Comments on: A Cultural Rucksack?

By: Knitting Fundamentals. | 7Wins.eu

Knitting Fundamentals. | 7Wins.eu — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:04:41 +0000

[...] Archive

By: Ian Smith

Ian Smith — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:10:27 +0000

I wasn’t really commenting on the rucksack (looks good), just what might be put in it.

I’ve since asked my 2 kids (s1 & p6) what they know about the most important historical event in the last 1000 years. Astonishingly, neither of them had heard of the Norman Conquest or 1066.

The conquest is a fundamental part of our history and not to know about it is incredible!

By: Jane Peterson

Jane Peterson — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:16:22 +0000

NB Sorry if that comment sounded patronising Ian; not intended. Could we include things like knitting in the rucksack do you think?

By: Jane Peterson

Jane Peterson — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:12:55 +0000

Well yes Ian, but you’ve got to start somewhere and there are loads of excellent reasons for an emphasis on Scottish history. I really don’t see why the rucksack idea has to replace other valuable parts of the curriculum, especially if done in a cross curricular way. I’m sure it will be down to teachers to ensure proper balance.

I can see it’s relevance in all sorts of areas, even RME, where I struggle to justify teaching children about Guru Nanak, when they can’t tell me why they have names like James and Sarah and what Christmas means! Roll on the CfE and some common sense!

By: Ian Smith

Ian Smith — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:13:56 +0000

Your article reminds me that we touched on this at last week’s Haddington Cluster meeting. Sadly we were all too wrapped up in discussing the school cuts to make much comment on the emphasis on Scottish Culture.

I must confess to a slight concern that there is this emphasis on Scottish History. It implies that there will be less effort spent on the likes of English, Welsh and Irish histories. All four together would give a much better perspective and understanding of the world around us.

It reminds me of when I lived in Hawai’i. Some schools placed emphasis on Hawai’ian history and language and sadly those communities were marginalised in many ways, including being located in the poorer areas on the flanks of the constantly active Kilauea volcano.

Only in the wider world can we succeed and broad perspectives make broad minds which we need to go forth.

By: Alastair Seagroatt

Alastair Seagroatt — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:54:27 +0000

Do the ‘heavy’ items still have to be packed at the top?

Alastair

By: Steven Wray

Steven Wray — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:54:30 +0000

Hi
As Bill says its a great metaphor linking learning and travelling.
In one sense we all carry our cultural heritage with us whether we are aware of it or not. In relation to health, it is a truism that many of the behaviours that can influence our health & well being are set in the culture we grow up in. Whether its the food we like and take comfort in, the way we express emotion or how easy we find it to access services - whats already in our cultural rucksack can influence our journey through life.
The idea of cultural rucksack appeals to me because awareness, and knowledge, can be used to take things out of a rucksack as well as to put thing in.

By: Bill Stephen

Bill Stephen — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:13:00 +0000

I think this a great metaphor they use here. Particularly for the(learning) travelling links i.e. that our learning is not an outcome for testing but a journey.
When I was on my teaching practice I was hugely influenced by a mentor who taught Science through historical figures and their contribution- made it much more enjoyable for the pupils and they retained knowledge by linking concepts with the individuals, i.e. Nobel, Curie, Bell, Einstien etc. etc.
As Alan points out throwing in the rucksack some stories of influential Scottish figures could help paint a picture of Scottish life past and present and even touch on the future

By: Alan Coady

Alan Coady — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:38:06 +0000

Yes, I think this would work.

I didn’t realise how little I really knew of our culture until, in my 20s, I began to meet visitors from other countries who seemed more curious about Scotland than we did, and would frequently ask questions - not too many of which I was able to answer at that time.

How about also including awareness of: inventors/inventions; writers/artists/musicians; geography - towns/cities or rivers/mountains; some knowledge of other communities contributing to life in Scotland; politics - what is devolved? what is not?

By: Donald

Donald — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:33:05 +0000

I think this is a great idea and one I would like to pinch for Liberton High School. I think it is a great way of delivering in a cross-cutting way for curriculum for excellence. I can envisage asking every department to contribute to the rucksack for every S1 and S2 pupil.
I agree with Jackie’s view about understanding your own culture leading to a better understanding and tolerance of other cultures. Moran taing a Dhomhnaill!