PATHWAYS TO CAREERS
A quick reminder that on Wednesday 19 February 2025, over 50 employers from across Ayrshire will attend an upcoming event for learners in S3 to S6 and their parents and carers to find out about pathways to careers at Ayrshire College in Kilmarnock from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Sign up is required through following link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/developing-the-young-workforce-ayrshire/pathways-to-careers/2025-02-19/17:30/t-yaxqepo.
APPRENTICESHIPS WEBINAR
Skills Development Scotland with parents and carers’ organisation, Connect, is hosting a free webinar for parents and carers on Scottish Apprenticeships on Tuesday, 4 March from 7pm to 8pm. The Zoom session will explain the types of apprenticeships available in school and after school, where to get more information and how to find the latest vacancies. Hear from an apprentice, employer and learning providers about the value and benefits of apprenticeships and the support available to take one. Register on the Eventbrite page to attend: https://bit.ly/3P3DdlKMar25
S4/S5 OPTION CHOICE PROCESS
Last week we had a great turnout for our S4/S5 Curriculum Information evening, to support students Option Choice for S5/S6. The slide presentations and option choice form can be found on our School Website using the following link.
https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ea/loudounacademy2022/option-choice-process/
We have extended the deadline for return to Thursday 27 February 2025 to ensure all students are fully supported through the process.
ANTI BULLYING POLICY
As you may know, based on student and parent and carer feedback, we have developed our Anti-Bullying Policy as a school over the last Academic Session, with a full launch with students earlier this year during Anti-Bullying Week. Mrs Egerton, Depute Head Teacher has provided a summary for parents and carers, attached. I hope you find this helpful information on this vital area of our work.
MENTORS IN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
Led by Mr Patterson, Principal Teacher of Pupil Support, our senior students were recently trained up to deliver lessons to younger pupils in Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) using this national approach. It aims to help young people to identify harmful, abusive or bullying behaviours and to be equipped with the skills to respond safely, protecting themselves and others. Well done to our Senior pupils who have done an excellent job and to our S1-S3 students for their great response to the programme.
YOU, ME, TOGETHER
Recently, Loudoun Academy was a pilot for a new Police Scotland Resource for education, You, Me, Together where our S6 students explored issues around domestic abuse and the wider issue of violence against women and girls. You can hear more about this in a short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mY9zLh44_k
RAPE CRISIS NATIONAL PREVENTION PROGRAMME
In the next few weeks we will be also working with our partners at the STAR Centre in Kilmarnock who will work with our S3 students in PSHE on workshops from trained practitioners linked to ‘consent’ . The programme has been evaluated to be highly effective in improving young people’s knowledge and attitudes in relation to sexual violence.
The programme supports young people to develop positive attitudes, knowledge, skills and behaviours using a range of interactive materials that look at key issues like gender stereotypes, the influence of media, how to access support, and the law. This is done in a way which is linked to the health and wellbeing curriculum, relevant to students’ age and stage.
SCHOOL CODE – READY
Over the week we will be highlighting the following area of our School Code for ‘Ready’:
Stay in class during the lesson
Best wishes
David Falconer
Head Teacher
DETERMINATION – QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The only way to achieve the impossible, is to believe it is possible.”
