Argyll & Bute Community Services: News Archive

This page displays an achieve of recent news stories.

Video Booth PLPs: Read about Kilmartin Primary's use of current technology in schools to create their PLPs using Photo Booth on the mac........... ...more


Learning Together - mathematics: HMIe have published a new document about maths which is part of the Learning Together series which aims to promote improvements in Scottish education through illustrating effective practice, raising current issues and stimulating reflection and debate.
The document explores 'Good practice in learning, teaching and promoting acheivement' and discusses "What are the features of effective practice in improving mathematics?" The guide also has a section which includes examples of key questions, issues and features of opening up learning in mathematics intended to be used as a starting point to stimulate and inform discussions and raise debate, with a view to increasing shared understanding and promoting improvement.
You can find the document on the HMIe website under publications.



National No Smoking Day: Wednesday 10th March 2010
Free resources for schools, including Gaelic leaflets, for all stages
(P1 - S6).
Click here for more information (PDF) ...more


POSITIVE ABOUT SCIENCE - Join Dr Bunhead:
The Positive about Science campaign is Scottish Government led and aims to increase interest in studying science, showing children that you can do interesting and exciting things with science e.g. diverse careers/fun activities.
The campaign aims to take science 'out of the classroom' and show children how science is all around them.
The Website has a range of great resources for exploring careers in science. ...more


SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING - AN ACTION PLAN FOR EDUCATION:
Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, has today launched Science and Engineering 21 - An Action Plan for Education.

In response to the School Science Summit in May 2009, and building on the draft version published in September, the Action Plan sets out how we will work with partners across the education spectrum to improve the teaching and learning of science.
The Action Plan also addresses the outcomes from the Science Engagement Forum in January 2009. Many of the issues raised at that event were common to those of the School Science Summit. We have, therefore, aligned these two initiatives and taken a holistic approach to addressing the wider goal of improving the public knowledge and understanding of science.
The Action Plan sets out an integrated programme of work organised into 5 work streams each focussing on a particular aspect of education and engagement. Activities include:
* helping to shape the work of Learning and Teaching Scotland in the development of on-line support for science teaching;
* working with Skills Development Scotland to develop and promote careers management skills for science and engineering;
* maximising the benefits of partnership and collaboration across the science engagement sector;
* promoting the use of Glow and other media to share best practice in science education;
* developing proposals to enhance opportunities for professional development in science and engineering;
* showcasing real life science and science role models.




LAST CALL FOR ARGYLL AND BUTE EDUCATION STARS: People in Argyll and Bute are being urged to nominate their local schools, nurseries or individuals for the Scottish Education Awards before it’s too late.

The closing date for applications is Friday, March 5.

The awards, which celebrate the triumphs of Scottish schools and individual school staff, have attracted hundreds of nominations from across the country, but organisers believe many more are worthy of recognition. ...more


Scottish Education Awards 2010:
Nominations for 2010 awards is now open!
Entry to the Awards is open to all publicly funded schools, including secondary, primary, nursery and special schools.
There is a wide variety of categories to enter which are linked to the Curriculum for Excellence Programme and that also recognise the dedication and commitment of teaching staff and education supporters.
Nominations will remain open until Friday 5 March 2010. ...more


World Maths Day 2010: WORLD MATHS DAY - 3rd March 2010

Register & play from 1st February at www.worldmathsday.com

FREE access to all schools
Covers ALL age groups (from P1-S6 inclusive)
Great prizes for students and schools
Contribute to a Guinness World Record!
This is a great opportunity for Argyll & Bute schools to interact with other schools both in Scotland and overseas. Your students will really enjoy taking part and making maths fun! ...more


Scottish Author Glow Meet for Secondary Schools: Catherine Forde, the Scottish Book Trust’s Online Teacher in Residence, will be speaking to secondary school pupils over Glow Meet on Wednesday the 3rd of February. Catherine will be answering children’s questions on creative writing over two sessions – 12:00 – 12:45 and 13:14 – 14.00. Go to the Glow page Click here


Teaching Head Teacher Glow Group: Teaching Head Teachers' Glow Group is up and running with documents, a discussion topic and even a photograph!! Log on through Glow. ...more


Resources for Robert Burns Night: To celebrate Burns Night on 25th January Learning Teaching Scotland are showcasing a range of enterprising resources throughout LTS and beyond ...more


Sea and Learn Pack and Posters - Latest news: The Pack contains activities for children linked to the marine section of the Argyll and Bute Local Biodiversity Action Plan. A set of Posters are also available........... ...more


SSERC Website Launch: SSERC are currently setting up a new website, its aim is to develop approaches to Science 3-18.
The website is in its development stages but does give access to;

 Information about CPD (courses) and an online course in Active learning and teaching in science.
 Links to useful websites and publications
 A curricular resource area for 3-18 science- includes information and resources for science experiences and outcomes.
 Explains how to join the SSERCPRIMARY e-group
Useful one to watch I think!
...more


Do Something Creative, Do Science:
The Scottish Government for their 'Do something Creative. Do Science' campaign have offered STEM North of Scotland a sum of money to help teachers organise activities or events to enthuse and motivate students to pursue science.

This is an invitation to all science teachers in the Highlands and Islands to sent STEM North short proposals on how you would spend either £500 or £1000 on ways to make science for S1 to S4 students more relevant to the real world, taking a creative approach to engagement with young people and involving STEM Ambassadors. ...more


New year – new opportunities for school leavers: Thousands of young people who could have left school at Christmas now have the choice of more pathways into further learning, training or employment than ever before.

The Scottish Government want to ensure that every young person in Scotland has an offer of post-16 learning that is right for them. For those who decide to leave school that could be a college place, training including modern apprenticeships and Get Ready for Work, volunteering or non-formal learning. ...more


Opening the Doorway to Sustainability: An online course: Schools and teachers have a vital role to play in ensuring that the next generation have the skills and knowledge to make lifestyle choices that are sustainable. This philosophy underpins WWF’s One Planet Schools® programme.

'Opening the Doorway to Sustainability' is the popular, and highly regarded, professional development programme from WWF-UK, which is once again being run 11 January - 26 March 2010 by Sustainability and Environmental Education (SEEd) .

This participative course offers an opportunity to explore how taking a sustainable schools approach can benefit pupils, teachers, the wider community and the health and wellbeing of the planet on which we all depend........... ...more


Cycle Friendly School - Barcaldine Primary: Barcaldine Primary in Oban achieved Cycle Friendly School status due to their efforts to ensure pupils have the right infrastructure, training and encouragement to make their way to class by bike.......... ...more


Curriculum for Excellence News: : Hilary Bombart, Development Officer for Literacy and Interdisciplinary Learning, has been seconded until June 2010 with the remit of assisting staff to develop and embed literacy across learning 3-18. She will also be available to offer advice to schools on strategies for assessment and interdisciplinary learning.

Schools can contact Hilary directly at Oban Education Office/Kilmory Council Offices Lochgilphead on 01631 564908 or 01546604253 respectively.


SCHOOLS IN THE SPOTLIGHT FOR EDUCATION AWARDS : The much anticipated Argyll and Bute Education Awards have once again showcased some of Argyll and Bute's most exciting school projects.

As usual the standard was incredibly high, giving the judges the unenviable task of having to choose category winners. ...more


Bi-ennial Headteachers Conference hailed a success: The recent Headteachers conference in Oban has been hailed as a success by contributors and participants alike. Two days of creative thinking on the theme of 'imagine-invent-create' culminated in the unveiling of a conference website. The site contains the content of the bi-ennial as well as offering delegates a chance to reflect on the 'Big Questions' posed throughout the two days. The site will remain open for some time and the organisers would welcome further contributions and comments on any aspect of the conference. ...more

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