The Scottish Government

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Building the Foundations of A LIFELONG LEARNING SOCIETY
SCHOOL/COLLEGE REVIEW
SCHOOL PUPILS' VIEWS

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WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

The devolved government in Scotland, the Scottish Executive, is looking at how to strengthen the links between schools and further education colleges, particularly for 14-16 year olds. As part of this review we want to know what school pupils think about these links.

WHY BOTHER?

Some schools and colleges already work well together. Further education, delivered either in college or by a college staff member coming to your school, can help you prepare for what you do after you leave school, whether that is further learning, training or work.

It also gives you more choice about what you do during your school week. Colleges can offer subjects that schools may be unable to provide, including vocational education and non-traditional National
Qualifications. These can include: Psychology, Sociology or Politics - or in vocational areas - Automotive Engineering, Biotechnology, Hairdressing, Social Care, or Hospitality.

Some pupils also like further education because it gives them greater control of how they study and there can be more, and different, types of ways to learn.

WHAT IS THERE TO REVIEW?

Basically there are four key issues:

• Why? - What is the purpose of school/college links?
• How? - Who pays for it and how is it managed?
• What does it mean? - What changes do schools and colleges need to make to build links?
• What about the pupils? - How can schools and colleges make sure pupils benefit?

WHAT DO WE WANT FROM YOU?

We are looking for your views about the links between schools and colleges.

If you already go to college or you are being taught in school by a college staff member for part of your school week, we want to know...

• Why did you choose further education?
• What do you feel you get out of it?
• Do you enjoy it? What are your likes/dislikes?
• Should anything be done differently?

• What more, if anything, do you want out of the experience?

If you don't go to college and you are not taught in school by a college staff member for part of your school week, we want to know...

• Is this because you were not given the chance? If this is the reason, would you if you were given a chance?
• If it is because you chose not to, why did you make that choice?
• What can we do to make you more interested in going to college or being taught by a college staff member for part of your school week?

WHAT TO DO NOW

Please send your comments by 30 June 2004 by post to:

School/College Review
2nd Floor, Europa Building
450 Argyle Street
Glasgow
G2 8LG

or by email to: scrt@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

MORE TO READ

This leaflet and other Scottish Executive publications, including the main consultation paper and a summary, can be found on the Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/publications. You can telephone Freephone 0800 77 1234 to find out where your nearest public Internet access point is. The summary paper is available on request in alternative formats.