Aims of the day: -

• To update EMNGPS members on the progress of the Working Groups (Regional Strategy, Monitoring & Evaluation, Funding & Moodle)
• To present the new Monitoring & Evaluation Plan & School Leadership Project with Oxfam
• To learn more about a new publication for schools about Science & the Global Dimension through trying out the activities

Rohini Corfield, EMNGPS Project Manager, welcomed the 17 delegates and introduced the programme for the day. 

EMNGPS Regional Plan & Poster - Brian Cavanagh presented the Regional Plan and the latest draft of the EMNGPS poster. He explained where it was up to at the moment and asked for comments from the delegates. After some discussion by the group as a whole, Brian circulated copies of the poster to four work groups, for each group to focus on a particular section and make their suggestions/amendments. At the end of the session, all the comments were collected in and will be looked at in further detail. Improvements will be made to the EMNGPS draft poster ready for presentation to the Executive Committee.. Main points to consider:- simplify, reduce & clarify the text, avoid duplication of wording, design layout.

Monitoring & Evaluation Plan - Bob Hirst presented the EMNGPS five-year Monitoring & Evaluation Plan as ‘work in progress’, and that it is to be used as a guide. He explained that EMNGPS should evaluate its work to find out how effective it is, and to learn how to become more effective. He gave some examples, from 19 key questions, of what EMNGPS would like to find out, e.g. “Do EMNGPS participants/members develop their own capacity to learn and to share that learning with others in the region and beyond?”

He went on to say that six evaluation ‘tools’ or methods are planned, but some have already started in Phase 1. Further details of the evaluation process include Tools, Purpose, Type of information, How, and Who contributes.

Science & the Global Dimension – Graham Jackson, the Association of Science Education, presented a range of interesting ideas/topics for science with a global dimension at Key Stage 3. By inviting the delegates to join in the activities and discussions, he clearly demonstrated that by adding the global dimension to science it gives students a more enjoyable and relevant experience of science, linked to more effective learning and scientific thinking. Also equipping students with the scientific knowledge, and critical thinking skills to make a positive impact on society.

www.ase.org.uk

School Leadership Project with Oxfam – Rohini explained the aim of this match funded project was to set up a peer learning network of Head teachers from the East Midlands to discuss:-

• how the Global Dimension can contribute to strategic agenda like school improvement, Every Child Matters etc.
• clarifying how a Head teacher can provide leadership on the Global Dimension

The target audience is Head teachers, with some experience of the Global Dimension, from primary, secondary and special schools across the East Midland region. A Project Manager will be appointed to facilitate meetings and write up findings. A Project Management Committee will provide strategic support and direction. Rohini asked all delegates to encourage Head teachers to apply by 25th July 2008, and to share any useful contacts in NCSL, NAHT & DCSF

Sustainability & Income Generation – Alex Kosogopri. MUNDI, spoke about the future funding of EMNGPS. Funding by DFID has been approved until 2013, but should another government come into power this decision may not be upheld. Some group discussion took place and Alex and the delegates suggested ideas for funding. Everyone agreed that preparation and planning is the key and funding needs to be further discussed sooner rather than later.

The role of Virtual Learning Environments in Development Education – David Taylor, GED, described the potential, obstacles and possible ways forward for EMNGPS with regard to VLE’s. These web-based systems allow students and educators to interact locally or remotely through a web browser on any computer connected to the Internet,  anywhere, any time.  Knowledge in the virtual environment can be generated and shared without having to travel out of the local setting.

Looking at possibilities for EMNGPS, the focus has been on Moodle (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) because of lower costs and because this VLE places more emphasis on collaboration and parallels development education approaches.

There are two main obstacles:-  

• Using a VLE on a regular basis
• Technical competence/cost implications

Possible ways forward:-  

• Is there a possibility of setting up a VLE in partnership with an ITE institute?
• Or experiment with using a VLE as a project tool to engage with more experienced teachers.

Regional ESD Schools Working Group update – As time was running short, Barbara Smith, only spoke briefly. She ensured that all delegates had a copy of the handout for the new website for supporting Sustainable Learning www.SustainableSchoolsEastMidlands.org.uk
She also referred delegates to the National Framework for Sustainable Schools, The eight doorways www.teachernet.gov.uk/sustainableschools

Rohini closed the consultative day by thanking everyone for attending and participating, adding special thanks to the presenters.