Pupils at a Barrhead school have been getting results by ditching traditional maths-based learning in favour of more hands-on classroom work.<\/p>\n
A pilot group of S2 pupils at St Luke\u2019s High achieved impressive scores in a new Design, Engineer and Construct (DEC) course \u2013 the first ones to do so in East Renfrewshire. The DEC is a new qualification that offers teachers and learners the opportunity to develop a range of skills and knowledge fundamental to technical and professional aspects of the construction and built environment industry.<\/p>\n
With support from local industry experts, each pupil had the responsibility of creating a proposal for a new eco-classroom to be situated on the grounds of St Luke\u2019s High. Although it was all conceptual, pupils worked with various industry partners to create detailed proposals that would later be presented to the local community for consultation. Karen Hunter, depute headteacher at St Luke\u2019s High, is full of praise for the young students, some of whom received a merit for their hard work.<\/p>\n
\u201cApproaching the curriculum creatively is a massive part of the St Luke\u2019s culture,\u201d she told the Barrhead News. \u201cThe group of pupils successfully passed the course, with a number of them receiving a merit for their hard work and dedication. \u201cWell done from everyone at St Luke\u2019s High.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kevin Ormond, principal teacher of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) at St Luke\u2019s High, started the alternative curriculum two years ago in the hope of inspiring youngsters to pursue a career in the construction industry once they leave school. Among the companies to have supported the process as partners are BAM Construction, Gardiner & Theobald and Threesixty Architecture. St Luke\u2019s High is the first school in East Renfrewshire to run the DEC qualification, which is comparable to that of a National 4 and National 6 certificate.
\nIt is not a SQA-awarded national qualification but candidates are awarded credit points for potential credit transfer onto further study if required.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Pupils at a Barrhead school have been getting results by ditching traditional maths-based learning in favour of more hands-on classroom work. A pilot group of S2 pupils at St Luke\u2019s High achieved impressive scores in a new Design, Engineer and Construct (DEC) course \u2013 the first ones to do so in East Renfrewshire. The DEC is a new qualification that offers teachers and learners the opportunity to develop a range<\/p>\n