Seven pupils from Bannockburn High began their new Progression Advantage (Schools) PAS course at Forth Valley College's Stirling Campus recently.
The course is designed for S3 pupils and aims to offer a taste of what college could offer them in the future. They attend college for one morning a week, and learn a variety of skills and gain experience of college life.
The focus so far this term has been on health and well-being and the boys have enjoyed taking part in the Fresher’s Fair, where they had fun meeting other students, visiting all the stalls and jumping around on the inflatable assault course.
They have enrolled in the gym and now start every week with a visit for some exercise, thanks to the assistance of FVC's Leisure Facilities Coordinator Waimun Lee and and Gym Assistant Agnieszka Kleban. They are working on a programme to build strength with the weight machines and improve their cardio fitness – aiming to lift the equivalent weight of famous Landmarks such as the Kelpies or Wallace Monument, before the year is out!
Another supporter of the class has been Craig Coull, Active Travel Officer at FVC, he has accompanied the group on four guided walks around the campus, one where we took part in a litter pick and one that the class organised themselves, successfully planning the route and carrying out everything necessary in order for it to be worthwhile and beneficial. The students have really enjoyed getting to know Craig and the work that he does at the College.
More recently the class got to work with Recyke-a-Bike in Stirling. We approached Recyke-a-bike as it was something the boys were interested in learning. The group also had a tour of their centre, had a guided cycle around Stirling and learned some essential bike maintenance skills as part of this. It was a really good experience for the students and a nice end to the first part of the course.
Other departments within the College have offered their support and will run workshops for the class over the next few months. These include, hospitality, joinery, plumbing, engineering and radio production to name just a few.
All the support is appreciated and it definitely enhances the experience for these young learners! Anyone wishing any information or to get involved, should get in touch with Jackie.Innes@forthvalley.ac.uk or Kerry.Kay@forthvalley.ac.uk.
Recyke a bike have many opportunities and are also happy to be contacted eloise@recyke-a-bike.co.uk
