2013 was a great year!

0

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

A school visit with Pete Lelong in Tasmania

 

Had an amazing time visiting Sydney Opera House

Had an amazing time visiting Sydney Opera House

 

Interesting meeting with colleagues at Victoria State Education Department

Interesting meeting with colleagues at Victoria State Education Department

 

A class set of iPads for kids in Garlieston Primary School

A class set of iPads for kids in Garlieston Primary School

 

In March I gave a presentation in London at Music Education Expo

In March I gave a presentation in London at Music Education Expo

 

Jack, born October 9th

Jack, born October 9th

 

Chris Lubbe, personal bodyguard to Nelson Mandela, was a huge hit in our schools

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

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

Stephen Heppell in our schools supporting our iPad development work

 

Wine tasting with Phil Brown near Wangaratta - best wine ever!

Wine tasting with Phil Brown near Wangaratta – best wine ever!

 

Harry, born 4th November

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?

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!

Mum’s 80th Birthday celebrations!

Digital Commonwealth Launch @ Platform, Easterhouse, Glasgow

0

Posted by upbeat | Posted in International Education | Posted on October 27, 2013

On Friday I attended the very successful Digital Commonwealth Launch at Platform in Easterhouse, Glasgow.  The project is funded by the Big Lottery, the Media Trust and the University of the West of Scotland.

In the schools strand of the project, the aim is to involve young people in each of Scotland’s local authority areas in digital reporting of Commonwealth themes (place, people, culture, exchange) in leading up to the Queen’s Baton Relay in June 2014. Learners from 32 school clusters from targeted areas of the most socio-economic need will be offered an opportunity to participate.

IMG_0789The schools programme will promote digital literacy skills through a series of in-school training workshops, using readily available technology to help pupils tell their own stories through blogs, video, audio and social media. Participating schools will receive learning materials which can help support existing and/or new school projects.  These materials will support topics such as e-safety, copyright, active citizenship and media ethics to assist pupils in developing skills and knowledge to produce creative, appropriate and engaging content.

 

Digital Commonwealth launch

How to Change the World (on one A4 page)

0

Posted by upbeat | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on August 14, 2013

BRm4HoECEAAIzZm.jpg-large

Reflections on the use of Video Conferencing and mini iPads

0

Posted by upbeat | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on July 13, 2013

New Learning

Some reflections on video conferencing and the use of mobile devices (iPads) for learners. Below, Dr Heather Reid leading a training session for teachers in preparation for science lessons direct to primary schools via video conference from the Glasgow Science Centre.

IMG_0699

 

The Boy and the Bunnet – creative work with iPads in Brydekirk Primary School

0

Posted by upbeat | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on July 13, 2013

The Boy and the Bunnet

5 primary schools in Dumfries & Galloway have just received class sets of mini iPads. Within days of receiving the new kit, kids started to engage in the production of a range of creative work including this example based on ‘The Boy and the Bunnet’. In Brydekirk Primary, class teacher Mr Archibald had them working collaboratively in telling a story using Scots language, artwork and movie making. Other schools in D&G have also been producing excellent work with the newly acquired iPads.

Blended Learning – the new ”essential” element – some possible questions

1

Posted by upbeat | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on July 13, 2013

IMG_0731In a rural context, technology has given us an opportunity to think differently.  Agree / disagree?

You can do anything you like with technology. What would you like to do? What would learners like to do?

What were the things that we couldn’t do before, that we can do now?

Is there a ‘hearts and minds’ issue to be addressed?  How do we do that?  Does it matter?

Have values in learning changed?

Should we be risk takers, and very ambitious for learners?

Do we see technology as presenting challenges or opportunities (or both)?

Using technology, what approaches can we develop to improve the provision of high quality learning in our schools?

Are we able to learn from any local (or other) examples of good practice?

What are the barriers to learning through technology? Can we overcome them? Do we want to?

 

Heading for Australia

0

Posted by upbeat | Posted in International Education | Posted on July 13, 2013

sydney-opera-house-482x298All seems a bit unreal, but my case is nearly packed and I think I’ve got all the paperwork I need (train/plane tickets, accommodation arrangements) to get me to Sydney and Melbourne this coming week. I’m heading for the Rural Education Conference at Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne 18/19 July and really looking forward to taking part and meeting teachers from across Victoria. Hopefully I’ll be posting some interesting blog reports (if I have time!) over the next 3 weeks.

Castlemilk Kids – writing, performing, recording their own song ”It’s Up to You”

0

Posted by upbeat | Posted in Health & Well Being, New Music | Posted on June 2, 2013

book-40As a music teacher in Castlemilk High School, Glasgow in 1998, I received a video that was sent to all schools in the UK. It was a short video of no more than 10 minutes, perhaps less, featuring legendary Beatles’ Producer (the fifth Beatle) Sir George Martin exhorting schools up and down the land to get involved in composing new songs. These songs were to reflect young songwriters dreams and aspirations, engaging them in collective creative experiences working together in composing new songs with powerful  messages. It’s a long story to share exactly how we went about this, but for now I just want to share that out of thousands of schools involved in this venture, the kids from Castlemilk High ended up featuring on the CD (100,000) sold in Marks & Spencers shops in the UK. We were invited to open and perform at new M&S stores. We recorded in Sir George Martin’s Air Studios in London, met the great man himself (our Executive Producer!) and admired his Rolls Royce parked outside. We performed in front of 3000 (opening the concert with the first song!) in London at the Skyscape Auditorium adjacent to the Millenium Dome in February 2000. It was an adventure I’ll never forget, and hopefully the whole process from start to finish is one that will remain with those kids for the rest of their lives.

 

‘It’s Up to You’  Track 20/22 track CD (Children’s Promise Charity no. 1073761)   20 It’s Up To You

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER, EVERYONE ME AND YOU, WE’VE GOT TO SEE THIS WHOLE THING THROUGH, THERE’S WORK TO DO

CHORUS: OUR HANDS WILL BUILD A FUTURE, OUR VOICES WILL BE HEARD, AND IT’S UP TO YOU

CHILDREN OF OUR WORLD TODAY, THEY’VE HAD IT TOUGH, WE CAN CHANGE THEIR DESTINY, IF WE WORK HARD ENOUGH

CHORUS: OUR HANDS WILL BUILD A FUTURE, OUR VOICES WILL BE HEARD, AND IT’S UP TO YOU

MAKE THE FUTURE A BRIGHTER PLACE, FOR EVERYONE, FOR EVERYONE’S THE SAME AS US, LET’S SHARE OUR LOVE

CHORUS: OUR HANDS WILL BUILD A FUTURE, OUR VOICES WILL BE HEARD, AND IT’S UP TO YOU

THIS SONG HAS BROUGHT A MESSAGE, A MESSAGE SUNG FOR YOU, ALL OF US NEED FAITH AND HOPE, TO SEE US THROUGH

IT’S UP TO YOU (MAKE THE FUTURE A BRIGHTER PLACE, FOR EVERYONE)

Europe v USA at Southerness Golf Club

0

Posted by upbeat | Posted in International Education | Posted on April 16, 2013

I had a great time last Wednesday at Southerness Golf Club with Dumfries & County Golf Club former Captain Ian McEwan, and American friends Dr Chris Nagy and Steve O’Neill. The weather was beautiful, perfect for a round of golf as we took some time out in the midst of a hectic education exchange visit. The Southerness course provided a challenge for us all as we took part in our own fun Ryder Cup event. This picture, taken last month at the Scottish Golf Show in Glasgow is the closest I’m ever likely to get to the Ryder Cup!

Fun and games!

0

Posted by upbeat | Posted in Health & Well Being, International Education | Posted on April 16, 2013

Whether you’re from Scotland, the USA or anywhere else in the world, everyone (of all ages) likes to get together and just have fun! The 48 kids and 9 chaperones that made up our New Jersey / Dumfries & Galloway exchange group had a great time at Cream O’ Galloway, Xscape and on the water at Loch Ken. The pictures say it all!


Skip to toolbar