Inset Training/CPD

The in-service day you and your colleague delivered to our school (St Andrews Fraserburgh) was absolutely fantastic and appreciated by all staff!

Some of the staff were a little anxious with the thought of having to put their voice out there. However, each of them said afterwards, how they were made to feel comfortable by Louise and yourself.

Staff had commented on the creativity of the session, offering people the chance to consider and practise ‘teaching in role’ (TIR). The examples you gave fitted in very well with project work teachers were working on, due to your pre-planned questionnaire.

Staff have since been willing to partake in the challenge you set for them; taking TIR and using it to draw out children’s (and their own) creativity. The packs you provided have helped progress this, and I know teachers have been in contact with you, requesting even more tailored resources! (Which is brilliant.)

You and Louise were truly inspirational, and gave teachers a new avenue to pursue, which will in turn ensure the children of St Andrews School Fraserburgh are given a greater opportunity to demonstrate their creative selves.

I have heard lots of great comments from staff – a testament to the quality session you prepared for us!

Thank you for all the hard work and travelling to the other side of the country to make it happen.

Raymond Geddes, St Andrews PS, Fraserburgh

Absolutely loved it, it was one of the best sessions we’ve had and it was fun! I would recommend to all.

Kara Wardall, Prestonfield PS, Edinburgh

Popcorn games – really quick and easy, very versatile for all ages and topics. Really entertaining and lots of ideas. The leaders of the session were amazing!

Daisy, Prestonfield PS, Edinburgh

I really enjoyed the training session.  It was engaging and fun.  It’s also really useful to actually be involved in the drama, as the children would be.  It gives you an understanding of how the children feel and the challenges that they face.

It’s also easier to remember the techniques if you’ve actually done it as opposed to reading about it or watching someone else do it.
I found the whoosh technique most useful. 

I think it will be an effective strategy to use in a writing lesson.  Many of the children find it challenging to draw upon their real life experiences or their imagination when writing.

I think incorporating this technique into writing lessons will help them to formulate ideas prior to writing.

Claire Smith, Canal View PS, Edinburgh

I just wanted to say thank you for your CPD yesterday. 

It was a great way to start the new term and I left feeling really energised (and desperate to cover a class so that I can try out some of the ideas!). 

It was really practical and I am certain that all staff will have left with at least one activity that they will add to their practice.  As you are aware, our focus is on developing our talk before writing and I feel that the staff are much more likely to develop this part of the writing lesson following your training.

Please can you send me the links for the ‘over to you’ resource when you have a moment as a number of staff have mentioned them.

Faye Calder-Kelly, Head Teacher Hermitage Park, Edinburgh

So much content was covered in each session-very thorough planning to give us the best opportunities possible in the time available and just right for the children.

Very good value both professionally and financially.

Chris McCormick, Head Teacher, Cameron House Nursery

A truly talented drama specialist who had the children and adults gripped.

Arlene Hay, Nursery Nurse, Cameron House