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CDN Update    
 
September has seen an enormous variety of work from CDN, including our biggest event yet, the Food and Drink Expo. This careers showcase at Murrayfield attracted more than 400 young people and dozens of educators and sector partners on 14 September.

We were delighted to welcome Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Employability and Training, to open the School-College Partnerships Conference on 19 September. You will find a link to Mr Hepburn's speech below.

We are fast approaching this year's CDN College Awards ceremony, which takes place on Thursday 23 November at Hilton Glasgow. The event honours the excellent practice taking place across the sector every day. I am delighted that John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills will be joining us, and that Sally Magnusson will once again act as our MC for the evening. You will find details of how to book your place below.    

I very much look forward to meeting you at one of our forthcoming events. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss any aspect of our work: jim.metcalfe@cdn.ac.uk
 
  
Jim Metcalfe, Chief Executive, College Development Network (CDN)   

cdncollegeawards2017
CDN College Awards 2017
We are gearing up for a very big date in the calendar - on Thursday 23 November the CDN College Awards night will be taking place at Hilton Glasgow. We are delighted to be welcoming John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills as our keynote speaker and Sally Magnusson, award winning journalist and broadcaster, as our MC for the evening. Summaries of all the shortlisted submissions are available on the CDN website.
CDN is offering a unique opportunity for college staff to undertake the PDA Advancing Equality and Diversity through Inclusiveness - SCFQ Level 9. This qualification is aimed at anyone working in a teaching and learning environment. It is flexible, offering options and is delivered online through CDN LearnOnline, with support from the course tutor. Places are limited so please book quickly to avoid disappointment. The deadline for applications is Friday 6 October.
Find out more and book
Pupils teach Minister to drive a robot PupilsteachMinistertodrivearobot
Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Employability and Training opened this year's School-College Conference on 19 September. The theme of the conference was 'Raising Attainment Through Partnerships'. Mr Hepburn met young people involved in the Vex Robotics project at New College Lanarkshire, Airdrie Academy and Braidhurst High School - and tried his hand at 'driving' a robot. He spoke to delegates about the importance of STEM developments within the context of raising attainment.  
CDN's largest event ever took place on 14 September at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. The Food and Drink Careers Expo attracted over 400 educators and young people eager to hear about the opportunities available in the food and drink sector. Delegates had a chance to see and hear first-hand the range of areas covered by the sector, from science and engineering to hospitality and manufacturing.
CDN's partnership with ECU
CDN is proud to work in partnership with the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU). Since 2011 we have supported the ECU to deliver work with colleges through our Networks. Our most recent example of joint working saw a discussion on gender and career progression on 26 September.
Find out more: ECU Scotland Programme 2016-18 (pages 3&4)  
Be Smart - Internet Safety Resource
Police Scotland will be sharing with us their 'Be Smart' programme, a set of free resources designed for students to start a conversation with their peers about staying safe online. The materials incorporate everything needed to deliver an interactive workshop, offering the opportunity for students to practise a range of practical presentation skills as well as to discuss important issues around internet safety. Join us on 3 October in Stirling. 
Weekly round-up of college news
Every Friday CDN issues an online round-up of what's been happening across the college sector. It's free and very quick and easy to sign up. Do please let us know if there is anything that you would like us to add to the round-up, too.
View the latest version and subscribe. 
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