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INTRODUCTION
A Personal View
Nicol Stephen, MSP Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning
I am delighted to have this opportunity to bring you up to date with our progress in delivering Determined to Succeed, our strategy for enterprise in education. When we set out on this journey in 2003, we knew the scale of the challenge facing us: to put in place a national strategy for enterprise education where - at that time - practice was characterised by relatively few pockets of excellence. It demanded we form new relationships and build on those we already had. We knew we would not be able to achieve our aims without the enthusiasm, co-operation and commitment of a great number of stakeholders.
Since March 2003, we have worked hard to fulfil the 20 commitments made in our original response to my Review Group's Determined to Succeed Report. Three years on, I am now delighted to be able to publish this encouraging account of progress.
There are several highlights. Our target of 2,000 school/business partnerships by 2006 has been exceeded nearly four-fold; local authorities are reporting that enterprise education is happening in all of their schools; more young people than ever before are getting a chance to participate in experiential entrepreneurial learning, and to undertake vocational learning linked to a relevant qualification; 22,000 teachers have now been trained in enterprise education; and there has been a 17% increase in the number of entries to the enterprise categories of the Scottish Education Awards.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication of our stakeholders. We have worked extensively with all of Scotland's 32 local authorities and Jordanhill School to ensure Determined to Succeed is delivered in a way that is meeting local educational, economic and social needs. Their enthusiasm for the strategy and their commitment to delivery has been evident from the start and remains a crucial part in the success so far.
We have also enjoyed unprecedented support from the business community. They realise the importance of creating a generation of Scots who have the skills, confidence and ambition to achieve their full potential. Their involvement in Determined to Succeed has allowed young people to experience the realities of working life in a number of ways, through work experience placements, developing team working skills, and participating in a wide range of business related activities.
Meanwhile, our partnerships with The Hunter Foundation and other key organisations have gone from strength to strength, delivering real benefit to the young people of Scotland.
The substantial commitment of funding for Determined to Succeed has put Scotland at the forefront of enterprise education in the UK and beyond. I am proud that Determined to Succeed is recognised as a world leader, with positive recognition for our approach across Europe, the United States and Australia.
Looking ahead, the work of Determined to Succeed is fully complementary to the wider educational reform currently underway through Ambitious, Excellent Schools and A Curriculum for Excellence in particular. These developments are paving the way for enterprise education to become the norm in Scottish schools and are making it easier for both pupils and teachers to enjoy an educational experience which is fully relevant to life beyond the classroom. I am also clear that Determined to Succeed has a very real part to play in helping to stem the flow of 16-19 year olds who do not progress into education, employment or training on leaving school.
I want all young people in Scotland to aim high, leading Scotland into a future that they help shape. Our young people are our greatest asset. We must ensure they get the help, support - and challenge - they need to develop the self-belief, motivation and determination needed to be successful.
Nicol Stephen, MSP
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning
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