Students gather to kick start
their Academies programme
F
OUR HUNDRED STUDENTS from 50 schools
across Edinburgh, the Lothians and the
Scottish Borders gathered at QMU in August
to kick start their learning on the pioneering South
East Scotland Academies Partnership programme.
This year’s new students are the fourth group to join the
Academies programme, a project led by QMU, Edinburgh
College and local authorities. The Academies give young people
the opportunity to study at college and university, undertake work
experience and learn about industry while still at school, highlighting
career options and improving employability.
In 2012, the Academies started off by providing educational
opportunities for young people in three East Lothian schools. It now
offers outstanding learning and career opportunities to 15-18 year old
school pupils in East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, Edinburgh and
the Scottish Borders. Recently, the project expanded into West Lothian,
bringing nine new schools on board.
First minister makes £27m funding
announcement during QMU visit
S
cotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, used
her visit to QMU in February to make a public
announcement about the future funding of
Scotland’s NHS.
During her visit with nursing and speech researchers and
QMU students, the First Minister announced her intention
to provide £27m of funding to equip Scotland’s NHS for the
future.
The Minister’s speech, which was delivered to students,
staff and visitors in QMU’s Halle Lecture Theatre, set out
her vision for a modern NHS in Scotland and included
announcements about a range of initiatives to widen access
to education across a range of professions over the next
five years.
The initiative, which was conceived by three senior staff at Edinburgh
College, QMU, and East Lothian Council, has been hailed as one that
is delivering real results for Scotland’s young people. Three years ago,
the project started off with the Hospitality and Tourism Academy which
aimed to smooth the transition between school, college, university and
work, as well as raising standards within the industry.
The South East Scotland Academies Partnership now offers four
academies in Hospitality and Tourism; Creative Industries, Food Science
and Nutrition; and Health and Social Care. The academies provide young
people with a real insight into key growth industries and improve their
employability by developing specialist skills and knowledge.
All 400 academy students gathered for a photograph at QMU
where they are studying part of their academy programme. Learning
for all four academies also involves the students taking classes with
academics and industry experts at the University. Students also
study at Edinburgh College, Borders College or West Lothian College
depending on where their schools are located, as well as gaining work
experience in industry. ❒
On the same day, Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for
Education, also visited QMU to find out about QMU’s work
in widening access and in its retention and development of
female researchers. The Education Minister was interested to
learn about QMU’s pioneering Academies project for 14–18
year olds and to meet young students who had successfully
completed the Creative Industries Academy and secured
places on QMU’s media degree. She also viewed the Women
Researchers’ Exhibition which highlights the research careers
of female staff.❒
Professor Petra Wend, QMU Principal with Angela Constance,
Cabinet Secretary for Education
QMYOU / News in Brief
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