Planning Positive

Destinations from

School

Oldmachar Academy e-Magazine

Inside this issue

Describing Learner Pathways 4—17

Websites That Can Help You 18

Special Features

Read about

The Scottish Baccalaureate

Pathways to Work , College and University

“There has been a proliferation of different

pathways beyond school in recent years, which is

great in one sense, but potentially confusing to

young people. Providing illustrations of how others

are negotiating the pathways beyond school is part

of the job we now have to do to help them.” Mr

Brown

Our Aim for Learners

We aim to ensure that all our young people have a positive plan for the future that helps them to ensure that they move successfully beyond school. There are considerable eco-nomic opportunities in the North East of Scotland, but young people can struggle to en-gage with these.

All young people have an entitlement in Curriculum for Excellence to support in planning a positive destination from school. How we provide this support is evolving, as we gain experience of managing transitions beyond school. And we are establishing important partnerships with parents, employers and providers of further and higher education to improve our work in this area.

We hope that the information provided in this e-magazine is an important part of the process for all of our young people in which they find out about what is possible and be-come inspired to achieve something.

To that end, we tell the stories of a number of our young people’s experiences of life be-yond school. We explore what happened to them at school and what they then did. We hope that in doing so, we help others about to embark on that journey and make our senior phase curriculum planning for every individual more coherent and relevant as a result.

Managing Positive Destinations

Our aim is that everyone has a positive destination beyond school. While we have a

good track record in this regard, we want to do improve our work.

Almost all of our young people leave school and go on to a positive destination. How-

ever, it can be a challenge for people to decide on what they actually want to do with

their lives.

Unless we can get to the stage were we can shape up a plan for them, we can’t struc-

ture effective support for them.

We ask our young people and their parents to think deeply about the following ques-

tions when considering the materials in this e-magazine:

What do I enjoy doing in school?

Can I become really good at it?

Can I make a career out of it?

What are the routes towards such a career?

What our Young People Go On and Do in the World

This pathways our former stu-

dents have taken when they

left school are of great interest

to everyone in Oldmachar

Academy.

We are interested in how they

got on in school and how they

were able to progress onee

they left us.

We chart their stories, focusing

on how they did in school and

then what opportunities they

were able to secure for them-

selves thereafter.

Some of the pathways have led

straight to the work place.

Others have led to training, col-

lege, or university.

We are proud of all of our stu-

dents and what they have

achieved—and what they con-

tinue to achieve.

Pathways to the World of Work

We work hard with employers

to create opportunities for

young people in Oldmachar

Academy.

Some of our students go

straight from school to the

workplace.

Since it can be difficult for

young people to know what

kinds of options are available,

this section is designed to show

some examples of the kinds of

jobs our students have been

able to go on and do following

school.

Our Learners’ Pathways to the Workplace

6

Rhys Small

Currently Working as a trainee draughtsman for Fowler McKenzie.

This involves on-site training

Academic

Study in

School

Rhys achieved an A pass in Higher Graphics and 4 good grades in

Intermediate 2 subjects in S5.

In S4 he achieved 4 Credit Awards at Standard Grade.

School Ex-

perience

Reece feels that he received a lot of support in school from his

teachers. He did additional classes in a number of subjects which

reassured him. This also raised his confidence, especially in S5.

He particularly appreciated the enthusiasm of his teachers and

credits Design and Technology teachers with inspiring him to-

wards the career pathway he has chosen.

Preparing

for a Posi-

tive Desti-

nation

Conversation with the school’s Support Services Manager, Mrs

McKenzie, led to Rhys considering whether to enter the workplace

directly at the end of S5—at that point he had a number of op-

tions, including returning for a sixth year, or going to college.

Future

Plans

Rhys is happy with the on-site training he is doing and has no

long term goal other than to make sure he does a good job as a

draughtsman.

Ryan Bishop Currently Working as an apprentice bricklayer for BANCON Con-

struction

Academic

Study in

School

Ryan achieved 5 Credit / General Grades at Standard Grade, in-

cluding a 2 for Craft and Design.

School Ex-

perience

He proceeded into this line of work because of his study of Craft

and Design and Graphic Communication at Standard Grade. He

always received positive feedback on his work in these courses

and enjoyed them. The hands on aspect of these courses suited

his learning style.

Preparing

for a Posi-

tive Desti-

nation

The job with BANCO was offered after his Guidance teacher had

got him to sign up for an on-line system of application for ap-

prenticeships. He had wanted to do joinery, but was offered a job

as a brick layer.

Future

Plans

In future he plans to complete his two year bricklayer apprentice-

ship. He might want to become a site manager. Alternatively, he

would do a further apprenticeship in joinery, to build up a set of

trades.

Blair Milne

Ryan Kennedy

7

Partnerships with Em-ployers

We are developing a number of

partnerships with employers

which create opportunities for

young people post school.

Some of these employers will

be involved in our Careers Fair,

which will take place for S3 stu-

dents in May.

Others will provide apprenc-

ticeships, which are advertised

in the school.

Others still support the delivery

of some of our Skills for Work

programmes, which create

structured opportunities for

work related learning in the

senior phase of education.

Others provide support for pro-

grammes of work related learn-

ing, which help young people

to prepare themselves for the

future beyond school.

We are always looking to hear

from partners who might work

with us.

Please contact the school for

information: 01224 820 887.

Blair Milne Currently 4 year Apprenticeship at Weatherford in Mechanical Engineering.

This will result in an HND. The apprenticeship is on a 2 week ro-

Academic Study

in School

Standard grade results – PE -1, English, Craft and Design and Histo-

ry – 2, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and French – 3.

School Experi-

ence

Liked the fact that there was a wide range of subjects to choose

from. The teachers were always helpful when you had any ques-

tions and were approachable. Enjoyed the fact that there were

extra-curricular activities. I was involved in playing for the school

golf team and took part in a number of matches.

Preparing for a

Positive Desti-

nation

During the summer holidays he organised 2 weeks of work experi-

ence at Weatherford and enjoyed the hands on aspect of it. When

he returned to school, he spoke to his guidance teacher about the

various options open to him when he left school. He felt that an

apprenticeship would be the best. He is glad that he made this

decision.

Future Plans Following the completion of his apprenticeship, he plans to either

go on to university or work offshore.

Ryan Kennedy

Currently Working full time and in addition to this, supporting S1/2 pupils in the

Maths department at Oldmachar Academy.

Academic Study

in School

Intermediate 2 English - C; Highers – Maths – B, Music – B, RMPS – C, Biology

–C, Modern Studies – C; Advanced Higher Maths – Unit assessments

School Experi-

ence

In S6 there were a lot of opportunities. I led the Prom Committee developed

skills such as organisation, planning and communication skills. This was a

challenging experience because there were 100 people in the year which

meant deciding on things such as venue, date and menu posed a problem. It

was difficult to please everyone but in the end we had an enjoyable event. I also had a chance to be part of the World Challenge team. As a result of

this, I developed close friendships as we spent 2 weeks together. Skills re-

quired when working as part of a team were developed. The project in-

volved working in an orphanage with people of various ages from 6 months

to 50 years old with a variety of disabilities. This had a significant impact on

me as the stories they told made me realise how lucky I was that I had a

Preparing for a

Positive Desti-

nation

I’m using this year out to earn money to fund myself through University and

gaining experience in the classroom. After Christmas I intend to help in a

primary school which will mean I have experience of both sectors. In addi-

tion to this as part of the Boys’ Brigade I am undertaking my Queens Badge

which involves working with the local church, community involvement, 3

months of learning a new skill and 6 months of physical tasks.

Future Plans Aim is to move into a profession that involves working with people. This

may be teaching Maths. The idea of this came from working with Mrs Moir

as I liked the way she was able to help us understand what was being taught

Moving to Work from School

For a number of our young people,

the opportunities to enter the work-

place are attractive, on leaving

school.

In this section we tell the story of

how three of our young people have

managed this transition directly on

leaving school.

Each of the stories is different, with

the people concerned having differ-

ent academic profiles and aspira-

tions.

The stories are also interesting be-

cause they show how the transition

to work can lead to further study lat-

er. This might reassure some young

people planning a similar pathway.

Managing the Direct Transition to Work

8

Natalie Gordon

Currently Recruitment co-ordinator for M&S (3 months)

Academic Study in

School

Higher – Business management and Modern Studies

Intermediate 2 English, Biology and Childcare

School Experience Childcare enabled me to complete a 12 week placement at

Glashieburn Primary where you taught p1/2 pupils. Gave

the skills and confidence to manage a group of pupils, or-

ganise activities, deal with adults outwith school. This had

a big impact in terms of raising confidence and ability to

speak out whereas very shy and quiet prior to this.

Preparing for a Positive

Destination

Felt that wanted to try something new after S5 and had

discussions with those who had completed the Applied

Social Sciences course and enjoyed the course. Left at the

end of S5 to go to college to study Applied Social Sciences

HND (2 year course. Course was hard work but prepared

me for University. Felt more confident about going on to

University following this than I would have been straight

from school due to having to mix with older people on the

course. Then went into third year at RGU to continue stud-

ies in Applied Social Sciences. Achieved a 2.1 BA Honours.

Graduated and then went on to work for Marks and Spen-

cers.

Future Plans Would like to take up a HR role in an Oil company in the

near future.

Lisa Duncan

Jordan Clarke

9

Currently Receptionist at University of Aberdeen, Campus Services.

Academic Study in

School

Achieved General level Standard Grade Maths, English, Science, German, Office and infor-

mation studies – Credit, Modern Studies - Foundation

Practical Catering - pass

School Experience Liked school as the teachers were friendly. S1/2 same people in the class gave you chance to

settle into the academy and then felt comfortable by the time S3 came and classes were mixed.

Felt that following S4, employment would be the best option.

Preparing for a Positive

Destination

Left at the end of S4 and initially worked as a domestic assistant at Foresterhill Hospital full time

before successfully gaining employment at Travel care as a modern apprentice. Took part in on

the job training with day release to college. Achieved a SVNQ level 3 in Travel and Tourism.

Gained promotion to a Travel Consultant before being further promoted to cashier in the Bureu

de Change.

Left to work in the University of Aberdeen.

Future Plans Currently Grade 2 at University of Aberdeen. Would be looking for internal promotion through

the grades. Building on skills developed so far.

Currently Working at Scotia Instrumentation – 3 year apprenticeship – Apprentice technician.

Academic Study in School PE – 2

Maths – 5

English – 4

Biology – 5

Computing – 4

Modern Studies – 4

Geography – 3

Craft and Design - 3

School Experience Really enjoyed school – Good

Part of the school football team run by the S6 – played in regular matches. Played for

under 17 at Inverness Caledonian Thistle – sad to leave – wanted to put all efforts into

job. Now play for Turriff Highland team. Felt that teachers were really helpful especially

in preparation for exams, wanted to do well.

Preparing for a Positive Desti-

nation

Mr Strudwick told him about the apprenticeship and they were a good company. Was

unsure about what to do at the end of S4 – through discussion felt this was the best to .

Feel that this was a good decision as he enjoys what he is doing.

Future Plans Would like to continue to work for the company. In the apprenticeship you are in all de-

partments within the company there are approximately 8 deprtments , – change depart-

ment every 4 months. Go to work in the department where excelled.

Transition to Further Ed-ucation

One of our key aims is to help

our young people find a posi-

tive destination beyond school.

One possible route that stu-

dents can access is that of fur-

ther education.

We are building strong links

with the College of the North

East of Scotland to ensure that

young people are aware of the

opportunities they have at col-

lege.

This section tells the story of

four young people who have

accessed college programmes.

Our Learners’ Pathways to Further Education

10

Sean Bruce

Charlie Taylor

Currently Studying Hospitality at Aberdeen College 3 days a

week and to compliment his course he has 2 part

time jobs at AECC and Pittodrie Football Stadium.

Academic

Study n School

Standard Grade awards at Foundation/General Level includ-

ing Intermediate level for Hospitality.

School Experi-

ence

During his time at school, Sean felt especially supported by

his Guidance teacher and Head of House who kept him fo-

cused and on track to be successful. He felt his Hospitality

teacher Mrs Thomson always had faith in him and if things

didn’t go quite to plan, she would give him extra help and

Preparing for a

Positive Desti-

nation

Sean feels that he was given the right advice about what he

should do for a job when he left school. This advice came

from both the school careers advisor and his Guidance

teacher Ms Dowie. He had a positive work experience place-

ment at Forehill Primary school in the kitchen which gave

him an idea of what a job in hospitality would be like and the

sort of things he would be doing.

Future Plans Sean is undecided as yet about what he intends to do once

he has completed his college course but feels he may stay

on at college or look for a job in the catering industry.

Currently Studying Electrical Engineering at Aberdeen Col-

lege – 1 year course

Academic Study in

School

Standard Grades

General Level – German and Geography

Credit Level – Maths, Chemistry, Physics, English and

PE

School Experience Charlie’s favourite subject in school was PE. He also

enjoyed English as Mr McCabe was ‘really smart, made

the class laugh, and kept everyone interested’. He al-

ways felt that if he needed help, his teachers would be

there for him.

Preparing for a

Positive Destina-

tion

His initial interest in Engineering came from discussions

with his step-dad who is an electrician. Charlie started

a 5th year but felt it wasn’t for him and so, he was then

supported by his Guidance teacher Mrs Carnie with his

application for college. Despite the late application he

was pleased to get on to the course.

Future Plans Following his college course, Charlie would like to go on

to do an apprenticeship in electrical engineering or in

one of the other trades.

11

School-College Link Pro-grammes

The colleges is a partner for us in

delivering the senior phase of edu-

cation.

This session we have around

twenty students attending college

in S4, as part of their curriculum

plans. These students are under-

taking programmes in Automotive

Engineering, Hair and Beauty and

Beauty Therapy.

In addition, we have our own

school delivered Skills for Work

programmes in Energy and Retail,

as well as work focused pro-

grammes such as Hospitality, Prac-

tical Craft Skills and Engineering

Science.

Louise Fraser

Rachel Mathers

Currently Studying an HNC social care at Aberdeen College – really

enjoying it.

Academic Study in

School

Intermediate 2 Maths – B and Intermediate 2 Biology.

Higher Dance – A (Dance centre – school encouraged to do

this)

Higher Accounts – C

Higher Biology and English - D

School Experience Relationship with teachers was really good – felt you weren’t

just a pupil, could approach teachers and vice versa – relaxed

atmosphere and mutual respect. Liked that Mr Brown made

an effort to interact with pupils, cared about how you were

getting on and got involved with extra-curricular activities

that were organised.

Preparing for a Posi-

tive Destination

All through school was unsure about what to do after school.

Did own research with regards to working with people. Dis-

cussion with Mrs Carnie about university versus college and

suitability of courses. Did not feel ready to go to university

straight after school and felt college was a better option.

Future Plans Application submitted for degree in Social Work at RGU. This

was as a result of discussions about progression from col-

lege.

Currently College to study Applied Science HNC -

Started working for Bilsinger Salamis as accounts assistant.

Training to be a chartered accountant - ACCA. On the job

training at present and then start a 5 year course through

the company.

Academic Study in

School

Higher Biology – B

Higher English – C

School Experience Enjoyed learning especially Biology. Had an interest in the

human aspect of the course. Felt that teachers were sup-

portive and helped through challenging aspects of S5 as they

were approachable and believed in me which raised my con-

fidence. Pushed with work to achieve my potential.

Preparing for a Posi-

tive Destination

Wasn’t sure about exactly what wanted to do after school

but wanted to go into further education. A year long course

meant that could change if it was not for me. Enjoyed the

subjects being taught on the course but felt employment

was more for me.

Future Plans Accountant within oil and gas. Like to travel, possibly take a

year to do this.

College Programmes

Further Education at college offers a

wide range of opportunities for

young people on leaving school.

The college sector is geared up to

address the needs of people aged

16—25 and has a strategy to ensure

that they all develop skills and

knowledge that will help them to pro-

gress to employment.

The stories that shown here are of

students who saw an opportunity at

college to find a pathway forward.

These pathways have led on to other

opportunities for them.

Managing the Transition to Further Education

12

Nicole Gordon

Robyn Scott Currently Working at Hydra Sun – HR administrator

Left at end of S5 to do HND at college – Administration and

Information technology – 2 year course

Originally a 2 + 2 course – Intention to go to University –

work experience at company – offered job.

Academic Study in

School

Achieved three Intermediate 2 awards in Biology, English

and Maths and two Higher awards in Geography and Busi-

ness Management

School Experience Really enjoyed school – Felt that S6 was not for me. Looked

at college courses and went through the process of applica-

tion. Ms Rennie inspired the desire to Business.

Preparing for a Positive

Destination

Careers advisor – had a meeting, narrowed choices to busi-

ness but not specific area at College course (accounts / mar-

keting / economic/ HR) did HR and enjoyed this.

Future Plans Plans to complete CIPD at college / RGU in order to gain

promotion.

Currently Recruitment co-ordinator for M&S (3 months)

Academic Study in

School

Higher – Business management and Modern Studies

Intermediate 2 English, Biology and Childcare

School Experience Childcare enabled me to complete a 12 week placement at

Glashieburn Primary where you taught p1/2 pupils. Gave

the skills and confidence to manage a group of pupils, or-

ganise activities, deal with adults outwith school. This had a

big impact in terms of raising confidence and ability to speak

out whereas very shy and quiet prior to this.

Preparing for a Positive

Destination

Felt that wanted to try something new after S5 and had dis-

cussions with those who had completed the Applied Social

Sciences course and enjoyed the course. Left at the end of

S5 to go to college to study Applied Social Sciences HND (2

year course. Course was hard work but prepared me for

University. Felt more confident about going on to University

following this than I would have been straight from school

due to having to mix with older people on the course. Then

went into third year at RGU to continue studies in Applied

Social Sciences. Achieved a 2.1 BA Honours. Graduated and

then went on to work for Marks and Spencers.

Future Plans Would like to take up a HR role in an Oil company in the

near future.

Alan Duncan

13

James Burns

Currently Left school and went to study Electrical engineering at Aberdeen College – NC level 6.

Currently working as an Instrument technician at Scotia Instrumentation

Academic Study in

School

Int 2 English – C

Int 2 PE – A

Int Product Design – B

Int 2 Biology C

Higher Maths – Unit passes

School Experience Enjoyed time at Oldmachar. Really enjoyed the Product Design class with Mr Paterson as the

course was very varied and gave an insight into design and different materials could be used.

Mr Paterson was also enthusiastic about the subject. Felt that would not have passed English

without the help of Mr McCabe. This was down to the way in which he taught the course. He

was enthusiastic and would go into depth about what was being covered.

Preparing for a Positive

Destination

Was unsure about a career path in S4 so stayed on to S5 to get an idea about what he wanted

to do. Half way through S5 started to look at college courses and decided on a course. Went

along to the college open day and spoke to the head of Engineering who discussed the sub-

jects he was taking and offered a place which meant that he did not need to have an interview

for a place. Had to ensure that passed the units for Higher Maths.

Future Plans Progressed from electrical department and now in research and development. Have an inter-

est in the future to possibly work offshore as an instrument technician.

Currently Assistant Accountant at QTEC Energy Services Limited

Academic

Study in School

Achieved five Credit Standard Grades in S4 and three Intermediate 2

passes in S5

School Experi-

ence

1st to 4th year was a very positive and enjoyable experience, having a

great group of friends and some helpful teachers to achieve this.

Found that it was important to give subject choices a lot of thought

and consideration as this begins the foundations of your career path,

if chosen wisely.

Guidance teacher was very helpful with picking standard grades and

very supportive with career choices which helped a lot. Appointment

with career advisor in 5th year then confirmed my thoughts/plans for

what I was going to do after I left school. I felt that 5th year was the

right time to leave.

Preparing for a

Positive Desti-

nation

After leaving school I went on to complete a 2 year HND Accounting

course, at Aberdeen College, and then on to complete a 1 year Bach-

elor of Arts degree in Accounting and Finance at RGU (this could have

been a 2+2 course with the final year being Hons year at RGU but

chose not to do this as UNI was not for me).

After leaving Uni I then went on to work as a temp administrator with

the NHS before landing the job I am in now. I am now in my 3 year

with my current job.

Future Plans Hoping to progress my accounts and finance career and within the

next 3-5 years qualify as an Chartered Accountant. To achieve this I

will need to register with ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered

Accountants) and undertake the required examinations.

Baccalaureate Projects

Oldmachar Academy is one of the

most successful schools in the

country at preparing young people

for the Scottish Baccalaureate.

This programme challenges learn-

ers to do an Interdisciplinary pro-

ject, which uses learning from dif-

ferent subjects to explore an area

of interest.

They have to work in ways that

can help them to bridge the gap to

university.

Our Learners’ Pathways to University

14

Liam Boston

Kathryn Marr

Ali Baker

Leanne Keith

Currently Studying Biomedical Science at RGU

Academic Study in School

Leanne achieved four passes at Higher Level and 1 at

Advanced Higher Level.

Baccalaureate Project Leanne explored the effects of substance misuse on

pregnancy. The reason she chose that was that ini-tially she had thought about studying to become a

midwife, following school. She undertook independent research but also met a

couple who fostered babies with Foetal Alcohol Syn-

drome. She issued questionnaires at Parents’ Evenings to de-

velop research data. She was able to apply her learning by speaking to S3

classes who were studying pregnancy at the time. She says that this was a welcome opportunity to

study something different, instead of normal lessons.

Future Plans Leanne is unsure about her pathway from here. Her

course at the moment is a broad one, but it splits into different options for the future.

Currently MEng in Electronic and Electrical Engineer-ing – 5 year course at Aberdeen University

Academic Study in

School

Higher – 5 A’s (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology,

English) Advanced Higher 3 A’s (Maths, Physics, Chemistry), B

(Biology) Baccalaureate - C

School Experience Felt the teachers were good and were willing to an-

swer questions. They were especially helpful in S6 projects and cared about any problems you had. He

felt that it was clear they wanted to get the best from their students.

Baccalaureate Project Baccalaureate – The project was to establish a data-

base of oil and gas jobs which included those that peo-ple may not expect. The information was then pre-

sented to a group of S2 pupils with the idea that this would help them to plan for their future. Following the

presentation, Ali evaluated the impact of the presenta-

tion by asking questions about what the pupils had learned from it.

Future Plans Wants to work in the oil and gas sector, in particular

BP. He would prefer to stay in Britain initially but would be open to the idea of travel in later years.

Liam Boston

15

Having an Edge

Application for university is a com-

plicated and competitive process.

The Scottish Baccalaureate offers

something distinctive to young

people that can help them to make

a more persuasive application.

Baccalaureate projects can be tai-

lored towards subjects that stu-

dents aspire to follow at universi-

ty—this can be a really rewarding

way to use their last year in school

to orientate themselves towards

their longer term goal.

The project tests research and

presentation skills that will be

needed at university—students also

build partnerships with other or-

Kathryn Marr

Currently Studying Chemical Engineering at Aberdeen Universi-ty: 5 years Masters Course The last two years involve a group integrated project to design a chemical plant

Academic Study in School

Liam achieved 5A passes at Higher and 3 passes at Advanced

Higher, as well as the Baccalaureate.

In S6 Liam undertook a Baccalaureate project to look at sustaina-

ble development. The idea came from the bay area of Singapore. The idea was to look at the technologies that were used and how

these ideas are currently being deployed in Aberdeen: ground source heat pumps and solar panels, for instance. He did presenta-

tion to S3 Science classes; the Baccalaureate Group and the Eco

Schools Group.

Baccalaureate Project

Leadership De-

velopment

Liam was also a member of our World Challenge Group who visited

Malaysia last June. Working on this project helped him to develop skills in team work and personal organisation. It gave him a signifi-

cant personal challenge. He is pleased that this opportunity was available to him at Oldmachar Academy.

Future Plans In future Liam is considering entering one of the following indus-

tries: Oil and Gas; Renewable Technologies; Pharmaceuticals

Currently Studying Engineering at Aberdeen University

Academic Study in School

Kathryn achieved 2 A passes and 4 B passes at Higher and

one Avdanced Higher (Physics) at A.

Baccalaureate Pro-ject

Kathryn was in the first cohort of Baccalaureate students we

presented. She was interested in eye health because she discovered that she needed glasses and wanted to do a pro-

ject with a Biology slant, as she had only ever focused on Physics and Chemistry.

Her initial intention had been to produce a leaflet as she was

shy about speaking to large groups. In fact, she ended up doing presentations to a lot of groups.

She went to Shetland as part of a school link with Anderson High School and spoke about her project to students there.

Undertaking the Baccalaureate gave her a unique application for university. She also feels that the challenges she under-

took in the course of the study have given her more confi-

dence to approach university study.

Future Plans She has no specific plan for the future other than to get as

much out of university as is possible. She is considering in-dustry options related to her course of study.

Spotlight on the Scottish Baccalaureate

Our Learners’ Pathways to University

16

Eve Henderson

Natalia Milne

Matthew Harazim

Jessica Gomez Banderas

Currently Matthew is doing a single honours Music degree at Aber-

deen University. He is doing an auxiliary course in Latin.

Academic

Study in

School

In S6 Matthew got 2 Advanced Highers—an A in Music and a

Higher in Psychology. In S5 Matthew achieved 5 Highers passes.

School Ex-

perience

Matthew felt that the Highers and subjects he chose were both

challenging and enjoyable. He also felt that the opportunity to

study Advanced Higher courses was good preparation for univer-

sity. He feels it is important to apply yourself in all of your sub-

jects because they all count later—he gave the example of how

he is now glad he devoted time to other subjects than music.

Preparing

for a Posi-

tive Desti-

nation

From S3 to S6 he felt that there was good progression in the ex-

tent to which he was encouraged to be an independent learner.

He says he worked with really committed teachers, who support-

ed him.

Future

Plans

He wants to follow his course up with a Masters in Music Technol-

ogy, which would lead to work in the music industry. He hopes

to open a recording studio and have his own record label.

Currently Studying for a four year honours degree in Biomedical

Sciences at RGU

Academic

Study in

School

In S5 Jessica achieved 5 Highers, with 4 A passes.

School Ex-

perience

In her senior years she felt the classes were focused and that

everyone in the classes wanted to do well. That was helped by

teachers who took time to listen and answered any queries,

which helped students understand. She felt that Mrs Grant and

Ms Cussac were examples of teachers who were particularly help-

ful to her when she needed particular support in her work.

Preparing

for a Posi-

tive Desti-

nation

She chose to do this particular field of science because it is rele-

vant to life and she feels she can relate to it. She had enjoyed

subjects which explored issues which related to the field of study

she ended up following.

Future

Plans

Jessica has no particular plan for what she wants to do in her

chosen field of science, but thinks that the course she is doing

will be a positive experience.

Clue Yourself Up

We are living in an exciting but

complex period in Scottish Educa-

tion. There are wider-ranging op-

portunities available, but infor-

mation can be complicated and dif-

ficult to understand.

Our message to young people is

that you can never be too clued up.

Undertaking personal research is

part of the process of planning for

success.

17

Eve Henderson

Natalia Milne

Currently Eve is currently studying Chemistry at Aberdeen

University. This is a 4 year Honours degree.

Academic Study

in School

Achieved 3 Advanced Highers at Grade A; Art and Design,

Biology and Chemistry.

School Experi-

ence

Eve especially enjoyed S5/6 at Oldmachar as she felt that

the teachers treated her like an adult making her and the

other senior pupils want to work hard and achieve. They

were also helpful and she never felt afraid to speak up in

class. There was a nice atmosphere in classes.

Preparing for a

Positive Desti-

nation

Initially she had not planned to study Chemistry at Univer-

sity but her experience in Advanced Higher Chemistry was

so enjoyable that she was convinced it was the course for

her. The opportunity to study Advanced Highers had made

a significant impact on her and without this opportunity,

things may have been very different.

Future Plans Upon completing her Honours Degree, Eve would like to

have a career in the Oil and Gas Industry / research. The

project chosen during her honours year will determine

what she does.

Currently Natalia is studying Law with options in Management

Studies at Aberdeen University.

Academic

Study in

School

Achieved 4 Highers at Grade A – Biology, Modern Studies,

German and Business Management. 1 Higher at Grade B.

Advanced Highers – RMPS (A), Modern Studies (B) and Eng-

lish © Social Subjects Baccalaureate at Grade A.

School Expe-

rience

For her Baccalaureate project ‘The Evidence of Success of Re-

storative Justice’, Natalia established a link with the organisa-

tion SACRO and gave a presentation in front of the student

council. Having to interview to members of SACRO, increased

her confidence as an independent learner.

Preparing for

a Positive

Destination

Natalia felt that the Advanced Highers she took prepared her

well for University as they involved completing dissertations.

She also felt that teachers provided a great deal of support to

help her achieve the grades she needed for University. Mr Mc

Cabe, Mrs Duncan and Miss Gordon were especially helpful.

Future Plans Natalia has chosen a law course that is broad enough to give

her a number of options when she leaves University. At pre-

sent she is thinking about becoming a practicing Lawyer.

Academic Success

Obviously, universities recruit

those students who are the most

successful academically, But ex-

amination passes on their own

may no longer be good enough to

get you in.

The stories our students tell in this

section show how the school creat-

ed innovative schemes to ensure

that their experience of learning

was unique and challenging to

them. In addition, these experi-

ences gave them resources to

draw on when making applica-

tions—the work they were doing

gave them an edge.

Websites that Can Help You

http://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/

http://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/

http://www.planitplus.net/

http://www.careerstudio.co.uk/

http://www.workingcareer.co.uk/

https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/yourcareer/careerchanges/

http://www.sruc.ac.uk/info/120176/student_services/128/careers_advice

http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/education-and-training/by-discipline/medicine/careers-

and-recruitment/careers-guidance.aspx

http://www.rehis.com/about/careers-advice

http://www.indeed.co.uk/Careers-Adviser-jobs-in-Scotland