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:
- tthe 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
Monday 2 November - Friday 6 November 2009
LTS is organising a group Study Visit to Catalonia, Spain, in November 2009 for Gaelic Medium education professionals. The theme of the visit is Minority language development from 3-18.
The closing date for applications is Friday 16 October 2009.
SCIPD Catalonia Study Visit 2009 information - Word (50 KB)Group study visit themes 2009
In 2009 groups of Scottish educators have already 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.
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.