Johnstone are hitting the grade
Johnstone High School celebrated gaining top tier ambassador status – becoming the first school in the local authority to achieve the accolade.
The Renfrewshire school gained a gold Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) status as recognition for the work staff and pupils have done for the local area.
Originally piloted in 2015, the SCQF School Ambassador programme offers secondary schools the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of the SCQF and the wider ways in which it supports learners. These include recognising wider achievement, developing senior phase learning pathways and demonstrating equality between vocational and academic qualifications.
There are three levels (bronze, silver and gold) in the process, with schools required to upload evidence to demonstrate how they are meeting the criteria of each level.
To recognise its fantastic achievement, Johnstone High School has received a gold plaque to display in its main reception. In order to achieve gold, the school had to demonstrate that the SCQF is embedded in school practice and is offering a significant range of senior phase pathways.
Head teacher at Johnstone High, Lynne Hollywood, said:“We are delighted to receive the Gold award from the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) as it is recognition of the commitment of Johnstone High staff to ensure our curriculum offer meets the needs of all young people.
“It also recognises our wonderful SCQF Pupil Ambassadors who have been raising awareness with other young people, and parents, about the wide range of courses and opportunities available in our school.”
Councillor Emma Rodden, convener for education and children’s services at Renfrewshire Council, added:“Promoting both vocational and academic pathways equally means that all pupils can achieve their potential. It’s fantastic that Johnstone High have become the first school in Renfrewshire to gain Gold status. The approach has meant pupils are now staying on in school for longer, they are happier and attainment has increased. This is because pupils are getting the right courses that suit their needs.”