Falkirk students show Scotland they have the skills for the workplace
A group of senior pupils from Falkirk area high schools have all received a national award for their valuable workplace skills.
The S5 and S6 pupils received the Ken Muir Award for Exceptional Achievement for their excellent teamwork, communication and problem-solving skill at a national awards ceremony this week.
The pupils were selected as part of a Scotland-wide cohort in recognition of the remarkable personal growth, resilience and workplace-readiness they demonstrated whilst completing the Powering Futures Challenge Programme.
Larbert High School’s Millie Rankine, Josh Szymczykowski, of St Mumgo’s High School, and Braes High School’s James McDonald were among 2000 young people nationwide to take part in the initiative, which was created to celebrate achievements that go beyond traditional academic attainment.
The SCQF Level-6 qualification sees pupils work in teams to tackle real-life challenges set by business and industry partners. Through the programme, pupils develop practical workplace skills while strengthening links with locally-based mentors working in Scottish businesses.
St Mungo’s teacher Michelle McMullan said: “We are delighted to have undertaken the Powering Futures course for the fourth year and are so proud of the work of all of our young people who completed the qualification.
"Our Ken Muir Pupil Award winners this year showed commitment, dedication and resilience throughout the course and learned valuable skills that will prove to be beneficial to them in all areas of life, as they start their journeys on to their next chapter.
“As their teachers, it was inspiring to watch them overcome their own personal hurdles and challenges and we hope they are proud of their achievements – we certainly are! We look forward to success with next year’s cohort.”
Professor Ken Muir, of the University of the West of Scotland, has played a key role in advising the Scottish Government on the future of Scottish education.
He has called for a number of reforms to Scotland’s system of education, including preparing learners better for the world of work.
Professor Muir said: “We need a culture and mindset shift in Scotland’s education system. Of course, examination grades are important, but these awards, and the
ethos of the Powering Futures Schools Challenge Programme overall, is about reimagining what success looks like by valuing and recognising achievement in every
sense of the word.“