Maryhill Canal Classroom - Scottish Canals

Introduction:
The Curriculum For Excellence and
the Forth & Clyde Canal
The Forth & Clyde Canal is a rich resource. A simple
stroll along the old tow path can inspire curiosity in a
whole range of areas-
• “How do the locks work?”
(technology)
• “Why was it built?”
(people, past events and societies)
• “What kind of animal is that?”
(science)
• “Has anyone ever fallen in?”
(health & wellbeing)
• “Why are there pictures on the railings?”
(visual arts)
• “My dad comes fishing here and
one day he...” (literacy- talking and listening)
We hope to encourage and support teachers who
would like to explore the Forth & Clyde canal at
Maryhill. We believe that the canal can be a vibrant
outdoor classroom. It can bring to life aspects of
the Curriculum for Excellence in a memorable and
enjoyable way, motivating learners and encouraging
ambition in students with different learning styles.
document combines background information and
advice for teachers with some creative ideas for
using the Forth & Clyde Canal in class. The crosscurricular
activities aim to stimulate students and
provoke their curiosity and can be used by teachers
as a springboard for their own ideas and activities.
Simply put, this document is a beginning, a ‘Once
Upon a Time’ for a story that can incorporate all the
ideas and imagination of the classes, teachers and
support staff who visit the Forth & Clyde Canal.
Successful learners
with
• enthusiasm and motivation for learning
• determination to reach high standards of achievements
• openness to new thinking and ideas
and able to
• use literacy, communication and numeracy skills
• use technology for learning
• think creatively and independently
• learn independently and as part of a group
• make reasoned evaluations
• link and apply different kinds of learning in new situations
“Within a clear framework of national expectations,
teachers will have greater scope and space for
professional decisions about what and how they
should teach, enabling them to plan creatively
within broader parameters.”
(From ‘Building the Curriculum 1’)
www.ltscotland.org.uk/curriculumforexcellence/
whatiscfe/purposes.asp
Confident individuals
with
• self-respect
• a sense of physical, mental and emotional well-being
• secure values and beliefs
• ambition
and able to
• relate to others and manage themselves
• pursue a healthy active lifestyle
• be self-aware
• develop and communicate their own beliefs and view of
the world
• live as independently as they can
• assess risk and make informed decisions
• achieve success in different areas of activity
To enable all young people
to become:
Introduction
The flexibility of the Curriculum for Excellence means
that teachers have a greater degree of freedom.
Questions and issues raised by students can
provoke a whole new area of study or exploration.
This student-centred approach is both exciting and
challenging. Children can feel like more important
contributors to their own education. Teachers will
have to respond to input and take into account the
ideas of a classroom.
We aim to provide you with information that will
back up any study of the Forth & Clyde Canal. This
Responsible citizens
with
• respect for others
• commitment t participate responsibly in political, economic,
social and cultural life
and able to
• develop knowledge and understanding of the world and
Scotland’s place in it
• Understand different beliefs and cultures
• make informed choices and decisions
• evaluate environmental, scientific and technological issues
• develop informed, ethical views of complex issues
Effective contributors
with
• an enterprising attitude
• resilience
• self-reliance
and able to
• communicate in different ways and in different settings
• work in partnership and in teams
• take the initiative and lead
• apply critical thinking in new contexts
• create and develop
• solve problems
The Maryhill Canal Classroom
2