Student work projects are launched
Clever youngsters have been developing a range of skills outside the traditional classroom setting.
Belmont Skills Academy was launched under the guidance of teacher Laura MacMillan, who is leading ‘ Developing the Young Workforce’, and the school officially unveiled three DYW/ Princes Trust funded projects, which included:
• Bee Leaf – a rural skills course in partnership with staff at Scotland’s Rural College.
• Bee Happy Café – a Prince’s Trust Achieve class in which pupils are developing their employability skills through a barista enterprise project.
• Bee Fresh – pupils will be making smoothies and milkshakes to sell and learn the skills required to run their own business to develop their entrepreneurial skills.
The DYW and Prince’s Trust funded innovative projects have been a great addition to extend the curriculum pathway opportunities for pupils at the school.
Pupils work with school staff and external partners including SRUC and Ayrshire College to develop skills for life whilst learning and work outside the ‘ traditional’ classroom setting.
The projects provide pupils with a hands- on approach to learning to help develop the 6C’s – Confidence, Communications, Commitment, Customer Service, Customer Care and Courtesy.
These projects help build resilience and increase pupil motivation and self- esteem to learn and develop a wide range of transferrable skills in preparation for life and work beyond school.
Walter Smith, Chair of Prince’s Trust Ayrshire, said: “The implementation of the skills academy at Belmont Academy is a key milestone in the development of vocational and employability skills for young people in the school environment.
“Significant results are being achieved in improved attainment, positive destinations and community involvementbut most importantly it’s providing equal opportunity for all.”