I am delighted to welcome you to the first Update newsletter of the 2017-18 session.
We are kicking off the new academic year with a range of dynamic, high impact workshops and events. School-college pathways are offering increasingly varied provision during the senior phase and our conference on 19 and 20 September, held in partnership with CLASS (College Liaison in association with Scottish Schools) explores latest developments and offers the chance to share practice and reflect on the implications for raising attainment.
Other dates for your diary include a conversation on gender and career progression, hosted in partnership with the Scottish Funding Council and Equality Challenge Unit, and an event that will explore a peer-led approach to online safety, at which Police Scotland will be demonstrating their 'Be Smart' materials.
We will be honouring the excellent practice taking place across the sector every day through our 2017 College Awards ceremony, which takes place on 23 November. The shortlist will be announced on 1 September, so keep an eye on our website to see who will be up for one of the coveted College Awards this year.
I very much look forward to working with you over the coming session. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss any aspect of our work: jim.metcalfe@cdn.ac.uk
Jim Metcalfe, Chief Executive, College Development Network (CDN)
School-college partnerships School-college pathways have a powerful impact on the learner journey. They are giving rise to more varied provision during the senior phase curriculum and offering a wider range of vocational qualifications. We are offering an opportunity to hear latest developments, share practice and reflect on implications for raising attainment. Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Employability and Training will open the conference, which takes place 19 and 20 September in Dunblane. Find out more and book
Food and Drink Careers Expo 2017
Staff and students are invited to join us on a journey through the food and drink process - from farm and sea to fork. This fantastic event will feature a range of exciting hands-on demonstrations and practical sessions, from live cooking to science experiments; and lots of inspiration and information about career opportunities in this fast-growing sector. Join us for this dynamic event on
14 September at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. Book your place
Hosted in partnership with the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) and the Scottish Funding Council, this event offers the chance to participate in a conversation around current policy relating to gender and college staff. The ECU hopes to gather relevant views from the discussion and to produce initial recommendations on how to enhance, support and encourage staff progression. Join us on
26 September in Stirling. Book your place
Be Smart - Internet Safety Resource
Police Scotland will be sharing with us their 'Be Smart' programme, a set of free resources designed for students to start a conversation with their peers about staying safe online. The materials incorporate everything needed to deliver an interactive workshop, offering the opportunity for students to practise a range of practical presentation skills as well as to discuss important issues around internet safety. Join us on
25 September in Stirling.
CDN is working in partnership with Saïd Business School at Oxford University and the Education & Training Foundation to provide college Principals across Scotland with an opportunity to participate in a UK-wide Further Education Strategic Leadership Programme.
Every Friday CDN issues an online round-up of what's been happening across the college sector. It's free and very quick and easy to sign up. Do please let us know if there is anything that you would like us to add to the round-up, too.