Day: September 9, 2018

Line-up announced for Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals tour

With Strictly fever about to hit new heights, as the 16th series of the smash hit award-winning BBC One show returns to Saturday and Sunday night TV, fans will be delighted to hear that tickets for the 2019 Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals UK Tour are now on sale.

Starring 10 of the hugely popular and much-loved professional dancers from the Strictly Come Dancing television series, the 35-date tour kicks off at Salford’s Lowry Theatre on 3 May next year and will then dance its way around the country stopping at Edinburgh Playhouse on 10th – 11th May 2019.

The exciting line-up of magnificent dancers and Strictly TV favourites performing on the tour are: reigning Strictly champion Katya Jones; 2017 semi-finalist AJ Pritchard; two-time Strictly finalist Giovanni Pernice; 2016 Strictly finalist Oti Mabuse; Australian Open Champion Dianne Buswell; Professional World Mambo Champion and former Strictly finalist Karen Clifton; Two-time Ballroom and Latin World Champion Nadiya Bychkova; undefeated four-time British National Champion Neil Jones; three time Strictly semi-finalist Pasha Kovalev and 2017 Strictly finalist Gorka Marquez.

Audiences nationwide will enjoy the incredible talent of these multi award-winning world-class dancers as they perform stunningly choreographed Ballroom and Latin routines in exquisite costumes, with all the glitz, glamour, sequins and sparkle of the TV show – live on stage!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see this spectacular dance extravaganza as Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals returns to a venue near you next year for a Strictly limited engagement!

LISTING INFORMATION 

STRICTLY COME DANCING – THE PROFESSIONALS

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

Greenside Place,

Edinburgh, EH1 3AA

FRI 10 – SAT 11 MAY 2019

Eves 7.30pm | Sat Mat 2.30pm

 HOW TO BOOK

Online: atgtickets.com/Edinburgh

Box Office: 0844 871 3014*

*fees apply.

A new vision for School Libraries

Pupils shape strategy to help improve literacy and boost attainment

Hundreds of young people have informed the development of a new joint strategy to ensure every child in Scotland will have access to a dynamic school library.

The national strategy for school libraries is the first of its kind in the UK. The strategy includes 20 action points to support the improvement of literacy and numeracy, boost attainment across the curriculum, and enable opportunities for family learning.

The strategy will ensure school library services:

  • Are delivered to all pupils from Early Learning and Childcare to secondary school
  • Foster strong links among schools, families and carers
  • Offer creative approaches to learning across the curriculum, including STEM related and digital activities
  • Are included in schools’ improvement plans

Pupils shared experiences of how their school librarian had built their confidence in reading and highlighted how the school library supports their wellbeing, a key theme in the strategy:

“I found people like me at the library” – S1, Inverclyde Academy

“The library is my second home” – S5, Inverclyde Academy

“Coming to the library is my favourite part of school” – P6, Aviemore Primary

“If you’re in the library, you can clear your mind by reading a book” – P6, Aviemore Primary

A specialist group will now be formed from key stakeholders to oversee the implementation of the strategy’s aims and report on progress.

Speaking ahead of the publication on International Literacy Day, Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, said: “School libraries have a vital part to play, throughout the learner journey from 3-18. They support literacy, numeracy, and health and wellbeing, improving attainment across the Curriculum.

“This strategy seeks to make libraries the vibrant hub and epicentre of our schools, promoting an appreciation of literature, an understanding of information literacy and a place of contact, friendship, dialogue and reassurance.

“I am pleased to endorse this strategy and look forward to working with stakeholders, headteachers and library staff to implement it over the next five years.”

Councillor Stephen McCabe, COSLA Children and Young People spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the National School Library Strategy recognises the many practical and innovative ways in which local authorities deliver library services to children and young people.

“The strategy will be a valuable blueprint for all of those involved in developing and delivering school library services to ensure all children and young people get the best from their education.”