What an eventful week I have just had.
First of all I met (for the first time) Mr Dyer, Faculty Head of Sciences and the Boss Man of Eco Group and also the Chairman of the International Education committee.
I can't say too much about what was discussed - in case of industrial espionage - so all I can say is he has had a brilliant idea for my Young Enterprise company called Pinnacle to get involved in the world of reducing the school's Carbon Footprint.
On that note, our newly appointed managing director, Fraser Porteous worked hard this week to come up with a healthy menu to take to yet another committee (how many actually ARE there???) to press forward our plans in Hamilton.
Anyway the Eco Group have some very interesting ideas and hopefully I can help with some issues. I was also asked to go to the next International Education committee meeting when we return from our break. I can see a great opportunity to tie in some of our existing ICT areas with what the IE (I'm now at the abbreviation game) committee plan to do and as an added Brucie bonus I actually did put IE down as part of my CPD (was that genuis or luck? You decide.)
So if I did get involved that would be my FOURTH committee (ICT, Enterprise, Learning & Teaching) I think I would have to give one up. But I must admit I like the idea of reaching out and linking up with other schools, and I am sure our pupils would love it. e-twinning is next logical step.
I wonder if we did where would the schools come from? I know Modern Languages would like to link up with schools in France and Spain (which makes sense) but I am a nut on all things American so I would like to link up with schools in either the Mid West or Florida. I have visited a couple of schools in Minnesota and the facilities they have there are mindblowing. Apollo High, St Cloud and Sartell High, Sartell about 90 mins drive north of Minneapolis.
So it will be another busy month.
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Teacher Tube
Just to remind my classes (in particular Higher and SG Admin) that I have added some more instruction videos onto Teacher Tube.
I will take requests from you again, as I can't do everything just yet, but I will create screencasts for the areas you guys feel you could do with the extra support.
We always can use Teach-ICT in the meantime, but I know you like to laugh at my little vids.
As long as it helps your grades, then so be it.
I will take requests from you again, as I can't do everything just yet, but I will create screencasts for the areas you guys feel you could do with the extra support.
We always can use Teach-ICT in the meantime, but I know you like to laugh at my little vids.
As long as it helps your grades, then so be it.
A Curriculum for Excellence
We have been looking once more at unpacking the Technologies outcomes in our school. It was a different process from the SBEA meeting earlier this year!
I think there is an opportunity for Business subjects to gain a larger foothold into S1 and S2 (yes I know it is for S1-S3) BUT at present very, very few schools teach Business subjects to S1 and S2. We are lumped into the generic umbrella of ICT or IT.
I think that there could be units that relate specifically to Business: Personal Finance (with the current credit crunch should our kids be more financially literate than the generations that have left schools over the past 20 years or so?), Marketing (pupils may end up with jobs in this creative discipline and they get the chance to look at product design, market research - perhaps desiging their own questionnaires that can be actually acted upon? - PR and advertsing) Enterprise - I would be all for teaching Enterprise as a discreet subject and I know some high achieving schools do offer this in S5/6 (because I taught in them!!!) and again pupils could form their own company and actually create and sell their products rather than having to wait for Young Enterprise in S5/6. Indeed some of the target group of pupils will have left school by the time Senior school comes along.
One gripe I do have with aCfE (why is education in love with acronyms?) is that the focus seems very much on Scotland. Now I am as Scottish as the next man, but I much prefer the idea of us all being Global Citizens and not being insular. My pupils and indeed myself are more interested in the practices and affairs of what is going on as Captain James T. Kirk would say: "Out there".
That means talking and researching MNCs; wondering if Hugo Chavez (the President of Venezuela) is right to nationalise many of his countries organisations; looking at the Tiger Economies and the incredible rise in productivity in nations such as China, India, Thailand and Malaysia; we're all still trying to work out the complex way the price of oil is calculated!, discussing the implications of California becoming independent and automatically assuming the mantle of the World's 8th Richest economy; looking in awe at Japanese marketing as they generate many products and let them sink or swim SANS (a little bit of culture there) market research; and on the subject of culture... the way people do business around the world is much more interesting than banging on for 20 mins about videoconferencing.
I love my subject and I just hope enough bigwigs who have influence realise that Business Education or Business Studies as it is still called in some places love it too. It is a vitally important range of subjects that are actually MORE relevant than many others because EVERYTHING we do, see, read or hear in the news and TV can be related to our subjects.
If we are serious about creating the conditions for first class students and future employees to emerge from the school gates, then MORE Business subjects are required.
I think there is an opportunity for Business subjects to gain a larger foothold into S1 and S2 (yes I know it is for S1-S3) BUT at present very, very few schools teach Business subjects to S1 and S2. We are lumped into the generic umbrella of ICT or IT.
I think that there could be units that relate specifically to Business: Personal Finance (with the current credit crunch should our kids be more financially literate than the generations that have left schools over the past 20 years or so?), Marketing (pupils may end up with jobs in this creative discipline and they get the chance to look at product design, market research - perhaps desiging their own questionnaires that can be actually acted upon? - PR and advertsing) Enterprise - I would be all for teaching Enterprise as a discreet subject and I know some high achieving schools do offer this in S5/6 (because I taught in them!!!) and again pupils could form their own company and actually create and sell their products rather than having to wait for Young Enterprise in S5/6. Indeed some of the target group of pupils will have left school by the time Senior school comes along.
One gripe I do have with aCfE (why is education in love with acronyms?) is that the focus seems very much on Scotland. Now I am as Scottish as the next man, but I much prefer the idea of us all being Global Citizens and not being insular. My pupils and indeed myself are more interested in the practices and affairs of what is going on as Captain James T. Kirk would say: "Out there".
That means talking and researching MNCs; wondering if Hugo Chavez (the President of Venezuela) is right to nationalise many of his countries organisations; looking at the Tiger Economies and the incredible rise in productivity in nations such as China, India, Thailand and Malaysia; we're all still trying to work out the complex way the price of oil is calculated!, discussing the implications of California becoming independent and automatically assuming the mantle of the World's 8th Richest economy; looking in awe at Japanese marketing as they generate many products and let them sink or swim SANS (a little bit of culture there) market research; and on the subject of culture... the way people do business around the world is much more interesting than banging on for 20 mins about videoconferencing.
I love my subject and I just hope enough bigwigs who have influence realise that Business Education or Business Studies as it is still called in some places love it too. It is a vitally important range of subjects that are actually MORE relevant than many others because EVERYTHING we do, see, read or hear in the news and TV can be related to our subjects.
If we are serious about creating the conditions for first class students and future employees to emerge from the school gates, then MORE Business subjects are required.
Monday, 6 October 2008
This Week....
On my Higher Admin 2009 page I have uploaded a Screencast for Basic If Statements with more to follow as we continue to work through Excel problems and solutions.
Higher BM we are on to the last part of Outcome 2 after some time lost due to Univeristy visits, and also this week is the presentations of the Business Management Research Projects. Some interesting companies have been chosen including Reggae Reggae sauce.
SG Admin 2009 - S3s have a WP assessment and then move on to some simple spreadsheet tasks. They are also now onto Organisation of Departments after finishing Unit 1B.
S4 Admin are continuing with Integrated Tasks that are combining their knowledge of WP, SS, DB etc and are finishing Sources of Information.
S1 are starting the email unit after finishing their WP assessment.
S2 have their DTP Assessment this week!
Higher BM we are on to the last part of Outcome 2 after some time lost due to Univeristy visits, and also this week is the presentations of the Business Management Research Projects. Some interesting companies have been chosen including Reggae Reggae sauce.
SG Admin 2009 - S3s have a WP assessment and then move on to some simple spreadsheet tasks. They are also now onto Organisation of Departments after finishing Unit 1B.
S4 Admin are continuing with Integrated Tasks that are combining their knowledge of WP, SS, DB etc and are finishing Sources of Information.
S1 are starting the email unit after finishing their WP assessment.
S2 have their DTP Assessment this week!
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
In the News... Economic Indicators
The latest news from BBC...
UK manufacturing sees sharp fall
Manufacturing has been suffering along with the rest of the UK economy
The UK's manufacturing sector shrank in September at the fastest rate for 17 years.
Manufacturing has been suffering along with the rest of the UK economy
The UK's manufacturing sector shrank in September at the fastest rate for 17 years.
UK unemployment total rises again
More workers are likely to lose their jobs this year
The number of people out of work in the UK rose by another 81,000 between May and July, to 1.72 million.
As well as these two indicators of economic recession (though we are not technically in one yet) there have been banks and building societies either taken over by rival firms and investors or nationalised (taken over by their respective Governments and bought out by public money).
Remember the Phillips Curve? Well inflation and unemployment are both rising at present which is at odds with the theory. Mind you over the last 10 years Gordon Brown's Chancellorship of the Treasury resulted in low inflation and low unemployment, which was achieved by our Government borrowing a lot of money from other sources. It looks like that policy is now coming home to roost.
It is common sense to expect the Phillips Curve Theory to take effect again and as unemployment rises over the next couple of years inflation will come down. It has to.
Again, the economic future is bleak and the lack of jobs is worrying for young people either graduating or going to university.
It would be wise just now to think about differentiating yourself from other students by building your CVs into something attractive and different. Voluntary work or school based activities would be wise.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Oil Price could hit $200 a barrel
Just when we thought oil prices were dropping they rose by a record $15 yesterday. Now experts are saying that the $200 barrel could be with us sooner rather than later.
Things are looking rather bleak with the Credit Crunch, the collapse of the Banking System, hikes in Energy prices, damage to the Environment, massive increases in Food prices and the ever upwards spiral of petrol prices.
Where will it all end?
Our pupils just now might think this is boring and doesn't affect them but in a few years time they will be looking for jobs, trying to buy their first home and even maybe be bringing up young families. Then they will realise the impact of the last few weeks events and perhaps ponder the thought that the world is currently heading towards the worst economic recession since the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
As the saying goes: "Sad, but true".
Things are looking rather bleak with the Credit Crunch, the collapse of the Banking System, hikes in Energy prices, damage to the Environment, massive increases in Food prices and the ever upwards spiral of petrol prices.
Where will it all end?
Our pupils just now might think this is boring and doesn't affect them but in a few years time they will be looking for jobs, trying to buy their first home and even maybe be bringing up young families. Then they will realise the impact of the last few weeks events and perhaps ponder the thought that the world is currently heading towards the worst economic recession since the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
As the saying goes: "Sad, but true".
Monday, 22 September 2008
Lloyds TSB merge with HBOS
After the collapse of one of America's biggest banks, Lehman Brothers and the continued sharp fall of HBOS's shares (from over 900 to a low of 88p) it looked like curtains for Britain's biggest mortgage lender.
However the prudent Lloyds TSB have made an offer to takeover HBOS. The deal is not done yet and other banks may eye up the chance to become the UK's biggest bank.
However there may be repercussions for stakeholders in the business such as customers and employees.
Customers will see less competition in the high street and credit may once again become hard to achieve, especially as Lloyds TSB are famous for being more stringent in their loans than some others.
Employees will surely face redundancies as there will be several branches in similar locations and staff doing the same job.
The major benefit is that at least the deal ensures the survival of one of the UK's main banks. After Northern Rock and now the shaky decline of the HBOS share price people on the high street and in the City must be wondering who is next?
However the prudent Lloyds TSB have made an offer to takeover HBOS. The deal is not done yet and other banks may eye up the chance to become the UK's biggest bank.
However there may be repercussions for stakeholders in the business such as customers and employees.
Customers will see less competition in the high street and credit may once again become hard to achieve, especially as Lloyds TSB are famous for being more stringent in their loans than some others.
Employees will surely face redundancies as there will be several branches in similar locations and staff doing the same job.
The major benefit is that at least the deal ensures the survival of one of the UK's main banks. After Northern Rock and now the shaky decline of the HBOS share price people on the high street and in the City must be wondering who is next?
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
New Technologies? Answer to Life, Universe and Everything or Armageddon?
Today's Big Bang experiment conducted by CERN and using the LHC (Large Hadron Collider) has been either lauded as the best thing since sliced bread or the end of mankind, the Earth and indeed Creation.
Taking a brighter view of things, what new technologies could be made with the information the science boffins will gain?
I am no expert but perhaps the creation of new metals/fabrics and building blocks of one kind or another could revolutionise the way we live in the future.
Regardless of what happens, it is exciting and has certainly caught the imagination of my pupils!
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
BBC Business News Round-up
House Sales at lowest for 30 years.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7604592.stm
Oil Prices Fall Again
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7605584.stm
These are probably the biggest two stories affecting people's lives in the UK just now.
What will be the final outcome of the House Sales slump?
What will be the long term affect of the fall in oil? Will the price reduction be passed on to the consumers?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7604592.stm
Oil Prices Fall Again
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7605584.stm
These are probably the biggest two stories affecting people's lives in the UK just now.
What will be the final outcome of the House Sales slump?
What will be the long term affect of the fall in oil? Will the price reduction be passed on to the consumers?
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
In the News....
Manchester City FC have been taken over by the Abu Dhabi Group... will this change the face of the Premiership?
Crude Oil Prices are dropping... will the consumers at the end of a petrol pump get to see this difference?
Apple are in trouble with the ASA for misleading viewers of an iPhone advert... can we trust anything that we see on TV?
Crude Oil Prices are dropping... will the consumers at the end of a petrol pump get to see this difference?
Apple are in trouble with the ASA for misleading viewers of an iPhone advert... can we trust anything that we see on TV?
Thursday, 28 August 2008
An exciting year lies ahead!
Our new Young Enterprise group had an informal meeting and seem to be brimming with ideas, confidence and committment. That is important I feel. We also have three distinct advantages over last year's plucky group.
1. We are starting earlier
2. We have a cash and carry card!!!
3. We may be able to use a very exciting technology which I am not saying anymore about.
I have also been approached to help out with the Yearbook which I would be delighted to get involved in, especially since I have had some magazine experience before and also I have a couple of ideas on how to keep the cost down (so our punters can afford it with their pocket money) and how to get it ready in time for June. But I'm keeping that close to my chest also.
The last major thing to look forward to was the success of our bid with the Faculty of Performing Arts. I am really excited about getting my teeth into a very big project. It will make my old Big Roch Digital pale in comparison (but then again I did that with zero budget!!!). It will be a step on from blogging and podcasting.
I'll need to get cracking with some more Screencasts also, especially as the S1 and S2s love it.
All in all I am glad to be back at school although I have been decanted along with my colleagues from ICT out into the modular accommodation (that's CouncilSpeak for huts!!!).
It is not perfect but it is not as bad as I feared. It is an extra challenge we will have to overcome together!
Incidentally, the new PCs are fab. The kids certainly love them more than the old bangers we had!
Our new Young Enterprise group had an informal meeting and seem to be brimming with ideas, confidence and committment. That is important I feel. We also have three distinct advantages over last year's plucky group.
1. We are starting earlier
2. We have a cash and carry card!!!
3. We may be able to use a very exciting technology which I am not saying anymore about.
I have also been approached to help out with the Yearbook which I would be delighted to get involved in, especially since I have had some magazine experience before and also I have a couple of ideas on how to keep the cost down (so our punters can afford it with their pocket money) and how to get it ready in time for June. But I'm keeping that close to my chest also.
The last major thing to look forward to was the success of our bid with the Faculty of Performing Arts. I am really excited about getting my teeth into a very big project. It will make my old Big Roch Digital pale in comparison (but then again I did that with zero budget!!!). It will be a step on from blogging and podcasting.
I'll need to get cracking with some more Screencasts also, especially as the S1 and S2s love it.
All in all I am glad to be back at school although I have been decanted along with my colleagues from ICT out into the modular accommodation (that's CouncilSpeak for huts!!!).
It is not perfect but it is not as bad as I feared. It is an extra challenge we will have to overcome together!
Incidentally, the new PCs are fab. The kids certainly love them more than the old bangers we had!
Saturday, 14 June 2008
Higher Business Management Class of 2007-08
Time to bid a fond farewell to the lads and lassies of Hamilton Grammar School's Higher Business Management 2007-08. They are all off to pastures new, be that work, college or university. Some are going to to Civil Engineering, Primary School Teaching, Optometry, Risk Management, Fashion Marketing, Psychology, Accounting, Geography, Music and of course Business!
There are a few missing from this picture but I wish every single one of them all the best for the future. As a group they were a brilliant bunch, and individually they were highly talented. I am sure we'll hear from them again in the future. Perhaps a few budding Donald Trumps? As long as when they've made their first million they come and make sure they see their old teacher alright!
It is safe to say that they were a special group, and in fact they reminded me of my very first Higher class at Mearns Castle High School, who were also a unique bunch of students. There is nothing more satisfying when you bump into former pupils and they are pleased to see you. I have met a few of my former MCHS class in various places and it's such a great feeling when they thank you for your help!
As for my HGS bunch: I am very proud of them and I am not afraid to say I will miss them! I do have one major regret though. I never got them to do the whole Dead Poets Society thing... "Captain, o my captain!". CARPE DIEM!
Monday, 2 June 2008
Screencasts for Administration
I am now in the process of putting what I have learned from Screencasting courses into practice.
The first short videos I have created are basic spreadsheet skills and can be viewed and listened to at: http://spreadsheetskills.blogspot.com/
I hope to add more each night and develop from Standard Grade into Higher.
The purpose is to create a bank of materials that can be accessed by students in school or in the home, and making it a bit more lively rather than just the core notes or even using booklets with screenshots.
I hope you pay it a visit and I hope you find them useful.
The first short videos I have created are basic spreadsheet skills and can be viewed and listened to at: http://spreadsheetskills.blogspot.com/
I hope to add more each night and develop from Standard Grade into Higher.
The purpose is to create a bank of materials that can be accessed by students in school or in the home, and making it a bit more lively rather than just the core notes or even using booklets with screenshots.
I hope you pay it a visit and I hope you find them useful.
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Screencast Course
Attended an excellent CPD course today (yes, there are some out there) on Screencasting led by Eddie Mack of Glasgow University.
I found it very interesting as they used Camtasia which I have the old version 2 of. I have tried Screencasting before, using the free Auto Screen Recorder but it was hard and time consuming to edit.
With Camtasia it is much easier. I'm hoping that that will be my main mission for 2008-09 to raise attainment by creating my own screencasts for use with Higher and SG Admin.
At Saint Roch's I think my very basic screencasts did help the EAL students a little in Int 2, but if I could do a whole course worth, then who knows?
Perhaps I could even record the past paper solutions as a screencast so the students can just load it up and learn from it?
So hopefully in the next few days I will be bombarding TeacherTube with my own versions. I did like Teach-ICT.com and the way they did it, so I think I will be looking at them as a template.
I do get a bit excited when using new technology and I know my kids do also.
Hopefully I will start publishing more student material online such as their own podcasts... but I am currently involved in a very hush hush project that I don't want to talk about in case it harms our bid. But I think it could be brilliant, if done properly.
Anyway I think I am going to create a few screencasts tonight and upload them to TeacherTube.
Be warned!
I found it very interesting as they used Camtasia which I have the old version 2 of. I have tried Screencasting before, using the free Auto Screen Recorder but it was hard and time consuming to edit.
With Camtasia it is much easier. I'm hoping that that will be my main mission for 2008-09 to raise attainment by creating my own screencasts for use with Higher and SG Admin.
At Saint Roch's I think my very basic screencasts did help the EAL students a little in Int 2, but if I could do a whole course worth, then who knows?
Perhaps I could even record the past paper solutions as a screencast so the students can just load it up and learn from it?
So hopefully in the next few days I will be bombarding TeacherTube with my own versions. I did like Teach-ICT.com and the way they did it, so I think I will be looking at them as a template.
I do get a bit excited when using new technology and I know my kids do also.
Hopefully I will start publishing more student material online such as their own podcasts... but I am currently involved in a very hush hush project that I don't want to talk about in case it harms our bid. But I think it could be brilliant, if done properly.
Anyway I think I am going to create a few screencasts tonight and upload them to TeacherTube.
Be warned!
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
SIFE
Looking forward to meeting Andrew Marr and the SIFE team again this week.
The University of Strathclyde students are going to put some 30 or so of our S3 pupils through real life business challenges to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit.
They did a good job with our seniors at Christmas at the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship so it will be nice to welcome them on home turf.
The University of Strathclyde students are going to put some 30 or so of our S3 pupils through real life business challenges to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit.
They did a good job with our seniors at Christmas at the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship so it will be nice to welcome them on home turf.
Young Enterprise 2007-08
Klass Act, Hamilton Grammar's YES company is in a mad rush to finish off their report and presentation for the Lanarkshire Area Finals in April.
The size of the group does seem to have been an issue as individually the students are brilliant and confident, but as a group they have become rudderless and lacking motivation. Perhaps I have something to do with it, but on the other hand I was so confident with this group I haven't been as much of a motivating force as perhaps I should have. A lesson learned there, I think.
I quite enjoy being the Link Teacher as it does give you another focus and I like working with the seniors, though don't mention the word 'Prefect' when I am around. (Cue in-joke private laughter).
Anyway, I am very proud of the students and I hope we do ourselves and the school proud... if we get everything finished.
At worst it has been an invaluable experience for me and the kids. We did start incredibly late so I won't make that mistake again. And even my mentor for YES at Lenzie had a few goes before being successful in the Area Finals. Though she did go on to win the Scottish twice!
Mind you, as they say from my neck of the woods: "Nae bother tae the wee man".
Was that my head swelling... mibbe. Because... READ THE POST BELOW!!!
The size of the group does seem to have been an issue as individually the students are brilliant and confident, but as a group they have become rudderless and lacking motivation. Perhaps I have something to do with it, but on the other hand I was so confident with this group I haven't been as much of a motivating force as perhaps I should have. A lesson learned there, I think.
I quite enjoy being the Link Teacher as it does give you another focus and I like working with the seniors, though don't mention the word 'Prefect' when I am around. (Cue in-joke private laughter).
Anyway, I am very proud of the students and I hope we do ourselves and the school proud... if we get everything finished.
At worst it has been an invaluable experience for me and the kids. We did start incredibly late so I won't make that mistake again. And even my mentor for YES at Lenzie had a few goes before being successful in the Area Finals. Though she did go on to win the Scottish twice!
Mind you, as they say from my neck of the woods: "Nae bother tae the wee man".
Was that my head swelling... mibbe. Because... READ THE POST BELOW!!!
We Are The Champions
Told them.
I had said in no uncertain terms to the seniors who did the grand job of organising a quiz for The St Andrew's Hospice that I was going to win.
Armed with a ramshackle team of Mr McAlpine (Mastermind subject: Music), Mr Alexander ( (Mastermind subject: Politics), Mr Pellegrini ( (Mastermind subject: Maths & Physics) I knew it was gonna be an uphill battle.
Just as well I had a trial for Blockbusters eh?
The lads romped home scoring 81 out of 90 to win by ten clear. We all felt like Tiger Woods, unlike Mr Arthur (Mastermind subject: Thunderbirds) who thinks he is Tiger!
Seriously, it was good fun and I enjoyed myself.
What a great performance and effort by the seniors, many of whom I teach in S6 or know through Young Enterprise. They raised something like over £400 which is just fantastic.
The Carrigan's venue in Hamilton was pretty good also. Everything went superbly.
Though I do have to say that the young chap who does Advanced Higher Music needs to go to Maths more often. I told him it was Beethoven's FIFTH and not the sixth as he insisted.
I look forward to making it two in a row next year!
I had said in no uncertain terms to the seniors who did the grand job of organising a quiz for The St Andrew's Hospice that I was going to win.
Armed with a ramshackle team of Mr McAlpine (Mastermind subject: Music), Mr Alexander ( (Mastermind subject: Politics), Mr Pellegrini ( (Mastermind subject: Maths & Physics) I knew it was gonna be an uphill battle.
Just as well I had a trial for Blockbusters eh?
The lads romped home scoring 81 out of 90 to win by ten clear. We all felt like Tiger Woods, unlike Mr Arthur (Mastermind subject: Thunderbirds) who thinks he is Tiger!
Seriously, it was good fun and I enjoyed myself.
What a great performance and effort by the seniors, many of whom I teach in S6 or know through Young Enterprise. They raised something like over £400 which is just fantastic.
The Carrigan's venue in Hamilton was pretty good also. Everything went superbly.
Though I do have to say that the young chap who does Advanced Higher Music needs to go to Maths more often. I told him it was Beethoven's FIFTH and not the sixth as he insisted.
I look forward to making it two in a row next year!
The EDGE Programme
Two Hamilton Grammar pupils are going for the EDGE programme, an event run and sponsored by Scottish Enterprise.
EDGE is all about encouraging the young entrepreneurs of the future and getting them to work on a team based project within real companies.
I am going to be involved in some capacity, so I am quite excited also. And as one of the candidates remarked I am NOT only going because there is a quite stimulating social calendar. Shame on you!
Good luck to the both of them, and we wish them success.
EDGE is all about encouraging the young entrepreneurs of the future and getting them to work on a team based project within real companies.
I am going to be involved in some capacity, so I am quite excited also. And as one of the candidates remarked I am NOT only going because there is a quite stimulating social calendar. Shame on you!
Good luck to the both of them, and we wish them success.
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Social Media Ideas for Business Education Subjects
Here are just a few thoughts from me about the whole Digital Curriculum or Social Media phenomenon related to the Business Subjects.
Please add your comments and share your ideas with me!
Listen to the podcast here
Please add your comments and share your ideas with me!
Listen to the podcast here
Sunday, 24 February 2008
SBEA Mini Conference
I attended the SBEA mini conference in Stirling on Saturday 23rd Feb.
It explained a bit more in detail exactly what aCfE is going to be all about. The good news it seems for us in Business Education is that we may actually have an opportunity to have Business and Enterprise subjects taught at S1 and S2.
I do hope this doesn't mean we lose out on our IT classes to Computing!
But it must be a step in the right direction to gain more credibility for our subjects.
On another personal note, I would like to see Enterprise Education become timetabled in more schools and that the PT Enterprise & Creativity jobs are given more to Business Teachers rather than subject disciplines that may be enterprising in the sense of effecting learning and teaching, but do they have the necessary COMMERCIAL experience?
I would love to see our Business subjects be seen as important in the way they are in the USA. Business Degrees are right up there with Law and Medicine in the States.
On a final note, I watched with my class a video about John Caudwell and his star graduate recruitment programme. It was like a proto-Apprentice. The best bit was when his HR manager sifted through 2,500 CVs and only allowing 10 seconds for each. She picked up one and said: "This degree is non-commercial. Not what we're looking for." And she put it in the file going to the shredder. The sighs and look of despair from my Higher students was scary.
Perhaps also Teachers who have careers influence will think about this when they are telling kids to pick their subject!
Employers want practical skills and Business know-how. We can offer both at a High School level.
Anyway rant over!
It explained a bit more in detail exactly what aCfE is going to be all about. The good news it seems for us in Business Education is that we may actually have an opportunity to have Business and Enterprise subjects taught at S1 and S2.
I do hope this doesn't mean we lose out on our IT classes to Computing!
But it must be a step in the right direction to gain more credibility for our subjects.
On another personal note, I would like to see Enterprise Education become timetabled in more schools and that the PT Enterprise & Creativity jobs are given more to Business Teachers rather than subject disciplines that may be enterprising in the sense of effecting learning and teaching, but do they have the necessary COMMERCIAL experience?
I would love to see our Business subjects be seen as important in the way they are in the USA. Business Degrees are right up there with Law and Medicine in the States.
On a final note, I watched with my class a video about John Caudwell and his star graduate recruitment programme. It was like a proto-Apprentice. The best bit was when his HR manager sifted through 2,500 CVs and only allowing 10 seconds for each. She picked up one and said: "This degree is non-commercial. Not what we're looking for." And she put it in the file going to the shredder. The sighs and look of despair from my Higher students was scary.
Perhaps also Teachers who have careers influence will think about this when they are telling kids to pick their subject!
Employers want practical skills and Business know-how. We can offer both at a High School level.
Anyway rant over!
Monday, 11 February 2008
Prelim Results
Looking over the results for both Higher Admin and Higher BM, it is obvious that there is some work to do!
The Higher BM results were overall excellent, though there is a small group who will have to attend supported study to develop their exam technique. I know you know the content, but you need to get it down on paper.
Higher Admin poses a few more problems since Paper 2 can be difficult and time is the enemy. I do believe that perhaps the wording of the questions confused some candidates. Therefore there will probably be a second Prelim to come.
The most important point to make is to make sure candidates are sitting the correct levels. Some people who get Ds can go and and achieve Cs and Bs, while there are other D candidates who would perhaps do better at Int 2.
I really urge you to view and use this blog more often as it is a good way to revise and you can ask questions which gives me the time and resources to put up better answers than a 30 second chat in class.
The Higher BM results were overall excellent, though there is a small group who will have to attend supported study to develop their exam technique. I know you know the content, but you need to get it down on paper.
Higher Admin poses a few more problems since Paper 2 can be difficult and time is the enemy. I do believe that perhaps the wording of the questions confused some candidates. Therefore there will probably be a second Prelim to come.
The most important point to make is to make sure candidates are sitting the correct levels. Some people who get Ds can go and and achieve Cs and Bs, while there are other D candidates who would perhaps do better at Int 2.
I really urge you to view and use this blog more often as it is a good way to revise and you can ask questions which gives me the time and resources to put up better answers than a 30 second chat in class.
Thursday, 24 January 2008
PR - Public Relations
Public Relations is a form of unpaid promotion.
PR tries to put a positive spin on events surounding the firm and can do this by:
writing and preparing press releases that are sent to newspapers and magazines informing them of upcoming events (perhaps the launch of a new product - The Angus Burger?)
Prepare and hand out company literature for potential customers to read and be influenced by.
Another job for PR is to try and respond to critics but in a good, positive way. To put a spin on it. For example if a company is caught out employing workers in Thailand who are getting poorly paid, the PR Dept will be on the case trying to argue that compared to other Thai workers they actually get a decent wage.
PR people arrange Press Conferences where the media can speak to people involved in the product or organisation for free. Think about Movie Stars publicising their latest blockbuster.
PR can also try to improve their image by arranging and organising donations to charrrrrriiitttteeeeeee (as Smashie and Nicey would say). So they look good and caring etc.
PR can invite in visitors or stakeholders in for a tour to try and develop good relations with them. Or even with the local community. Schools do this all the time! Getting parents in to see the new facilities or to show off some new initiative and show off how good we are!!!
One of the most famous faux pas by PR people was the blunder by Jo Moore who worked for the Labour Government. As the 9/11 attacks were going on she decided that "Today would be a good day to bury bad news". She knew the world's media had only one story to write so she tried to sneak her bad story out (I think it was to do with job losses) but unluckily for her, her email was leaked to the press. Jo Moore had to resign.
PR tries to put a positive spin on events surounding the firm and can do this by:
writing and preparing press releases that are sent to newspapers and magazines informing them of upcoming events (perhaps the launch of a new product - The Angus Burger?)
Prepare and hand out company literature for potential customers to read and be influenced by.
Another job for PR is to try and respond to critics but in a good, positive way. To put a spin on it. For example if a company is caught out employing workers in Thailand who are getting poorly paid, the PR Dept will be on the case trying to argue that compared to other Thai workers they actually get a decent wage.
PR people arrange Press Conferences where the media can speak to people involved in the product or organisation for free. Think about Movie Stars publicising their latest blockbuster.
PR can also try to improve their image by arranging and organising donations to charrrrrriiitttteeeeeee (as Smashie and Nicey would say). So they look good and caring etc.
PR can invite in visitors or stakeholders in for a tour to try and develop good relations with them. Or even with the local community. Schools do this all the time! Getting parents in to see the new facilities or to show off some new initiative and show off how good we are!!!
One of the most famous faux pas by PR people was the blunder by Jo Moore who worked for the Labour Government. As the 9/11 attacks were going on she decided that "Today would be a good day to bury bad news". She knew the world's media had only one story to write so she tried to sneak her bad story out (I think it was to do with job losses) but unluckily for her, her email was leaked to the press. Jo Moore had to resign.
Research and Development
This is really part of product development.
So what's good about R&D?
Interestingly...
99% of products don't reach market
Dragons' Den deals with much of the R&D as they meet inventors who need cash to turn their prototype into a reality
R&D is very expensive, but if firms want to be around in the future they have to invest in their future or be left behind
So what's good about R&D?
- You can create a competitive advantage by having a product that outstrips rivals (i-Pod?)
- company image is improved if it is seen as innovative and forward thinking (Virgin, Apple?)
- you can get a PATENT which then again increases competitive advantage due to limiting imitators
- Prototypes can be developed and tested to try to satisfy customer needs
- R&D could also mean that the firm becomes more productive with the development of new technology which in turn could mean they become more efficient and also reduce costs.
- New production techniques can be created and implemented (again increasing production and lowering costs)
- Staff may be highly motivated because they are being creative
Interestingly...
99% of products don't reach market
Dragons' Den deals with much of the R&D as they meet inventors who need cash to turn their prototype into a reality
R&D is very expensive, but if firms want to be around in the future they have to invest in their future or be left behind
Outsourcing
Outsourcing is when a company contracts out work to another firm.
eg. The School can and probably in the past has created a Yearbook. But normally it is contracted out to a Printer.
Indeed even the School Modernisation could have been done by the Council, but it was contracted out to a Construction company.
So why?
Bad things are:
eg. The School can and probably in the past has created a Yearbook. But normally it is contracted out to a Printer.
Indeed even the School Modernisation could have been done by the Council, but it was contracted out to a Construction company.
So why?
The good things for the company are:
- the work will be done professionally and of high quality.
- They can focus on their own, main business.
- They can buy in the contractor on a job by job (or project by project) basis (saving labour costs)
- They do not have to buy specialist equipment (as the contractor will provide the equipment)
- The firm may not have the staff or indeed the equipment to actually perform the job
Bad things are:
- it can be very expensive
- you have less control over the job (there may be delays which you can't influence)
- information may be accessed by the contractor that is confidential
- the firm may layoff workers who were doing the job in order to bring in the contractor
2008 Prelim Advice for Higher Business Management
If you follow the link for my Higher BM page you will find the links to the 2007 past paper and the solutions.
Remember the COMMAND WORDS.
Remember SECTION ONE is compulsory.
SECTION TWO is the one you get to pick 2 from 5.
Also in Section One remember that the first question involves looking at the case study and mentioning the PROBLEMS of the company and not the solutions.
The following topics will be discussed over the next few days online:
POCGADSCIE
OUTSOURCING
STAKEHOLDERS
DOWNSIZING
SOURCES OF FINANCE
PRIMARY & SECONDARY INFORMATION
R&D
PUBLIC RELATIONS
TRADE UNIONS
Remember the COMMAND WORDS.
Remember SECTION ONE is compulsory.
SECTION TWO is the one you get to pick 2 from 5.
Also in Section One remember that the first question involves looking at the case study and mentioning the PROBLEMS of the company and not the solutions.
The following topics will be discussed over the next few days online:
POCGADSCIE
OUTSOURCING
STAKEHOLDERS
DOWNSIZING
SOURCES OF FINANCE
PRIMARY & SECONDARY INFORMATION
R&D
PUBLIC RELATIONS
TRADE UNIONS
Saturday, 22 September 2007
2007-2008
My focus for the blog this year is Higher Business Management.
I am also teaching Higher Administration this year, but it is really a lot of work to try and update two at once as I found out last year.
So my aim is to pick one course every year and put my files online.
I am also going to create a blog for my Higher class at HGS who are all S6 pupils. It will allow them a place to come and share their thoughts about the course.
I have also created a new account on edublogs, but I am not sure what to do with it! It would take too much time to transfer over the materials, plus I like Blogger's simple and straighforward style.
I am also teaching Higher Administration this year, but it is really a lot of work to try and update two at once as I found out last year.
So my aim is to pick one course every year and put my files online.
I am also going to create a blog for my Higher class at HGS who are all S6 pupils. It will allow them a place to come and share their thoughts about the course.
I have also created a new account on edublogs, but I am not sure what to do with it! It would take too much time to transfer over the materials, plus I like Blogger's simple and straighforward style.
Sunday, 4 February 2007
Slides
I have uploaded some of my slides and embedded them into the blog.
All of my Int 2 BM slides are up, as are my Int 1 Admin ones.
I have uploaded some SG BM slides (all of unit 1, some of unit 2 and one from unit 3).
My Higher BM slides are monsters (though they are comprehensive) and I will upload them whenever I get time!
My focus for this session is Int 2 BM and SG BM, though I will try and upload more material for Int 1 Admin.
Please leave comments on how helpful or not (!) the material is to your studies.
All of my Int 2 BM slides are up, as are my Int 1 Admin ones.
I have uploaded some SG BM slides (all of unit 1, some of unit 2 and one from unit 3).
My Higher BM slides are monsters (though they are comprehensive) and I will upload them whenever I get time!
My focus for this session is Int 2 BM and SG BM, though I will try and upload more material for Int 1 Admin.
Please leave comments on how helpful or not (!) the material is to your studies.
Friday, 26 January 2007
Images and Pictures
I will try and spruce up the pages a bit with pictures of famous Business people, company logos, successful and not so successful products, and others related to Business.
I will also throw in pictures of some of the most amazing places I have visited, just to add in a personal touch! Who knows, it might inspire you to go see it for yourself!
I will also throw in pictures of some of the most amazing places I have visited, just to add in a personal touch! Who knows, it might inspire you to go see it for yourself!
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
How to use Blogger
I have written a guide to help teachers and pupils use Blogger.
Download it at the link below:
How to use Blogger pdf
Download it at the link below:
How to use Blogger pdf
Thursday, 18 January 2007
I will endeavour to publish more material in the next couple of weeks as I have been very busy of late!
The pupils, especially the Int 2 Business Management classes are doing a great job and seem quite enthusiastic.
I have also met with a bit of self-pride from my Int 1 Admin class, who I thought would be reluctant to want to see their work published. Quite the contrary!
My focus this term has to be the Standard Grade pages and of course my Int 2 BM.
Administration will have to take a back seat for the moment.
I welcome ideas and contributions to make this a resource that can be used for all Business Students, particularly ones studying in Scotland.
I will also eventually create an Accounting and Finance page, an Economics page, and perhaps even general ICT as in Scotland Business Teachers teach ICT skills to S1 and S2.
One thing: I do wish we'd drop 'Education' and 'Studies' from our subject. Studying Business sounds far better!
The pupils, especially the Int 2 Business Management classes are doing a great job and seem quite enthusiastic.
I have also met with a bit of self-pride from my Int 1 Admin class, who I thought would be reluctant to want to see their work published. Quite the contrary!
My focus this term has to be the Standard Grade pages and of course my Int 2 BM.
Administration will have to take a back seat for the moment.
I welcome ideas and contributions to make this a resource that can be used for all Business Students, particularly ones studying in Scotland.
I will also eventually create an Accounting and Finance page, an Economics page, and perhaps even general ICT as in Scotland Business Teachers teach ICT skills to S1 and S2.
One thing: I do wish we'd drop 'Education' and 'Studies' from our subject. Studying Business sounds far better!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
