Background

In Boclair Academy we have developed a strong and inclusive all-through wider achievement programme over the last three and a half years which now offers a coherent programme from S1 to S6 for all pupils.  This programme has allowed us to shape the curriculum in the school which reflects the four contexts for learning within Building the Curriculum 3, and in particular the three related to ethos and community, inter-disciplinary learning and personal achievement.  The wider achievement programme is designed to allow skills progression of all young people within the school as they progress through the curriculum.

Partnership Working

All aspects of the programme provide excellent examples of the school’s commitment to Partnership Working.

All S1 pupils undertake a John Muir Award and this programme has allowed us to build strong links with our wider community and partners such as the Mugdock Park Rangers.

Our S2 Saltire Foodbank Programme, in partnership with the Trussell Trust Foodbank Organisation and ASDA, has further developed our community links and responsibility, and has ensured leadership opportunities for all our S2 pupils.  This monthly foodbank allows all S2 classes to take responsibility for helping others.

Our Dementia Friend Programme in S3 continues to develop our community partnerships and our focus on developing responsible citizens, in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland. All S3 pupils are Dementia Friend trained and we organise a dementia cafe each month in a local church where our pupils serve tea and coffee, perform music and talk to the elderly.

In S4 all pupils will be trained in the Mentors in Violence Prevention Programme and as mentors they will visit groups of junior pupils to help deliver the message of a safe community within the school.  Delivery of this programme is supported by MVP Scotland and allows young people to lead the learning experience for younger pupils.

Our S5 pupils have recently completed their Youth Philanthropy Initiative work with local charities.  Three teams progressed to the Boclair Final which was judged by a panel made up of school staff, parents and Business partners. We have been invited to both speak and perform at the National YPI final later this year.

We have recently established a strong link with the national organisation Medics Against Violence (MAV), and over 80 of our S6 pupils are now MAV Interns.  As well as developing their skills for learning, life and work, our MAV interns plan and deliver lessons to junior PSE classes on issues related to safety in our local communities and knife crime.

Our S6 pupils further develop their Saltire Award as part of the Boclair Buddies scheme, supporting our junior pupils through S1.  Throughout the year buddies hold a number of wellbeing meetings and support the Guidance Team in looking after junior pupils.