South Ayrshire Council News

Duke of Edinburgh participants from various schools in South Ayrshire are pictured participating in the Y Dance project.

Young Duke of Edinburgh's Award participants from South Ayrshire took part in a special reception at the Scottish Parliament to mark the successful completion of an excellent project.

A three year pilot project, that linked the educational aims of the Curriculum for Excellence to the aims and objectives of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, has achieved outstanding results.

All of our secondary schools now participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, with the number of new participants growing from 160 in 04/05 to 565 in 08/09. We are now the leading local authority for new participants and most importantly, awards gained. This is thanks to the effort and commitment of Council employees and huge support from volunteers in schools and communities across South Ayrshire.

Councillor Hywel Davies, Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder said: "Delivery of Curriculum for Excellence is enhanced by innovative partnerships such as the one between South Ayrshire Council and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. This is delivering positive impacts for our young people."

"As a Council we are committed to supporting young people and are at the cutting edge of developing their involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. We have the highest percentage of any local authority of young people between the ages of 14 and 25 taking in the programme.

"The skills, knowledge, life experiences bring great benefits to the individuals taking part in the project. Local communities are also reaping the benefits of the projects that the young people are involved in."

The Duke of Edinburgh participants from South Ayrshire were given an opportunity to showcase their talents. The same opportunity was given to participants from East Lothian and Highland Council areas who were also involved in the pilot project.