Carrick Academy has been selected as one of the latest secondary schools throughout Scotland  - and the first school in South Ayrshire - to join the Scottish Government's Schools of Ambition programme.

The news of Carrick Academy’s success in achieving School of Ambition status was formally announced by Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson, when she paid a special visit to the school, where she was welcomed by South Ayrshire Council’s Convener of Lifelong Learning, Councillor Pam Paterson, and senior teaching staff, including Head Teacher Rodger Stewart.

It was announced that a total of 21 new schools across Scotland have been added to the programme.

Schools joining the programme - which aims to increase ambition and belief, extend opportunities and transform future lives - will benefit from at least an extra £100,000 annually for three years. 

The Scottish Government has said that Head Teachers will have complete control over how this money is spent to allow them to put their plans in action and achieve change.

A delighted Councillor Pam Paterson explained: “The Schools of Ambition programme aims to transform educational outcomes for young people.

“It is intended to raise the ambition of schools and to instil belief in pupils to extend their opportunities and transform their life chances.  Importantly, Schools of Ambition will offer leadership opportunities for young people.

“I think this is a wonderful achievement for the school, and I congratulate the Head Teacher, Education, Culture and Lifelong Learning headquarters staff, and school staff members and all pupils who have been involved in seeking to have the school selected as a School of Ambition.”

The Scottish Government is intent that Schools of Ambition will aim to be excellent schools and work closely with their community to prepare their pupils for life beyond school, and has made a commitment to provide resources and support to help schools transform the learning experience of their pupils.

Speaking of his school’s success in being selected to join the Schools of Ambition programme, Head Teacher, Rodger Stewart said:

“I really am delighted. Carrick Academy will develop the confidence of its pupils by engaging them in leadership activities, and will work with local and national businesses and voluntary agencies to offer pupils experiences well beyond the usual classroom practices.”

He explained that Carrick Academy aims to further strengthen the Pupil Council process by providing training in e-consultation methods, team building and presentation skills, making them more effective contributors within the school.”

Said Mr Stewart: “All S3 pupils will have an opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and other year groups will be consulted on areas for their involvement.

“Carrick Academy staff are committed to facilitating learning and through being a School of Ambition will have the opportunity to further develop their own teaching skills.

“As Head Teacher, I am certain that parents will welcome the enriched learning experience that will be offered to their children and their continued support will be crucial to the success of the programme.”

February 2007