Pupils who completed their HNCs at Forth Valley College while still at school, picked up their scrolls at two graduation ceremonies this week.
The 18 senior high school pupils were the first ever cohort of FVC’s HNC Schools Programme to graduate at the annual graduation events and were part of a total of 35 high school students who were eligible to graduate this year. Many of those choosing not to receive their scrolls this year are going on to further study at FVC or at university.
Graduating at the Falkirk Town Hall Ceremony on Tuesday 4 October were: HNC Early Education - Katja Kate Allison, Megan Coutts and Rebecca Paterson (all Graeme High), Emma Gilmour and Sarah Moffat (both Falkirk High). HNC Coaching and Developing Sport - Emma Grainger (Braes High) and Kirsten McKay (Larbert High). HNC Computing - Matthew Differ (Denny High) and Michael Kleinman (Larbert High). HNC Electrical Engineering - Andrew Woods (St Mungo’s High).
Graduating at the Stirling Castle Ceremony on Thursday 6 October were: HNC Hospitality Management - Zaynab Ashraf and Rebecca Davies (both Denny High), Kieran Grenfell and Clodagh Killigrew (both Alloa Academy), Calum Gullen (Alva Academy), Aimee Keay (Larbert High), Jonathan McVicar (Bo’ness Academy) and Brandon Smith (Grangemouth High).
Fiona Brown, Associate Principal and Executive Director - Learning and Teaching, said: “It is absolutely fantastic to see so many of the HNC Schools programme pupils graduating at our official ceremonies. They have all shown dedication and commitment to their studies and have been rewarded with an HNC before they have even left school. This will give them a head start as they now look to apply to college, university or search for a job. A big well done must go to them, we are all very proud of them.”
Jon Reid, Head Teacher at Larbert High School, said: “I would like to congratulate all of the pupils on their success. There’s no doubt that this gives these young people a distinct advantage when it comes to their future choices and chances and gives them an edge over others of the same age. I’m delighted that we are working in partnership with Forth Valley College and that the uptake and demand for these courses, whilst still at school, is increasing. Well done to all involved!”
The College’s HNC Schools programme is a partnership between the three local councils in the Forth Valley area who have created a range of exciting new opportunities for pupils to study for Higher National Certificate (HNC) qualifications whilst they are still at school, alongside their Highers.
S5/S6 pupils can study HNCs in the following subject areas - Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Coaching and Development Sport and Computing (all subject to sufficient numbers).
Any pupil currently in S4 and in a position where the school they attend confidently predicts they are on track to achieve two Highers at grade B in S5, could be eligible to study for an HNC over two years (S5 and S6), starting in August 2016. Highly respected HNC qualifications are also a route to degree study at university on leaving high school.
During the HNC pupils would attend college for two half days each week during term time.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) said: “HNCs and HNDs are specially designed to meet the needs of employers both locally and internationally. So if you are serious about getting a job and want a career with prospects, then getting a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or a Higher National Diploma (HND) is one of the best ways to achieve your ambition and because employers recognise Higher National Qualifications as good evidence of your ability, having an HNC or HND will help you get a job.”
HNC places are still available and anyone interested in finding out more should contact Ernie Romer (School Provision Co-ordinator) by email:
schools.co-ordinator@forthvalley.ac.uk