Hello
Highlights (so far) of 2021
Wow! What a busy first half of the year we have had!

As we begin to slowly emerge from the
global pandemic, we look forward to
reimagining college learning and life.


We wanted to take this opportunity to shine a light on some of our 2021 highlights...
January

Reach, the magazine for Scotland's college sector, came out in January. Reach 2021 is our biggest yet and is filled with stories about inspirational practice and innovation.


We also launched CDN's new Podcast Series - Pedagogy Matters. The series shines a light on key priorities and issues in learning and teaching. So far, we have released 13 podcasts with many more on the way!
February
CDN Joint Curriculum Development Groups

The new CDN Joint Curriculum Development Groups began in February and included a wide range of subject areas and are designed to allow lecturers and other colleagues to share good practice within their subject specialism. Interested in joining a group? Please complete this short form.

Virtual Bridge Webinar Series

In partnership with Jisc, we continue to deliver the popular Virtual Bridge Webinar Series. These 30-minute sessions have been designed to support college staff in delivering remote learning and teaching.
March
Choose College

The new national #ChooseCollege campaign highlighted the importance of Scotland’s colleges and encouraged potential students to – Choose College.
Organised by the CDN Marketing and Communications Network, the campaign kicked off with a collaborative six-week social media campaign which was a great success, with Twitter statistics recording 3,153 mentions, 8,810,377 impressions and an estimated reach of 1,737,084!


CDN, in partnership with the British Esports Association, hosted the first ever Esports in Education Conference in Scotland. The hugely successful online conference attracted delegates from all over the world and brought together key speakers from the education landscape, industry, and the world of esports.
April
CDN Research and Enhancement Centre

The new CDN Research and Enhancement Centre launched with an online event to over 100 delegates on Thursday 22 April. The Centre brings together existing research work related to Scotland’s colleges and is driving new research and enquiry in the sector.

What Matters to Us Virtual Conference

Over 200 delegates virtually attended the annual What Matters to Us Conference, which took place online on Friday 30 April. The event was attended by final year HN students in Social Care & Early Years courses, and for college staff who lead these programmes.
May
Climate Emergency

We launched the Scottish Colleges’ Statement of Commitment on the Climate Emergency, which was produced by CDN’s college Climate Emergency Expert Group, in partnership with Colleges Scotland and Energy Skills Partnership (ESP). The statement of commitment highlights how college staff and students are working together to achieve a more sustainable future for Scotland.


Choose College Showcase

The first ever #ChooseCollege Virtual Showcase took place online on Wednesday 26 May. The event saw colleges from across Scotland come together to showcase all that colleges have to offer!
June
Virtual College Expo21

College Expo21 took place on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 June, and featured 107 speakers and panellists – more than ever before. This year’s theme was: ‘Press the reset button: Reimagining college learning and life’.

CDN Governance and Leadership Summit 2021

The Governance and Leadership Summit took place on Wednesday 2 June and was aimed at College Chairs, Board Members and Senior Staff with over 300 registrants. The Summit focused on how the sector is emerging from the twin challenges of the impact of COVID and Brexit.

New Online Modules

This month, we have also launched the following new online modules:

  • Two new Teaching in Colleges Today (TiCT) SCQF credit-rated units, which have been developed to better meet the initial professional development needs of new college lecturers coming into the sector.
  • Corporate Parenting in Colleges - This course uses the voice of Care Experienced students in Scotland to enhance your understanding of how you can support them in your role.
Coming Soon...

During the summer months we will be busy planning an action packed programme of events, courses, podcasts, webinars, and online resources.

Not to be missed:

College Awards 2021

The deadline for this year's College Awards entries is Friday 2 July at 1700, and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 9 December!

The Awards recognise the talent, innovation and achievement demonstrated by our colleges, their staff and their learners.


CDN Leadership Programmes

CDN's Leadership Programmes offer you the opportunity to build on your skills and to take the next step in your career.

The Emerging Leadership and Strategic Leadership programmes begin in September 2021 and lead to CMI certification. Don't miss out, take your next step and apply for one of the programmes today!
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