Learning Links 2010-11
Application round 3 opens 10 May - closes 23 June 2010
Learning Links is part of the MLA's Strategic Commissioning workforce development programme which offers opportunities for museum and archive educators, teachers, trainee teachers and other cultural sector and children's and young people's professionals.
Learning Links provides the opportunity to initiate, build and sustain learning partnerships through experiencing each other's working environment and practice.
Funded placements are available for:
- museum and archive staff who wish to develop their learning offer for schools, children and young people
- learning professionals including teachers, extended school coordinators, educators and support workers, to work in partnership with museums and archives
Effective partnerships with museums and archives can have a positive impact on teaching practice, engagement and attainment of children and young people and can support school development plans.
Learning Links is framed around the MLA's Self Assessment Framework (SAF) which is an appropriately differentiated version of the Common Core of Skills for the children's workforce. The SAF allows Learning Links participants to identify specific areas of skills and knowledge that they would like to develop through a placement. To find out more about the SAF click here
The following placement offers are open for applications:
- Pocket Placements - support a three day placement around the themes of Citizenship, Literacy or Inclusion
- Reciprocal Placements - support a five day placement around the themes of Citizenship, Literacy or Inclusion
- Mentoring Placements - provide an additional allowance that supports up to two days mentoring time from another cultural organisation with an established learning offer.
What participants say about Learning Links...
"HAT staff have gained an invaluable insight into working with non-formal learners, exploring how archives can be used to promote learning and boost self-confidence...The grant has assisted HAT in forging links with local establishments with a view to developing future projects."
Learning & Access Development Co-ordinator, HAT Archive, participant in 2009-10 placement
"Thank you again for a really interesting day - you were right: I did spend the afternoon telling lots of stories of all the amazing things I'd seen, and people were genuinely enthralled! I'm really looking forward to working in partnership on what I think will be some very interesting resources."
Teacher on 2009-10 placement
"I am learning some new activities. It is good for my children and for myself, because I learn. I want to learn and help my children and make my brain good and strong. Thank you, thank you very much!"
Mother of a Year 1 pupil involved in 2009-10 placement
Further information about the Learning Links programme including case studies and application packs can be downloaded here, just click on the links on the right hand side of this page.
The deadline for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to take part in the Learning Links programme is 12 noon on 29 May 2010.
Full applications from eligible partnerships should be submitted by 12 noon on 23 June 2010.
The application packs are in a PDF format. If you would like to update your version of adobe acrobat, please click here
If you are a museum or archive participating in the Learning Links programme, you will be required to input information about your work with children and young people into the MLA Schools Participation Database www.mlaschools.org.uk A user guide to the database is available to download from the database website.
If you have problems with the application packs please contact learninglinks@mla.gov.uk or call Jennifer Bone, Strategic Commissioning Project Manager - Learning Links on 07823 327 547.