Pupils get new courses to try
HELENSBURGH pupils are being given the chance to prepare for two new career choices.
Lomond School is introducing an HNC in mechanical engineering and an NC in activity tourism.
The courses will be part of their International Baccalaureate (IB) careers programme, alongside their IB diploma programme.
Lomond introduced IB in 2021 to give pupils the chance to study college-level vocational courses or a diploma, on top of SQA qualifications. It is a two-year programme while at the school.
The school boasted a 100 per cent pass rate by its first cohort in 2023.
Lomond School said the mechanical engineering HNC will help tackle the demand for such skills while the activitiy tourism NC will tap into a growing sector in Scotland.
Claire Chisholm, the school’s principal, said: “The future is complex and uncertain, and we must be bold enough to ensure our learning spaces reflect this.
“The IB is designed to ensure students are ready for their next step in education or in the working world, with each new course offering a mix of classroom learning and practical experience.
“Learning in the great outdoors is part of the fabric of Lomond School, and there is a strong appetite for STEM education here, so our new courses play to our strengths.
“They are perfect for preparing our students for sectors with increasing demand.
“We’re continuing to partner with universities and organisations
to gain expertise, forge links and increase our options to offer the best career opportunities for our young people.
“With interest high and a 100 percent pass-rate for our first IB cohort last year, it feels like we’re going in the right direction.”
VisitScotland’s regional director David Adams McGilp said: “Tourism offers a variety of exciting career opportunities. It is one of Scotland’s most important industries and a key source of employment in communities right across the country.
“From water sports and walking, to cycling and adventure experiences, Scotland’s activity sector is a huge draw for visitors, benefitting their health and wellbeing, and we welcome the opportunity for pupils to understand this important part of the tourism industry.”