NEXT week, the SEC in Glasgow will open its doors to speakers, exhibitors and attendees at the main event for Scotland’s learning estate, Learning Places Scotland. The two-day event is held in partnership with the Scottish Government and boasts a conference over three stages, an exhibition showcasing innovative solutions, and an awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the sector.
Learning Places Scotland brings the whole education community together, including senior government representatives, associations and councils; headteachers and facilities directors; and the architects, consultants, contractors and suppliers that bring policy and plans to life.
Andy Dailly, head of school building at the Scottish Government, said, “It’s exactly these types of events that bring that greater cohesion across all our delivery plans and ultimately makes a better product for our children and young people, especially for the future.”
Andy will open the conference by explaining how we empower all learners today and prepare them to thrive tomorrow with representatives from UK-Apple. There will also be a keynote led by Graeme Logan, director of learning for the Scottish Government and Jenny Gilruth MSP, the cabinet secretary for education.
On Day Two, the conference keynotes focus on lessons learnt from European neighbours, with a keynote focusing on contemporary architecture in Finland, its equality and materiality, led by Colin Campbell from Saint-Gobain Ecophon, accompanied by Roope Risannen from the Finnish National Agency of Education.
The event’s closing keynote will look into creating natural learning places for young Parisians with Marie Mondésert, landscape architect & advisor from the Council of Architecture, Urbanism and Environment (CAUE) of Paris. Marie will be discussing the ‘OASIS’ schoolyard greening programme, and how this will transform the learning landscape to create a healthier, more engaging and socially inclusive learning environment.
Throughout the two days, there will be sessions focussing on sustainability, decarbonisation, inclusivity, ASN provision and in-class technology.
Exhibitors this year include AtkinsRéalis, Portakabin, SiBCAS, Peach Wellness, Rockfon, Altro and Brookhouse. A particular attraction will be Morrison Construction’s dart board and flight simulator to demonstrate their impact on the future of Scotland’s learning estate.
Another point of interest is EdTech Scotland, which offers the opportunity to step into the future and see the changing education environment. Dedicated to the latest technologies, EdTech Scotland will have its own dedicated conference, alongside equipment on display at the exhibition and live demonstrations.
13 prizes will be handed out at the Learning Places Scotland Awards, which take place at the end of Day One. The awards are described as a place to meet sector leaders and network with peers in a more informal setting, whilst enjoying a three-course meal and entertainment.
• Learning Places Scotland takes place on 19-20 November at the SEC Glasgow. For more info, visit www.learningplaces.scot.
