Teacher Courses

Courses 2008/09:
  

As well as a broad programme of activities for school visits, the Centre also carries out training for teachers, their assistants and other appropriate staff. Courses are all day, usually from 9.30am to 3.30pm unless otherwise indicated and lunch and refreshments are provided. Each course uses the Centre site and/or the environment around Horton Kirby. If members of staff are interested in a course there is no need to wait for a flyer to reach your school. Places are limited so book straight away by completing the booking form below. 

Charges: Reduced Fees

• Kent LA teachers and other applicants - £85 [Full Day]
• Kent LA teachers and other applicants - £45 [Half Day]
• Kent LA teachers and other applicants - £30 [Twilight]
• Non-Kent LA teachers and other applicants - £100

Schools will be invoiced after each course:

Click on each course titles to view information or contact the Centre Manager for more details. To book a place, please download the Course Booking Form and fax or post to:

Gary Cliffe,
Tel: +44 01322 863302
Address:
29 School Lane,
Horton Kirby,
Dartford,
Kent,
England,
DA4 9DQ
Email: hkeec@kent.gov.uk

Cancellation Policy:

In order to plan the Centre programme efficiently please note the following cancellation policy. Schools should inform the Centre in writing preferably by email or fax.

• If an applicant cancels up to three weeks before the course there will be no charge.
• If an applicant cancels between three and up to one week before the course half the fee will be charged.
• If an applicant gives less than one week notice of cancellation the full course fee will be charged.

In some circumstances a late cancellation may be unavoidable. Fees may be waived at the discretion of the Centre Manager.

Course List
 

Click on course titles to view further information

ICT: 

• Christmas Gifts Using ICT
  The course will be an opportunity for delegates to use ICT to produce Christmas resources such clocks, place mats, gift boxes, calendars, cards and key rings for use with their classes. For each item teachers will use D & T skills, as well as mathematic and ICT.  Digital photos and internet resources will also be used to personalise the gifts. 
  Tutor: Diana Marsden – Hands On Support, Swanley and District Cluster
  Date: Tuesday 12 November 2008 [13:15 - 16:00] Key stages 2 -3
  
  
• Digital Blue Movie Cameras in the Classroom
  The aim of this course is to show staff how digital blue movie cameras (DMCs) can be used effectively as  stills, video and animation camera to enhance teaching and learning across the curriculum. Using DMCs and the accompanying software, delegates will learn how to take successful photos and videos, export these to memory sticks and insert into word processing and PowerPoint presentations, etc. 
  Tutor: Diana Marsden - Hands on for Support, Swanley and District
  Date: Wednesday 19 November 2008 [13:15 - 16:00] Key stages 1 - 3 
  
  
• Digital Storytelling with Photo Story 3
  The course will provide hands-on training to classroom teachers and TAs on how to use Windows Photo Story 3 (free software on XP). Delegates will familiarise themselves with the key components of the software leading to creating a demonstration presentation.  They will learn how to install Photo Story 3 onto a PC, import photos from a digital camera memory card, add audio, effects and text etc.
  Tutor: Diana Marsden - Hands on for Support, Swanley and District  
  Date: Wednesday 4 February 2009 [13.15 – 16.00]   Key stages 1 - 4  
  
  
• Digital Video with Windows Movie Maker
  The course will provide hands-on training to classroom teachers and TAs on how to use Windows Movie Maker software (free with XP) to produce movies. Teachers will create their own video using photos and images they bring or use their own DV camcorder to video at the Environmental Centre.  Teachers will also learn how to use this software with their pupils to create performance-based projects.
  Tutor: Diana Marsden - Hands on for Support, Swanley and District       
  Date: Wednesday 11 February 2009 [13.15 16.00] Key stages 1 - 4 
  

Geography & History: 

• New to Leading Geography
  An opportunity for teachers new to the Geography Co-ordinators role to gain an insight into appropriate leadership and management strategies. Delegates will gain a clear idea of the standards of work expected in Years 2, 4 and 6 using the QCA standards website and explore good teaching and learning methods in geography within the context of cross-curricular planning, excellence and enjoyment and ECM. The course will consist of formal inputs by the tutor and a range of active learning for participants.
  Tutor: Marcia Foley - Formerly Geography Advisor KCC
  Date: 18 March 2009 Key Stage 1&2
  
  
• Literacy in the Environment
  This course will assist delegates by providing ideas and inspiration on how to use their school and local environment to support literacy and gain an understanding of how literacy in the outdoors can support integrated subject work, for example as part of a creative curriculum. Strategies will be covered to help teachers become more confident about meeting the demands of the Outdoor Learning Manifesto and working out of doors with children. Participants will learn about the requirements for outdoor learning and how literacy can be developed and enhanced through a range of practical activities in the local environment at Horton Kirby. These activities will include developing relevant vocabulary, poetry, captions, annotations and story telling.
  Tutor: Paula Owens – Project Leader for Action Plan for Geography
  Date: Thursday 4 June 2009 GA Key Stages: 1&2
  
  
• Fun with Fieldwork
  The course will outline to participants the advantages of fieldwork in supporting children’s learning in the outdoors and help develop teachers’ confidence in undertaking a range of relevant activities with pupils. It will highlight how fieldwork can support a creative, integrated curriculum and will provide information on resources available. Participants will learn what the requirements of fieldwork are and how these can be implemented in fun, safe ways with pupils, plus how to incorporate fieldwork into a wider cross curricular topic, undertaking a range of practical activities in the local environment at Horton Kirby.
  Tutor: Paula Owens – Project Leader for Action Plan for Geography
  Date: Wednesday 11 March 2009, GA Key Stages: 1 & 2

Art:

• Art Through the Environment
  The course will make reference to Horton Kirby’s natural environment using found materials as a resource. Delegates will create mixed media two-dimensional and three dimensional artwork using mathematical shapes from the natural and urban landscape and look at different approaches to working with found materials based upon the artist’s own exploration from an Eco art perspective. The course will emphasise creativity and will support many areas of the national curriculum including literacy, maths, science and design technology.
  Tutor: Cas Holmes - Professional Artist
  Key Stage 1&2, TA's and Teachers of Special schools
  Date: Thursday 16 October 2008
  
  
• Paper, Plant, Text and Print
  The course will offer teachers an opportunity to work with mixed media, natural and man made art resources and to make links to other areas including environmental issues, literacy, maths, and their connections to the natural and urban space. The focus will be on paper, print, mark-making and related techniques using the environment as a resource. Delegates will look at sun printing (weather and sun permitting, though alternative is planned), relief printing, collographs and monoprint. Different surfaces will be explored e.g. paper, cloth, found objects and use of paints/acrylics and dry media.
  Tutor: Cas Holmes - Professional Artist
  Key Stage 1, 2, &3, TA's and Teachers of Special schools
  Date: Tuesday 24 March 2009