Boclair Academy pupils '˜Dream Big'

The event aims to give pupils a head-start in further education and training by combining their school studies with more advanced and specialist programmes.

The showcase event, held at Glasgow Caledonian University’s Saltire Centre, featured workshops, demonstrations and information points focusing on selected programmes available to secondary school pupils not only in East Dunbartonshire, but also in Glasgow and East Renfrewshire.

Seventeen-year-olds Victoria Smith and Reid Candlish have just completed the schools programme in Anatomy at Glasgow Clyde College, and they agree that the experience has prepared them well to study a degree in Adult Nursing.

Victoria, who would eventually like to become a surgical nurse or work in accident and emergency, said: “The Glasgow Clyde College schools programme in Anatomy was really insightful and gave me a headstart for my university degree course. What you learn on the schools programme is a small part of what I will study on the degree course, but it’s reassuring for me to know that I have learned the basics of the subject.”

Reid added: “The Anatomy programme at Glasgow Clyde College gave me an edge over other candidates in interviews for university. The interview panel were really interested in hearing about my participation in the schools programme. Having studied the programme, I was able to talk relatively authoritatively about anatomy and that helped the conversation flow during my interview. The subject area of the programme is very relevant to my university course and I honestly think being on the programme helped me gain a place at university.”

Catrina McGregor, who leads the School Liaison department at Glasgow Clyde College, said: “With more than 70 programmes across the three local authority areas, Glasgow Clyde College offers a diverse range of vocational options and potential career pathways to young people.

“Dream Big allowed the college’s school partners to see their pupils’ success beyond the school and provide pupils who have not yet undertaken college programmes a greater understanding of the options available.”