettle very soon (safely protected by Featured here are the new through Gaelic benefit from the the gloves of officialspeak) and declare for learning materials created to active learning approach. This a secure place within Scottish education for commemorate the recent passing DVD forms a key part of the the national literature. It really is time to of Jimmy Reid, the renowned Scottish Government’s drive to make Scotland less of an international trade unionist and journalist, increase the number of young educational oddity. including a transcript of his Gaelic speakers and help the famous 1972 rectorial address at language to thrive. Glasgow University. Scotland’s culture is a topic Alan As part of the ‘Knowledge of that allows teachers to make Language’ resource, available via meaningful connections across a MacGillivray the LTS website, there is an variety of curriculum areas, from Alan MacGillivray has been a Principal extensive section on Scots literacy and languages to social Teacher of English, a Senior Lecturer in language, which provides an studies, and LTS will continue to English Literature at Jordanhill College essential introduction to Scots support the important role that of Education and a lecturer in Scottish with information on its history, Scotland’s heritage plays in Literature at the University of dialects and how to incorporate education to benefit future Strathclyde. He is the author and editor Scots into teaching across the generations of learners. of books and articles on the teaching of Scottish Literature, and is a Past President of the Association for Contrary to the belief that it is Scottish Literary Studies. Recently he merely a dialect of English, Scots is has been writing and publishing recognised as a language in its own right collections of poetry. TeachScot_pg20-21 1/10/10 16:31 Page 20

20 If you have news to report, please email: [email protected]

So, what role should Scottish culture play in the modern classroom – and why? We ask some key figures for their perspectives Are we leading by example?

TS. What role do you feel themselves and their place in the improving pupils’ confidence, Scottish culture plays in the world to life. enabling them to develop their modern classroom? TS. Why is instilling a sense of sense of their own identities and JP. Creative learning and teaching Scottish culture in students raising their ambition. is a necessary part of enabling important? TS. Do you have practical young people to develop as JP. Learning in and through examples of work you have successful learners with openness Scottish culture nurtures all aspects been involved in (especially to new ideas and thinking. It of the ‘responsible citizen’. It with students) in this area that The Panel: nurtures important life and work nurtures knowledge and has made a lasting difference? Chair: Joan Parr (JP) skills such as creative and understanding of the learner’s JP. One project due to take place Head of Education at independent thinking, flexibility, environment and place in the before Christmas is ‘State of Creative Scotland intelligent risk taking, problem world as well as a confidence in Emergency’, which will help pupils Phillipa Cochrane (FC) solving and confidence. their identity. participate in online dramas Learning Manager at the Scottish Book Trust MF. Scottish culture should MF. How else can they be confident broadcast ‘live’ from a fictional Matthew Fitt (MF) Founder occupy a far more mainstream about themselves as Scots? How country in conflict to explore of Itchy Coo publications position in the classroom than at can the aims of Confident dilemmas and themes associated Stephen Allen (SA) present. Knowing your country’s Individuals and Responsible Citizens with war. Head of Learning and history and culture is the proper ever be met if our young people do MF. Itchy Coo’s remit has been Programmes at National Museums of Scotland foundation on which to build not know very much about the to engage pupils with the Scots learning about other nations and country in which they live? language through the school the world in general. SA. A recognition of what makes curriculum. Almost all children SA. With the advent of Curriculum Scotland and ‘the Scots’ ‘different’ from Scots speaking backgrounds for Excellence there has been a from other cultures or peoples in respond positively to Scots learning strong emphasis on promoting an the UK and beyond can help to activities. Often reticent or appreciation of Scotland’s heritage inspire a sense of pride and disruptive children become model and development as a nation. positive identity in students and pupils when they experience their PC. The role of Scottish culture is to help create engaged citizens. home language in the classroom. provide a context for teaching and PC. Understanding and feeling SA. The National Museum of learning – bringing pupils’ part of the culture of the country Scotland’s One Nation, Five Million understanding and sense of they live in is fundamental to Voices film involved students as TeachScot_pg20-21 1/10/10 16:31 Page 21

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participants – Anderson Scottish culture should occupy learning and teaching. High School and Bells Brae MF. The Itchy Coo Education and Primary School, Shetland; a far more mainstream position Outreach programme, which has Stornoway Primary School, in the classroom than at present worked in almost every local Nicolson Institute (High School), Isle Matthew Fitt authority, will cease in 2011, leaving of Lewis; Kilmarnock Academy, and a huge gap in educational provision Loanhead Primary School, East at a crucial time in the Ayrshire, and Donaldson’s School illustrators who live and work are intertwined with Scotland’s development of Scots in schools. for the Deaf, West Lothian. in Scotland. cultural life. SA. The National Museums A further six schools responded TS. Money is tight. Isn’t it time PC. Culture is a practical issue. Scotland pre-school, primary and to the film through LTS Glow to focus on more practical Creativity has been identified as secondary schools’ programmes (2009) and the National Museum issues? one of the key elements that are available online on our website of Scotland ran schools’ workshops JP. Curriculum for excellence education should provide. Culture and in paper format. (2009) to create podcast versions offers an opportunity to do things provides a framework for PC. Scotland is fortunate to have a of the film. differently. More collaborative understanding and developing range of high-quality literary PC. For the past four years we have working can provide creative personal creativity and a context organisations, all providing been running the Royal Mail solutions, without compromising for exploring ideas, playing with resources, learning opportunities Awards for Scottish Children’s quality. knowledge and acquiring and and professional development to Books. This is the national award for MF. What can be more practical honing new skills. What is more the education sector. children’s fiction and is judged by than teaching children about their practical than that? young people throughout own country? A knowledge of TS. What resources, support or Scotland. Participating children, of Scottish culture can ignite young advice would you point Exclusive! which there were 30,000 in 2009, people’s interest in a wide range of teachers towards if they are Log on to read three books in the appropriate subjects. Learning about great embarking on this? www.teaching age category and vote for their Scots can be inspirational and JP. We launched ‘The Creative favourite. This project gives young aspirational. Portal’ at this year’s Scottish scotland.org.uk people in Scotland regular, SA. Focusing on Scottish culture Learning Festival. This helps bring for extended consistent access to the best makes practical sense since the Scotland’s cultural and creative answers from contemporary Scottish children’s Scottish economy and the resources and education closer each of the panel fiction – written by authors and nation’s international reputation together and in support of creative TeachScot_pg22-23 1/10/10 16:33 Page 22

22 What do you think? Please email: [email protected]

Television programmes such as River City are popular culture icons that help to keep the Scots language alive River City picture courtesy of BBC; Paulo Nutini picture courtesy of Warner Bros. of Warner courtesy of BBC; Paulo Nutini picture courtesy City picture River TeachScot_pg22-23 1/10/10 16:33 Page 23

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Through GTC Scotland’s teacher researcher programme, one teacher has explored the use in impact of the Scots language in classrooms, writes Brian Henson

Aye deein’, but nevir deid. makes us who we are.” “Most youngsters who are studying Young people, argues a retired Celia began her research shortly in Scotland will have heard Scots Stay tuned teacher, could be the saving of the after she retired. “I loved teaching words and may have wondered Scots language. and the interaction with young what they meant. This in itself may Look out for a From primary school through minds, and I worried that I would I give them the stimulus to find out future edition of secondary, research has shown find the separation especially hard. more. Another aspect is the current Teaching Scotland, pupils are enthusiastic about its use, Scots language and literature has – and future – status of the Scots when we will and very positive about the need to always been a love of mine, and language. Is it fading or is it discuss other keep the language not only alive, carrying out the research would be flourishing? indigenous but developing its use in day-to-day an ideal interest that would keep “TV programmes such as River languages and speech and writing. me in touch with school and pupils City have re-opened the door to the dialects spoken in Curriculum for Excellence should for a while longer.” Scots language. Pop star Paolo be the key to Scots’ future, Celia believes CfE should be used Nutini regularly regales fans at his Scotland, including according to one researcher who to spark interest among young concerts with Robert Burns’ ‘A Man’s Gaelic and Doric. has just completed a three-year people to find out more for a Man for a’ That’. And tourists are project in north east Scotland. themselves about our language. introduced to the guid Scots they would find it easier to translate Celia Craig, a former principal “Some people may think a lot will tongue with couthy words on from Scots to English, or from teacher at Westhill Academy in depend on the proportion of pupils coasters, mugs and placemats. English to Scots? That exercise was Westhill, Aberdeenshire, worked who have a Scots background and “There’s plenty of room for great fun for the pupils, and showed with children from seven to 17 and have heard Scots spoken at home. further research to be done. My me that young people have a great found in them a positive attitude to But my research also suggests that own research set out to find the facility with language, be it Scots or the use of Scots in the classroom. some of the strongest current status of Scots and its use by any other.” “A very large percentage of P7 advocates of the primary and secondary school pupils believed they could be Scots language pupils in Aberdeenshire. , Celia’s research project taught lessons in Scots by their have come from “I wanted to assess their attitude A comparative analysis of the use teachers speaking Scots,” she said. outside Scotland. to Scots as a language – its status, its of Scots language and literature in “Some responses were very place and its use. I wanted to assess selected primary and secondary perceptive – one pupil told me, pupils’ understanding of schools in Aberdeenshire ‘Your teacher could teach you in linguistic terms – and (2008/2009) is archived with the Scots, but she would need to be whether they thought Elphinestone Institute at Aberdeen very good at it.’” Scots was a University and can also be found in Another told her: “Scots should language, dialect, the National Library of Scotland in continue for ever. It is Scotland’s accent or slang.” Edinburgh. A detailed abstract is traditional way to speak. It’s a Celia added: “I also also available from www.scots language you should be proud of. It Paolo Nutini wondered whether education.co.uk/reports Language helps inside and outside class A Falkirk teacher is recognised by GTC Scotland for her work on the Scots language

Katrina Lucas, a primary teacher Katrina said: “We approach this “In addition, we found those Personally, her work has inspired working within Falkirk Council, is very much as we would any other prone to challenges in their Katrina to embark on a Chartered set to become the first teacher to modern language, like French or learning were very motivated Teacher programme through be awarded Professional German. In my school, Scots is not – it was almost as if they were Strathclyde University, which she Recognition by GTC Scotland for necessarily spoken too widely, so being allowed to do something hopes to finish in a year or so. her work on the Scots language. when we introduced it, it became naughty – and many have made Katrina’s experience indicates The recognition comes after a gateway to wider aspects of significant progress.” the Scots language has a very valid, her studies demonstrated that Scottish culture. Falkirk Council is very active in the and constructive, place in the pupils, and in particular boys, “We received very positive promotion of Scots in school, and modern classroom. showed a marked improvement feedback from children from Katrina has become one of their in both literacy and confidence diverse backgrounds, who were co-ordinators, providing support , For more on how Professional following the introduction of able to take their learning home and advice to other teachers Recognition can help your career, Scots lessons. and pass it on to the wider family. looking to explore this area. go to www.gtcs.org.uk/cpd TeachScot_pg24-25 1/10/10 16:31 Page 24

24 What do you think? Please email: [email protected]

In association with Teacher Support Scotland What would you do? Your chance to tell us what you think

Don’t forgeti Breaking down Teacher Support Scotland is available to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call on 0800 564 the barriers 2270 or visit www.teachersupport scotland.info Those working in post-16 education can Research has shown that barriers still exist between teachers and parents, which call Recourse (formerly CUSN) for free and in can have a negative impact on a child’s schooling. Teacher Support Scotland and confidence on 0808 802 03 04 or visit Parentline Scotland are working together to see how better collaboration might www.recourse.org.uk benefit schools in Scotland. Teacher Support Scotland is a registered We’d like to initiate a discussion about how readers might see a better charity (no. SCO32500) and part of the relationship between parents and schools in the following theoretical situation: Teacher Support Network, a UK-wide group of independent charities dedicated to Paul is an experienced secondary school improving the health and wellbeing of teacher. A pupil’s parent had repeatedly visited trainee, serving and retired teachers. the school to complain about Paul, eventually interrupting one of his classes to vent their In the last edition we asked you to comment frustration at him. Paul suspects the parent’s on a scenario about the pros and cons of a frustrations are based on untruths told by his teacher giving pupils a lift home in their car pupil, but Paul is finding it impossible to improve after a school event. Some very positive and relations with the parent? constructive feedback was received, which reflected a lot of common sense but also What should Paul do? recognised the difficult judgements teachers have to make. Go to www.teaching scotland.org.uk to read the comments and + Go online, at www.teachingscotland.org.ukand tell us what you think the response from GTC Scotland. + www.teachersupportscotland.info TeachScot_pg24-25 1/10/10 16:31 Page 25

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In association with SQA CfE Liaison Managers New SQA liaison www.sqa.org.uk/cfeteam

Donnai team to support CfE Viversi Background: To support the roll out of CfE in Jacqui, top left, Youth education secondary schools and colleges, the with the Scottish Qualifications Authority Liaison Team Charliei (SQA) has created a team of O’Donnelli specialists to visit centres to explain the initiative and respond to Background: feedback. Centre Manager Heading up the CfE Centre Liaison Team is manager Jacqui Murray who Scotti appreciates that some teachers will Murphyi feel that CfE is a challenge. Background: She said: “In general, I think there Teacher is a great enthusiasm for CfE as it gives teachers the freedom to explain the development and leave school or go on to further Annettei deliver teaching in a way that is in delivery of the new national education at 16. the best interests of their pupils – qualifications, answer questions that “As CfE is rolled out we want to McKennai and who knows what children need teachers have and collect feedback identify the hot topics and provide Background: better than their teachers?” to gauge what further support support around these areas. And it’s Teacher CfE has already been rolled out in centres need to deliver CfE.” not just teachers that are affected, primary schools. S1 pupils are the In January 2011, SQA will publish as administration staff will have to Kellyi first cohort to be taught under the the rationales and course understand aspects of the new Milfordi new curriculum – and will be the first summaries for National 4 and qualifications, such as entering pupil Background: to sit the new National Qualifications National 5 which will help teachers data on the computer system. Prince’s Trust in 2014. understand how the qualifications “If we pick up general concerns Overview of Qualifications Reports for each subject will look. These are about subjects we will feed this back outlining the subjects and levels in currently being designed. Teachers to our Qualifications DesignTeams which qualifications will be also have the opportunity to submit for review.” SQA is one of the four partner developed are currently available on feedback on all of the draft But you don’t have to wait until national organisations involved the SQA website – www.sqa.org.uk/ documents available on the website. one of the CfE Centre Liaison Team in Curriculum for Excellence: curriculumforexcellence. Jacqui added: “We’ve all seen visits your school to raise any issues. others include HMiE, LTS and Jacqui said: “I believe teachers will how hard teachers have been The SQA website has the facility to the Scottish Government. find that the actual curriculum has working to prepare for CfE for the let you have your say – not changed much – but the real start of this 2010/11 session. It’s www.sqa.org.uk/haveyoursay. , For more information visit change and challenge for them is worth remembering that schools “We want to encourage everyone www.sqa.org.uk/curriculum the way they deliver their subjects. will have to teach the new to get involved and have their say,” forexcellence “My team and I are visiting every curriculum alongside the ‘previous’ said Jacqui. “It’s all about working in school and college in Scotland to one until the current S2 cohort partnership.”

Implementation timetable for new National Qualifications April 2012 April 2013 2014/2015 Formal publication of new qualifications at Final Standard Grade examinations First new qualifications at SCQF level 6 SCQF level 4 and 5 (National 4 and National 5) (Apr/May/Jun) – final certification of (Higher); 'dual run' with current Access, and new qualifications at SCQF levels 1-3 and Standard Grades in Aug 2013 Intermediate and Higher Courses 6 (Access and Higher) 2013/2014 2015/2016 April 2013 First new qualifications at SCQF level 1-5 First new qualifications at SCQF level 7 Formal publication of new qualifications at (Access 1-3, National 4 & 5); 'dual run' with (Advanced Higher) SCQF level 7 (Advanced Higher) current Access and Intermediate Courses TeachScot_pg26-27 1/10/10 16:32 Page 26

26 What do you think? Please email: [email protected]

In my view Margaret Orr, National CPD Team Distributing leadership

Professional Review and focus their contribution on the Development and associated development of practice which CPD is very topical and is relates to the needs of the pupils currently a focus of discussion in their particular school. Their between the National CPD Team contribution should be and the CPD Network. The team recognised as professional is also exploring the implications development in the colleague’s for PRD and CPD within the own CPD profile and also as a Children’s Paneli context of distributed leadership. contribution to the professional This month’s article offers a development of others. This in New panel members sought perspective on the relationship turn provides a focus for PRD Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram has launched between the two and one discussions and related ongoing a national campaign to recruit new panel members to the approach which is being trialled CPD activity. The challenge in Children’s Panel. by the team to explore the schools where children and The centrepiece of the campaign is a large, freestanding cracked impact of distributed leadership young people are also accessing mirror which links closely with the campaign slogan: “could you help in establishing and sustaining a support from partner agencies is fix the cracks in their lives?” community of practice. complex – where does the If CfE in all its aspirations is to balance of distributed leadership , www.infoscotland.com/childrenspanel be successfully embedded into lie? What are the mutual practice there is a clear need for benefits? all colleagues to be aware of their The National CPD Team in School visits. – to listen to trees, touch trees, role and responsibilities and how collaboration with Kersland watch trees, imagine trees. We all a staff team complements each special school in Renfrewshire is Author plants had notebooks to scribble down first other to ensure that children and exploring these themes in impressions, and in the classroom young people benefit holistically relation to defining a community new poems we wrote more detailed accounts.” from the skills and experience of practice which recognises and Kenneth now visits schools across which determine the quality of values the impact of distributed Kenneth Steven’s PoeTree Project the country. Children celebrate the learning experience. leadership. The collaboration will came about almost by accident. poems and trees by planting a new In terms of distributed also consider a model for PRD The poet and writer said: “I oak – a PoeTree – while he is there. leadership there is a danger that and CPD to support the learned that local children were not it is a phrase which can be easily approach. The National CPD outdoors as I had been. , Find out more at: used but not necessarily Team recognises that in a climate “So we went – pupils, staff and me www.kennethsteven.co.uk understood in the same way by of inclusion these questions are colleagues. If it is to be an also highly pertinent in a Nil by Mouth. influence to the good , mainstream setting and will be colleagues must have a shared engaging with colleagues to understanding and commitment consider the related PRD and Charity looks for volunteers to a culture which sees it as CPD implications. Nil by Mouth, the Scottish Charity who provides awareness raising sessions empowering staff rather than as As ever we would be delighted on a particular social issue to schools in Scotland, is currently looking for a means of delegating to hear from you: either in terms volunteers. Volunteers would contribute to the work of the group, unpalatable tasks. It can only of the perspective which has particularly to deliver workshops and become involved in initiatives in operate effectively in a climate of been outlined or any approaches secondary schools. trust and respect. Colleagues being undertaken in your school who are active in leadership roles or authority. , For more details, contact Lisa Campbell, on 0141 225 8008on email at [email protected] or at www.nilbymouth.org TeachScot_pg26-27 1/10/10 16:32 Page 27 TeachScot_pg28-29 1/10/10 16:37 Page 28

28 What do you think? Please email: [email protected]

In my view Mike Stevenson, Thinktastic

laughing now? Google’s vision: “To clear role in raising and meeting organise the world’s information personal and community A time to and make it universally accessible aspirations. A great school and useful.” Both these companies encourages staff and pupils to keep were founded with a clear purpose learning and developing. By using and supportive internal culture to their own language to create their rediscover drive their ambitious visions. vision of the future it resonates with As businesses adopt attitudes them and provides a confident that provoke great achievement voice for all involved. simple and success, rather than ‘managing In economic uncertainty, it is expectations’, surely this is the time to take stock and become evolving attitude that should be self-reliant is a way no Government adopted within schools? Imagine if directive can dictate. Let’s rise ambition a 10-year-old Chris Hoy’s dream of above the knee-jerk response of becoming an Olympic gold medal saying, ‘no,’ and instead look for Does your school speak with a individually strive for. Wise cyclist had been shattered, rather opportunities, rediscovering that collective ambition? Does it shout organisations like Google and than supported. gold nugget of human about its values? What Innocent smoothies developed We know enthusiastic teachers resourcefulness. characteristics do you want winning cultures based on these inspire enthusiastic learners. Let’s go forward and rediscover students to develop? principles. By involving staff and Cynicism is corrosive and simple values and the power of Each of us is driven by a future in customers in creating ideas to unconstructive. Abandoning great ambition when it is which we see ourselves as better inspire, it develops shared values unhelpful attitudes is a challenge, implemented in our schools to and happier. The New Economic that recognises, stimulates, but it can be done. make them great. As the Buddest Foundation lists five ways to well- stretches and rewards all involved. How can we inspire staff and saying, that resonates strongly with being: be active, connect, take “A PC on every desk and in every pupils to develop a clear and simple me says, “The wise understand the notice, keep learning, and give. In home.” Microsoft’s founding vision. vision? Involve the whole school in complexity, but only the wisest find essence this is what we all Audacious? Yes! But who is defining a unique personality and the simplicity.”

Over the next few months, a wide range of CPD CPD courses are running in your area, including: University of Aberdeen SSERC in Collaborative Working; Professional Studies framework School of Education Science and Technology Education & Health with six named pathways. Programmes available include: Advisory Service. New opportunity for Education Telephone, email or visit the Chartered Teacher, Leadership in Health and Safety, Science and & Health staff to learn together, website for further details and professional settings, Advanced Technology CPD, primary and supporting children with advice. New provision coming professional studies, Inclusive secondary. additional support needs. on stream. practice. Joint EIS/University in Various courses, residential and W: www.qmu.ac.uk T: 01292 886 206 2011: 23 January – literacy across non-residential, many supporting E: [email protected] W: www.uws.ac.uk/ the curriculum, 15 May – health the implementation of CfE. schoolsdepts/education/ and wellbeing across the T: 01383 626 070 cpd/index.asp curriculum. W: www.sserc.org.uk Concept Training T: 01224 274 989 and www.science3-18.org Training in special and W: www.abdn.ac.uk/pldc additional needs. Stirling Institute of E: [email protected] AOK Learning CPD various dates. Education, University Various courses. Call for dates. T: 01524 832 828 of Stirling W: www.concept-training.co.uk University of T: 0141 221 1001 Professional Enquiry in Education, Strathclyde W: www.aokonline.com Chartered Teacher, Leadership, Wide range of courses. University of the Supporting Professional Growth Call for dates. Queen Margaret West of Scotland and Creativity. T: 0141 950 3033 University The School of Education’s CPD T: 01786 466276 W: www.strath.ac.uk/pdu Post Graduate Certificate provision lies within the Advanced W: www.ioe.stir.ac.uk

This is a paid-for listing and as such is not exhaustive. GTC Scotland does not endorse any goods or services advertised TeachScot_pg28-29 1/10/10 16:37 Page 29

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Acrossi Downi 5.Outdoor celebration of Scottish 1.Both Billy Connolly and Sir Alex culture (8,5) Ferguson spoke at his funeral 8.“Letter From ______”, a big hit for recently (5,4) The Proclaimers (7) 2. Traditional Hogmanay gift (10) 3.Irish singer whose most famous song 10.______Towers, a popular theme is “Orinoco Flow” (4) park (5) 4.“Caveat ______”: a warning 11.Larva of certain insects, especially issued to buyers (6) beetles (4) 6.Railway employees in charge of a 12. See 18 Down train (6) 13.Old-fashioned word for “radio” (8) 7.Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s masterpiece 15.Units of electrical resistance (4) of Scottish fiction (6,4) 18.Poet who was appointed the first 9.Andrew, the famous Scottish Scots Makar in 2004 (5,6) philanthropist (8) 22. Stewart, the veteran Scottish 14.Torrance, the Scot who was a Ryder singer who is to become a father Cup captain (3) again (3) 16.“Great chieftain o’ the puddin’-race” (6) 17.Slow pace of running (4) 23.Chris, the singers whose hits 18. And 12 Across. Scottish singer who include “Stainsby Girls” and “The Road has made a superlative album of Robert To Hell” (3) Burns songs (4,6) 24.Elevated platform used for 19.Legal document issued by a court (4) conducting a religious service (6) 20.Back of the neck (4) 25.Scottish emblem (7) 21.Norway’s capital (4) Finished? Now answer this:i According to Professor Tom Devine, you need a sense of this (see page 15 for a clue). Send your answer, including your name and contact details, marked ‘Teaching Scotland 37 competition’ by email to [email protected] by 24 December2010. Terms and Conditions: The editor’s decision is final. Competition is not open to employees of GTCS. We reserve the right to publish the names of winners in future issues of Teaching Scotland, but will not hold details for any other purpose. Entries must be received by 24 December 2010. One winner will be selected at random. The winner will be informed by email or telephone. The winner can select from any of the hotels listed below. The prize includes breakfast and dinner on the first night, as well as accommodation. All other expenses are excluded. No cash alternative is available. The lucky prize winner in the last issue was Vaila Will, who correctly told us the right answer was ‘Sing’. TeachScot_pg30-32 1/10/10 16:34 Page 30

30 What do you think? Please email: [email protected] Progression through the modular route Decisions, decisions for our Chartered Te ac he r

At the outset of the Chartered Teacher Programme, there was a very important decision to make – should I prepare a holistic submission comprising a personal Reflective Report and a Portfolio of Evidence to attain Chartered Teacher status based on the full accreditation route? This would involve me clearly evidencing that I had been working as an enhanced practitioner for many years. The hone my learning with alternative was to work towards teaching ability in committed achieving a degree – that of Masters line with the enhanced colleagues is now part and in Education through undertaking a level a Chartered Teacher was parcel of my every day work ethos. programme of 12 modules. My expected to exemplify. I wanted to The modular route to Chartered confidence in knowing whether I look forward rather than backward. Teacher opened up a new learning was a genuine enhanced The modular route was amazing. environment to me which is now practitioner versus the accolade of Each module I undertook required literature gave purpose and method integral to my working life and M Ed after my name made the active and/or real self-improvement to the enhancement of my teaching has created a new social network decision very difficult for me. in learning and teaching within the practice. My pupils felt involved at for me. I gave a lot of thought to the two classroom situation. I found that each stage. They were so enthused The networking with colleagues options. Initially I thought about reading and reflection became at being part of my improved all over Scotland (and beyond), applying through the accreditation more interesting and self- teaching and learning – they through undertaking the modules, route, as I had worked in industry perpetuating and helped me focus experienced education as a life-skill has culminated in long lasting and brought my business acumen on a variety of aspects of learning at first hand and they appreciated friendships far beyond anything I to the classroom and beyond and and teaching. the camaraderie my own think McCrone ever foresaw. This also because I had undertaken Each module passed improved enthusiasm for further study networking has added an further degree studies. The my self-confidence. The constant brought to the classroom. Reading unbelievable enhancement to alternative route was through a drip feeding of up-to-date reviews of current literature and debate on teaching and learning in its own University provider. On reflection, on current thinking and reading of ways to improve teaching and right. I strongly recommend every the latter, with the accolade of classroom practitioner consider Masters in Education and the ability undertaking at least two modules to take things at my own pace won d to get onto the Chartered Teacher the day. As a working parent with WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUTTHEI ladder. This may provide a young children, I felt that aiming CHARTERED TEACHER PROGRAMME?I springboard for further study as for Chartered Teacher status one or well as a much more informed two steps at a time was, for me, The Chartered Teacher Programme could be debate on the Chartered Teacher the better life-work balance. I also, the ideal way to progress your career.Goto programme and status; a after completing Module 1, felt it www.gtcs.org.uk for details and the next steps. programme I am so glad I am a was important to me to further participant of. TeachScot_pg30-32 1/10/10 16:34 Page 31

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All you need to do to be entered Send your entries to: Teaching Scotland Prize Draw, Communications, into the prize draw is tell us: GTC Scotland, Clerwood House, Clermiston Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6UT Name *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 Registration Number name of any winner in future issues of Teaching Scotland, but will not hold Date of birth details for any other purpose. Entries must be received by Friday 10 December Contact telephone number (land line or mobile) 2010. One winner will be selected at random, and will be informed by email or telephone. We guarantee not to use the information you provide for any Email address purpose other than checking that the details we hold about you are up to date. TeachScot_pg30-32 1/10/10 16:34 Page 32