Hmi and Adult Literacies

Today I had a great meeting with Karen Corbett from HMI and Iain Guthrie from SFEU. It was extremely interesting and highlighted just how important improving adult literacy is across Scotland. It was also extremely encouraging as it was very clear that HMI want to build greater links with colleges and practitioners.

A New Beginning!

Well, so far this term we've all been busy planning for new events, creating new materials, generating new ideas, and of course, teaching. Some of the exciting developments for the Subject Networks this term have included:

Working with the BBC's new learning tools which I hope will be available for all soon. They are really great in that they are instantly accessible and can be adapted for various purposes in the classroom. I used one of the tools to help structure an essay but by using the tools this became much more engaging for the students. The students also used one of the mind mapping tools to help them to independently plan ideas and revise topics.

There is a meeting scheduled with HMi to discuss Adult Literacy this week, and a seminar on Curriculum for Excellence in 2 week's time. Both of these events should be extremely informative and any developments will be posted on Practitioners Plus.

Events in December are already shaping up with a great conference focusing on HN Best Practice. I will be helping out at a workshop and I'm really looking forward to hearing some of your ideas.

By January the English, Communications and Media Focus Group will be meeting to share ideas, particularly focusing on Core Skills and to discuss plans for a subject specific event held at Scotland’s Colleges. Of course, any ideas would be greatly appreciated and any new members for the Focus Group would be very welcome.

As ever, keep in touch.

Best wishes, Claire

Thursday 26th June - Party time!

It was so nice to be able to celebrate the end of a successful year with eveyone. I have really enjoyed getting to know all of the other menorts and spending a bit of time outside of work getting to speak more informally with you all. Thanks to John for organising the event and to SFEU. I'm looking forward to next session, but it's sad to see Bob and Annamarie go. Best of luck to both of you for the future.

Monday 23rd June - Visit to Shetland College

I had a great meeting with a lovely group of people from Shetland College. We talked about the Core Skills refresh, teaching Communication and Lit 1 and everyone created their own blog! Hopefully I'll be back up to see the results next session.

Friday 13th June - Second Focus Group

This was a second very valuable meeting. We were delighted that Margaret Tierney from SQA could attend to discuss the recent Core Skills refresh. There was also feedback regarding the review of HN Comms with Media. Please view the minutes below to see full commentary of the meeting: https://claireswiki.wikispaces.com/space/showimage/Minutes%20for%20Focus%20Group%2013-6-08.doc

Friday 6th June - College People Week

Well, what an exciting day and it was great to see so many practitioners. I was slightly unprepared for my new career in MC but everyone was very welcoming. I was very impressed by the speakers and the ideas which came from practitioners, so here's looking forward to next year!

Friday 30th May

I met up with Denise Fyfe from Angus College to discuss developments in e-portfolio and to consider Citizenship for a topic to discuss at College People Week.

Sourced information to reveal Government support of e-portfolio in education.

Contacted Focus Group to agree numbers and content for meeting on Friday 13th June.