Digital literacy was the driving force of a presentation made to a Graeme High School pupil recently.
George Walls – FVC’s BCS Test Centre Manager and IT lecturer in FVC’s Business Department – was on hand to present the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) to Lauren Sneddon along with Depute Headteacher Kristy Rennie.
The Senior Phase which takes place from S4 to S6 in schools, and includes ages 16 -18, is the phase when young people will build up a portfolio of qualifications. – ECDL allows them to differentiate their qualifications allowing them to enhance their College/UCAS/Job applications.
FVC and partnership schools work together to plan a coherent experience for their learners, building a flexible system that offers personalisation and choice, providing clear and supported pathways for young people to make a successful transition and to continue learning through the senior phase. FVC works with partner schools across the Central region and many pupils are now benefiting from achieving ECDL.
As part of the Wider Achievement Programme, and in line with the Digital skills initiative, schools are offering Industry recognised qualifications as an option choice to their senior phase pupils – ECDL makes this happen.
Lauren Sneddon, a pupil at Graeme High School, said: “I have really enjoyed and benefited from this opportunity which has consolidated my administration skills by incorporating the ECDL course into my leadership programme. This has given me an additional qualification specifically in Microsoft packages which I believe will help me to achieve my goal of either furthering my qualifications at college or working in an office.
“I feel I have not only gained a qualification, but also gained in confidence and experience through the work I have carried out both in terms of my leadership project and in gaining the ECDL qualification.”
Kristy Rennie, Depute Headteacher, Graeme High School, said: “This session, Lauren has undertaken her Higher Leadership Award as part of her curricular studies. Since Lauren hopes to follow a pathway in Admin and IT, she developed her project brief to include a work based project - the ECDL qualification and leadership of a pupil improvement team. Incorporating different elements into her project allowed her to create a richer experience, and using Graeme High as her base for study and ECDL testing, ensured minimum disruption to her timetable.
“Working in partnership with Forth Valley College to achieve a nationally recognised qualification in Microsoft packages will allow Lauren to access a range of further education and work based opportunities on leaving school. For Lauren, her personalised curriculum this session and mentored support will ensure she transitions into a positive destination with ease."
George Walls, said: “Pupils with ICT skills enjoy an enriched educational experience and will be better prepared for life, work, and further learning. ECDL is a worldwide recognised computer literacy certification programme. It provides pupils with the IT skills and abilities needed to build on existing knowledge, motivate further learning, and improve their employability in a wide range of fields and industries.”