Summer learningSummer learning
Margaret Alcorn, National CPD Coordinator
Spending the summer learning from, and sharing with, colleagues from across Europe takes dedication- but can deliver great rewards.
While most of the profession sunned themselves on the beaches of Europe, tramped the hills with family and friends or explored the cultural icons of India or China, a small, dedicated group of us spent a week in July talking about creativity and innovation in education at the third International Summer School on School Leadership.
There was a general consensus that creative teaching strategies are an essential requirement for the development of Curriculum for Excellence, but in some situations, teachers feel that innovative practice is not always viewed positively by school leaders and by HMI, and that there is not always a good incentive for putting your head above the parapet and trying new things. And yet there is lots of evidence that if we don't, then we won't learn as effectively as we can, and neither will our pupils.
The Summer School explored this and other themes. We spent half a day thinking about where good ideas come from, and in another session we played "What's the difference between CfE and a pencil case?". Last time I tried that game I think it involved a bottle of wine, but it was still good fun and led to some unusual reflections on the new curriculum.
For me the biggest learning point without doubt was the wonderful LeadMeet - the 'unconference' - which took place on the Wednesday as a 'fringe' event. This was a revelation; I didn't know what to expect but teachers from all over came in their own time to talk about leadership. The atmosphere was electric and it's a long time since I had such fun in a work context.
LeadMeet was yet another great example of teachers doing it for themselves, and finding free CPD that makes a real difference for them and their pupils.
Related websites
If you'd like to know more about CPD then visit www.ltscotland.org.uk/cpdscotland
You can also visit the CPD team's blog at http://ltsblogs.org.uk/cpdteam
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they do feel that fostering a sense of global citizenship in the classroom can have a long-term, positive effect on the wider world?
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would like to knowthe GTCS view on this scenario. I agree with Steve its a last option!
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