Engaging with the Curriculum for Excellence

Details

Published on Wednesday, 11 January 2012 15:25

Written by Walking-the-Talk Admin

Background to course: The Curriculum for Excellence 3-18 is now embedded in the working of Scottish schools – the process has been unsettling and sometimes confusing for Rangers, let alone schools and teachers. This is an opportunity to clarify, reflect, and identify the opportunities Rangers have in developing their work with schools, in the context of the new Curriculum for Excellence 3-18, and associated clarification of the place for outdoor learning and sustainable development education.

This course will provide participants with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the ‘whys, what’s, and ways’ of the Curriculum for Excellence 3-18. There will be opportunities to participate in small group tasks, as well as opportunities for individual research. The goal is to build confidence through practical experience sourcing, getting to know, and using the relevant curriculum area ‘Experience and outcomes’ documents. There will be opportunities to compare different school contexts, and a variety of age groups/school stages (Early Years – P1-7 – S2). There will also be time to network – sharing your ideas, experience and approaches in working with and supporting schools and teachers, in creating meaningful and enjoyable outdoor learning programmes, or other achievements e.g. Eco Schools or John Muir Awards.

SCRA have brought in Lynnette Borradaile, Outdoor/Environmental Learning and Teaching Consultant to run this course. Lynnette has years of experience in environmental education, and has been both a Countryside Ranger and Secondary Teacher.

Thursday, 23 February 2012,

9.30 am - 4pm,

Palacerigg Country Park, North Lanarkshire, G67 3HU

Cost:£45 for SCRA members, £65 non-members

Benefits of attending this course / outcomes: Participants should leave with greater confidence in their knowledge and understanding of the Curriculum for Excellence 3-18 – its impact on schools, outdoor learning and Ranger services, also some ‘hands on’ experience in researching and using the new curriculum documents.  As a consequence, participants will have greater confidence in engaging with schools, and in their ability to develop relevant outdoor learning programmes, meeting the needs of schools, teachers and pupils. Participants will be asked to feedback their evaluation of the course content and its presentation.

Course outline: This course aims to provide through presentations, discussion, and group activities/tasks:

• An overview of a Curriculum for Excellence 3-18 – the whys, whats and ways
• Strengths and opportunities Curriculum for Excellence 3-18 offers to schools and Rangers in developing meaningful outdoor/indoor learning programmes
• A range of practical approaches to working with schools and the Curriculum for Excellence.
• Research and planning the curriculum links for a teaching session/programme

What is provided: Refreshments and a simple lunch will be provided. There will be writing materials & handouts available, but a notebook/folder and pen may be useful.

What you must provide: Please come prepared for going outside whatever the weather. Please bring with you any session planning documentation your ranger service uses when working with teachers/ schools.

To book a place on the course, please complete the booking form and send it to our SCRA Administration team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Friday 10th February 2012.

For more information on the course or venue, contact:

Paula Bell (SCRA Training Coordinator)
0131 445 3383
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SCRA Courses and Continuing Professional Development

This course will help you to develop or demonstrate the following competencies of the Scottish Ranger Award:

• G1 Work with other people –supporting and co-operating with colleagues and others to produce better results
• G3. Communicate – freely sharing information, knowledge and experience
• G4. Learn and apply - seeking out opportunities to improve ourselves and your organisation
• S5 Outdoor Learning and Interpretation

If you think you might want to register for the SCRA CPD programme in future, you should start to collect evidence for your portfolio (e.g. knowledge gained; skills practiced) during this course.  For more information on SCRA’s CPD programme have a look at Continuing Professional Development.

Directions to the venue

Car

Palacerigg Country Park is signposted off the A801 Cumbernauld Town Centre road. It is less than 30 minutes drive from Glasgow, Stirling, Motherwell and Falkirk.

There is ample car parking facilities available.

Public Transport

Cumbernauld Railway Station and Town Centre bus stop are approximately three and a half miles from Palacerigg Country Park and it should be noted that there is no public transport from either of the above stations to the park. However taxis are readily available