Special partnership brings new adult social care course to Larbert High
A new course in adult social care has been established at Larbert High School through a special partnership.
The curriculum was designed and co-written through a unique joint collaboration between science departments at Larbert and Braes high schools before being rolled out to classes this year.
The course at Larbert, spearheaded by teacher of science, Amy Kernahan and taught alongside science colleague, Kerri Dryburgh, marks a highly strategic, localised approach to addressing the massive regional demand for skilled medical and care professionals.
Delivering a blend of nationally recognised academic qualifications alongside vital work-based learning, it has been developed hand-in-hand with primary employers and stakeholders, including NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, Carrondale Care Home, and Developing the Young Workforce Forth Valley (DYW).
Recent labour market data underscores the immense regional value of the course.
Figures show health and social work is the area’s single largest employing sector, supporting 17,800 jobs across Falkirk. Employment in the sector is forecast to expand significantly, projecting an influx of 1300 added roles by 2033. Falkirk’s population, aged 75 and over, is projected to surge by 80 per cent by 2043, driving sustained long-term demand for highly trained care workers. Social care recruitment challenges remain a talking point locally with 64.5 per cent of care providers citing an insufficient volume of applicants.
The new course is a direct, practical response to these statistics. Fully aligned with Larbert High’sDYW strategy, the curriculum ensures that senior phase pupils on completion of the course stand out to employers because they already possess industry-specific training, compliance knowledge, and hands-on skills before even leaving school.
Mhairi McAinsh, DYW Coordinator at Larbert High, said: “This initiative perfectly demonstrates the undeniable value of true partnership working and experiential learning in embedding the vital skills our workforce needs.
“Our young people on the course are not only undertaking work placements and real-world experiences in a diverse range of adult social care settings across our local community, but they are also building the confidence and empathy required for their future careers.
By bridging the gap between classroom theory and real hands-on practice, we are empowering our pupils to step straight from school into meaningful, high-demand local jobs.”
Ms McAinsh also thanked Graeme Hendry and the team at Carrondale Care Home for the incredibly generous donation of equipment for the school simulation room.
Dr Julie Mardon, clinical director Scottish centre simulation and clinical human factors, said: “We are proud and privileged to be collaborating with Larbert High School and other schools in Forth Valley to develop how we use clinical simulation to support excellence in learning for our young people studying health and social care. We are enabling worth while experiential learning which with prepare the learner for real experiences in clinical practice”
The development of Health and Social Care simulation areas within the schools is a fantastic example of partnership working in action. Realistic learning environments have been created that give young people valuable hands-on experience of health and social care settings.
Andrew Clydesdale, SVQ and career pathways manager (workforce development) with Falkirk Council, said: “We are extremely grateful to all partners who have contributed their expertise, training, and equipment to make this initiative possible, helping to inspire and equip the next generation of carers and health and social care professionals.”
Amy Kernahan, course leader for Health and Social Care, said: “Having delivered Level 5 Skills for Work courses for numerous years at Larbert High,, it is fantastic to now offer our new Level 6 Health and Social Care course. It provides a unique opportunity for pupils not only to learn the core principles, values, and standards of social care, but also to gain hands-on experience developing essential workplace skills.
“Our new simulation space has significantly enriched this experience. Pupils can participate in realistic health and social care scenarios—practicing patient communication, conducting dynamic risk assessments, and designing personalised care plans.
“This enables pupils to translate classroom theory directly into practice. I am confident it is thoroughly preparing them for future work placements, the learning styles of college and university, and their long-term careers.
“I am grateful to all the professionals whose collaboration helped create this space, ensuring it provides a realistic, well-rounded learning experience.”
Jo Wilson, rector at Larbert, added: “Our new Level 6 Adult Social Care Partnership programme is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through genuine partnership working.
We have created something far more than a qualification: we are opening doors to real life experience, meaningful skills and clear career pathways for our young people. Fully aligned with our Developing the Young Workforce strategy, this is learning that creates genuine, life changing opportunities for our pupils.”
Graeme Hendry, Director of Carrondale Care Home, added: “It’s been a joy to work with Larbert High School on their new social care course. By donating equipment and sharing our experience, we hope to give students a real feel for the difference they can make in people’s lives. This partnership is about more than training — it’s about building connections between generations and inspiring a caring future for our community.”
Karen Wright, DYW programme lead (Falkirk) said: “This is DYW partnership working at its best. Employers and industry partners aren’t simply providing experiences – they are actively helping to shape the learning and teaching, bringing real-world expertise, equipment and expectations into the classroom. That makes the learning relevant, authentic and directly connected to the opportunities available to our young people. It’s a fantastic example of education and industry working together to shape the workforce of the future.”