Event Reports: Making Connections through a Curriculum for Excellence Conference
Friday 23 February 2007
The conference took place at Stirling Management Centre on 23 February 2007. Feedback from the conference and evaluations confirmed, yet again, a highly successful event with excellent speakers and a range of workshops providing good ideas to take back and share.
Here we provide a brief summary of activities from the conference and you can download the presentations from the key speakers. Our spring network newsletter focuses on the presentations, workshops and discussion at the conference.
Speakers
Jim Dunbar, Chairman, IDES Management Committee, opened the conference and set the scene for the day, confirming that this was an opportunity to share ideas and learn together.
Chris McIllroy, HM Inspectorate of Education, noted that there are many benefits to learners of making connections. By being able to see the relevance of the curriculum, and where each element fits into the bigger picture, opportunities for reflection, and for combining efforts for greater understanding, can be grasped.
PowerPoint file: Chris McIllroy's presentation
Margo Williamson, Curriculum and Assessment Programme Director, Learning and Teaching Scotland, highlighted that the most exciting implication of Curriculum for Excellence is that schools will have further opportunities for creative teaching and learning. Teachers will be encouraged to be creative, developing creative environments for learning in which young people can become creative learners for life.
PowerPoint file: Margo Williamson's presentation
Wokshop topics
- Creating the enterprising school – Auchinleck Academy, East Ayrshire Council
- Achieving excellence – Bankier Primary School, Falkirk Council
- Learning through play – Denbeath Primary School, Fife Council
- Integrating the secondary curriculum – Dornoch Academy, Highland Council
- Building a learning community – Montrose Academy, Angus Council
- An infusion of teaching and learning strategies – Sacred Heart RC Primary School, Falkirk Council
- Grounds for learning – Sir E Scott School, Western Isles Council
Conclusion
The seminar concluded with a sharing good practice plenary question-and-answer session which considered curriculum planning, recognising achievement and assessment. The Chairman invited those present to keep in touch and to continue to share ideas and new directions through the IDES network of members (email ides@LTScotland.org.uk).