BRAEMAR COMMUNITY LIMITED

The development of an Educational Resource  for Primary and Secondary Schools based on Auchtavan.

Rationale

Scottish Schools are currently going through arguably the most challenging and exciting of curricuar developments of recent years as they move to implement the aspirations of the Curriculum for Excellence. As a resultsof the National Debate on Scottish Educatio, schools have been challenged to ensure that pupils aged from 3 to 18 undergo a range of experiences which develops in them four main capacitiesnamely those of Successful Ledarners, Confidant Individuals, Responsible Citizens and Effective Contributors. Although the curriculum will still be delivered through the medium of traditional subjects teachers will explore and develop opportunities for inter-departmental collaboration and cross curricular working which will help pupils to recognise the connections that can be made between subjects and be able to transfer skills learned in one area of the curriculum and apply them them in other areas.

By providing an extensive range of natural, physical, historical and cultural resources Auchtavan offers teachers a rich resource to inspire and support the development of a wide range of both classroom-based and field-based research activities which will support the development of the four capacities eg

As Successful Learners pupils will develop the skills to research and analyse historical and current data, present and interpret the information in a variety of ways and substantiate and justify any conclusions inferred.

As Confident Individuals pupils will be able to present their findings in a variety of ways and argue in support of their conclusions.

As Responsible Citizens pupils will develop an enhanced knowledge and appreciation of the countryside and the fragile nature of some communities and understand more thoroughly the need to protect the environment.

As Effective Contributors pupils will be able to draw on their knowledge and experience to enter into debate and present points of view in a reasonable way based on sound information.

Suggested Subject Links

Proposals

1. An introductory DVD would be prepared to give teachers an overview and flavour of Auchtavan and what it has to offer.  The DVD would include a site map, an aerial photograph and pictures of the outside and inside of the main buildings and their principal features including the cruck construction and the hinging lum.  The pictures would be accompanied by a commentary giving more detailed information about the area and its history and source material and records which would be available to support any research project and suggestions of projects which might be carried out.
   
   
2. The Director of Education for Aberdeenshire would be approached to enlist his endorsement of the initiative and his suggestions for further development.
   
   
3. Aboyne Academy and its associated primary schools would be approached and offered both the opportunity to receive a presentation on Auchtavan and a chance to visit the site and have a conducted tour.
   
   
4. The views of teachers would then be sought on the value of Auchtavan as a research resource and how best materials might be developed for their use.
   
   
5. An Auchtavan Website would be established which would be under regular development to include up to date source material and examples of project work submitted by schools.