Schools of Ambition

“Minister for Skills”

More secondary schools are being encouraged to bring about positive changes to support the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence and participate in the Schools of Ambition programme.

A Leading Change DVD and booklet, based on the experience of schools in the programme, is being sent to every secondary school in the country.

Schools of Ambition, a transformational change programme that has involved up to 58 schools over a five year period, aims to raise the ambition and achievement of pupils.

At a Schools of Ambition conference in Edinburgh, Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning Keith Brown said:

“Curriculum for Excellence aims to revitalise teaching and learning in our schools. The Schools of Ambition programme offers us a wealth of experiences and examples of where changes have been successfully implemented, therefore it’s important that these lessons are shared as widely as possible.

“Younger pupils”

“We want all schools in Scotland to be ambitious and innovative and instil these qualities in our young people, so that pupils are equipped with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in the 21st century.

“In the 10 point plan for Curriculum for Excellence, announced by the Education Secretary at the end of March, he committed to sharing best practice between headteachers. This event and the Leading Change resources will help support schools as they implement Curriculum for Excellence, providing practical and innovative new ways of working.”

Alan Dick, Headteacher of Port Glasgow High School, a participant in the Schools of Ambition programme, said:

“One of the main benefits of being part of the programme has been changing to a transformational way of thinking. This involved a lot of consultation and reflection on what our school needed to do to achieve more positive outcomes for our young people.

“At Port Glasgow, this change has enabled us to develop truly local solutions – such as a collaborate project with St Stephen’s High to promote leadership skills, with S3 pupils initiating a range of activities to support the local community and in turn passing this learning on to younger pupils.

“Extra funding”

“Sharing with others the school’s achievements and the new ideas we have developed helps give the whole school confidence in the new approaches we have taken.”

Eddie Broadley, Area Adviser at Learning and Teaching Scotland, said:

“Curriculum for Excellence puts pupils at the heart of education in Scotland and it’s essential that we ensure emerging thinking and best practice is shared amongst practitioners. I know that the examples of innovative learning and teaching developed through Schools of Ambition are providing really helpful insights for others to build on as they implement the new curriculum guidance.”

Since 2005, 58 schools from across Scotland have participated in the Schools of Ambition programme, with each school receiving additional funding of around £300,000 per year over a three year time period, with the aim of raising pupil ambition and achievements. In March 2008 the Scottish Government committed to continuing the funding of the programme for a further three yeas. The remaining 31 schools on the programme received their final round of extra funding in March.

http://hebridestoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/flybe-Hebrides-Today.jpg