The school offers a wide range of flexible learning experiences.
A North Ayrshire high school has been recognised for expanding its curriculum to offer pupils a wide range of flexible learning experiences.
St Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats has achieved the Gold Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) School Ambassador Award.
The SCQF is the qualifications framework for Scotland and is used to compare and understand the country’s wide range of qualifications.
The accolade acknowledges that Headteacher Stephen Colligan and his team have worked hard – with the support of senior pupils as ambassadors – to ensure pupils have a variety of opportunities, in addition to the standard set of qualifications on offer, to achieve their ambitions.
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Mr Colligan said: “I am very proud that we have achieved gold status in the SCQF School Ambassador Award, and it is all thanks to the hard work of our staff and the pupils’ determination to weave their ambitions and interests into their education.
“Every child is different and we have made a concerted effort to ensure – where possible – they have an opportunity to get involved in things like STEM, apprenticeships, placements and volunteering.
“The programme is thoroughly embedded throughout our school, and information is provided through assemblies and classroom presentations to recruit new ambassadors for the coming academic year.”
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet member for Education and Young People, commented: “The SCQF School Ambassador programme has been a real success at St Matthew’s, shining a light on the need for peer-led support when it comes to pupils considering the path they want to take in education and training.
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“Congratulations to Stephen, his teaching staff and the ambassadors who work hard in the programme to support fellow pupils through the Framework.”
Pupils who are involved as Ambassadors in the school have had a very positive experience. S6 pupil Olivia, 17, said: “I have a much better understanding of the different qualifications that can be studied”, while Eileen, also an S6 pupil who is 18, added: “I feel confident when discussing the wider qualifications and the pathways they can lead to.”
Examples of the opportunities available include a May Activities Programme for pupils who are not sitting exams, external partnerships that offer pupils opportunities to develop existing skills and acquire new ones, and raising awareness with parents and carers.
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