This autumn the Scottish Storytelling Centre is launching a pioneering new storytelling qualification in partnership with Newbattle Abbey College near Edinburgh.

Contemporary Storytelling: Theory and Practice is a unique course, combining two residential weekends at Newbattle with a personal project between them. It is designed for storytellers in professions as well as professional storytellers and leads to a Professional Development Qualification (SQA Level 7) recognised by all academic institutions and professional associations.

Traditionally, the art of oral storytelling has been recognised as significant both culturally and educationally. In contemporary society however, the mass media have led to a shift of emphasis away from a book led culture which has in turn highlighted the importance of oral communication.

This unit will help professionals rediscover the art of oral storytelling and use storytelling skills to enhance their professional practice. Professionals who could use this unit to support Continuing Professional Development include teachers, librarians, literacy workers, museum and heritage interpreters, health professionals, clergy, youth workers, environmental rangers, community development professionals and arts animateurs.

The course combines theoretical perspectives on how oral storytelling works as an effective form of communication, with practical experience of how it is applied in specific professional contexts. Outcomes relate to the skills involved in delivering effective narrative communication in specific situations, relating to professional practice, including:

Analysing the purposes and relevance of oral storytelling
Sourcing and selecting oral stories
Editing and developing oral stories
Presenting oral stories effectively
Presenting in written and oral form, an effective evaluation of the above outcomes as they apply to your profession.


First residential weekend: Friday 26th September (eve) to Sunday 28th September (aft) 2008

Second residential weekend: Friday 15th May (eve) to Sunday 17th May (aft) 2009


(Non-residential option available)

Between these weekends, participants will engage in distance learning as they complete their personal project.


The course will be nationally validated by SQA (Level 7 on the SCQF framework).

For full details please contact Jackie Kane at Newbattle Abbey College, Newbattle Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 3LL.

office@newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk  

www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk  

0131 663 1921