Dalbeattie High School is celebrating becoming the region’s first bronze ambassador for the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.
The SCQF supports pupils by recognising wider achievement – not just exam grades – and looks at ways that schools can help students with wider learning experiences and opportunities.
All secondary schools in Dumfries and Galloway are SCQF school ambassadors.
They all develop senior phase learning pathways in line with the Developing the Young Workforce Strategy and provide a balance for learners between vocational and academic qualifications.
Dalbeattie High School has been successful in upgrading their status to a bronze ambassador.
The SCQF partnership has recognised its “whole school approach”, pupil awareness, parental engagement and understanding of the framework and how it can be used to support learners and employers.
By developing a number of external relationships with partners such as Stewartry Active Schools and Community Sport, local employer Jas P Wilson, Dumfries and Galloway College and the regional council, Dalbeattie High has been able to offer its young people a wide range of qualifications and curriculum pathways alongside more traditional options.
These courses – Skills for Work, National Progression Awards and Foundation apprenticeships – provide vocational learning opportunities whilst allowing for practical experiences to take place.
Each qualification carries SCQF tariff points which count towards Further and Higher Education entrance requirements.
Interim chief executive, Derek Crichton and director of education and learning, Gillian Brydson presented the award to Stuart McGougan, acting head teacher last week.
Mr McGougan, said: “Increasing awareness of SCQF framework has really helped our young people and their families better understand the increasing variety of qualifications, pathways and opportunities available to them.”
