Northern Alliance Podcast

#6 Reflecting and Reforming

In this episode Kathleen reflects on our conversations so far and the themes that are emerging. She is joined by Gayle Gorman who is Chief Executive and Chief Inspector with Education Scotland who brings a national perceptive to the conversation.

#5 We are all the System – Systemness

Michael Fullan describes systemness as a mind and action stance. In this episode Mike, David and Paul bring this to life and share what has meant in the life of and practice of Dunoon Grammar School and how it is shaping the opportunities across the Northern Alliance. Mike Burchell is the workstream lead for Systemness. Follow on twitter [https://twitter.com/MikeBurchellDHT?s=20&t=1evRKhLt286t1qMTKwIxSw]. David Mitchell is the Joint Head teacher of Dunoon Grammar School and Campbelltown Grammar School. Follow on twitter [https://mobile.twitter.com/JointHTCGS_DGS]. Paul Gallanagh is Depute Head teacher at Dunoon Grammar School. The plan on a page [https://northernalliance.scot/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Northern-Alliance-Phase-4-Plan-on-a-Page-.pdf]. The plan – Northern Alliance Phase 4 Plan [https://northernalliance.scot/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Final-Regional-improvement-Plan-Phase-4-2.pdf]

#4 Collaboration is the Name of the Game – Social Intelligence

‘Social Intelligence’ is one of those terms that needs exploration. Along with Wellbeing and Learning, it’s a crucial driver for improvement. We are hard wired for connection and collaboration is widely accepted as a benefit and yet we’ve not always maximised its potential.  Anne Craig, workstream lead (Social Intelligence) and James Cook, Head Teacher of Cawdor Primary help us make sense of social intelligence and how it is being nurtured in the Northern Alliance. Follow Anne on twitter [https://mobile.twitter.com/annecraigSocInt] Follow James on twitter [https://mobile.twitter.com/MisstahCook] James co-host the Scottish Educators Connect podcast – follow twitter [https://mobile.twitter.com/ScotEdConnect] or listen here [https://open.spotify.com/show/0j81AdGcaehafaa3UAJEzP] The plan on a page [https://northernalliance.scot/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Northern-Alliance-Phase-4-Plan-on-a-Page-.pdf]. The plan – Northern Alliance Phase 4 Plan [https://northernalliance.scot/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Final-Regional-improvement-Plan-Phase-4-2.pdf]

#3 Breaking Down Barriers Together – Equality Investments

‘It does what it says on the tin’ – Sue Briggs and Bernadette Cairns are passionate about diversity, inclusion and equality. Bringing their own unique perspectives from Educational Psychology and Community Learning and Development respectively we talk about how we ensure that dignity is the key driver. Bernadette Cairns is Principal Educational Psychologist in Highland Council and Sue Briggs is Strategic Development Officer for Aberdeenshire Council. The plan on a page [https://northernalliance.scot/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Northern-Alliance-Phase-4-Plan-on-a-Page-.pdf]. The plan – Northern Alliance Phase 4 Plan [https://northernalliance.scot/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Final-Regional-improvement-Plan-Phase-4-2.pdf]

#2 Feeling Well and Learning Well – Wellbeing and Learning

In this episode we are joined by Kirsty Campbell, workstream lead for Wellbeing and Learning and Fiona Leadbetter, PT Expressive Arts at Oban & Tiree High Schools. This is the first of 4 conversations in which we delve deeper into the ‘treasure’ of the Northern Alliance and how this is shaping and guiding improvement, development and professional learning experiences. Follow Fiona on twitter [https://twitter.com/FionaLeadbeater] Follow Kirsty on twitter [https://mobile.twitter.com/nasecondary] The plan on a page [https://northernalliance.scot/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Northern-Alliance-Phase-4-Plan-on-a-Page-.pdf]. The plan – Northern Alliance Phase 4 Plan [https://northernalliance.scot/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Final-Regional-improvement-Plan-Phase-4-2.pdf]