Clyde Valley High School partnered with Routes to Work this past year on the youth services programme, and it has had a huge impact on the lives of many pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This partnership started because the school recognised that their existing curriculum didn’t suit all of its pupils, and many were disengaging with mainstream education.
Depute head Hannah Holland, spoke about the importance of adapting the curriculum to better serve their students.
“We recognised that our curriculum didn't really fit the needs of some of our learners in the school, and a lot of young people had started to disengage,” she explained.
“Many students were eager to enter the workforce rather than pursue higher education, prompting us as a senior team to seek alternative educational opportunities that would be valuable to these students.”
After researching various programmes, the school found that Routes to Work offered a range of courses that could benefit their students.
They decided to implement three core streams: the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card pathway for construction, the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) Elementary Food Hygiene certificate and the World Host Customer Service course.
These courses were selected based on a survey of S4 pupils, who expressed a strong interest in gaining practical, employable skills.
“For them to be able to have that certificate when they're applying for a job...that was really important to them,” Hannah noted.
To introduce these new opportunities, the school organised activities to generate interest and involvement.
Students were required to obtain staff references and complete application procedures, creating a buzz of excitement and competition.
“It was the first time where you could really see a lot of these young people invested in their learning," said Hannah.
The high engagement levels and positive feedback from students underscored the programme's success.
“The feedback that the kids have said is that it's been interesting, it's been useful to them, and they've really, really enjoyed it,” she added.
The qualifications offered through Routes To Work are particularly beneficial as they provide practical, real-world skills that are immediately applicable.
Unlike traditional academic qualifications that culminate in high-stakes exams, these courses offer continuous assessment and high pass rates.
“For example, in the World Host Customer Service, 100% of kids who were involved in that course actually managed to get their qualification,” she highlighted.
These additional SCQF qualifications enhance students' CVs and improve their employability.
The partnership's success can also be attributed to the strong relationships between Routes To Work staff and the students.
Routes To Work staff have been described as ‘flexible’, ‘understanding’, and ‘adept’ at building rapport with students.
“They spoke to them on a level which was appropriate,” she said. “They treated them like young adults.”
Moreover, the presence of a Routes To Work caseworker in the school has provided invaluable support to students who struggle with traditional education methods.
And there’s been some great news, too!
“We've actually been able to secure a positive destination for a young person who was most at risk of leaving with no qualifications,” Hannah shared.
This outreach ensures that even the most vulnerable students receive the guidance and opportunities they need to succeed.
Two students, Mia and Calum, have shared their positive experiences with the Routes To Work courses.
Mia, who participated in the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene course, found it particularly beneficial for her part-time job in catering.
She said, “I work in catering, which is why I chose this course because I'm planning on being in this job throughout high school and uni,” Mia explained.
The skills she gained from the course have made her more reliable and responsible at work.
Calum, who took the CSCS card course, appreciated the practical knowledge he gained about working on construction sites.
George Bryce, Routes To Work Engagement Team Leader, added:
"Many pupils from Clyde Valley also embarked on journeys via our case worker service.
"During this time, they were supported on a 1:1 basis by a specialist case worker to identify key milestones that would enable them to progress from school into positive destinations.
"Some of these milestones included interventions such as engaging with a life skills coach to develop life skills, build confidence and motivation, and manage their mental health.
"Other support provided to the pupils involved linking them in with key partner organisations who provided specialised support to help with overcoming barriers and expanding their support networks."