Posted by upbeat | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on January 4, 2014
4th January 2014, time marches on, last year a distant memory. Well not too distant! On reflection, last year I didn’t blog much, partly because I was too busy. A lame excuse. Perhaps the real reason was that I used twitter much more as it is so immediate and easier to engage with. Writing a blog post requires me to sit down, gather my thoughts and write. But here goes.
So 2013, what did I achieve / enjoy / learn? In some ways it was an amazing year. I embarked in January 2013 on a science project with Professor Heather Reid MBE in engaging kids in primary schools with lessons live via HD video conference. I gave a presentation with Heather at a national education event in Glasgow in March showcasing the work with kids across 10 schools. In April I hosted 24 USA students and their 5 chaperones, a fantastic time of learning from each other and enjoying the company of colleagues from across the Atlantic. In March and September 2013 I hosted Chris Lubbe, personal bodyguard to Nelson Mandela as he shared his story and values with kids across 20 of our schools, a truly memorable and valuable time we had. I now count him as a close friend. In March, April and May, with the help of Professor Stephen Heppell, we rolled out an iPad project in 5 primary schools whereby whole class sets of iPads were provided as additional learning tools to enhance and engage kids in their learning. And following our excellent Schools Music Service summer courses and concerts I was invited to spend almost 3 weeks in Australia speaking at a conference and working with Head Teachers in clusters across the State of Victoria. I also visited several schools in Tasmania and we’ve now started in a very positive way to build partnerships in learning between Tasmanian and Scottish schools. I hosted around 20 Head Teachers from Australia in September as they came on a study tour to the UK. This summer in the UK, we had some lovely weather, and I really enjoyed our holiday time both at home in the garden at the farm and down in Norfolk and Cambridge. And to cap what was an amazing year, I became a Grandpa firstly in October and then again very soon after in November. In no particular order, below are a few pictures from 2013!
A school visit with Pete Lelong in Tasmania
Had an amazing time visiting Sydney Opera House
Interesting meeting with colleagues at Victoria State Education Department
A class set of iPads for kids in Garlieston Primary School
In March I gave a presentation in London at Music Education Expo
Jack, born October 9th
Chris Lubbe, personal bodyguard to Nelson Mandela, was a huge hit in our schools
Inset with Heather Reid was great. Science lessons via video conference direct into schools with Heather from the Glasgow Science Centre
Stephen Heppell in our schools supporting our iPad development work
Wine tasting with Phil Brown near Wangaratta – best wine ever!
Harry, born 4th November
Our house on a hot summer day in July. Who’d have thought our friends Paul and Audrey would have the same car as me?
Mum’s 80th Birthday celebrations!