SCIPD visits - Group visits
SCIPD group visits allow individuals from different settings and backgrounds to mix together for a short period to share ideas and best practice with colleagues, in an environment conducive to learning.
Participants will observe and investigate educational practice in their host country, and be encouraged to reflect subsequently on their own practice and improve their own provision.
The focus
All group study visits will have a specific focus, which will be part of ongoing development at school, education authority or national levels. All involved will have the opportunity to contribute to key issues which affect them in their home environment, whilst also engaging in the wider agenda of international education.
LTS will:
- make arrangements for travel, accommodation and the programme itinerary
- conduct risk assessments for group visits which comprise individuals from a number of employers and which LTS has organised. (If an external organisation is running a group study visit in partnership with LTS, then the risk assessments will be done by that organisation.)
LTS will appoint a facilitator for each group visit, who will be responsible for:
- the smooth running of the trip
- ensuring that the programme is followed
- supporting and challenging the group
- arranging preparatory and follow-up meetings of members.
International study visits
Utrecht: 21 March - 25 March 2010
Learning and Teaching Scotland is organising a SCIPD group study visit to Utrecht, to explore the theme of numeracy and the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach to mathematics learning. This visit is being arranged in collaboration with the Freudenthal Institute at the University of Utrecht.
The closing date for applications is Friday 19th February 2010.
Word file: Application form for SCIPD Utrecht Study Visit 2010 (135 KB)Group study visit themes 2010
LTS intends to run group study visits on a variety of themes such as interdisciplinary learning, CPD models and practice, science education, and outdoor learning. We will add further themes during the year, as needs are identified and agreements negotiated with potential hosts.Group study visit themes 2009
In 2009 groups of Scottish educators completed a range of visits for the following themes and destinations:
• Jerusalem, to visit the International Center for the Enhancement of Learning Potential and explore Feuerstein's 'Instrumental Enrichment' theory
• Oslo for the ‘Cultural Rucksack’ arts education programme
• Beijing, to support implementation of the Confucius Classroom development programme
• New Zealand and Canada for innovative practice in Assessment
• Berlin for Holocaust Education
• Catalonia for Minority language development from 3-18
Group study visit themes 2008
A group visited Brussels in March 2008 to explore the European context of governance, policy making, programmes and initiatives to support pupil learning.
In April groups visited Sweden for Eco Schools, Singapore for Leadership, and Canada for school leadership. These three visits were the result of proposals made by consortia of local authorities.
In July a group of primary promoted staff visited Uganda to support the Uganda School Improvement Project in the Masindi district. This visit was a partnership between LTS and Link Community Development (LCD), a charity with extensive experience of education programmes in Africa.
In October groups visited Ontario for School Leadership and California for Coaching and Mentoring.
Finally, Holocaust Education was the theme for a group visit to Amsterdam in November.