Scottish Education Village
As the Scottish Learning Festival grows so does the Scottish Education Village, which now brings together Learning and Teaching Scotland, the Scottish Executive Schools Group, the SQA and HMIE.
(Image of pupils from Claypotts Castle Primary School at last year's Scottish Learning Festival.)
Learning and Teaching Scotland (Stand B20)
Just as learning and teaching are at the heart of an effective curriculum, Learning and Teaching Scotland is at the heart of all the major developments in Scottish education – moving education forward in partnership with local authorities and schools. As the lead organisation in supporting the implementation of national developments in education including A Curriculum for Excellence, Assessment is for Learning and the newly launched Glow (formerly known as SSDN), this is your chance to meet our development officers in informal sessions to find out more. Staff will also be on hand to provide information about the wide range of resources, including publications, software and online resources, available from Learning and Teaching Scotland.
If cross-curricular themes interest you then you should have visited the LTS – Supporting A Curriculum for Excellence stand (C58) in the exhibition area. Here you were able to find out more about a number of cross-curricular-themed projects managed by Learning and Teaching Scotland. Focusing on Sustainable Development Education, Outdoor Connections – Taking Learning Outdoors, Religious Observance and Education for Citizenship, the stand provided the opportunity to meet development officers and those from partner organisations involved in these areas. Find out more information and discuss how the values promoted in these areas support A Curriculum for Excellence.
Scottish Executive Schools Group (D20)
Focusing on Ambitious, Excellent Schools, the Executive's Schools Group stand has shown progress within the broad headings of Curriculum, Ambition, Parents, Young People and Improvement. Visitors had the opportunity to find out more about the work of the Executive and discuss national developments with key staff.
Developments within the Schools Group was showcased throughout the festival both in seminar presentations and workshops in the Scottish Education Village.
HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE)
HMIE’s principal activity is to promote sustainable improvements in standards, quality and achievements for all learners in Scottish education through first-hand independent evaluation. Inspections and reviews inform parents and staff in pre-school centres, schools, colleges and community learning and development, and the Scottish Ministers about standards and quality in education.
HMIE works with establishments, services, their partners and other organisations, by providing targeted support for improvement. It celebrates and promotes best practice through its publications, website and conferences. It challenges good schools to become excellent so that all children and young people become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
Scottish Qualifications Authority (stand E20)
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is the national body for the development, accreditation, assessment and certification of qualifications other than degrees and some professional qualifications.
The character of Scottish qualifications has transformed in recent years – this is no accident. SQA has been working in partnership with schools, colleges, universities and industry to raise standards and develop new and exciting qualifications.
The SQA stand in the Scottish Education Village showed all the latest developments in Computer Assisted Assessment, Understanding Standards, SQA Academy, Skills for Work, PC Passport and the forthcoming programme of Professional Development Workshops.
More details are available on the SQA website.
Learning and Teaching Zones (Stand B20)
As in recent years, the Learning and Teaching Zones were back again. Popular with the Scottish Learning Festival audience, the presentation areas gave visitors the chance to watch and take part in teacher and pupil-led workshops and demonstrations of resources. Web-based services for early years, primary schools, secondary schools and colleges were also be showcased. Schools from across Scotland participated in the Learning and Teaching Zones.
Find out what is happening in Learning and Teaching Zone A.
Find out what is happening in Learning and Teaching Zone B.
Schools confirmed for this year include:
- Whitecraig Primary School, East Lothian
- Lourdes Secondary School, Glasgow City
- St Saviour’s RC High School, Dundee City
- St Mungo’s High School, Falkirk
- Deanpark Nursery School, Glasgow City
- Lochend Community High School, Glasgow
- St Peter's RC Primary School, Fife
The Learning Zones was hosted this year by the ever popular Russell Prue, IT Evangelist.
How to get involved at future events
If your school would like to take part, perhaps highlighting an exciting area of teaching that you are involved in, or if you would like to recommend a fellow teacher whose innovative use of technology has enhanced practice in your school, then please e-mail the Scottish Learning Festival team at Festival@LTScotland.org.uk.