Enterprising students on song in Stewarton
24/02/2012 16:09:51
Stewarton Academy is taking the creative route to enterprise in a bid to ensure school leavers have skills and qualifications for careers in the modern world.
Launching the academy’s new Business and Enterprise Skills Centre (BESC), Headteacher Sandra Leslie said she was proud her school was part of East Ayrshire Council’s ambitious enterprise push – and sure of her pupils’ determination to succeed.
Young people will be able to follow a wider range of courses beyond the standard curriculum, including Baccalaureate and Open University programmes. The BESC also offers Steps to Work and Personal Development courses, in partnership with local business partners Sainsburys.
Stewarton Academy’s programme has a focus on the creative industries – a growth area for jobs in Scotland – with training available in its new state-of-the-art music studio, which is being installed to develop young people’s skills in digital media and performance.
Pupils will use the studio equipment to record performances and compositions. Some will work towards gaining qualifications in sound engineering and production at Intermediate 2 level.
The high-tech studio will be used to create CDs, podcasts and radio programming for broadcast in the school. Skills for work (creative industries) and music: technology (sound engineering) courses will also be on offer.
The academy’s Design and Technology department has used its share of the Council’s £1 million Business Enterprise Fund to buy a new £6,000 laser cutter. Design students now plan to make and sell items cut from glass, wood and plastic.
Stewarton is one of nine East Ayrshire secondary schools setting up BESCs to help make students ‘business ready’.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, said: ““East Ayrshire schools mean business. We’re investing £1 million in our young people’s futures and have attracted backing from business leaders local and national to help make this training push a success.
“There is huge enthusiasm in schools for this ambitious programme, which will encourage entrepreneurial qualities and get more leavers into work, training or employment.
“I’m delighted that Stewarton Academy pupils and teachers are taking this forward in such a positive and creative way”.
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For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk