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Poetry Masterclass for Journalists, with Alan Spence
Learning Fund Case Study: National Union of Journalists (NUJ) - Highlands and Islands
When compared to training that teaches digital or industrial skills, a poetry masterclass may seem like an esoteric luxury. Yet, for writers, there is so much to learn from poetry that will improve general writing skills and cut across writing genres: the ability to distil complex ideas into few words; the focus on effective imagery; and not least the ability to capture strong emotion in writing, what the Romantic poet Wordsworth called, ‘the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.’ All of this was illustrated by multi-award-winning writer, Alan Spence, who delivered both a Book Week session in haiku and a poetry masterclass for the NUJ.
Collaborative Artwork Description: an audio description workshop for artists
Learning Fund Case Study: Scottish Artists Union (SAU) - Highlands and Islands
The Scottish Artists Union Highlands and Islands learning project delivered ‘Collaborative Artwork Description: an audio description workshop for artists’ as a two-hour online workshop in August 2025.
Guided by blind writer, poet, and researcher Joseph Rizzo-Naudi, participants explored collaborative, blindness-led approaches to beholding, describing, and communicating artworks. The course developed learners’ knowledge of disabled-led art practice and accessible approaches, equipping them with the tools to reach a wider audience and commit to inclusive art practice by being able to provide their audience with audio descriptions of their artworks, installations and exhibitions. This learning had the added benefit of improving employability and relationships with potential employers, as galleries and arts organisations must provide inclusive and accessible exhibitions in line with equality, diversity, and inclusion policies.
September National Initiatives - Adult Learners’ Week | Maths Week Scotland | Scotland’s Climate Week | Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland
Here is a list of upcoming dates for national initiatives. Participation in these initiatives can help raise awareness, strengthen our communities, and contribute to meaningful change.
Adult Learners’ Week Scotland
7 September – 13 September 2026
Celebrates lifelong learning, boosting skills, and community education.
Search online for local community and council initiatives, and regional taster sessions.
Maths Weeks Scotland – Maths Matters
19 September – 27 September 2026
Events and activities that promote a love for mathematics.
Scotland’s Climate Week
28 September – 4 October 2026
Join communities, schools, businesses and individuals across Scotland taking action on climate change. Climate Week celebrates progress - and shows us all how to go further.
Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland
28 September – 4 October 2026
This year, the Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland campaign is for access to useful reasonable adjustments.
The Right Tools for the Job campaign highlights all the things that can help people with dyslexia to work and learn at their best.
Countdown to Dyslexia Awareness Week with upcoming Dyslexia Scotland events
Ahead of Dyslexia Awareness Week (28th September - 4th October), we’ve gathered the latest upcoming events hosted by Dyslexia Scotland.
Details for each listing, alongside additional scheduled activities, are available on the Dyslexia Scotland Events Page.
You can also sign up for their newsletter to get future updates and event details delivered straight to your inbox.
Order your free Blue Ribbons here to help to promote Dyslexia Awareness.
Dyslexia Scotland courses through OpenLearn Create
Three linked courses written by the Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit and Dyslexia Scotland with the support of the Opening Educational Practices in Scotland Project. All three courses use the General Teaching Council Scotland’s focus areas identified to support professional learning. It is recommended that the courses are complete in their intended order.
1. Introduction to Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice
Men and Menopause
Learning Fund Case Study: National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) - Highlands and Islands
During the last few years, the RMT Highlands and Islands project has engaged in activity focused on Menopause and the effect it has all workers and their families. Working with the employer’s Wellbeing Group, the project considered the possibility of facilitating a Men and Menopause session for some time. Working in a male-dominated industry has strengthened the case for such a session to give men a better understanding of what colleagues, wives, partners, or family members may be experiencing.
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