Latest News from the Access Network

A couple of colleagues from the steering group of the new Association of Chartered Teachers have agreed to participate in the 'Find out about the Chartered Teacher programme' Flashmeeting, which takes place on Wednesday, 19th March from 8-9pm. The timing of this session allows for those who have Flashmeeting blocked at school, to join the session from, for instance, home. Remember that having a microphone is enough for you to participate; you can even listen in if you only have speakers. As ever, email me at noble_d@hillsideschool.co.uk if you wish to take part.

I have set up an Access discussion board in response to the questionnaire that many participants completed back in December. This is another tool that is available to assist communication in the group. I would ask that everyone who has signed up for the Network, even if you haven't made it to a Flashmeeting, has a look at the discussion board. The board will serve three main purposes:

• To enable everyone (including those of us who cannot attend online meetings) to share resources, reflections, etc
• to facilitate discussion leading on from Flashmeetings
• to start or continue discussions between meetings.

To register for the discussion board please follow these steps:

1. Click on the link on the top right of the Access Network website, or visit http://disc.yourwebapps.com/Indices/240684.html
2. click on 'Click here to receive daily updates', enter your email address and click on SUBSCRIBE. Please note that you will only receive an update if something has been posted on the board, so your email won't get clogged up!
3. click on a discussion thread to read/reply.

The session on A Curriculum for Excellence will now take place on either Thursday, 29th May or Thursday, 13th June from 4-5pm. It has been rescheduled as a ministerial announcement on ACfE in relation to National Qualifications (including Access) is imminent. Following this, the ACfE team will put together a comprehensive and up-to-date session for us. A healthy number of teachers have already signed up for this session, and there are places left.