Enrolling entire S5 year group in pioneering programme a ’no-brainer’, says Headteacher
A Dumfriesshire secondary school has become a national trailblazer in an innovative programme to prepare a workforce that will lead Scotland’s charge towards net zero.
Annan Academy has enrolled all of its S5 pupils to The Powering Futures Challenge – one of the first in the country to take an entire year-group on to the programme.
The challenge, which helps encourage innovation among senior phase students by developing problem solving, networking and sustainability skills, is being delivered in more than 100 schools across 29 of Scotland’s 32 council regions.
Annan is one of four schools nationally to have enrolled an entire year group in the SCQF level 6 programme, which is the same level of Higher or modern and foundation apprenticeships.
And its transformative impact has been praised by Headteacher Ewan Murray, who says the scheme strengthens his school’s commitment to developing personal growth and real-world readiness.
He said: “We wanted something that wasn’t just about academic achievement but that provided essential life skills applicable in any setting.
“By integrating the Powering Futures Challenge into the whole year group instead of as an optional course, we ensured that all our students could benefit from learning these essential meta-skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, and organisation.”
Participants in the Powering Futures Schools Programme engage in hands-on learning as they collaborate to find a solution to real-life sustainability challenges that have been set for the 2024-2025 academic year. Industry partners are embedded in the delivery of the curriculum programme, which is designed to systematically create a pipeline of talent to businesses involved in delivering the transition to net zero.
The programme’s impact has not been limited to academics, with staff noting that students have developed greater confidence and resilience.
Lisa Clark, one of Annan Academy’s Depute Headteachers, oversees the school’s Powering Futures work.
“Students are now able to break down challenges and approach them strategically,” Mr Murray added. “We’ve seen this new resilience in action, with many now successfully taking on leadership roles, such as house captains, and citing their experiences in Powering Futures as instrumental to their development.”
Annan Academy opted to integrate the programme into its curriculum by transitioning students from traditional study periods to structured skill-building sessions, ensuring that there was an opportunity for the senior pupils to achieve a qualification which had ‘meaningful currency’ with local employers and colleges.
Mr Murray added: “It’s truly a no-brainer. This programme gives our students practical skills with meaningful, lasting impact.”
Powering Futures Co-Founder Jen Tempany said: “Annan Academy has been a real champion of the Powering Futures Challenge, and it has been inspiring to see how they have embedded the programme into the fabric of everyday life for their S5 pupils.
“The Powering Futures Schools Programme is equipping the next generation with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the jobs of the future. By fostering essential Meta-Skills that are highly valued by employers, the programme not only prepares students for their careers but also empowers them to navigate all aspects of life beyond education. We’re excited to continue collaborating with Annan Academy to guide young people toward a brighter, more prosperous future.”
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