Our partnership with Fife College continues to grow and offer our learners the opportunity to engage in bespoke courses to learn, develop, gain qualifications, and be exposed to further education. This year we have three different groups from 4th year getting hands on experience in a variety of departments from the garage to the workshop, to the hair and beauty salons. Each course allows our learners the chance to make informed decisions about their next steps.

The three courses run over the academic year when our students spend one day at college each week in their chosen areas. On a Wednesday morning, we have a group of 12 pre-apprentices working on a variety of construction trades and this term getting to grips with laying bricks in the workshop at Halbeath campus. Wednesday afternoon it’s over to Stenton and 14 mechanics been put through their paces in the garage learning the basics of an automotive service. Thursday morning is witness to 18 learners in the hairdressing salon utilising thermal appliances and then in the afternoon the same 18 head to the beauty salon down at St. Brycedale learning how to diagnose and treat different skin types. That’s 44 young people engaging in learning experiences and pathways outside the traditional classroom environment.

We are only four weeks into this journey, but the young people have displayed maturity, resilience, and determination so far. Fife college staff have reported back that they have been pleasantly surprised by our learner’s adult like approach and positive attitude towards their learning, commenting on their maturity and stating that the young people are a credit not only to themselves but to the school community and their families.

Watch this space for updates from our talented learners.