School pupils from Bo’ness gathered at Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus for a special Children’s University Scotland graduation on Thursday 23 May.
FVC Principal Dr Ken Thomson welcomed the pupils, their parents and VIPS to the event - including David Mackay, Head of Education at Falkirk Council, Robert Naylor Director of Children’s Services at Falkirk Council and Neil Mathers CEO of the Children’s University Scotland – where students received their well-deserved certificates.
Children’s University Scotland is a national charity, which works in partnership with schools to promote extra-curricular activities, which pupils undertake in or out of school in addition to the school’s chosen curriculum. The aim of Children’s University Scotland, is to promote equality of opportunity for all and support pupils in building confidence and life skills - to help reach their full potential.
Bo’ness Academy and some local Bo’ness primary schools have come together to integrate Children’s University Scotland's programme into their schools. This initiative encourages their pupils to become more active, responsible and engaged outside of the classroom to earn bronze, silver or gold awards for their learning outcomes.
The inclusion of Children’s University Scotland into everyday school life has been a great success in Bo’ness - with more than 90 pupils qualifying to graduate in 2018/19. Pupils have had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of learning activities, in their own home, in school, and the wider-community including instrument practice, random acts of kindness and DYW initiatives.
In May 2018, Bo’ness Academy also launched the online platform Aspire with Deputy First Minister John Swinney. Pupils have been using Aspire to explore learning opportunities, log their participation through credits, engage in skills development and celebrate their achievements and successes.
Steve Dougan, Head Teacher, Bo’ness Academy, said: “We are really proud of all our young people and what they have managed to achieve. We hope that this encourages pupils to develop a love of learning both inside and outside the classroom and continue to strive to be the best that they can be.”
Neil Mathers, Chief Executive of Children’s University Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be able to recognise children’s commitment to learning through our programme, and it has been a pleasure to see so many young people receive awards today. It is great to see them take pride in their achievements, and we hope that their experiences as part of Children’s University will inspire and encourage them to continue with their learning beyond the classroom.”
David Mackay, Head of Education at Falkirk Council said: “I am delighted to be involved in this event to recognise the efforts of our young learners and I am sure it will encourage them all to continue their learning journey well beyond school.”
Dr Ken Thomson, Forth Valley College Principal, said: “We were delighted to host this excellent graduation event for Children’s University Scotland as their ethos and outlook links very well with what we are also trying to do here at Forth Valley College, with programmes such as our Foundation Apprenticeships and our School College Opportunities to Succeed (SCOTS) programme. Like us they are trying to Make Learning Work for young people in the Forth Valley area and beyond.”
For more information on Children’s University Scotland visit www.childrensuniversity.scot
