Peter Geerdink and Simon Olbertijn
27th Nov. to 1st Dec. 2013
Following their successful organisation of a Mini Storyline Conference for the staff of the Universities in Stenden and Meppel in April this year Peter Geerdink and Simon Olbertijn asked Sallie Harkness and Steve Bell to design a programme for a three day study visit to explore the use of Storyline in University and schools in Scotland.
On Thursday 28th November, with Sallie as their guide, they met members of staff at Strathclyde University who gave them a good insight into the everyday programme of lecturers and students, the educational systems they use, and the pattern of Storyline Education in the University. They were glad to see that Storyline is being taught as a part of the curriculum and that the next generation of lecturers and students see Storyline as being a worthwhile tool for modern education.
In the evening, they were joined by Pauline Jeuring, one of their Dutch students, to attend a Concert of Scottish Music in the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland! They were impressed by the quality of the music students “young people” they say,” who will carry forward the beautiful heritage of Scottish music.” Pauline had been studying Storyline in Glasgow for several weeks and was therefore able to describe her experiences to her lecturers. This added an important dimension to their visit.
On Friday 29th November, accompanied by Steve and Sallie, they visited Kinnaird Primary School in Larbert where they were warmly received by Trudie Ford, the acting deputy head teacher, and her colleagues. They really enjoyed being able to walk in and out of several classrooms and watch Storyline Topics being developed ‘at that very moment.’
Simon wrote of this visit: “It was all so well organised. Having the combination of the early “inventors” of the method, the young teachers, and the new generation of Scottish children, was an almost incredible event. We enjoyed it also very much to see that in the chat with teachers and children you both always add new questions and you act with a loving and optimistic attitude towards the children. We were delighted to see this happening and being a witness to it all.”
After the school visit Peter, Simon and Paulien made a trip to Edinburgh to explore the sights and sounds of the capital city.
“Saturday 30th November was a free day and Steve arranged a wonderful trip to the Scottish Highlands. The whole trip was good in several ways. The spots we visited were beautiful and interesting, the chat we had on the way was a good mix of humour and interesting content. We really met Scotland in a way we by ourselves never could have arranged. All the stories about nature and history Steve told us opened our eyes to Scotland in a way we will never forget. We both look back on a very interesting and inspiring journey. Peter and I will report all our experiences to our students and colleagues. In the coming period we will rewrite the curriculum of our 3rd grade at Stenden University and also plan to create a website – Storyline The Netherlands.”
