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Enterprise in Education Awards

17/06/2004

Six of the most enterprising schools and business projects have beaten off tough competition to win the Determined to Succeed: National Enterprise in Education Awards.

The Awards for outstanding achievement, which attracted nearly 200 entries, are part of the Executive's Determined to Succeed strategy - focused on changing attitudes towards enterprise and ensuring young people have the confidence and creativity to succeed in the jobs market.

Projects range from the first pupil-led TV initiative in Scotland (Dumbarton) to an Enterprising Week for nursery pupils (Aberdeen).

The winners are:

Woodside Nursery, Aberdeen - Early Years Category
Cauldeen Primary School, Inverness - Primary Stages Skene Award
Our Lady & St Patrick's High, Dumbarton - Secondary Stages
Newhills School, Glasgow - Inclusive Education
Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd, East Kilbride - Business of the Year
Standard Life, Edinburgh - Business Innovation

Presenting the awards in Edinburgh, Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Lewis Macdonald said:

"Encouraging enterprising attitudes in our pupils is the route to a more enterprising Scotland.

"We want pupils to be enthused by developing enterprising skills and attitudes through their learning - to aim high and not to be afraid of taking risks.

"This has to start with the youngest children and then develop through primary and secondary school so that young people can be ready for the world of work.

"Business involvement is also crucial to our Enterprise in Education strategy. The business community can help to develop drive and creativity, and they in turn benefit when young people have the right mix of skills and business know-how as they enter employment."

Winners should not be approached before the end of the Awards ceremony (2200 hours, 17 June).

Summary of winners

Woodside Nursery, Aberdeen - set up an Enterprise Week as part of a project to improve facilities in the nursery's garden and to raise funds through a raffle. This included different activities such as paying money into a bank, using a cheque book, an 'Enterprising Infants' game, using a telephone book and making a poster. The children took part in play activity which raised their awarness of concepts such as enterprise, advertising, money and teamwork.

Cauldeen Primary School, Inverness - for a range of initiatives across the school. These included: Cauldeen Infant Express - a class newspaper for P1/P2 pupils; 'Heilan Beasties' - a P4/P5 project to design, construct and produce ceramics; and 'Cauldeen Gone Crafty' - led by P6/P7 pupils to reduce levels of paper waste and re-use material.

Our Lady & St Patrick's High, Dumbarton - enterprise activities across the curriculum and hands-on entrepreneurial experiences. Key projects include OLSP TV, the first pupil-led TV initiative in Scotland (rock group The Darkness have given the channel permission to use their music as its audio theme), and the school's enterprise company, Dun Breatann, which has been commended by HM Inspectorate of Education.

Newhills School, Glasgow - secondary school catering for pupils with a range of severe and complex learning difficulties. Pupils experience activities which develop their knowledge of the world of work, and problem-solving and decision-making skills. Projects include selling items in the tuckshop, organising events, putting together a campaign on healthy living and gaining knowledge of practical matters like first aid.

Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd, East Kilbride - launched an Education Centre in 2001 to provide free support to Scottish schools by creating learning opportunities outwith the classroom and linking up business, enterprise and education. Range of modules available such as technology, business management, craft and design, and career education. A local work experience programme and teacher placement scheme is also part of the Centre's work.

Standard Life, Edinburgh - Basix programme launched in 2003 to help prepare schools leavers for entry into their chosen career and advise them how to approach prospective employers. Programme divided into three sections - World of Work, Skills for Life and Mock Interviews. Developed in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council, Careers Scotland and local teachers.

Just under 200 submissions from across Scotland were received across all the categories of awards. Thirty finalists were selected by regional judging panels with representatives from business, business organisations and local authorities. A national judging panel then selected the winners.

The Scottish Executive has devoted £42 million to supporting the Determined to Succeed strategy. Activities are delivered across Scotland through local authorities and are supported by Careers Scotland and the education and business communities.

Page updated: Saturday, July 17, 2004