Aug 24 2008
Next steps
So, I started the next modules at Stirling on Saturday. These are the equivalent to modules three and four under the conventional system of twelve modules, but as Stirling has double modules, most people there think of this as module two of six. It does mean I have to make an APL claim for the second half of their first module - but I’ll leave that for now.
The day was very useful and I’m really looking forward to completing the rest of the MEd at Stirling. It’s a very different atmosphere to what I’m used to. There were only nine of us with one tutor, which gave it a very relaxed feeling. We spent the day considering the nature of Professional Enquiry, Pedagogy and Critical Incidents, along with the usual introductions & paper work. Although I found the readings quite hard going before the day, I think like others on the course, I just needed a day in Uni to get my brain going again.
As ever, many of the discussions on Saturday came back to Curriculum for Excellence. I’m still amazed to hear the same thoughts coming from teachers in East Lothian and at my Module 1 at Edinburgh AND now at Stirling as well. The general consensus seems to me to still be confusion.
When I was working as an Advisory Teacher in Namibia, I spent my last months preparing workshops for all teachers to assist them with the introduction of new syllabi. The idea behind this was that every teacher would have an opportunity out of school to be introduced to the new courses and to discuss and prepare for their implementation. Very little of this nature seems to be happening here as far as I can see - and this isn’t new syllabi, this is a whole new philosophy/ethos/pedagogy!
I know that some efforts are now being made, but we’re going to be expected to have this implemented in S1 and S2 this time next year - and in the meantime we have fairly demanding jobs to be getting on with as well!
Time is short. I feel that many teachers would like to start at the beginning, i.e. workshops along the lines of “What is Curriculum for Excellence?”. For this seems to me to be what is missing. Everyone is reading the Draft experiences and outcomes thinking “is this it?”. A stage seems to have been missed out, and for Curriculum for Excellence, it’s the most important stage! Setting the scene, sharing the pedagogy, discussing the implications…..
Who’s going to do this? I know that East Lothian is putting people in place for this, but what about other areas? Are they doing the same?
We have to get to grips with this, and I’m starting to feel that those of us who are engaged with the Chartered Teacher programme are in many ways best placed to help drive this forward.
What did you make of the letter I sent out to all staff about our approach to ACfE?
I thought it was very good Mr L. Pity you can’t get Fifi Hyslop to do something similar.
Up here there is terrible worry as we keep asking ‘what do you want us to do?’ of our Authority and getting zilch nada nothing in return. I’m on the school ACfE Working Group and we have to look at Stirling, East Lothian (yaay!) and Argyll for ideas and rich tasks etc. We have a rough idea of what we have to do but there are too many questions still and no funding for people to attend courses down South etc. Most frustrating 8-(
I’ve emailed a link to this post to Veronica Brunton, who started last week as East Lothian’s Curriculum for Excellence Development Officer.
Thanks for the comments.
Don - half way through your letter I had a feeling of deja vu, then remembered I’d already read it on your blog! I feel that this clearly sets the tone for what’s to come in East Lothian.
Your questions are very challenging, and will obviously need to be considered in groups. I find this kind of thinking very difficult to manage on my own! I assume I will get an opportunity to do this formally through the new subject support groups?
As I’ve said before, I’m feeling the pressure of time. We could easily spend this term considering these questions. The second term is always dominated by getting courses finshed, prelims and reports. This then only leaves the third term to develop exciting new ways of offering learning experiences - and all of this on a limited budget.
I do feel that East Lothian is ahead of the game compared to other areas, however, I am still concerned. And I don’t think I’m alone.
Am I getting overly worried about this?
I’d be interested in your thoughts on my evolving posts on the secondary school curriculum. What is your gut reation to what I’m saying - or is is too early to say.
Thanks Don.
I am reading your posts with interest, but as you predicted, I’m still slowly digesting their contents. Very fascinating ideas indeed. I’ll muster up a comment very soon!
Hi there,
Was just browsing your blog - I’m a music teacher in Edinburgh considering taking a stroll down the Chartered Teaching path and was curious about something I read in this post - you mention Stirling offers the course in ‘double modules’. I’m scouring the net trying to find more information about the providers - how long do you anticipate the course will take you? It’s unlikely I’d be able to make any APL claims as most of my teaching has been in Australia, but with everyone so busy it’s difficult to get a clear light on the matter!
Look forward to reading more in depth,
Cheers,
Scott Copeman
Hi Scott,
Stirling does do double modules. This means that if you work through the standard programme of two double modules per year, you’d be completed in about 3 years.
An extra bonus is that the modules are not twice the price! And - you’ll get a pay rise at the end of each one.
If you’d like more info please feel free to email me ( fkelly at ross.elcschool.org.uk) if you like.
Fearghal