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Dear
We’re taking a moment to reflect on this academic year’s events and looking ahead to next year and we’re happy to be able to share a selection of opportunities from The Open University (OU) in Scotland to those working in early years settings, primary and secondary schools, and in colleges.
We hope you enjoy finding out more about the range of learning and projects on offer. Resources and courses specifically for educators and practitioners in Scotland are on the OU in Scotland website. The collection is broken down across the two areas of courses for schools and educators and partnership opportunities.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like more information.
You can also join our mailing list to be the first in the know about new opportunities. Please share this link with any colleagues where it may be of interest.
Best wishes,
The Open University in Scotland Schools Engagement Group
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Glasgow’s transforming Science Festival
Our long-standing relationship with Glasgow Science Festival continues with activities in 2024’s programme, celebrating how research is transforming our lives, our cities, and our futures.
Drop into our free, family-day activities at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June.
Staff and students from The Open University will be on hand, offering opportunities to go on a treasure hunt, explore the world with virtual reality, play a rocket launch game and delve into the music of Glasgow.
Also, art-lovers and environmentalists alike are invited to join two OU art historians and a filmmaker with a passion for the environment, for a discussion panel event on Friday 14 June. The Transforming Landscapes in Film and Art event will include films that are paired with ArtUK lesson plans for teachers.
There is also a range of free online OU science resources to explore as part of the festival's ‘Science on the Sofa’ programme running for the whole of June.
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Lunar experts land in Dumfries & Galloway
Dumfries and Galloway is preparing to welcome over 150 members of the international lunar science community for the annual European Lunar Symposium, co-hosted by the OU in Scotland from 16 to 21 June.
There will be a range of accompanying public events, including a schools’ programme - involving OU academic and NASA representative-run workshops - seminars, poetry workshops and an open-mic night, all aimed at inspiring the people of Dumfries and Galloway and leaving behind a new lunar legacy for the region.
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Young Applicants in Schools Scheme
The Young Applicants in Schools Scheme (YASS) is designed to bridge the gap between school and university, college or employment, and helps motivated students stand out. It encourages independent learning and builds confidence. Taking part in YASS develops key skills, such as time management and using an online study environment.
Registrations are open for the next YASS session starting in October 2024. We encourage schools to register any interested students early, to be able to plan and prepare.
If you are interested in finding out more about YASS or have any questions about registration, please contact the team at Scotland-YASS@open.ac.uk.
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Teachers Learning to Teach Languages
The OU’s Teachers Learning to Teach Languages (TELT) programme is now open to any teacher interested in teaching languages in the primary classroom to enrol for the next presentation starting in October 2024.
Teachers simultaneously learn a new language and the skills to teach that language in the classroom. They can choose either Spanish, French, German or Chinese and decide whether to study at beginners or post-beginners level.
The programme is General Teaching Council for Scotland approved and can count towards postgraduate qualifications. Research with the 615 participants of previous presentations confirmed that studying this programme significantly enhances teachers’ confidence in delivering language teaching, plus practitioners highly valued the community of practice on this online programme for supporting their skills development.
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Evolutions in UK education explored
A free online conference for anyone working in or interested in the UK education sector - from early years through to further education - was hosted by The Open University in April.
The Evolutions in Education Conference was split into the two overarching themes of evolving pedagogies and evolving collaborations, to explore several different topics.
Interactive sessions and the online common room promoted discussion and engagement from attendees on topics such as professional learning, reading for pleasure in primary settings, sustainable pedagogies and more.
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Future sustainability leaders attend Mock COP28
Organised by the OU in Scotland with local partners, a Mock COP event at the Highland Council Chambers in November brought together fifth and sixth-year pupils to represent and negotiate, while trying to make a difference in the battle against climate change.
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First teacher training course to embed Scots language
For the first time in the history of Scottish education, there is now a professional learning course for teachers on how to include and embed Scots language and culture in their classrooms. Teachers in Scotland have been requesting a course like this for generations, which the OU and Education Scotland are delighted to now make available in partnership.
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Articulation agreement between SQA and OU confirmed
The Articulation Agreement between The Open University and the Scottish Qualifications Authority means learners who achieve a SQA Higher National Certificate or Diploma will be able to progress, or articulate, onto year two or year three of a related Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Open Degree with Honours at The Open University.
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Home education myths debunked
In a short blog, Chelle Oldham, a Staff Tutor in the Open University’s School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport, shares key findings from recent research, shining a light on the voices of some young people learning outside of formal schooling, and how the OU can provide a way back into learning, from home.
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Awareness of higher education raised
A 'Learner Explorers Project' is aiming to raise awareness of higher education amongst Primary 7 pupils in Edinburgh, with an additional focus on normalising conversations around care-experience.
In conjunction with the HUB for SUCCESS and other Edinburgh-based further and higher educational bodies, the OU co-delivered three in-person sessions at Stockbridge and Ratho Primary schools (40 pupils per school).
Session topics included 'What is university?', 'Why/who can go to university?' and 'Who can support you on your learning journey?'.
Group discussions were held, with the aim of softly raising the educational aspirations amongst care-experienced children within the classroom.
Conversations with the pupils highlighted the importance of raising educational awareness and aspirations at primary school level, the benefits of visible role models, and the need to build upon pupils existing skill sets, especially broadly high levels of digital literacy.
At the OU care-experienced students are provided with specific support for their studies.
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School and educator webpages
The school and educator related pages on The Open University in Scotland website outline opportunities for schools, practitioners and educators across formal, professional, and informal or free learning.
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Educators resources hub
The OpenLearn Resources for Educators hub is a one-stop-shop for hundreds of free courses and articles that are relevant to education practitioners, from early years to further education.
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Masters in Education
Our innovative Masters in Education, endorsed by Education Scotland, offers specialist pathways and credit transfer options, allowing flexibility to study and work.
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Please get in touch if you have any questions as we’re always happy to discuss our work.
We hope you have a fantastic summer break and a great start to the next academic year.
The Open University in Scotland Schools Engagement Group
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The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302). The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to its secondary activity of credit broking.
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