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Alternative Curriculum Project

Why was this partnership activity necessary - concerns, aims, difficulties etc?
Challenging behaviour, truancy, related underachievement, low self-esteem, repeated exclusion seemed endemic in a group of S3/4 pupils. Limited number of Authority Central Resources to access, therefore school required to look at creative resourceful ways to address these issues. Partners were sought to deliver Care, Team-Building, First Aid, Outdoor Education, Social Skills, Work experience and a variety of lifeskill courses. Funding was an issue but partners agreed to participate on a voluntary basis.

Where does this partnership operate?
Predominantly within local community i.e. local community centres outdoor education centre, local industries and colleges. Part of course undertaken in Behavioural Support Unit within school. Up to 25 different partners involved in delivering the project

When does this work happen?
This curriculum replaces the mainstream curriculum of those pupils involved therefore 8:45 - 3.30 each day from end of S3 until end of S4

How does the scheme work? How is it maintained, sustained and evaluated?
Pupils are identified through School Liaison Groups and invited to apply for a place on the course. Pupils and their parents are then interviewed to select group. Principal Teacher Behaviour Support undertakes annual networking exercise with potential partners and as a consequence timetable is negotiated and drawn up. Pupils register in Behavioural Support Dept each morning from where they disperse to various elements of the course. They are accompanied to most elements by a support assistant or teacher. Bi-monthly review meetings are held of all partners. Parents are contacted monthly with progress report and partners are issued with monitoring sheets for all pupils involved. Related targets set.

What are the benefits? What difference does this partnership make?
Pupil's attendance has increased dramatically; likewise exclusions have been significantly reduced. Increased confidence and self-esteem is evident. Pupils have received new and creative forms of certification. Pupils have flourished in the wide variety of different personnel outwith school environment that have engaged with them. They are now better prepared for challenges life will present them

5.4 Lochgelly High School, Fife