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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Support for ‘enterprising’ Highland pupils

11/12/2003

Schools in the Highland Council area are set to benefit from new resources to support enterprising pupils who are determined to succeed.

Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Jim Wallace announced today that Highland Council would receive £1.75 million over three years through the Executive's £40 million enterprise in education strategy.

Mr Wallace said:

"I want to foster and develop a 'can do, will do' attitude in our young people - in the Highlands and across the country.

"There is an urgent need to change attitudes towards enterprise in Scotland. We need a fundamental shift in thinking - encouraging young people to have a go, to take sensible risks, and not to be discouraged by initial failure but see it as a platform for future success.

"Our enterprise in education strategy - Determined to Succeed - recognises that the best way to start making these changes is in the classroom. This is not about teaching stand-alone classes in 'enterprise skills' or expecting everyone to become an entrepreneur, but embedding enterprise education within the school curriculum and school life so that pupils can gain self-confidence and the ability to think creatively.

"I know, for instance, that Sleat Primary School on the Isle of Skye is already doing good work in this area. As part of a 'Community' studies project, enterprising Gaelic Medium pupils developed a website promoting community events and activities in the Sleat area.

"The funding I'm announcing today will enable other Highland schools to build on this good practice."

The Scottish Budget 2003-2006 has allocated £40 million to support Enterprise in Education. This has been supplemented by £2 million from the Hunter Foundation, match funded by the Executive.

Page updated: Wednesday, July 21, 2004