A new HNC Police Studies course developed at Forth Valley College and its partners has been highly commended in the annual Scottish Qualification Authority’s Star Awards.
FVC were one of the finalists in the Partnership of the Year category at the awards ceremony which was held in the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on Friday 3 November and hosted by broadcast personality Kaye Adams - a passionate supporter of education and training.
The HNC in Police Studies programme began in session 2016/17 and established, through strong links with Police Scotland and in partnership with Larbert and Graeme High Schools in Falkirk. It allowed senior secondary school pupils to widen their pathways and provide options to achieve a HNC qualification on completion of their studies. The course is currently the only one of its kind in Scotland and has been designed to develop both knowledge and practical skills that would be required of a new recruit to the Police Force to stand our young people in good stead. Proof of its popularity is shown by the fact that a further 36 students have enrolled for 2017/18.
Presenting the award to Nicola McArthur, Curriculum Manager in FVC’s Department of Care, Health and Sport in this photograph is Ellen Doherty, Director of Education, Registration, and Professional Learning at the GTCS.
Nicola, whose department offers the new course, said:
“It is fantastic that the partnership which supports our HNC Police Studies has been recognised at a national level. To be shortlisted for the SQA Star Award at this early stage is a great achievement and this reflects the hard work and dedication of the whole team involved. Moving forward this is an area which we will continue to develop in terms of partnership working, with Police Scotland and our colleagues from schools.”
The annual SQA Star Awards offer a unique way to celebrate the success, triumph, achievement and recognition of the best in education and training. The event is a key date in the education and training calendar and is attended by education and business leaders. The ceremony acknowledges the innovation, partnerships and creativity from schools, colleges, employers and training providers delivering SQA qualifications. The ceremony also acknowledges the students who take these qualifications.
SQA Chief Executive, Dr Janet Brown, said:
“I have been overwhelmed by the dedication of our winners and have been privileged to hear moving stories of learning journeys. Our winners are an inspiration to us all!
“The SQA Star Awards shine a light on the incredible support provided to learners by teachers, lecturers, schools, colleges, employers, and training providers, encouraging them to reach their potential, and it is right that we give our exceptional centres the recognition they truly deserve.
Dr Brown continued:
“This evening the excellent work of our colleagues in schools, colleges, workplaces, and training centres, and the achievements of young people and adult learners have been recognised, and we are delighted to shine a spotlight on their success.”