Destinations for study visits
Visits to specific countries will take place for a variety of reasons.
Destination countries
At international level, the visits should fit in with the Scottish Government’s ‘benchmarking’ agenda. 'Ambitious, Excellent Schools' has made a commitment to 'benchmark Scotland against international standards, particularly through the work of OECD, as a basis for bringing about further improvement in performance'. Scotland will therefore benchmark itself against countries of a similar size and socio-economic status. In this regard, the benchmarking countries are Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium (Flemish community), Ireland, Australia, Canada (Ontario) and New Zealand.
Applications for study visits to other countries will still be considered. Applicants will need to justify the choice of destination, and identify the specific purpose of the visit and why the location is appropriate.
Individuals may apply at any time in the year to make a study visit, on a theme relevant to their needs, and should read the guidance about eligibility.
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 2008 groups visited Sweden for Eco-Schools, Singapore for the Master Teacher programme, and Canada for school leadership. These three visits were the result of proposals made by consortia of local authorities.
Study visit to Uganda
A group of primary promoted staff will visit Uganda in July 2008 to support the ‘Uganda School Improvement Project’ in Masindi district. This visit is a partnership between LTS and Link Community Development (LCD), a charity with extensive experience of education programmes in Africa.
Applications open
Following highly successful group study visits last year, LTS is organising new group visits to Ontario, Canada, and to Santa Cruz, USA.
Both will take place from Monday 13 to Friday 17 October 2008.
Ontario study visit
The central theme of the Ontario visit will be School Leadership across the Elementary (Primary) and High School sectors. This study visit is likely to be of interest and relevance to holders of senior leadership posts in Scottish schools, or to those currently aspiring to such posts.
More details of the Ontario visit and the application form are available in the following documents:
Word file: Information about SCIPD Ontario study visit 2008
Word file: Application form for SCIPD Ontario study visit 2008
Santa Cruz study visit
The central theme of the Santa Cruz visit will be Mentoring teachers, and the group's study visit will be organised through the New Teacher Center at University of California, Santa Cruz.
This study visit is likely to be of interest and relevance to those already in posts that demand mentoring skills or those interested in developing mentoring skills.
More details of the Santa Cruz visit and the application form are available in the following documents:
Word file: Information about SCIPD Santa Cruz study visit 2008
Word file: Application form for SCIPD Santa Cruz study visit 2008
Future
Later in 2008 there will be further SCIPD group visits advertised here, which will extend the range of opportunities open to Scottish educators.
Links with China and Malawi
Visits and exchanges with China are the responsibility of the British Council Scotland, while links with Malawi have been facilitated separately by Link Community Development and LECT.