Andrew Horrell

Physical Education Lecturer, interested in policy, curriculum and physical activity. I love learning and hope to share my passion ‎‎‘Qui Docet Discet’.

[Gandalv @Microinteracti1]

The Rock Behind Olympic Curling

There is something most casual viewers never realize about Olympic curling. At the highest level, every stone used in competition comes from the same small, uninhabited island off the coast of Scotland.

Not just similar rock. The exact same source.

Each curling stone begins as granite taken from Ailsa Craig, an ancient volcanic formation. The granite found there is exceptionally dense and highly resistant to water absorption. This is crucial because curling stones experience repeated heavy impacts and constant exposure to melting and refreezing ice. If water penetrates the stone and later freezes, it can create microscopic fractures that alter performance. At elite levels, even the smallest variation can influence the outcome.

Manufacturers use two specific types of granite from the island. A tougher variety forms the main body of the stone to withstand collisions. A rarer, finer grained granite known as Blue Hone is used for the narrow running band that makes contact with the ice. That surface determines how the stone moves and curls. Any variation in material would affect how the sport is played.

The island itself is rarely mentioned during broadcasts, yet it remains a constant presence in every Olympic match. Every precise shot and every narrow miss begins with stone shaped from the same remote source.

Stay connected,
Follow Gandalv @Microinteracti1

[Edinburgh Young Carers @EYCP]

We're hiring! Could you, or someone you know be the right person to join our friendly team, supporting our littlest young carers in the 5-9s service? Head over to our website to check out our new Young Carer Development Worker vacancy: https://t.co/ueYueURCZd 🙌

[United Nations @UN]

Monday’s #WorldStatisticsDay highlights the crucial role reliable data plays in driving global progress.

Statistics are not only central to the UN’s work but also essential for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

Learn more: https://t.co/roNqsa8hFe

[Tour de France™ @LeTour]

🚲 The Tour de France is committed to cycling mobility!

🧒 The “Les Ptits Vélos” initiative aims to introduce as many children as possible to cycling each year and give them a taste for it!

Find out more about this initiative ⤵️

#LAveniràVélo

[Dave Saunders @DrDaveSaunders]

The 2020 Cochrane review of physical fitness training after stroke is updated & split into 3 new titles; first 2 now published...
(1) COMBINED cardiorespiratory & resistance ✅
(2) RESISTANCE training alone ✅
(3) CARDIORESPIRATORY training alone - in production!

[Sal Consoli @sal_consoli]

📣 Research participants wanted! 📣
Have you used AI for academic writing - like publishing or coursework? We're looking for researchers and students to join our study.
 🎁 Student participants receive a £10 voucher per interview 
Register here
https://t.co/Qjv0pyZHcO

[World Health Organization (WHO) @WHO]

Today is #WorldSightDay

Cataract is one of the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness, affecting 94 million people worldwide.

Don’t take your eyes for granted. Regular eye exams and timely treatment can prevent vision loss. Learn more 👉 https://t.co/VcqadXPlou

[Andrew Horrell @a_horrell]

Sir Chris Hoy launches scholarship for student athletes - BBC News https://t.co/R2YwHgyqQS

[SCQF Partnership @SCQFPartnership]

🎉 It’s #SCQFWeek25! This year’s theme is All Learning Counts - because learning doesn’t just happen in a classroom.

💡Whether it’s from school, work, volunteering or life experience, the SCQF helps you understand your learning so you can plan your next steps.

Read our CEO's blog - @Pauline_SCQF - to find out why #AllLearningCounts 👉 https://t.co/iQYj3Qonk3

[SCQF Partnership @SCQFPartnership]

Time is running out to submit a tender to provide digital support services to the SCQFP.
We are looking for expert suppliers to help deliver our Digital Strategy.
📅 Deadline: 19 Sept 2025
📄 Full details at https://t.co/ESDM4L2BQN

#SCQF #DigitalStrategy #Tender

[Scottish Assembly of Parents and Carers @ScotAssemblyPC]

🙏We are so grateful to Denise - and to all the parents and carers who share their lived experiences. Your voices help challenge assumptions, raise awareness, and build more of an understanding and supportive Scotland.

https://t.co/Dlr9xh2g6f

[LEAPS1996 @LEAPS1996]

Lots of luck to everyone receiving SQA Results tomorrow!

LEAPS-eligible students, if you need advice you can reach us tomorrow via the LEAPS Results Day Helpline - we'll have an online form for you to complete to request a call back from an advisor.🍀
https://t.co/prStDoB2MK

[LEAPS1996 @LEAPS1996]

LEAPS-eligible students, as SQA Results Day approaches a reminder that the LEAPS Team is here if you want any advice about your college / university plans. Offers, results, alternative options, subject choices or any other queries - please get in touch!

https://t.co/adsMhcInqN

[SERA @SERA_Conference]

Registeration for SERA Conference 2025 is OPEN!!! Register here:

https://t.co/4cRkhc7PKx

[SCQF Partnership @SCQFPartnership]

Confused by ‘SCQF level’ in job ads? 🤔
The SCQF helps you understand and compare qualifications in Scotland.
Check your SCQF level ⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/JFc6rZ2LuJ

#SCQF #JobSearch #KnowYourLevel

[SCQF Partnership @SCQFPartnership]

📣 Expecting exam results in August?
📲 Sign up to MySQA to receive your results by text or email on Results Day!
All you need is…
🆔 your Scottish Candidate Number (SCN)
📧 an email address
👉 Sign up now: https://t.co/1RU6bDcTEI

[SCQF Partnership @SCQFPartnership]

There's more to #SCQF Level 6 than just Highers!
📢 Employers—don’t limit your talent pool by asking only for Highers.
✅ Ask for SCQF Level 6 qualifications instead and open the door to wider, diverse talent.

🔍 Learn more: https://t.co/nQDMd3h8bZ

#HR #Recruitment

[TEQSA @TEQSAGov]

TEQSA has published a new toolkit, 'Gen AI strategies for research training: Emerging practice'.

This resource complements the previously published ‘Gen AI strategies for Australian higher education: Emerging practice’.

Take a look - https://t.co/LUAfjBO6PH

#GenAI

[SATPE @SATPE1]

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐏𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔🎙️

We start recording this week, interviewing professionals & experts in Physical Education in Scotland

Providing listeners with practical strategies, insightful ideas, & proven practices to support T&L!

https://t.co/YHGtkU7mnx

[SCQF Partnership @SCQFPartnership]

Leaving school but not sure what’s next? 🎓💭
SCQF can help you:
✅ Understand your qualifications
✅ Explore your options
✅ Find routes to uni, college, or apprenticeships
There’s more than one way to get to where you want to go!
🔗https://t.co/2Pr1r9ufyi