We have come to the end of the CDN Emporium: Inspiring Ideas 2016, which was made up of 14 lively events over two and a half weeks. With a theme of 'Developing the Workforce', the Emporium stimulated a wide range of dialogue, discussion and debate. During the period we welcomed nearly 700 visitors and worked in partnership with around 60 organisations, including schools, colleges, universities and a range of employer organisations and education agencies. We were delighted to welcome the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Shirley-Anne Somerville, to present a keynote at our Essential Skills for Education and Employment conference - her first visit to the further education sector in her new role. You can find out more about this, and some of the wide range of activity we have delivered recently, below.
Please contact me if you'd like to discuss any aspect of CDN's work: candy.munro@cdn.ac.uk
Candy Munro, Acting Chief Executive, CDN
Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science addresses CDN Emporium
In her first engagement in the further education sector since taking up post as Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Shirley-Anne Somerville gave the keynote speech at the Essential Skills for Education and Employment conference held at New College Lanarkshire on Friday 10 June. Ms Somerville told delegates: "Quite simply, colleges matter. They make a vital contribution to our people, our society and our economy." After her speech, Ms Somerville had an informal chat with pupils from Trinity High School in Rutherglen as well as students of North East Scotland College in Aberdeen and New College Lanarkshire (pictured).
Highlights of the CDN Emporium: Inspiring Ideas 2016
Nearly 700 visitors attended the CDN Emporium: Inspiring Ideas between 01 and 17 June. 'Developing the Workforce' was the theme of this year's Emporium, which featured 14 events in CDN's offices in Stirling and in venues and colleges across Scotland. Around 60 organisations were involved in these events, delivering a rich mix of workshops, seminars and exhibitions.
CDN has developed an exciting new
CPD opportunity for staff in the college sector to gain recognition for participating in activities related to inclusive practice. Completion of relevant activities generates Inclusive Practitioner credits. Once 20 Inclusive Practitioner credits are accumulated candidates will receive a certificate and an Open Badge. This can be used to evidence status as an Inclusive Practitioner. Staff can look out for the Inclusive Practitioner logo on workshops and events and choose different combinations of activities depending on their role and interests.
Supporting colleges to enable carers to access and succeed in education is a key part of CDN's work. The passing of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 means this agenda will remain a priority for the college sector. CDN recently added another section to the Enabling Student Carers resources on our professional Learning Platform,
CDN LearnOnline.
Collaborative Working in Sensory Support was an event that took place in April at CDN's offices in Stirling. The event brought together 80 practitioners from schools, colleges, universities and the third sector to consider how best to improve provision for learners with a sensory impairment. The event was so popular that there was a large waiting list, the key presentation and workshops were livestreamed to ensure no one missed out.